is dedicated to increasing public awareness of County policies, services, programs and initiatives. Utilizing print publications, television, radio, Internet, and community organization involvement, the Department works to establish and maintain open channels of communication to keep citizens well informed and increase public involvement in local government.

The Public Relations Department prepares press releases and announcements, videos, brochures and general publications of Dare County government. The department also helps organize community outreach events, coordinates special projects for other County departments, produces the employee newsletter, and serves as liaison between Dare County and the media.

Production of video programming as well as the recording of Dare County Board of Commissioners meetings is a product of the department. Crisis communications for Dare County Emergency Management are overseen by the Public Information Officer who serves as Chief of the Joint Information Section during emergency situations.

Speakers from various departments of Dare County government may be scheduled through the Public Relations Department to address groups on a variety of issues relating to County government services and issues.

The Public Relations Department also handles requests for public records.

Several special initiatives conceived and implemented by the Dare County Board of Commissioners are coordinated by the Public Relations Department. These include the Replace the Bridge Now campaign, Outer Banks Catch, and the Preserve Beach Access campaign. More information about each campaign is available on this website.

In addition, the Public Relations Department oversees the daily operation of the Government and Education Access Channels (Gov-Ed TV). Programming is available on Charter Cable channels 19 and 20 and is available online through this website. Gov-Ed TV is guided by the Government-Education Access Channels Committee consisting of a representative from each of the participating members including Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Dare County, Dare County Schools, UNC Coastal Studies Institute, and the College of The Albemarle. The Committee is responsible for the overall operation and use of Gov-Ed TV within the parameters set forth in an Interlocal Shared Use Agreement. The Public Relations Department also maintains a state of the art production studio for use by all members.

For more information about the Dare County Public Relations Department, contact Dorothy Killingsworth at 252.475.5903 or via email at dorothy@darenc.com.