With only the vaguest of explanations, the Town of Southern Shores has canceled implementation of a no-left-turn weekend June 27-28 that the Town Council unanimously approved and budgeted funds for just three days ago.
In announcing the cancellation today, the Town confirmed that prohibition of the left turn on to South Dogwood Trail from eastbound U.S. Hwy. 158 will occur tomorrow and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., as the Council authorized.
The June 27-28 no-left-turn weekend was canceled, the Town’s release said, “due to not having the appropriate resources.”
The Beacon hopes that when new town manager Cliff Ogburn comes on board next week, he will ensure that Town announcements actually inform Southern Shores property owners and residents, and not just demoralize them.
Perhaps Mr. Ogburn will even have ideas on how to salvage an event by finding “appropriate resources” elsewhere.
Today’s announcement by the Town also casts doubt on the holding of the three no-left-turn weekends that the Town Council approved June 1 to be held in July-August.
It states: “The dates and/or times of the remaining scheduled events may also be subject to change.”
The Town Council discussed at its June 16 workshop meeting possibly scheduling no-left-turn weekends on different July weekends than the ones it has previously approved—which are July 4-5, July 25-26, and Aug. 1-2–as well as on additional July weekends.
By its language, however, the Town’s announcement unnecessarily calls into question the Town Council’s commitment to holding three no-left-turn weekends during July-August, not just the dates of those three weekends.
Mr. Ogburn starts next Wednesday.
Ann G. Sjoerdsma, 6/19/20
The Southern Shores Beacon 
Is the Mayor backing out already? Certainly not making the residents feel very secure in his decisions.
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I don’t mean to imply that, Vicky. But I think notices like today’s raise a red flag. The Town should inform residents specifically why the weekend has been canceled and tell us the efforts that have been made to prevent the cancellation. The full Council authorized the holding of the no-left-turn weekend June 27-28. The full Council did not authorize its cancellation. It’s hard to believe that barrels can only be obtained from one source.
Thanks for your comment.
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If this article is accurate, this marks the 6th consecutive year of Tom Bennett’s inaction and disinterest on this vital issue of concern for most Southern Shores residents. God forbid emergency responders get delayed by this serious problem, which has been getting worse every year. Where’s the leadership Mr Bennett for this appalling lack of planning? Work harder, or please resign now!
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