Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How over $9.5 million is reshaping Wilmington’s public safety in 2025

Make time for Wilmington Voices presents Songs of the Season on the Wilmington Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Good day Wilmington! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How over $9.5 million is reshaping Wilmington’s public safety in 2025
  • What the new Wilmington Minority Chamber could mean for your business
  • Are your kids’ car seats safely installed before holiday road trips?

Also on today's calendar: Wilmington Voices presents Songs of the Season and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Doug B.!

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A stray morning shower; windy, with a high of 70 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny and cooler, temps: high: 57, low: 41.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 64 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Here's what was spent in 2025 to make Wilmington safer (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Wilmington has committed more than $9.5 million in 2025 to new police radios, bomb squad equipment, training technology, and body cameras, aiming to boost public safety. City leaders are also seeking grants for body cameras and vests while offering hiring bonuses to address police staffing challenges, stressing that community partnership remains essential to reducing crime.
   

2. Wilmington Minority Chamber of Commerce launches to help support local businesses (whqr.org) — A new Wilmington Minority Chamber of Commerce has launched to support minority-owned businesses across the Cape Fear region, separate from the existing Wilmington Chamber. Led by Executive Director Atiba Johnson, the group aims to connect entrepreneurs with training, financing, and opportunities, while welcoming any legitimate business — even those still turning an idea into a formal venture.
   

3. WFD offers free car seat checks ahead of holiday travel (wwaytv3.com) — Wilmington parents can get their children’s car seats checked for free at any city or New Hanover County fire station, any day of the week, not just during the holiday rush. Certified technicians look for loose straps, bad recline angles, and unsafe placement, while also sharing tips on safe driving posture for long trips.
   

4. Novant Health cardiologist warns of 'Holiday Heart Syndrome' from stress, alcohol and big meals (wwaytv3.com) — A Novant Health cardiologist in Wilmington is warning residents about “holiday heart syndrome,” an abnormal heartbeat triggered by stress, heavy meals, alcohol, and dehydration during celebrations. He urges people, especially those with heart disease, to watch for symptoms like dizziness or chest pain, stay active, hydrate well, and avoid overdoing salty foods and drinks while enjoying family gatherings.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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📸 OIB Christmas —Doug B. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilmington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!!
    my house caught fire last night, i’m sure most in the neighborhood already heard about it my sons cat in missing and is indoor only, he’s very sweet,… (Nextdoor Summers's Glen/Gordon Woods)
  • UPDATE: FOUND!!
    LOST DOG!!! Last seen near Oleander and Greenville Ave Name: Huey Breed: retriever mix Super skid-dish please don’t run up to him if you see him… (Nextdoor Seagate)
  • Yesterday, we celebrated the completion of the Fifth Avenue Improvements Project — a coordinated effort with @CFPUA to improve safety, mobility, and... (X: CityofWilm)
  • BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA Dec 18 Climate: High: 65 Low: 47 Precip:" Snow: Missing... (X: iembot_ilm)
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • Aimbridge Hospitality posted a job opening for Homewood Suites Wilmington Mayfaire - Night Auditor in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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