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Creature Feature: Horseshoe Crabs

Maryland Coastal Bays Program
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Creature Feature: Horseshoe Crabs

Horseshoe Crabs: Coming to a beach near you!

Habitat and History:

Horseshoe crabs on Homer Gudelsky Park beach
Photo by Lisa Guerriero

Horseshoe crabs in Ocean City are not an uncommon sight.  Dating back 450 million years, horseshoe crabs have been given the nickname “living fossils”.  Something surprising to note is that horseshoe crabs are actually not crabs at all! In fact, many are fascinated to discover that this species is more closely related to spiders and scorpions than crabs. There are four different species of horseshoe crabs found throughout the world, but only one of those species is found in North America. This species is known as the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus). This species can be found from Maine, down the Atlantic Coast around Florida, and into the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula. As bottom-dwelling creatures, horseshoe crabs are typically found in deeper estuarine environments or near the continental shelf.

Spawning horseshoe crabs on Sunset Island in Ocean City
Spawning horseshoe crabs by Carol Sottili

Harmless helmet heads:

When first time you lay eyes on a horseshoe crab, you may see it as a threat. However, these creatures are completely harmless to humans!  If you look closely at the head of the horseshoe crab, you will see that it looks like a brownish-green, horseshoe-shaped military helmet. This hard shell is called an exoskeleton and will molt 16 – 17 times as the horseshoe crab grows out of its old shell.

Their exoskeletons are broken into three distinguishable sections: the head, the abdomen, and the tail.  The hard exoskeleton protects the head, which contains all the major organs, the mouth, and all five pairs of its’ legs. The abdomen is triangle- shaped with spines on the sides and contains the muscles that move them about and gills that resemble pages in a book. The tail, or telson, is hard and comes to a sharp point. However, there is no need to worry about it hurting you. Their tails are not used to sting or stab, but rather to help steer or flip the horseshoe crabs over if they get stuck upside down.

Another interesting fact about horseshoe crabs is that they have nine eyes spaced around their bodies and an array of light receptors on their tails. Some of these eyes are used to detect light, while others are complex enough to develop images! Next time you see a horseshoe crab, look close to see if you spot any of its eyes!

Attached horseshoe crabs on Assateague Island National Seashore bayside
Photo by Amanda Poskaitis, NWF

Sandy Spawning Grounds:

Spawning season in the Coastal Bays is from May to July. The horseshoe crabs will travel from deeper waters in the Atlantic, through the Ocean City inlet, and into our Coastal Bays. During this time, thousands of horseshoe crabs can be seen spawning on our bayside beaches. To tell the difference between a male and female horseshoe crab, look at the size and difference in body structure. The males are approximately 25% smaller than the females and have a clasping claw that is used to hang on to females during spawning. Numerous males will surround a single female in hopes of fertilizing some or all the eggs laid. An individual female horseshoe crab can lay up to 90,000 eggs during a single season! These eggs are also an important food for numerous migrating shorebird species.

 

Proper handling on the sides of a horseshoe crab
Proper handling. Photo by Liz Wist

Helpful Hint:

To properly handle a horseshoe crab, grab both sides of its shell and gently pick it up. Do not pick the horseshoe crab up by its tail as this can cause harm or cause the tail to break off.

Author Background:

Carly Toulan is an environmental scientist at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. One of her responsibilities is to work with DNR to help conduct, organize, and schedule volunteers for the annual horseshoe crab surveys. If you have any questions regarding more information on horseshoe crabs or if you would like more information on the volunteer portion of the horseshoe crab surveys, please contact her at ctoulan@mdcoastalbays.org. Please visit Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s website and Facebook to explore more about the bays!

More Creature Features here.

Local OC Musicians Find Inspiration During Trying Times

Kim DeBoy
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Local OC Musicians Find Inspiration During Trying Times

Creative Innovations in Times of Covid

Ocean City is home to thousands of businesses who are all developing new ways to stay afloat in the wake of a global pandemic.  The food and beverage industry, as the backbone of our resort town, is changing before our eyes. Outdoor dining spaces are popping up in parking lots.  Most restaurants have altered their menus to facilitate easier carry out options.  Others have morphed into makeshift grocery stores in order to fill the gaps of local shortages. All of them are scrambling to cover the cost of inventory purchased in preparation for another busy summer season.

Our entertainment industry, being critical to most vacation plans, has experienced its own upheaval. Until recently, mini-golf courses and amusement parks sat empty.  Annual events were cancelled, and every venue for live shows fell silent. Local musicians found themselves without an audience.

As restrictions are slowly lifted, what does live music look like in a world of social distancing?

