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No need to fear Sharks in Ocean City Maryland Waters

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No need to fear Sharks in Ocean City Maryland Waters
Written by Mike Durkin, OceanCity.com
 

From the NYT article: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/25/smooth-dogfish-shark-a-threat-if-youre-a-clam/?_r=0
 Everyone loves a relaxing dip in the ocean on a hot summer day, with the Ocean City Beach being the perfect location. However, as recent tragic news from North Carolina has made clear1, it is important to know how to relax safely in the ocean, particularly when dealing with oceanic predators like sharks. It is important to remember that, despite the widespread news coverage of recent incidents, shark attacks are very uncommon and your chances of even encountering a shark, let alone being attacked by one, are very slim. In fact, according to National Geographic, your likelihood of a fatal run-in with a shark is 1 in 4 million!2 In fact, sharks should actually be afraid of humans. For every fatal shark attack, humans kill upwards of 2 million sharks!  

Shark bites are rare events, especially in Maryland waters.  There has never been a recorded shark attack on a human off the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. 

It is important to remember, however,  that when swimming in the ocean, Coastal Bays, or even Chesapeake Bay, people should keep in mind that they are entering the habitat for sharks.  Follow these tips from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources shark expert, Fisheries Biologist Angel Willey.  They will help keep you safe and let you spend more time enjoying yourself on our beautiful beaches and allow you to play safely in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

  • avoid swimming at dawn and dusk;
  • avoid swimming in areas with drop offs (sometimes there are drop offs around sand bars);
  • avoid swimming near people that are fishing (I’ve seen surfers and swimmers in the water next to folks that are shark fishing on Assateague);
  • avoid wearing shiny things (jewelry, sequins, etc – some fish are lured in by that – think of some of the shiny lures you’ve seen in the store);
  • don’t swim alone.

Some of our other sources suggest that if someone with you must swim alone while everyone else plays in the sand, designate a specific adult to keep an eye on them while they’re in the water. You should also introduce yourself and those with you to the lifeguard on duty when you arrive at the beach. This way if anything goes wrong, everyone knows who will be able to help and exactly where to find them. 


It is just as important to know when to stay out of the water as it is to know how to swim safely. Never go in the ocean without a lifeguard on duty, no matter how confident a swimmer you are. This includes early morning and twilight hours, which can present increased dangers due to low light and a lack of visibility. Never swim at night. It is also important to keep out of the water if you are injured in any way that hinders your ability to swim on your own or if you have any open wounds. Sharks, being very acute hunters, can smell and trace blood back to its source.Fishermen present a lesser known, but equally dangerous threat. If you swim near them, not only do you run the risk of getting snagged by a hook, but if the fishermen are using any kind of live bait, there is a chance that they will be attracting larger fish and even shar

ks to that area. You should avoid swimming in non-recreational areas and you should never swim without supervision. 

If you do run into a shark, which, it’s worth repeating, is very unlikely, do not confront them. Most sharks are just curious, and will not attack humans without being provoked. Your best course of action is to remove yourself from the water as calmly and efficiently as poss

ible and alert the lifeguard right away. If you are particularly unlucky, and you do find yourself face to face with an aggressive shark, the eyes and gills are the most sensitive area on the shark’s body. Once repelled, a shark will usually not return for a second attack, but you still should not waste any time getting out of the water and seeking medical attention.

Angel Willey from DNR added that fishermen and marinas can also help reduce the risk of shark bites in our waters by not dumping their fish carcasses in areas near where people swim or in the OC Inlet.  

 Beach safety is important. You can never be too careful and knowing how to avoid emergencies is just as important as how to handle emergencies in the off-hand chance that they will occur.  Enjoy the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.  Swim with friends and avoid fishermen.  Ride the waves.  We’ve been doing it for centuries without fear.    It is important to remember that, not only are your odds of running into a shark are very slim, but that, by following these guidelines, you are now
prepared to enjoy a fun, relaxing, and safe day at the beach.

 

References:

1 http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/14/us/nc-shark-attacks/

2 http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2011/11/22/nat-geo-wild-what-are-the-odds-some-surprising-shark-attack-stats/

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/25/smooth-dogfish-shark-a-threat-if-youre-a-clam/?_r=0

A View of Park Place Hotel Photos

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A View of Park Place Hotel Photos

The Park Place Hotel on the Boardwalk has been a family run hotel in Ocean City for 120 years.  It offers great views of Ocean, Boardwalk and Bay, as well as deluxe full-service accommodations.  Savor their balcony to relax on , or Conner’s Beach Cafe with its casual eatery and views from the second level deck.  Enjoy these views of Park Place Hotel Photos. 

Appearing Live: June 19-25, 2015

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Appearing Live: June 19-25, 2015

BJ’S ON THE WATER
75th Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-7575
June 19: Transfusion, 9 p.m.
June 20: Allie Cat, 9 p.m.
June 24: Thin Ice, 5 p.m.

