Latest news with #TheFayettevilleObserver
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin says he won't seek reelection: 'This chapter closes'
The city of Fayetteville's mayor won't run for reelection this year, but he isn't ruling out returning to politics in the future. 'I believe life has seasons. I've been fortunate to be able to do some incredible things over the last eight years and serving a total of 12 years,' Mayor Mitch Colvin told The Fayetteville Observer on June 12. 'I just think that maybe this chapter closes, and I want to spend some additional time with my family and my business.' Colvin, who is in his fourth term as mayor, has served as Fayetteville's leader since 2017 and is the city's longest-serving Black mayor. Before his 2017 election, Colvin served two consecutive terms on the City Council. Colvin first represented District 3 and later was mayor pro tem. Even though he is leaving the office, Colvin gave the next mayor advice on their approach to the position. 'I think it's critical that the city continues to think forward and make decisions that are strategic and placing the city in a good position down the road,' he said. 'Where do we want to be as a community in 2050? I hope the new mayor will have had that vision and that mindset.' Those who have announced their intention to run in the mayoral election include Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen; City Council member Mario Benavente, who represents District 3; and business owner and previous mayoral candidate Freddie de la Cruz. The filing period for Fayetteville's nonpartisan mayoral race is from noon July 7 to noon July 18. The primary election is set for Oct. 7 and the general election is Nov. 4. The mayor said after his term is over, he will look forward to assisting the Fayetteville community in a new way. 'Right now, my plan is just to spend time with my beautiful wife and family. To work on my business and to continue to make this community a better place in whatever capacity that is, whether it's civic or otherwise,' he said. 'I'm still in the fight, I just think that this particular chapter is closing, and I'm going to work hard through the end of this term.' Colvin said when it comes to future political aspirations, 'Never say never.' 'I don't have any immediate plans, but I'm not closing the door to any future opportunities.' As mayor, Colvin focused on economic development, jobs and infrastructure led to a number of important efforts to better the city, according to a news release. Some of Colvin's achievements while in office include: Bringing more than $1.4 billion in new investments and over 5,000 new jobs to the city. The completion of Segra Stadium and the introduction of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. Introducing the $5 million 'Can Do Performance Finance Program' to help entrepreneurs scale and grow their businesses, with more than $400,000 already awarded. Initiating plans for Fayetteville's new innovation districts to help develop and build small and minority-owned businesses in the area. Securing a $97 million bond package to fund projects in public safety, public infrastructure and housing. Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@ This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin says he won't run for reelection
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man killed after being struck by a car in Fayetteville identified as a 58-year-old
The man struck and killed on the evening of April 19 has been identified as Gregory Robinson, 58, of Fayetteville, according to the Fayetteville Police Department Police said Robinson was hit in the front yard of a home in the 1400 block of Tangora Lane in the Creeks Edge Townhomes off McDougal Drive near Bingham Drive. The incident was reported at 6:49 p.m. and Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. More: Hope Mills man identified as city's 19 homicide victim of 2025 Officials have not said if the driver is known to investigators or what, if any, charges will be pursued by the state. "Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the decedent being struck by a vehicle," the news release. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective E. Alrafai 910-723- 0327 or Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).Tips can also be submitted to Crimestoppers at or by downloading the free P3 Tips app available for mobile devices. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Gregory Robinson identified as man struck and killed in Fayetteville
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Highly anticipated restaurant opens to big lines in Fayetteville
Fayetteville showed up hungry to the highly anticipated grand opening of Dank Burrito at the corner of Raeford and Skibo roads, owner Josh Allen said last week. Allen, a retired U.S. Army veteran, said opening Dank Burrito on April 1 at 5508 Raeford Road has been a personal mission. After months of anticipation, he said he felt the pressure to bring something special with the opening of the new restaurant in the former Hardee's building. Dank Burrito looks to reinvent traditional burrito offerings with bold, globally inspired flavors and currently operates nine locations across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, with other North Carolina sites in Raleigh, Morehead City and Greenville. "We had a line waiting to come in (April 1), and since then, we've had a line every day," Allen said April 11. "It hasn't slowed down." Allen said the top-selling menu item so far is the jerk chicken burrito topped with a punchy mango salsa. He said that not far behind is the pork belly burrito, a fusion-style dish that brings together bold global flavors. "The community here loves those," he said. "We love cooking them, and we love bringing the flavor bombs to Fayetteville and Fort Bragg." More food news: Longtime Fayetteville brewpub closes abruptly after 24 years in business Allen said that he's had the opportunity to learn from the Dank Burrito family and is diligently working with a strong kitchen team that "starts early and stays late" to ensure they consistently bring great flavors to customers. "We've got a solid team, and there's a lot of work behind what we do," he said. "We're proud of everything we put out, and we're grateful for the support we've received." Address: 5508 Raeford Road, Fayetteville Phone: 910-229-2951 Hours: Open from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. On the web: or search "Dank Burrito Fayetteville" on Facebook. Reporter Lizmary Evans covers dining, retail, entertainment and culture for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@ This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Is Dank Burrito open in Fayetteville, NC?
