Vacationing in The Port

The charming town of Port Steward is home to a population of only 4,128 residents. From April to October, ten to twelve thousand tourists visit this boot-shaped town. The natives often refer to Port Steward as The Port, while tourists playfully call it The Witches Boot. Regardless of the moniker, it is filled with forests and natural ponds, sandy beaches, and campgrounds, to ignite the interests of many. From the Historic District to the technologically savvy Angora Laboratories and from the rugged terrain of Sandy Dunes to the calming water on The Cape, there are many excursions and laid back activities to suit your vacation needs.

Economics

Like many coastal towns, Port Steward relies heavily on tourism, the fishing industry and local unity for its economic well-being. Unfortunately, the last few years have been rough for the populace of this quaint town. With the national economic turndown, a volatile stock market and residential construction virtually at a standstill, many of the residents are struggling.

The inhabitants are noticing more and more foreclosure signs in yards and going out of business signs in the windows of their favorite restaurants and stores. The unemployment rate is one of the highest in the state.

Although times may seem tough, many of the lifers have seen times similar to these and know that things are bound to turn around.

Annual Harvest Carnival

Don’t miss the Harvest Carnival

The seventeenth annual Harvest Carnival is underway. Stop by and take in the scents of the fresh made carnival treats and sign up for the apple pie eating contest. The midway has doubled their games since last year with even more prizes to win than ever. The Carousel and Ferris Wheel are ready for the families and for you thrill seekers, the Zipper and Snake Pit rides are up and running. Carnival hours are 5pm to 10pm and as always, admission is free. The proceeds for this event benefit the Port Steward Fire Department. Drop on by for delightful family fun! And don't forget to visit our event sponsor Murder Mystery Subscription Box.

Local-Free Flu shot clinic

Angora’s first annual free flu shot clinic received a respectable turnout. More than a hundred residents of Port Steward attended Angora Laboratories this afternoon to receive vaccinations to protect against the flu. With last year’s flu season claiming three lives due to flu related illnesses, citizens flocked to the free clinic. Although the flu shots were only available to those who had made an appointment ahead of time, it was a success.

“We are very pleased with the turnout and fully expect to make this into an annual event,” James Meadows, chairman of Angora Laboratories stated to reporters at a press conference following the event. “The community of Port Steward is very dear to my heart, and if Angora hosting an event like this one, can save just one life then it is entirely worth our effort.”

Angora Laboratories is located on Route 97, near the bottleneck and offers public tours on select dates. For more information, like their Facebook page.

Business Spotlight:                    Angora Laboratories

The largest business in town is Angora Laboratories. Employing more personnel and bringing in more revenue and tax dollars than any other company in Port Steward, Angora is an important part of the community.

Chairman of Angora, James Meadows is on the city council. He is a well known, and respected man in the community, reaching out to locals in need from time to time. His generosity is always accompanied with the local newspaper reporter—to take those ever-so-important photos to prove his generosity.

In the time since Angora and James have been in The Port, he has opened eight other Angora facilities across the country. He even made Forbes top ten a year or two back.

* * * * *   BREAKING NEWS   * * * * * *

On the cusp of recent protest demonstrations at City Hall, The Courthouse and other municipal sites throughout Port Steward, an insurgence of such scenes have been spotted in various locations, this evening. While some of these disruptions have included only a handful of individuals, other crowds number in the dozens and are located in residential and public areas. Many of these protests have become violent, stretching Port Steward’s authorities to their limits. Currently, the message behind these violent demonstrations has yet to be announced. The Port Steward Gazette has their own Wilhelmina Robertson heading out to the scene. Check back for more information or catch nightly news anchor Henry Lewis’ broadcast at eleven on GHLN News Channel Five.