BARN 34
3400 Coastal Highway
Ocean City
410-289-5376
June 20: The Martin Brothers, 9 p.m. to midnight

BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH
116th Street, behind Fountain Head Towers Condominium
Ocean City
443-664-2896
Every Wednesday: Jam Session
w/The Baltimore Boyz, 8-11 p.m.
Every Thursday: Brant Quick, 6-9 p.m.
June 19: Tear the Roof Off, 7-11 p.m.
June 20: Todd Cummings, 6-9 p.m.; It’s About Time, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
June 21: Phobia Trio, 3-6 p.m.;
Just Jay, 6-9 p.m.

BRASS BALLS SALOON
Boardwalk, between
11th and 12th streets
Ocean City
410-289-0069
Every Friday & Saturday: Karaoke w/O’Andy, 9 p.m.

BUDDY’S CRABS & RIBS
Wicomico Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-289-0500
June 19: Kaleb Brown, 5-9 p.m.
June 20: Angeline & Joey Saah,
1-4 p.m.; Jack Worthington &
T Lutz, 5-9 p.m.
June 21: Angeline & Joey Saah,
1-4 p.m.; Kaleb Brown, 5-9 p.m.
June 22: Downtown Deck Party w/Orlando Phillips the
RasTa American
June 23: Crab Races w/Angeline & Joey Saah

CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th St. & Baltimore Ave.
Ocean City
410-289-7192
www.captainstableoc.com
Every Friday & Saturday: Phil Perdue

CAROUSEL PATIO BAR AND GRILL
In the Carousel Hotel
118th Street and the ocean
Ocean City
410-524-1000
June 19: Lennon LaRicci & the
Leftovers, 2-6 p.m.
June 20: Tim Landers &
John Heinz, 2-6 p.m.
June 21: Dave Sherman, 2-6 p.m.
June 22: Tim Landers, 2-6 p.m.
June 23: Kaleb Brown, 2-6 p.m.
June 24: Tommy Edwards, 2-6 p.m.
June 25: DJ Jeremy, 7-11 p.m.

CASINO AT OCEAN DOWNS
10218 Racetrack Road
Berlin
410-641-0600
June 19: Everett Spells,
5:30-9:30 p.m.
June 20: New Dawn Duo, 4:30-8:30 p.m.; Monkee Paw,
9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

COCONUTS BEACH BAR AND GRILL
In the Castle in the Sand Hotel
37th Street oceanfront
Ocean City
410-289-6846
June 19: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; John LaMere, 5-9 p.m.
June 20: John Remy & Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m.; Zion Reggae Band, 5-9 p.m.
June 21: Dog & Butterfly, noon to
3 p.m.; Old School, 4-8 p.m.
June 22: Nate Clendenen, noon to
3 p.m.; Bob Wilkinson & Joe Smooth, 4-8 p.m.
June 23: Dave Hawkins &
Joe Mama, noon to 3 p.m.
June 24: Heather Vidal, noon to
3 p.m.; Chris Button & Joe Mamma, 4-8 p.m.
June 25: Ginger Duo, noon to
3 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 4-8 p.m.

COINS
28th Street and Coastal Highway
Ocean City
410-289-3100
June 20: Baltimore Boyz, 9 p.m.

THE COVE AT OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB
1 Mumford’s Landing Road
Ocean Pines
410-641-7501
June 19: Full Circle, 6-10 p.m.
June 20: Rick & Regina, 6-10 p.m.
June 21: Tom Larsen, 5-9 p.m.

DUFFY’S TAVERN
130th Street in the
Montego Bay Shopping Center
410-250-1449
June 19: 33 RPM, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
June 20: Nate Clendenen,
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

DUNES MANOR
28th Street, Oceanfront
Ocean City
410-289-1100
June 19: Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.
June 20: Bill Dickson, 2-6 p.m.;
Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.
June 21: Randy Jamz, 3-6 p.m.;
Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.
June 24-25: Ms. Shirley or Ellsworth on the piano, 7-11 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND
60th Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-5500
June 19: Kevin Poole, 5:30 p.m.;
DJ Hook, 9:30 p.m.; Scott’s New Band, 10 p.m.
June 20: Opposite Directions, 5:30 p.m.; DJ Groove, 9:30 p.m.;
Scott’s New Band, 10 p.m.
June 21: Everett Spells, brunch;
Bryan Clark, 5:30 p.m.
June 22: DJ BK & Al Reno,
5:30 p.m.; DJ RobCee, 9:30 p.m.; GoodMan Fiske, 10 p.m.
June 24: DJ RobCee, 9:30 p.m.
June 25: Stolen Rhodes, 9 p.m.;
DJ Groove, 9:30 p.m.