Natalie Davis Trio

OC Live Bands Keep the Music Alive with Creativity and Technology
Natalie Davis Trio

The Natalie Davis Trio is a relatively new musical act on the Ocean City scene, but its members carry decades of combined performing experience.  To say that music is their “job” is to belittle their passion.  When Covid-19 forced bars and restaurants to close for safety precautions, drummer/vocalist Scott Glorioso says performers lost much more than than just a job: “It’s our money, but it’s also our fun, our lifestyle, our art.”

Bassist/vocalist Kasey Briggs lost years of work toward finally living out his dream as a working musician. This summer was to be the first in which he performed full time, without the necessity of also bartending or waiting tables.  And then the world fell apart.  He struggled through the first few weeks of closures: “Picking up a guitar was a source of depression for me.” The usual excitement to play was replaced with fear and doubt. Everything he had been grinding toward seemed to be drifting away.

When quarantine was instituted statewide, lead vocalist/keyboardist, Natalie Davis, faced the added challenge of being miles away from her band mates.  Living in Belair, she drives two hours for practices and performances. With traveling no longer an option, and no real idea of when the restrictions would lift, she turned inward: “It gave me a chance to slow down and really look at things that were playing a factor in my music, my voice, and what performing means to me.”

Troubling times often force introspection, and that is where change is born.

Ocean City Band Looks Forward to Live Performances

Briggs, inspired by fellow performers, introduced the idea of virtual practices.  Through the help of an application called Acapella, The Natalie Davis Trio got back to work.  Each member is able to record their own parts of a song, to which the others can then synchronize and practice along. It allows them to individually experiment with their style of the piece, so that when they practice in person, they can already be prepared.  Davis says this new tool is a game changer, and one that will continue to benefit them, “I’m coming back into this with a different lens.”

As a creator, Davis admits that she was battling writer’s block several months ago, and that she actually  benefited from the time alone: “I did a lot of searching. Going forward, I feel like I have more material to work with, that I can write more originals.” Glorioso found his own silver lining.  As an Ocean City local, he is usually too busy working to appreciate the season. “You might never have a Spring off again, so don’t squander it being miserable.”

Keeping The Music Alive

In a time of crisis, there are still bright lights to be found.  The Trio has resumed live practices thanks to the generosity of the community.  Burn, a wood fired pizza joint in Berlin, donated their empty dining area, plenty of space for safely distanced jams.  And thanks to the relationships they have built with venue owners during their careers, Briggs and Glorioso already know which venues are prepared to protect everyone once indoor performances begin. Since 80% of their shows are at outside locales, they are hopeful for a busy season.

These three enterprising musicians may have been miles apart during unprecedented times, but that only seems to have bolstered their connection and drive. With a little bit of technology and a whole lot of honesty, they agreed to make decisions together on a case by case basis. Davis stressed that  communication within the band is the key to making sure they are all comfortable with where they are performing. Aptly, she stated, “That’s the hardest part about this: it’s not about one person, it’s about ALL of us.”

 

 

 

Ocean City Council and Mayor Address Boardwalk Incidents

Logan Dubel
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Ocean City Council and Mayor Address Boardwalk Incidents

The Ocean City Council and Mayor led one of the most heated meetings ever Monday evening, tackling the issue of keeping visitors and residents safe following recent incidents on the Boardwalk. The rush to ensure the safety of tourists comes after a long week of violence along Ocean City’s Boardwalk. Members of the public made their passionate and caring voices heard, pleading for elected officials to do better and more.

Mayor Meehan, City Council, & Public Comments

Ocean City Boardwalk

City councilmembers and Mayor Rick Meehan addressed public security matters during a separate meeting earlier Monday, which was closed to the public. However, viewers of the lengthy public session, which began an hour later, submitted their questions and were even allowed to speak directly to city officials,. This quickly transformed the meeting into a candid discussion about transparency and accountability. Frustration over the violence was clear and many members of the public stressed that they feel unheard by their elected officials, especially during this challenging time. A property owner even criticized Mayor Meehan directly, asking for transparency, while another attendee called for a seminar between citizens and officials.

In response to the passionate public reaction, Councilmember John Gehrig told his fellow elected officials “I’m done discussing this behind the scenes. I’m going to speak right out in public…The solution is on us; it’s why we were elected.” Mayor Meehan added that more officers need to be added to the police force and that solutions are necessary. He even said, “We shouldn’t be giving lip service, people don’t want it.” Councilmember Tony DeLuca repeated his colleagues’ sentiments, saying that the council “owes the public.”

