even on ocracoke, things can change

Mauro stocks veggies
Mauro Ibarra, manager of the Ocracoke Variety Store. Photo Rich-Joseph Facun, The Virginian-Pilot

Ocracoke Island life can seem like you’ve taken a small step back in time. But change has come to the island, as the Hispanic folks who came to work have stayed and started their own Ocracoke families and businesses. Jeff Hampton, writing for The Virginian-Pilot introduces us to a few of the newer residents who are shifting the demographics of the island.

Eduardo's Taco Stand has become a favorite stop for islanders and tourists. Photo swiped from Trip Advisor.
Eduardo’s Taco Stand has become a favorite stop for islanders and tourists. Photo swiped from Trip Advisor.

“Ibarra, 42, and his wife were among the first Hispanics to move to Ocracoke.

Today, Latinos make up nearly 20 percent of the residents. The overall population grew by nearly 200 to 948 in the past decade, according to the 2010 census; the number of Hispanics soared to 181 from 15.

The demographic change has transformed Ocracoke School, which serves pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Of its 161 students, 52 are Hispanic.”

 

[box type=”bio”] Check out the rest of the story on the Pilot Online.[/box]