GUIDOS BURRITOS
33rd Street and Coastal Highway
Ocean City
410-524-3663
Every Tuesday: Joey Saah,
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Every Thursday: DJ Wax,
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 S. Harbor Road
West Ocean City
410-213-1846
June 19: DJ Bill T, 4 p.m.
June 20: Simple Truth, 2-6 p.m.;
DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m.
June 21: Opposite Directions,
2-6 p.m.; DJ Billy T, 7 p.m.
June 22: Blake Haley, 4 p.m.;
DJ Billy T, 8 p.m.
June 23: Funk Shue, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
June 24: Nate Clendenen,
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
June 25: Opposite Directions,
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

HARPOON HANNA’S
Route 54 and the bay
Fenwick Island, Del.
800-227-0525, 302-539-3095
June 19: Dave Hawkins, 5-10 p.m.;
DJ Mikey J, 10 p.m.
June 20: Dave Sherman, 5-10 p.m.; DJ Cdub, 10 p.m.
June 21: Steel Drum, 3-6 p.m.;
Kevin Poole, 4-8 p.m.
June 22: Dave Hawkins, 6-10 p.m.
June 23: Kevin Poole, 5-9 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m.
June 24: Dave Sherman, 5-9 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m.
June 25: Keith White Duo, 5-9 p.m.; Karaoke, 9 p.m.

HOOTERS
Rt. 50 & Keyser Point Road
West Ocean City
410-213-1841
June 19: Dust n Bones, 8 p.m.
June 20: DJ BK, 8 p.m.
June 21: Going Coatal, 3-7 p.m.
June 24: DJ Tezzla, 6 p.m.

JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB
56th Street, bayside
Ocean City
410-524-7499
Every Wednesday: Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys, 9 p.m.
June 19: Old School, 9 p.m.
June 20: Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys, 9 p.m.

KY WEST RESTAURANT & BAR
54th Street
Ocean City
443-664-2836
Every Friday: Baltimore Boyz
Every Saturday: DJ Rhoadie

LONGBOARD CAFE
67th Street Town Center
Ocean City
443-664-5639
June 21: Joe Mama w/Mike and Nancy from Ginger, 8:30-11:30 p.m.
June 23: Chris Button,
8:30-11:30 p.m.
June 25: Mike Smith, 8:30-11:30 p.m.

M.R. DUCKS
Talbot Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-289-9125
June 19: DJ Batman, 6-9 p.m.
June 20: Full Circle, 4-8 p.m.
June 21: Bird Dog & the
Road Kings, 4-8 p.m.
June 23: Bo Dickerson Band, 5-9 p.m.
June 24: DJ Batman, 6-9 p.m.
June 25: Tommy Edward Solo,
6-10 p.m.

MACKY’S BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL
53rd Street and Coastal Highway
Ocean City
410-723-5565
June 19: DJ Casper 10 p.m.
June 20: DJ Vybe, 10 p.m.
June 21: Jimmy G, noon to 4 p.m.
June 23: Theme Party “80’s Tight & Bright” w/DJ Tommy Rocks
June 25: DJ Casper, 10 p.m.

OCEAN CLUB NIGHTCLUB
In the Horizons Restaurant
In the Clarion Fontainebleau Hotel
101st Street and the ocean
Ocean City
410-524-3535
June 19-20: On the Edge,
9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Lenny’s Beach Bar
June 19-21: First Class, 4-9 p.m.
June 22-28: On the Edge, 4-9 p.m.

PURPLE MOOSE
Boardwalk, between Talbot
and Caroline streets
Ocean City
410-289-6953
June 19: Surreal, 10 p.m.
June 20: VJ/DJ Jammin Jeff, 2 p.m.; Surreal, 10 p.m.
June 21: CK the DJ/VJ, 2 p.m.;
Heads Up, 10 p.m.
June 22: Heads Up, 10 p.m.
June 23-24: Slamm, 10 p.m.
June 25: Idol Kings “Tribute to Journey & Mellencamp,” 10 p.m.

ROPEWALK
82nd Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-1009
June 19: Steel Drums, 4-8 p.m.
June 20: Steel Drums, 4-8 p.m.;
Dueling Pianos, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
June 21:  Nautical Wheelers, 4-8 p.m.; Dueling Pianos, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
June 22: Jack Quinn, 4-8 p.m.
June 23: Pat O’Brennan, 4-8 p.m.
June 24: Steel Drums, 4-8 p.m.; John LaMere, 8 p.m. to midnight
June 25: Steel Drums, 4-8 p.m.

