Holiday lights deadline surprises some as WB reminds residents of 2012 ordinance

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY-TV) – The town of Wrightsville Beach is reminding residents to remove their holiday lights this week.

According to the town’s Facebook post, per town ordinance, all holiday lights should be removed by Jan. 15. The town said in the post “Thank you for helping keep Wrightsville Beach looking it’s best.” Many residents responded to the post; some were not aware of the ordinance which the town told WWAY it was enacted in 2012.

Jimmy Gilleece, owner of Jimmy’s Wrightsville Beach on N. Lumina Avenue, said he was surprised to hear about the ordinance.

“First time hearing about this we have a company that comes and hangs our lights and takes them down each year and I guess I need to get on the phone and tell them to move it,” said Gilleece.

Mayor Ken Dull said the reminder comes as the town aims to be more transparent about its ordinances.

“Everybody talks about the town being more transparent and with that we’re just trying to communicate; we’re trying to do a better job of communicating with the community,” said Dull.

The ordinance allows decorative lighting at residences and commercial businesses between Thanksgiving and Jan. 15.