We Love You, North Carolina Beaches

Although the damage from Hurricane Florence was minimal around campus, there are thousands of people on the coast of North Carolina who are still feeling the after-effects of the storm. As Elon students, we were lucky that campus wasn’t damaged and most of us were able to either leave campus or find a safe place to be during the storms. Students at schools like UNC Wilmington didn’t necessarily have this luxury — they still have not returned to campus and many of them don’t have homes to go back to because their houses were destroyed by the storm. There are multiple islands and cities on the coast that remain in a state of emergency, with all operations suspended due to immense damage and flooding.

I visited Atlantic Beach, NC for labor day weekend, just a couple weeks before the hurricane started. My best friend, whose family has a house there, was lucky that their house wasn’t damaged or flooded — most of the houses on the island were.

Seeing photos of some places on the island and cities surrounding it was devastating, so we decided to share some photos both as a tribute to this beautiful place, and as a reminder that there is still help needed and work to be done. If you feel compelled to help and are able to, you can visit the Global Giving Foundation to donate to the Hurricane Florence Relief Fund. The money raised goes directly to relief operations for victims of the Hurricane.

The restaurant at the end of this pier was blown/flooded away by the storm.

Looking forward to the day we can go back and enjoy another spiked seltzer by the waves. PSA — lime is the best flavor. Those under age 21 and pregnant women should not drink — Looking forward to the day we can go back and enjoy another spiked seltzer by the waves. PSA — lime is the best flavor. **Those under age 21 and pregnant women should not drink**

The best walk back after a long day in the sun

The best coffee + the best morning view.