SEACRETS
49th Street and the bay
Ocean City
410-524-4900
June 19: Jim Long Band, 5 p.m.;
Innasense, 9 p.m.; Benderz, 10 p.m.
June 20: The Whiskeyhickon Boys,
1 p.m.; Jim Long Band, 5 p.m.;
Rew Smith, 6 p.m.; Innasense,
9 p.m.; Hot D, 10 p.m.
June 21: Power Play w/Jim Long,
5 p.m.; Innasense, 9 p.m.; Digital
Getdown, 10 p.m.
June 22: Jim Long, 5 p.m.;
Buddha Council, 9 p.m.
June 23: The JJ Rupp Trio, 5 p.m.; Zion Reggae Band, 9 p.m.;
The Vigilates, 10 p.m.
June 24: Anthem, 9 p.m.;
Go Go Gadget, 10 p.m.

SKYE RAW BAR & GRILLE
66th Street, bayside
Ocean City
410-723-6762
June 19: Ziggy Isaacs, 4-8 p.m.
June 20: Aaron Howell, 4-8 p.m.

WHISKER’S BAR & GRILL
11070 Cathell Road, Suite 17
Pines Plaza, Ocean Pines
443-365-2576
June 19: Karaoke w/Donnie Berkey, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Governor O’Malley’s Kayak Trip to Skimmer Island

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Governor O’Malley’s Kayak Trip to Skimmer Island

Governor Martin O’Malley joined Mayor Rick Meehan for a kayak trip. The group departed from the beach behind Hooper’s Crab House and paddled out to Skimmer Island.

Fun at the Fenwick Inn Photos

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Fun at the Fenwick Inn Photos

The Fenwick Inn Hotel on 138th Street in North Ocean City Md, is just a short walk from the beach, and offers great amenities at affordable prices. The indoor pool allows for year round fun, there are 198 rooms plus 3 suites, and there is dining at Peaky’s, the roof top restaurant which offers amazing panoramic views and spectacular sunsets. These Fun at the Fenwick Inn Photos show the rooms, the pool and the restaurant at the Fenwick Inn.

Golf in the Ocean City Area – Photos

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Golf in the Ocean City Area – Photos

Playing golf in Ocean City is a great way to while away the afternoons near the resort town of Ocean City, Maryland. There are over 20 golf courses in the Ocean City area, from the Delaware Shore to Bishopville, Berlin, and Salisbury. Eagles Landing is owned by the Town of Ocean City and lies on the water on the bay side with spectacular views Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague Island. It is the first course designated as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Deer Run is located on the south side of Route 50, just after you pass Route 90. This course is fun for the whole family and offers a driving range and reasonable rates. Ruark Golf owns several golf courses in the area including Lighthouse Sound in Bishopville, MD; Glen Riddle in Berlin, MD; Rum Pointe also in Berlin, MD; and Nutters Crossing in Salisbury, Maryland. Lighthouse Sound is working on a designation as an Audubon Sanctuary. Their signature hole, the par 3, fifth hole plays over the marsh to a green surrounded on three sides by water.

America’s Coolest Small Town Photos

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America’s Coolest Small Town Photos

America’s Coolest small Town in 2014 was Berlin Md, just a few miles form Ocean City, and yet a world away in terms of size and style.  Visit some of the many small, unique shops selling arts, hand made crafts, and antiques, or stop for coffee and cake at some of the many coffee shops and bakeries, or stay for lunch at dinner at the ever growing choice of cafes and restaurants.  The feel of the town takes you back in time, as you slowly meander the downtown streets, never knowing what will appear as you turn the corner.  These America’s Coolest Small Town Photos give you an idea of Berlin Md is all about.

Microbrew Monday: June 15, 2015

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Microbrew Monday: June 15, 2015

With 4 breweries in town, 10 more under an hour away, and more popping up every few months, Ocean City, MD has asserted itself as the fastest growing craft beer brewery destination on the East Coast. Each week, OceanCity.com brings you ‘Microbrew Monday” to keep you in the know about what’s going on around our local brewery scene. Don’t forget to check out ShoreCraftBeer.com for complete craft beer coverage and to learn how you can win prizes just for drinking local with the ShoreCraftBeer.com Shore-17 and OC-8 Brewery Challenges!

Here are this week’s highlights:

– If you’re spending Father’s Day at the beach, what better way to celebrate than with the Jah-Bacon Brew Fest at Seacrets? Featuring a bacon themed menu, bacon eating contest, live music, and local brews from our area’s top breweries, the Jah-Bacon Brew Fest combines all of dad’s favorite things. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and include samples, food, and souvenir pint glass. Participating breweries include Evolution, Fin City, Burley Oak, Fordham, Dogfish Head, and DuClaw.

