A long stretch of beach in Nags Head, N.C.Photography by RayMatthews.com
When you go to a place like Nags Head—a beach town on North Carolina’s Outer Banks—it’s probably to relax, to swim in the sea or to meander along the beach road that cuts between sun-baked cottages and the resort town’s myriad restaurants and bars. You probably don’t wonder how the beach stays litter-free despite the influx of tourists. Or what it takes to stem development that might threaten the sleepy residential areas.
Bob Oakes, mayor of Nags Head, thinks about those things all the time.
Growing up in Richmond, Oakes didn’t visit Nags Head much as a kid. It was only in college, when he and some fraternity brothers rented a cottage there, that he fell in love with the place. He moved there and at first waited tables and worked at construction jobs, but it wasn’t long before he got serious. He did volunteer work for the town, and eventually found himself on the board of commissioners. Several years passed before he decided to set his sights even higher. Elected in November, installed in December, he’s been mayor for just over half a year.
Bob Oakes (Col ’84), mayor of Nags HeadPhotography by RayMatthews.com
“It has its good days and its bad days,” Oakes says about running a resort town. After a number of northeasters in the fall, one of the problems he now has to contend with is sand erosion. This can threaten, if not altogether extinguish, public beaches.
“We are working on a beach nourishment project,” he says. “We’re investing 36 million dollars to put 4.6 million cubic yards of sand on the beach.” To give an idea of the size of the project, a dump truck contains about 20 cubic yards. “We’re lucky to have a good source of high-quality sand nearby,” says Oakes, referring to an area off the coast of nearby Whalebone Junction, where sand is dredged up and pumped back onto the beach.
Aside from the northeasters, another type of storm descends every year—the waves of tourists that liven the town each summer. “You’ve got to have enough police officers and firemen to accommodate all that,” says Oakes, “Enough infrastructure to handle all those folks.” But he’s not complaining. “I love ’em,” he says. “It’s my whole economy.”
One benefit of having a large number of people who own houses in an area but aren’t year-round residents is that they provide a great tax base. “There’s all this property that people from out of town own,” says Oakes, “and their kids are educated elsewhere. Education is expensive.”
Bob Oakes (center) with family and friends at the beach in Nags Head, N.C.Photography by RayMatthews.com
Keeping people coming back provides its own challenges, and Oakes works hard to ensure Nags Head is a place you’ll want to return to. “We try to have a greener edge,” he says. “We encourage people to plant plants.” They also regularly test the ocean water. “Water quality and natural environment are a big reason people come here.”
Oakes, who also runs a real estate business called Village Realty, says one of his favorite things to do is paddle around in his outrigger canoe. In addition to bobbing on the waves and living in a beach town year round, he finds plenty of perks to being mayor of Nags Head. “I got to invited to read on Dr. Seuss’ birthday at an elementary school,” he says.
Comments
Nice article about a longtime(not old) friend.Bob and his wife Sophia epitomize the Nags Head spirit. Thanks to UVa for recognizing these wonderful Americans. TJ would be proud!
WE, LIKE MANY OTHERS, OWN A BEACH HOUSE AT NAGS HEAD. THE COMMUNITY IS VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY. I AM SURE THIS IS TRUE IN NO SMALL PART TO BOB'S EFFORTS. WE HAVE A RATHER LARGE EXTENDED FAMILY ALL OF WHO HAVE VISITED AND GROWN TO LOVE NAGS HEAD. UVA CAN BE PROUD TO HAVE ALUMNI LIKE BOB.ONE OF OUR GRANDSONS IS ATTENDING UVA NOW AND WE EXPECT THAT HIS BROTHER WILL BE GOING THERE SOON. UVA, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. YOUR EFFORTS MAKE US PROUD TO BE GRANDPARENTS OF A UVA STUDENT.
I am also UVA grad of 1984 and am in the process of buying property in Nags Head and would like contact information on the Mayor if you can provide any or pass on my note. Thanks!!
My extended family, including our dogs, have been coming to the OBX from Charlottesville every summer for over 45 years. We have rented from Corolla to Salvo. When the children were young we loved rustic cottages but as we have aged we appreciate more and more the niceties of life. A few years ago we discovered Village Realty, now our favorite, and return to the OBX twice a year for two weeks each time. I am delighted to "meet" Mayor Bob Oakes and to find out that he is not only our "host" and the Mayor of Nags Head but is also an alum of the dear old UVA! (my father, from Staunton, was the class of "aught 7" as he used to say - 1907!)
Our family has vacationed in the outer banks for years. Most recently, we have moved to Kill Devil Hills and have purchased the "Bagels to Beef" cafe' at the first milepost. Renamed "Bonnie's Bagels", we are welcoming all UVa alumni to visit us. Dale Midkiff Curry '87
Honeymooned at The Carolinian in 1971 Nothing like The Outer Banks in 60s & 70s Kind of sad it got discovered by so many folks.Have never seen surf&dunes; anywhere to match The Outer Banks.
I have known Bob as a friend and a friendly competitor for over 20 years and can't say enough good things about him. Village Realty represents his integrity and love of the beach and the OuterBanks. His altruism and commitment to a larger community characterize his position as Mayor. We should be so lucky as to have more publicly elected officials of his character. No surprise he's a WAHOO! Betty Shotton College 1974
@David: You can email Bob at bob@villagerealtyobx.com, or call Village Realty at 252-480-2224. I am lucky enough to be a Wahoo employed by Bob and I can assure you all the good stories you hear are true!
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