Get to know Albert
Get to know the person advocating for you and for the future of our community.
Like so many Surf City residents, when I moved my family here, I was searching for a better quality of life, a stronger sense of community, and a place to put down lasting roots. But for me, Surf City was never just another beach town — I already had long-standing family ties here. My family has proudly served our country through the United States Marine Corps and has been part of this community for many years.
My connection to this area began shortly after September 11, 2001, a 9.11.01 GZ first responder, I had firsthand knowledge what our men and women were about to face. While going into Jacksonville, NC. Back then, trips to Wilmington or the Topsail beaches were simple and peaceful. We would cross the old swing bridge and stop at some of the few local restaurants that existed at the time, like Sears Landing or Rick’s in Sneads Ferry — which was still fairly new back then.
Many people may not remember this area before the rapid growth. The Lowe’s at Highway 210 and Route 17 used to feel like the halfway point to Wilmington. There were very few residential developments, limited commercial businesses, and long stretches of farmland along Highway 17.
Surf City and Topsail were known as “the Marine beaches.” Military families would spend weekends here together before deployments following 9/11. During those uncertain years, family time mattered more than ever because many of us knew our time together would soon be limited.
You could drive from Jacksonville to Wilmington in under an hour with almost no traffic. In fact, it was such a quiet drive that we always made sure we had enough caffeine to stay awake. Outside of Hampstead, there wasn’t much development at all.
Back then, “For Sale” signs on beach property would sit for months because this area was still a hidden gem.
Eventually, I made Surf City my permanent home. Even then, it remained quiet, close-knit, and community driven. Then Hurricane Florence struck.
What stood out most during that difficult time was watching neighbors come together. People helped board up homes, delivered supplies, checked on elderly residents, and inspected properties for families who had evacuated — often before taking care of our own homes. We may have started as strangers, but we acted like family.
Then, only a few years later, COVID changed everything again. Families from across the country began moving here in search of a safer, better future and a stronger quality of life. Surf City was no longer a secret.
National media outlets began recognizing Surf City as one of the best beach towns to live in, and growth accelerated rapidly. As did many advertise on social media.
Do many of us wish things could have stayed the way they were? Of course. But great communities rarely stay hidden forever.
Now, our responsibility is to move forward with common-sense leadership, responsible budgeting, smart growth, and transparent government that puts residents first. We need leadership focused on facts, results, and positive long-term planning that benefits us all in this community
We cannot stop change, but we can guide it responsibly in a way that protects our community, preserves our values, and ensures Surf City remains a place families are proud to call home without the financial burden. We can capitalize on the hand we are now dealt with, a path with a smart, common-sense approach. No false promises, no wheel chocks for positive change, just facts and results
There’s more to come as I continue sharing my story as I advocate and become a voice for a better Surf City’s future.
Respectfully,
Albert Almeida
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