‘Hateful’ flyers tell Outer Banks visitors to ‘go home’ amid coronavirus, police say

Outer Banks drivers with out-of-state license plates are finding “hateful” flyers on their vehicles, ordering them to get off the barrier islands during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office says.

The leaflets, which began appearing “illegally” this week, are not official in any capacity and should be ignored, the office advised in a Tuesday Facebook post.

“The flyer sends a hateful and negative message and Dare County does not condone this action or message. The flyer claims to be on behalf of Dare County residents, but that is not the reality,” the department wrote.

“Tensions and stresses are high, but now is the time to act with compassion and kindness.”

Coastal Dare County includes the largest section of the central Outer Banks, from Duck south to Hatteras. It also includes Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which has remained open during the pandemic.

Photos of the leaflet have been shared on social media, and show it is addressed to non-residents of Dare County. It accuses them of “lying” to authorities to get past checkpoints meant to keep visitors out.

“The residents of Dare County do not want you or anyone from out of state here during this pandemic,” the flyer says.

“Return to your homes...You do not weather the hurricanes and floods with us. You want to come down here because you believe it is to be a safe haven. Nowhere is safe haven during this. Do not risk spreading the virus to us. Stop being so selfish and ignorant about this.”

The flyers have ignited an ongoing debate on social media, between those who are mortified by the message and those who fear visitors are endangering residents of the islands. Both Dare and Currituck counties banned Outer Banks tourists and non-resident property owners at the start of the pandemic.

“Truly wish people who are not residents could understand. Tourists and non-resident owners have always been welcomed! We just want everyone safe and well,” Carol Ashe wrote on the sheriff’s office Facebook page.

“Don’t forget, we pay taxes, too, as well as spending money at restaurants, grocery stores, etc.,” Eileen Smith posted.

“People don’t understand! I have a business and own a home on the island! But have been (banned) from both! But they want the taxes every month! So wrong!” Cheryl Sanford commented.

Dare County has had 15 test positive for the virus this month, officials said in a press release.

The flyers appeared just days after Dare and Currituck counties announced plans to allow non-resident property owners back onto the islands, but not tourists.

Currituck County, which includes the northern section of the Outer Banks, began allowing non-resident property owners back April 23. Dare County will begin allowing non-resident property owners back starting May 4, by alphabetical order. Only those with a valid permit will be allowed to enter. No date has been set for allowing tourists.

The Dare County Sheriff’s Office made a point of saying the return of non-resident property owners is welcomed, not discouraged.

“Non-resident property owners and visitors are an integral part of our community ... and with time and as conditions allow, we will also welcome our visitors,” the sheriff’s office posted.

“The whole of our community is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, Dare County’s year round residents, property owners and visitors are what make it such a truly special place.”

This story was originally published April 29, 2020 at 10:08 AM.