🌱 A Plaque To Honor Civil Right Activist + Parking Management Switch

Good morning, Wilmington! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on:

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and windy. High: 71 Low: 47.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories in Wilmington today:

1. The City of Wilmington will switch its parking management contract, saving tens of thousands in cost savings. The city will enter into a contract with Pivot Parking, the lowest of five bidders saving approximately $90,000 in the first year. Even if the city saves money, however, there will be a direct impact on taxpayers. (Port City Daily)
2. Local civil rights champion and community leader Dr. Hubert Eaton Sr. was honored by having a Civil Rights Trail Plaque installed outside the Historic Courthouse in Downtown Wilmington. Dr. Eaton worked to desegregate schools and offer minorities opportunities in New Hanover County. This trail marker is one of 50 to be installed throughout North Carolina between 2021 and 2023. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)
3. Cardinal Lanes in Wilmington has closed its doors after more than 50 years of business. The owner of the bowling alley on Shipyard Boulevard, Ronnie Schnell, says it was a hard decision but hopes to find another home to start a bowling league. As of the time of publication, the future of the property is still unknown. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Wednesday, May 3

• Roger Tatum Watercolor Workshop - Brooklyn Arts Center (9:00 AM)
• Laney Girls Basketball Camp - Laney High School (9:00 AM)

Thursday, May 4

• Sunset Cruise With Live Music - Wilmington Water Tours (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Have you ever wanted to play pickleball? A few people from Davis Center offer indoor pickleball lessons Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Wilmington, NC. (New Hanover County Senior Resource Center via Facebook)
• This summer, reggae and country will take over Wilmington's two amphitheater stages. Stephen Marley and Riley Green are headed to the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and the Live Oak Bank Pavilion this summer. (Port City Daily)
• Billy Ocean is coming to Wilmington this October. The Grammy award-winning recording artist will be playing at the Wilson Center on Oct. 9 as part of his newly announced American tour. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all soon for your next update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.