A wildfire and lawsuit sparked in Brunswick County last week as a hunt for the biggest king mackerel ensued.
From courtroom battles over development to growth-related disputes, residents experienced new twists and turns as Brunswick continues to grapple with rapid development, infrastructure concerns and wildfire activity.
New details and another defendant were added in a lawsuit initiated by county residents. While residents argue the Seaward Pointe development project cannot lawfully be built because of a binding easement agreement, only some of the involved parties are moving to mediation before arbitration. Here's more about what's being unfolded in the case.
Also in the courts is a medical malpractice lawsuit against several Novant Health
entities. The new case was filed by Southport Fire Chief and resident Charles Drew following the alleged "wrongful" death of his mother in 2025.
Fire crews battled the "Quarry Fire 2" wildfire in the Shallotte area, first reported Oct. 1. According to the N.C. Forest Service, the fire was originally reported on July 10 in the Quarry Road area. It grew to encompass 283 acres and was reported as being 100 percent contained on Aug. 6. However, a second fire began over the weekend.
As of Oct. 2, the wildfire was 26.2 acres in size and 30% contained. No further details have been release.
In Southport, county officials overturned a county staff decision following disputes over drainage and flooding concerns. The decision reversed stormwater permit approvals for the Pointe Grand Long Beach development. Here's what went down.
Here we grow again
Residents are questioning what's going on with Rice Creek, one of Brunswick's largest projects. The 3,400-unit residential project was approved in 2021 near the corner of U.S. 17 and N.C. 87. Despite the once-abandoned housing development began moving forward again in 2023, the project remains quiet.
Site work on Texas Roadhouse in Leland has begun and a new bank is on the way. However, the bustling Leland Town Center commercial area only has two empty lots left. More about what's coming and what's left can be read right here.
With two Publix super markets in Brunswick, athird Publix Super Market in Carolina Shores is set to open on Oct. 28, 2026, at 7 a.m., according to a Publix news release.
Let’s get social
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The agenda
Several county municipalities have meetings scheduled this week, with planning, development and infrastructure issues at the head.
The Southport Board of Aldermen will meet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8. Meeting topics include an annexation petition, an EMS franchise agreement and a flood-reduction design contract for Bonnet's Creek.
The Belville Planning Board will meet today, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. to discuss updates to the town's unified development ordinance, comprehensive land use plan and downtown master plan, along with other projects.
The Boiling Spring Lakes Board of Commissioners, Shallotte Board of Aldermen and Leland Board of Adjustment are scheduled to meet for their respective monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
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Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New lawsuits and a wildfire ignite Brunswick County
