Brunswick County: What's Right?

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is the southernmost county in the state. It is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal towns, and southern hospitality. With a rich history dating back to 1764, the county offers a unique blend of tradition and modern attractions. Brunswick County is home to six pristine beaches, two lighthouses, and charming maritime towns, making it a popular destination for generations of beachgoers. The county's economy is largely driven by tourism, with beach communities and popular filming locations attracting visitors from near and far. In recent years, Brunswick County has experienced rapid growth, especially in the suburbs of Wilmington, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina.

County employees' benefits

Brunswick County, North Carolina, offers its employees a rich and generous menu of fringe benefits. These benefits include:

• Vacation leave, sick leave, petty leave, and paid holidays
• Longevity pay
• Health insurance, including dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plans, including the NC Local Governmental Employees Retirement System (LGERS) and NC 401(k) Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Term life coverage
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Universal life insurance
• Critical illness coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program

Brunswick County employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis through direct deposit, and they accrue annual leave monthly, which can be used upon approval after completing a probationary period. The county also observes several paid holidays throughout the year.

County beaches

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are situated on the state's southernmost shoreline. The islands are known for their laid-back vibe and signature seafood, attracting many families who return to enjoy the beaches year after year. The islands are also popular for their lighthouses, sea turtle walks, and golf courses.

The beaches of Brunswick County, NC, include six beaches on five barrier islands: Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Caswell Beach, Bald Head Island, and Oak Island. These beaches offer a range of activities for families, including lighthouse climbs, sea turtle walks, and golf. The area is also known for its seafood, with the town of Calabash renowned for its fried seafood and "Calabash-style" restaurants.

Bald Head Island is the southernmost point of North Carolina and is accessible by ferry. It is home to the Bald Head Island Conservancy, a natural area, and the Old Baldy Lighthouse. Oak Island is another popular destination, featuring a lighthouse and several golf courses.

Holden Beach and Sunset Beach have both suffered damage from storms, with Ian causing bridge closures and dune damage in 2024. Despite this, the beaches remain popular destinations for visitors seeking sun, sand, and seafood.

Brunswick County's beaches are just one aspect of the county's appeal, with its historical sites, museums, and maritime towns also attracting visitors. The county's economy is largely built around tourism, and its beaches play a significant role in that regard.

County history

Brunswick County, North Carolina, was formed in 1764 from parts of Bladen County and New Hanover County. It was named for the colonial port of Brunswick Town, itself named for George I, the King of England and Duke of Brunswick.

During the American Revolutionary War, Brunswick Town was destroyed, and the southern portion of the county saw an influx of new residents. The town of Smithville was incorporated in 1805 and designated the county seat three years later.

In the antebellum era, Brunswick County's economy was based on plantations worked by slaves. By 1860, over 44% of the county's population were slaves. During the American Civil War, Confederate forces built Fort Anderson near the ruins of Brunswick Town to defend against federal attacks on the Cape Fear River and the Port of Wilmington.

Brunswick County did not see much growth in the second half of the 19th century. Smithville was renamed Southport in 1887, and development along the county's beaches began in the 1930s. Between 1955 and 1975, six communities on the county's barrier islands were incorporated.

Brunswick County is the fourth-largest county in North Carolina by area. The Brunswick River and the Cape Fear River provide access to the Atlantic Ocean. The county's economy is largely based on tourism, with beach communities such as Bald Head Island and Oak Island attracting visitors. The town of Calabash, on the border with South Carolina, is famous for its fried seafood.

County courts

The Brunswick County Courthouse is located at the county government center in Bolivia, North Carolina. The Clerk of the Superior Court's office address is:

> 310 Government Center Drive NE Unit 1, Bolivia, NC 28422

The Clerk of the Superior Court's phone number is 910.253.3900, and their opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Brunswick County Court is separate from the Brunswick County Government, and the latter cannot provide court-related records. The public can obtain court-related records, such as divorce records, traffic violations, criminal background checks, estate filings, wills, and criminal and civil disputes, by contacting the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court.

The Brunswick County Clerk of Court, Katie Madon, can be contacted via the phone number and address listed above.

Brunswick County is part of District Court and Prosecutorial Districts 13, and Superior Court District 13B.

County government

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is the state's southernmost county. It is part of the Wilmington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is Bolivia, which has a population of around 150 people. Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, with a population of 136,693 as of the 2020 census, up from 73,143 in 2000. The county's growth is centred in the eastern section, in the suburbs of Wilmington, including Leland, Belville, and Southport.

The county government in Brunswick County plays an active role in various aspects of community life, from providing library services and organising community events to addressing issues such as insurance rate increases and opposing proposed insurance rate hikes. The county has a Board of Commissioners that holds regular meetings to discuss and make decisions on budgetary matters. The Board also represents the interests of the county's citizens by sending letters to state officials, such as the recent letter to the NC Insurance Commissioner regarding proposed insurance rate increases.

Brunswick County is a member of the regional Cape Fear Council of Governments. The county has a history of political leanings that differ from the rest of the state. While North Carolina was predominantly Democratic for much of the late 19th century through 1964, Brunswick County frequently supported Republicans at the state and local levels. The county's political landscape has been influenced by its location in the inner coastal plain, which was highly pro-secessionist. However, Brunswick County's less fertile land compared to the "Black Belt" led to significant pro-Union and Populist sympathies.

The county's economy is robust and growing, driven by its rapidly growing population and tourism. The food service and retail sectors have seen the most expansion in recent years, and the large presence of retirees contributes significantly to the local economy through dividends, pensions, and Social Security payments. The county also attracts movie and TV production due to its proximity to Cinespace Wilmington.

Frequently asked questions