Debbie Swick smiles at a Kill Devil Hills beach access on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, wearing her "conversation-starter" shirt. "BAN BALLOON RELEASES NC," the name of the Southern Shores resident's one-woman movement, is on the front. The back says, "NEVER EVER RELEASE BALLOONS," with a graphic. of a red circle and diagonal red line through two yellow balloons. (Photo by Corinne Saunders)
By Corinne Saunders
SOUTHERN SHORES — Deborah “Debbie” Swick shares a trait with balloons: Persistence.
“Just because you brush me off doesn't mean I'm gone in the wind,” the 59-year-old Southern Shores resident said.
Balloons can travel 1,300 miles after being released into the sky, but they always land—be it days or weeks later, Swick said.
Swick has been pushing for balloon release bans since January 2023, she said. Recently, she has seen a string of successes.