– Ocean City Brewing Co. has two dozen taps, many of which are occupied by craft beers made on premise. This week, Ocean City Brewing has new summer releases like its Blood Orange IPA, Orange Cruch Wheat Ale, and Watermelon Mint Ale, so make sure to stop by to sample them all! Also, head to the brewery for Pint Night on Tuesday at 7:00, “Firkin Friday” where a special, one-of-a-kind cask-conditioned brew is featured weekly, and breakfast at the brewery on the weekends. Finally, if you want a first-hand look at the brewing process, don’t forget to stop by OC Brewing Co. for a personal tour of the operation. Tours take place daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

– Evolution Craft Brewing Company, in Salisbury,  has great food and beer specials all week at Public House Restaurant and the tasting room. Check them out Monday for 1/2 priced wings and all day happy hour; Tuesday you can get a beer and burger for only $10; Wednesday house-smoked brisket sandwiches are 1/2 off all day; Thursday is ‘Community Appreciation Night” featuring discounts for police, firefighters, EMTs, teachers and others who make the local community a better place; and Sunday Evo has 1/2 priced burgers and happy hour all day long.

– The 3rd Wave Brewing Co., just up the road in Delmar, DE, prides itself on ‘Good Friends, Good Waves and Great Beer’ and wants to share all three with you. This week, stop by the taproom for School Faculty Appreciation Night on Monday for Hoppy Hour prices with proper ID, Wednesday for 3 pints for $3 each, Flight Night on Thursday with half price flights, or any other night to try 3rd Wave’s newest offerings.

– Located at 10th St. and the Boardwalk, Ocean City’s first brewery- Backshore Brewing Co.- may have the best view of any brewery anywhere in the country. Stop by for the view and stay for the handcrafted beers and brand new HoopTea. Plus, don’t forget to be on the lookout for Backshore’s big screen debut in ‘Blood, Sweat, and Beer,’ a new documentary chronicling two craft beer breweries.

– Longtime Ocean City icon, Anthony’s Beer, Wine & Deli is starting 2015 with a new name to go along with it’s specatular food, beer, wine and liquor selection. Now known as Anthony’s Liquor, the establishment also has a new bar area where you can enjoy rotating taps of the best local beer around. Stop to to sample offerings from the above breweries as well as many others found close by!

Berlin Md Photos

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Berlin Md Photos

Berlin Md, voted America’s Coolest Small Town in 2014, is just a short drive from Ocean City Md, but is a world away in terms of style and history.  Packed full of small gifts shops, antique stores, restaurants and bakeries, the town also has many art galleries and local craft stores. There are 47 structures in Berlin which are on the National Historic Register, and the Taylor House Museum houses the history of Berlin.  Take some time away from the beach while on vacation, and wander the meandering streets of Berlin to discover something new, yet old.  These Berlin Md photos show the red brick buildings of the old historic and picturesque town.

The Beach’s Best Scavenger Hunt/Bar Crawl Returns for 4th Straight Summer

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The Beach’s Best Scavenger Hunt/Bar Crawl Returns for 4th Straight Summer

 

Do you love bar crawls, team competitions, dressing up in spirited costumes, winning $500 in cash, and drinking $2 Coors Lights and $3 Blue Moons? We thought so. And so did Lindy Promotions and Coors Light when they teamed up to bring the Explore the Shore OCMD Scavenger Hunt to Ocean City, Md a couple of summers ago.

Now, after several years of tremendous success, Lindy and Coors Light are once again heading back to the beach for the ‘most epic beach themed scavenger hunt’ in existence! The fourth annual Explore the Shore-OCMD Scavenger Hunt returns to Ocean City, Md on Saturday, June 27, for an afternoon of unmatched excitement.

Over the past years more than 70 teams have participated in this fast-growing beach tradition that is an Amazing Race style event, and 2015 is expected to eclipse the attendance of previous years.

On June 27, hundreds of fun-seeking partiers will first gather at Fish Tales for a registration/pre-party before embarking on a town-wide bar crawl and compete for prizes and bragging rights.

Teams of four to eight people, many dressed in festive costumes, will bounce around between Macky’s Bayside, Bull on the Beach, Duffy’s Tavern, Dead Freddies, Ropewalk Tavern, The Original Greene Turtle, The Blue Ox, Kirby’s Pub, JC’s Northside Pub, Buxy’s, Abbey Burger Bistro, and Cowboy Coast as they search for random items, pose for pictures at local landmarks, answer trivia questions, and compete in exciting challenges. All those who participate will be able to enjoy $2 Coors Lights and $3 Blue Moons all day long, as well other food and drink specials.

At the conclusion of the exciting excursion around Ocean City, the Blue Ox will host an awards and after party where teams will be scored, prizes will be given out, and the Coors Light will keep flowing. Prizes include $500 cash, sports and concert tickets, gift cards, Coors Light swag, and more!.

Spots are limited so teams are encouraged to register now. The entry fee for teams is $40 if you sign up ahead of time, or $50 the day of the event, but you can save $7 by entering promo code: OCEANCITY7 when you register your team here. For more information visit lindypromo.com or call 800-422-7295.

