Carolina Beach ready to show its open for business following Monday’s storm

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Officials and business owners in Carolina Beach tell me they’re ready and waiting for people to return, even though some businesses are closed.

Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee said so many people across the state have seen the town underwater that during a meeting on Wednesday, he was surprised to be asked when the town would be ready to re-open.

He said re-opening has already happened and coming to visit is the best way to help the town.

“We have gotten calls and calls from people who want to help, from as close as just over the bridge to across the state,” Barbee said. ” The best way you can help Carolina Beach is come see us. Come have a good time, help spread the news that we’re open for business and that’s the fastest way to help those few businesses and those homeowners who are struggling.”

While some areas of Carolina Beach are still flooded mostly near the town’s lake, Barbee said around 90 percent of the town’s businesses have already re-opened and are looking forward to this upcoming weekend.

Cherry Blossom Sushi owner Keith Bennett said it’s important to show the town is ready for people to come visit or else businesses might struggle during the off-season.

“They’re counting on the people coming over the bridge and the people on the island coming to visit them cause they still have to make a living,” Bennett said. “Even though we work hard during the offseason to build a cushion, you know, when you have things like this, what happened Monday, that pretty puts a damper on it and it takes you a while to recover from it.”

The Tropical Bar owner Roger Monk said its not just the businesses that need to show they are recovering, but the entire town as well.

“Even though we’ve been through a little bit this weekend. But things are trying to get back to normal. And obviously the biggest thing that we can ask is people still coming and the business we still get will help the town recover even faster.”

Bennett added that most of the businesses that are still closed along the boardwalk plan to reopen by Friday.