Councilmember Matt James reacted to the recent events on Facebook Monday afternoon, saying that “Something must be done now to stop these criminals from coming to Ocean City, their behavior is unacceptable and unwanted.” He echoed these concerns during the meeting, saying that “our constituents deserve better.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Councilmember Gehrig said in part to members of the public, “There are solutions. There are actionable items we can undertake. We can change the message. The message precedes the action. I say “we need” but don’t misunderstand… all of this exists. We have talked about it. Now is the time to do it. Contact me anytime…”

Despite the frustration, there is also a love and passion for Ocean City from members of the public, who are surely ready for change. While there are not yet solutions, officials are optimistic that the problems can be attacked both now and in the future. Members of the public were heard loud and clear and now, they say that it is up to the elected officials to be transparent and put solutions in place, not merely discuss them.

Police Response

Following a weekend of arrests and more unruliness, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro released a video Monday morning addressing the unrest. “I can assure you that in the days and weeks ahead, they (police officers) will be doing even more to keep our visitors and residents safe…they will be there to strictly, yet professionally, enforce the law. The kind of behavior we have seen recently will not be tolerated and arrests will be made.”, says Buzzuro. The police chief went on to say that tension is present all over the nation, but that as we have these important conversations, respect and kindness are pertinent.

Hotel Reaction

Park Place Hotel

While these incidents are making headlines, Jackie Ball, one of the owners of the Park Place Hotel on the Boardwalk emphasizes that families should not be discouraged from heading down to the ocean. “What we’ve been telling people is that these are isolated incidents and families do not need to be afraid. All of our guests staying at our hotel have not been affected by this. However, we still want all of these incidents to come to an end soon. We are hoping that this is not something that will continue throughout the summer.”, says Ball. Tonight, there was no question that councilmembers also want everyone to feel safe and secure while visiting.

COVID-19 Update

July 4th Fireworks

City Manager Doug Miller announced July 4th fireworks will not take place, and will be postponed to a later date. Miller also said that the council does not expect any additional applications for outdoor dining on public property due to Governor Larry Hogan’s previous actions to allow limited indoor and outdoor dining. Additionally, Councilmember Gehrig added that many special events are postponed, and some are still waiting on receiving guidance as it relates to social distancing and other health measures. However, he promised that outdoor summer camps are continuing, with nearly 1,000 students signed up, and that an outdoor graduation on the Boardwalk was so successful, that it may be considered again in the future.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is on July 6th at 6:00 p.m.

The Beach this Week in Pictures

Anne
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The Beach this Week in Pictures

A selection of photographs taken on the Ocean City beach this week.

 

Join in on the Summer Fun at Odyssea Watersports!

Logan Dubel
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Join in on the Summer Fun at Odyssea Watersports!

If you’re heading down to the ocean, now is the perfect time to visit Odyssea Watersports! Founded by Ron and the late Sheila Croker in 1997, Odyssea has always been about family. Ever since its founding, Odyssea has been committed to providing top of the line customer service, and over two decades, the company has grown from just 4 employees to well over 20. Now, there is even a second location, which is known as Action Watersports. Creating a safe family atmosphere remains Odyssea’s number one priority.

Family Atmosphere

Courtesy of Odyssea Watersports

Manager Justin Clemens says that the family atmosphere sets Odyssea apart from the competition. After all, their motto has always been to “treat customers how you would want to be treated while on vacation.” Clemens adds that “as long as everyone is safe and smiling, it’s a successful day.”

Rentals

Courtesy of Odyssea Watersports

Odyssea offers jet ski, paddleboard, kayak, and pontoon boat rentals. If you’re looking to enjoy a wild jet ski ride, you can even rent the small and lightweight Seadoo Trixx jet ski! Additionally, Odyssea offers VIP storage and winterizations for jet skis and boats, as well as a full-service shop where lights, batteries, spark plugs, and more can be repaired. Clemens says that there is even a private beach at Odyssea, something you won’t see anywhere else. Finally, there aren’t any docks, so you don’t have to worry about pulling in or out!

Courtesy of Odyssea Watersports

COVID-19 Response

Just like every other business across the nation, Odyssea is also taking safety seriously. Paperwork is now filled out electronically and plastic barriers have been added between employees and customers, limiting contact. Other precautions include regularly wiping down jet skis and disinfecting life jackets. You can also bring your own life jacket or buy a brand new one from Odyssea. Of course, Odyssea encourages social distancing on the beach, but masks are not required when on the water. Clemens says that both employees and customers have been responding well to the new measures.

Fortunately, Clemens says that business has not been negatively affected by the coronavirus. In fact, Clemens says that Odyssea is prospering and that he has “never seen this many people in Ocean City at the beginning of June. It looks like mid-July or August.” In this post-quarantine world, people are ready to visit Ocean City and take part in lower-risk outdoor activities like watersports. Clemens says that the mass return to the outdoors throughout the pandemic has helped not only Odyssea Watersports thrive, but many other outdoor recreational businesses as well.

