Fighting for Wilmington's Future

Episode 50 of the Where the Dogwood Blooms podcast, hosted by Cassie Clark, titled "Fighting for Wilmington's Future" was published on December 17, 2025 and runs 74 minutes.

December 17, 2025 ·74m · Where the Dogwood Blooms

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Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington.We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.We also talk about what so many locals feel every day—overdevelopment squeezing the life out of the city, the ongoing PFAS water crisis, and how local politics are shifting right under our feet.At the heart of it all is Wilmington itself. Dane shares his vision for protecting the area’s culture, realistic ways to preserve green space, and making sure locals aren’t the ones being ignored.Connect with Dane Scalise:XSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:[email protected]:#DaneScalise #NewHanoverCounty #WilmingtonNC #SENC #ForeverChemicals #PFAS #NorthCarolinaPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

Episode Description

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington.

We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

We also talk about what so many locals feel every day—overdevelopment squeezing the life out of the city, the ongoing PFAS water crisis, and how local politics are shifting right under our feet.

At the heart of it all is Wilmington itself. Dane shares his vision for protecting the area’s culture, realistic ways to preserve green space, and making sure locals aren’t the ones being ignored.

Connect with Dane Scalise:

Sponsors: