Good morning. As climate change makes hurricanes and flash flood events more frequent, intense and prolonged, local emergency management authorities are increasingly becoming a critical line of defense when disaster strikes.
The Cumberland County Emergency Services Department is acutely aware of this charge, and says it is taking steps to improve flood management and preparation in response to recent flooding events, such as the Texas floods on the Fourth of July, which killed 134 people.
“We cannot continue to reward reaction and neglect preparation. If we don’t fund resilience now, we will fund regret later,” said Amanda Scheck, a county emergency management planner. More in today’s lead story.
Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter: A Cumberland County superior court judge ordered on Tuesday that the Coliseum Inn on Gillespie Street be demolished. This comes after the same judge declared the property a public nuisance in June 2023 because of ongoing criminal activity. And Senior Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. previews the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s 2025 State of the Community next week, and more in his Friday notes column.
Thanks for reading,
Valeria Cloës
Magazine Editor & Lead Copy Editor
As country sees unprecedented flooding, Cumberland County takes steps to boost emergency alert system
As climate change makes hurricanes and flash flood events more frequent, intense and prolonged, local emergency management authorities are increasingly becoming a critical line of defense when disaster strikes.
More from CityView
Cumberland County judge orders demolition of crime-ridden Coliseum Inn
Property near the Crown Coliseum must be razed by Dec. 18. The owners have agreed to tear it down.
THE KIRBY FILE: Sen. Tillis, Rep. Rouzer head cast of speakers for State of the Community luncheon
Bill Kirby Jr.’s notes from the week.
Events
RISE YOGA FRIDAYS
- Where: Lake Rim Park, 2214 Tar Kiln Drive, Fayetteville
- When: 8-9 a.m. today
- What: Join us for Rise Yoga Fridays — a free, refreshing outdoor yoga experience at Lake Rim Park every Friday!
R&B NIGHT
- Where: The Sip Room, 106 Hay St., Fayetteville
- When: 8 p.m. today
- What: Join us for a night filled with smooth R&B vibes, good company and unforgettable memories!
AUGUST 4TH FRIDAY
- Where: Downtown Fayetteville, Hay St., Fayetteville
- When: 6-9 p.m. today
- What: On the 4th Friday of every month, The District features the best of Fayetteville visual and performing arts, live music and street performers.
Obituaries
Barbara Jean Cogdell
Barbara Jean Cogdell, 75, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Sandra Gale Hester
Sandra Gale Hester, 69, of Lumberton, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Joyce Russ Sanderson
Joyce Russ Sanderson, 81, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Until tomorrow!
🎟️ At the 33rd Annual Umoja Festival tomorrow at Seabrook Park, Cape Fear Valley Health will be hosting a free health clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where doctors will be conducting a variety of health screenings. “The free clinic benefits the uninsured or underinsured and will offer blood pressure screenings, glucose screenings, cholesterol screenings, lung function screenings, high-risk breast cancer screenings and more,” according to a Cape Fear Valley Health press release. “After participants finish the health screenings, they can meet with a doctor on-site to review their results and discuss concerns. Participants will also be given a copy of all their screening numbers for their records.”
The Umoja Group and Festival is dedicated to celebrating Black and African American culture, arts and history, and you’ll see the group featured in our upcoming September “Fall in Fayetteville” magazine.
~ Valeria