2015 OC Air Show Photos

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2015 OC Air Show Photos

The OC Air Show brings thousands to the resort to view the skills and bravery of these pilots.  The Breitling Jet Team, F-22 Raptor and Blue Angels dazzle and amaze the crowds below with their precision and daring.  Visible from anywhere on the Boardwalk, and some parts of the show even visible from as far North as 140th Street, these guys never fail to entertain and impress their audience.  Check out these 2015 OC Air Show photos. 

2015 OC Air Show Friday Practice Photos

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2015 OC Air Show Friday Practice Photos

The OC Air Show is a spectacular event, and can be seen from far and wide in the resort.  These are some of the  2015 OC Air Show Friday Practice Photos, an extra bonus for those on the beach on the Friday before the show.

Uber has it over them, resort cabbies contend

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Uber has it over them, resort cabbies contend

(June 12, 2015) As anticipated, the arrival of Uber cab service in the resort is not going over uber-well with Ocean City’s traditional taxi companies.

At least one of the resort’s large-scale medallion holders is making an effort to have local government pull back on some of the regulatory burdens it has historically put on cabbies, warning that continuing the current un-level playing field will likely cause the industry to implode, sooner rather than later.

“I’d take it either way,” said Ralph DeAngelus, co-owner of Taxi Taxi. “Either they find some way to come down a little harder on Uber, or lighten up on some of the things they put us through.”

Earlier this year, legislation was passed in Annapolis to create a new class of “common carrier” transit provider in the state. The so-called Transportation Network Service classification covers services that provide a digital network to connect passengers with contract drivers.

This definition is tailored to services such as Uber and Lyft, which do not operate taxi themselves, except for a limited number of premier services. Rather, such services provide a smartphone app that independent drivers can contract to use.

The app links drivers with prospective customers, guiding them via their phone’s GPS to the pickup and drop-off locations. The drivers also subscribe to Uber’s uniform pricing system and share the profits with the company. All financial transactions between drivers and customers are done via credit or debit on Uber’s app.

Subsequent to the legislative decision, the Maryland Public Service Commission promulgated a detailed set of step-by-step regulations governing so-called TNS providers.

The issue, as expected, is that these state regulations are far looser than the regulations that cities and counties have previously placed on traditional taxi services, thus creating what would appear to be an unequal competitive circumstance.

Further, the state language expressly prohibits local jurisdictions from placing additional restrictions on TNS services.

One of the biggest discrepancies, DeAngelus said, is that the state commission allows Uber drivers to use their personal vehicles without any additional inspection. In Maryland, this means that once a car is purchased and inspected, the owner need not have it re-inspected as long as he or she owns it.

However, the city requires that medallion-holding taxi cabs get an annual state inspection, which must be submitted to the Ocean City Police Department, which then inspects the cab again and verifies the fare meter’s accuracy.

“We have to have our cars inspected on an annual basis, and after we’re inspected by the state, we have to take our certificate to the OCPD,” DeAngelus said.

“I have 28 medallions. It takes me a full month of work to drive each car up to Baltimore, pay $70 to have it inspected, drive it back, and pay the OCPD another $150 to check the meter. Uber drivers don’t have to do any of that.”

Additionally, the PSC requires TNS drivers to obtain a state license but this license is subject to much less stringent renewal criteria. Conversely, Ocean City requires medallion drivers to re-submit everything, every year.

“Every year, I have to get my guys a new FBI background check, and a new drug screening, which is $120,” DeAngelus said. “Plus a city business license, which is $300, and a renewal of the medallion itself, which is another $500.”

In Ocean City, and many other jurisdictions, the traditional taxi system works like this: the city issues a certain number of taxi medallions, which cab owners initially purchase from the city and, following that, buy and sell amongst each other.

These medallions give cabs the right to conduct business on city streets, soliciting customers on sidewalks outside bars and nightclubs being a particularly common summertime activity. The medallions also come with a multitude of fees and restrictions, as mentioned.

But the fact that Uber drivers are able to circumvent the entire medallion system flies in the face of why medallion were introduced in the first place, DeAngelus said.

“The city doesn’t do a single pushup for that $500 I pay them per medallion every year. They just get it” DeAngelus said. “That money is supposed to be used by the city to regulate taxis and make sure our investment in this industry is safe. The taxis are the pocket that pays the city $500 per car to make sure these kind of shenanigans don’t happen.”

The other rationale for the medallion system is to protect customers from price gouging, as the city sets maximum rates for medallion fares.

But, again, Uber has completely avoided this at the state level. The PSC has no restriction on Uber’s “surge-pricing” system, which raises rates when demand is high and the number of available drivers is low.

“I followed a friend, who hailed an Uber, in one of our taxis the day before Memorial Day,” DeAngelus said. “My city-controlled meter rang $8. The Uber ride was $22. They were allowed, on Memorial Day Sunday, to raise their rate 2.9 times due to high volume. And the PSC basically says they can do that whenever they want.”

