Emerald Isle Residents Concerned About Landmark Pier As Irene Approaches

May 19, 2013

Posted: Thu 9:58 PM, Aug 25, 2011

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Reporter: April Davis

Updated: Thu 10:32 PM, Aug 25, 2011

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Emerald Isle Residents Concerned About Landmark Pier As Irene Approaches

Up and down Emerald Isle vistors evacuated Thursday and residents got ready to leave. Many are worried about one of the landmarks of the town- the Bogue Inlet fishing pier.

One business owner says he fears if something happens to it during hurricane Irene it will have a huge economic impact on the town.

The pier is a staple of the Emerald Isle landscape. Owner of
Pelican's Snowballs Bernie Arnold says he remembers visiting the pier as a child. He kept his shop closed Thursday as he prepared for Irene. Arnold says he put his coolers on risers and is hoping for the best for his shop and the pier.

"The pier is just tremendous for out the whole town of Emerald
Isle so it's a critial thing. It's a big draw. It's one of the few
piers left in this area, and damage to the pier affects everybody that's here. This is now something that we can't afford to lose.. We're all crossing our fingers and hoping we come through it unscathed," said Arnold.

The Bouge Inlet fishing pier was built in 1957.

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