Currently, 170 city medallions are on the street and are frequently traded between drivers, some of whom are fleet holders, such as DeAngelus, and some of which are single-owner cab operators.

The latter are rapidly figuring out they can sell their medallions, use Uber, and avoid all the city fees.

“Earlier this year, I tried to buy three medallions off three guys, and I offered them $10,000 each,” DeAngelus said. “They said ‘No, we’re good.’ Then we see in the paper about the Uber laws, and a week later I bought two of them for $6,000.”

This devaluation not only hits the medallion holders, but also the taxpayer. The city collects a 25 percent surcharge on the price of any medallion sale, again with the justification that the money is needed to help offset the cost of administering the taxi regulations.

“The prices are dropping. That means the city didn’t protect my investment, and they didn’t protect their own either,” DeAngelus said.

As it stands now, there’s no reason larger fleet owners couldn’t ditch their city medallions and jump ship to the TNS system as well. All it would take would be to set up a digital system, where customers hailed and paid for taxis online. The only loss would be the inability to do street hails.

“That’s the only way it would affect me. My cabs could no longer wait in taxi lines at Seacrets or Fager’s,” DeAngelus said. “I could just set up a website and say I’m a PSC-defined dispatch software company. I wouldn’t have to pay the city anything and I could change my meter whenever I want.”

 

Patrol cars converted for public safety aide duties

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Patrol cars converted for public safety aide duties

(June 12, 2015) Similar to what Seinfeld’s Newman taught us about certified versus registered mail, all police work is a matter of public safety, but not all public safety matters require police.

Residents and visitors may have noticed over the past week that a number of Ocean City Police Department cars now feature magnetic stickers that block out the word “police” and replace it to read “public safety.”

These vehicles are being used not by sworn police officers, but rather by the increased number of public safety aides the department has hired this year to compensate for a decline in qualified seasonal officers.

“Since we had a lower number of seasonal officers this year, we hired more PSAs, more than we traditionally have,” said OCPD Public Information Officer Lindsay Richard.

Public safety aides may be seen driving around to perform any number of OCPD duties that do not require the attention of a sworn officer.

For instance, Richard said, taking after-the-fact reports for malicious destruction of property can be done by personnel trained to take such reports, but who are not necessarily badge- and gun-carrying officers.

“There are a number of things that a sworn police officer doesn’t necessarily need to respond to,” Richard said.

The number of summer officers employed by the department this year is approximately 70, as opposed to the 100 or more in years past.

The reduction is because of the difficulty in finding officers who will pass the full gamut of testing required to become an officer in the State of Maryland, since the OCPD has gradually reformed its hiring standards for summer officers to bring them in line with the full requirements of the Maryland Police Service Training Commission.

Ocean City is unique in having a carve-out in the state’s police legislation, which creates requirements for summer officers that are outside of MPSTC control, and which are thus immune to any state-mandated updates in training and qualification standards.

The caveat to this is that Ocean City must hire at least 100 officers each year in order for the exemption to take effect.

This creates a tipping point, where if the OCPD wishes to update its standards for seasonal officers to the point where less than 100 officers qualify, it then must meet the full requirement of the MPSTC and cease to have a seasonal force, at least by the state’s definition, which thus tightens the requirements even further.

Earlier this year, the OCPD proposed that the city work with a consultant to look into throttling back the seasonal officer program. That study has not yet come up for discussion by the City Council, at least publicly.

Social media pseudo-event warrants increased security

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Social media pseudo-event warrants increased security

(June 12, 2015) Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice … well, better safe than sorry.

For the second year in a row, Ocean City police and allied agencies organized a significant increase in patrols this past weekend in anticipation of a possible “College Beach Week” event, a rather amorphous happening believed to be driven mostly by social media.

And, for the second year in a row, that event seems not to have happened, at least on any appreciable scale.

“I’m not sure if anything came to fruition, but that’s why we had an increased presence, in case it did,” said Ocean City Police Department Public Information Officer Lindsay Richard.

Which isn’t to say the heightened presence – unmistakable on the Boardwalk, with officers nearly every block – wasn’t needed.

As many local businesses observed, this past weekend, and likely the next two, are the peak season of “senior week,” when high school graduates flood the resort. This year’s crowd has been, by all accounts, particularly large and boisterous, but most doubted that this had anything to do with any kind of organized outing.

“There was certainly a big presence,” said Greg Shockley owner of Shenanigan’s Pub and the Shoreham Hotel. “Whether the police deterred any kind of event, or if it just didn’t happen, I don’t know.”

“You never know if the police presence is overkill, or if that’s the reason that nothing got out of hand,” agreed Lee Gerachis, owner of Malibu’s Surf Shop. “The whole thing looks like a can of gas next to a fire, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t blow up. I saw a lot of teenagers being rowdy, but not necessarily doing anything illegal.”

The quasi-event, spread on social media via the Twitter hashtags #CollegeBeachWeek or #CollegeBeachTakeover, appears to be backed by hip-hop promoter Party Headz DC.

Despite reports elsewhere that the event has “a troubled past,” the reality appears to be that the event has no past. Other promoters have organized similar events in other resorts, and some of those – such as one in Virginia Beach – have turned into public safety nightmares. But the only concrete link between those events and the potential Party Headz DC Ocean City event is the use of the same Twitter hashtag.

The other connection is that all the events, regardless of the location or promoter, are clearly intended to attract college-age African-Americans from urban areas. But racial makeup and Twitter use do not necessarily guarantee the same outcomes.

Nonetheless, police have actively followed up with Party Headz DC, and monitored social media channels to see if anything was actually brewing.

“Town officials have been in contact with the same people who attempted to do the event last year,” Richard said. “Our intelligence unit monitored social media throughout the weekend, but there was really nothing of value that came across.”

Rather, nothing more is needed to make mid-June a rowdy time, other than the usual crop of high school graduates.

“For the past 30 years, this past weekend and the next have been our busiest for the entire year,” Richard said. “Anyone who’s out on the Boardwalk can see that. It is an incredibly young crowd.”

Statistical data from the department would suggest that crime over this past weekend was actually down as compared to the same weekend in 2014. Total service calls over June 4-7 came to 1,740 officer-initiated actions and 521 citizen calls.

For the same Thursday-Sunday span last year – June 5-8, 2014 – in which “College Beach Week” was suspected to occur, the OCPD counted 1,816 and 688 officer and citizen calls, respectively.

More drastic was a decrease in arrests, from 184 last year to only 90 this year. Out of these, drug arrests also dropped, from 66 over four days last year to 17 this year.

The only high-profile incident appears to have been a stabbing on 12th Street and the Boardwalk on the evening of Sunday, June 12 but this did not result in the victim going to the hospital, and charges have yet to be filed after speaking to both the victim and suspect, according to police.

For most businesses, the story is the same: June’s performance is typically mediocre, especially through the week. With most families avoiding the month, and pre-booking for July and August, people in town over the age of 18 are typically spontaneous trip-takers whose visits are weather-dependent.

“I think a lot of it depends on people looking at the forecast and deciding if they’re going to come,” Shockley said. “Mid-week, last week, we were running about 30 percent at the hotel, probably about the same at the restaurant.

“This week, we’re looking at 70 percent, and I’d attribute that to the forecast for this weekend being good, where last week everyone knew it was going to rain.”

This week in OC: June 12-18, 2015

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This week in OC: June 12-18, 2015

This weekend, it’s all about the OC Air Show here in Ocean City, MD. Since its inception 7 years ago, the OC Air Show has grown into one of the most anticipated, most attended events of the summer. This year, not only does the OC Air Show feature the Ocean City debut of the legendary Blue Angels, but also some of the other top international flight teams and aerial acts. Watch all the action for free from the beach and Boardwalk, or grab some VIP seats on top of a hotel to be even closer to the action. Find full details on this year’s Air Show and participants here.

Here’s a look at some of the other highlights from around town this week:

– If you’re more of a car or truck person than an Air Show person, make sure  check out the OC Car and Truck Show at the Convention Center. Taking place Saturday and Sunday, the OC Car and Truck Show is one of the largest automotive events on the East Coast and attracts thousands of car and truck fanatics each year. Stop by to check out the hottest rides around, participate in interactive displays, watch live demos, explore national vendors, or enjoy the live music. The show runs 10am-10pm on Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday, and all tickets are sold at the door. Visit www,occarshow.com for full details.

– Fager’s Island has been an iconic Ocean City establishment since 1975 years and wants to celebrate its upcoming anniversary with you. To do so, Fager’s is hosting a 40th Anniversary pig roast with rum punch bar, live music, and more on Tuesday, June 16. The party lasts from 3pm-close . If you won’t be in town on Tuesday, make sure to stop by 60th St. and the bay for other 40th Anniversary promotions and events throughout the summer.

-Finally, Senior Week is still going strong and Play it Safe is hosting even more events this week to make sure the Class of 2015 has a memorable- and safe- beach week experience.  This week, check out tennis at the OC Tennis Center (61st St.) of Friday beginning at 1pm, beach karaoke on Sunday from 6-8pm on 3rd St., beach volleyball at 4:30pm on Tuesday- also on 3rd St., or any other of this week’s events. Find a full listing of Play if Safe events here.

For full entertainment and event listings for this coming week, or check out the OC Today Appearing Live and Out & About pages. And don’t forget to join our online community by visiting our forum, signing up for our newsletter, and following us on social media at on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for breaking news, breathtaking photos, daily updates, and weekly giveaways from your online authority for everything Ocean City.

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