You can visit Odyssea Watersports at 5003c Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842

Book your next water adventure here!

For more stories about Odyssea Watersports, click here.

Ocean City Hotels Welcome Back Tourists with New Safety Precautions

Logan Dubel
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Ocean City Hotels Welcome Back Tourists with New Safety Precautions

In Wednesday’s press conference, Governor Larry Hogan and Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Fran Phillips stressed that just because you can do something, it does not mean that you should. This dilemma is intensifying for many Marylanders as indoor dining is set to kick off along with the reopening of outdoor recreational activities such as amusement parks and miniature golf. Since Ocean City hotels reopened in May, employees have been working around the clock to educate its employees about new safety precautions that must be taken to ensure the safety of tourists.

Bringing back tourists and restarting the economy are paramount steps for Ocean City. Hotel occupancy was just 24.6% in April when lodging was restricted to only essential workers as compared to 50.7% occupancy in April 2019. Susan Jones, Executive Director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association says that this has been “an economic disaster”. Since mid-May, hotels across Ocean City have been allowed to resume operations, but every hotel took a different approach. “Mostly everyone is open now, but when the stay-at-home order was lifted, not every hotel opened. Some took a wait-and-see approach.”, says Jones.

Another remaining concern is the shortage of employees to fill the thousands of seasonal jobs that Ocean City provides. Jones adds that J-1 workers have not arrived and that there are “lots of people and not a lot of employees. We have to find out how to service these tourists.”

Safety Precautions

If you’re nervous about staying safe while in Ocean City, local hotels say that plenty of plans are being put in place to reassure visitors. At both the Clarion Resort and the Aloft, social distancing and masks are required, specifically in common areas, and signs are posted all over to remind visitors of these mandates. Managers at both hotels say that housekeeping is not visiting rooms daily. Instead, cleaning will not be completed until the end of your stay. A manager for the Clarion Resort says that they are “paying close attention to high-touch areas…and we did just order several electrostatic spray machines to spray down rooms.”

Clarion Resort

The Clarion is among many Ocean City businesses missing J-1 employees. Instead, the Clarion is using outside contractors for laundry and other cleaning services. Cleaning protocols are similar at the Aloft, but they have not suffered from a fragmented workforce like the Clarion. A salesperson at the Aloft says that nearly all employees have returned and that Aloft does not typically employ J-1 workers. Pools at both hotels are open at limited capacity. Both hotels insist that the perfect weather over the last few weeks has made Ocean City a post-quarantine destination and that visitors are surely returning, even though it might not be back to normal just yet.

The Aloft

Training Program

In another effort to promote safety, The Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association and other organizations have partnered with The Maryland Center for Hospitality Training and have bought royalties to the “Back to Work Training Program”. Susan Jones says that this two-hour webinar training provides employees with a look at the science behind COVID-19 as well as proper safety measures. At the end of the webinar, employees will earn a “Back to Safety” certification. To learn more about the training program, click here. Jones and fellow economic development leaders also gathered in April to develop safety precautions for employees in the hospitality industry. These guidelines were sent to Annapolis and some were even adopted by the state of Maryland. Finally, Jones adds that an app is eventually going to be developed to show tourists what businesses have signed the governor’s “Back to Business” pledge.

Welcome Back!

Even though business leaders are working hard to get the local economy running, many people are still nervous about traveling. Jones says that getting people to travel and stopping the stigma is “another burden”. However, between new advertisements from local business leaders and Mayor Rick Meehan’s “Welcome Back” campaign, there is hope that visitors will come to the beach and save the summer season, all while staying safe.

Despite the low occupancy numbers in April, Jones is personally optimistic that the hot and sunny weather, along with appropriate safety protocols, will bring people back to the beach. “One of the good things is that in every study I have seen, we are very fortunate to be in this location. People are not going to feel as safe to fly, and Ocean City is in driving distance to one-third of the nation’s population. It is very easy to social distance on the beach.”, says Jones.

Despite the COVID-19 calamity, tourists can have faith that if they visit Ocean City, the hospitality industry has multiple safeguards in place to ensure the welfare of all visitors.

Governor Hogan Opens Indoor Dining, Outdoor Amusements, and Miniature Golf.

Logan Dubel
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Governor Hogan Opens Indoor Dining, Outdoor Amusements, and Miniature Golf.

Restaurants

At 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Governor Larry Hogan announced what Maryland restaurant owners have been waiting to hear for three months – restaurants can officially reopen for indoor dining at 50% capacity on Friday at 5:00 p.m. This is the governor’s second action within Stage Two of Maryland’s Roadmap to Recovery. To view guidance for restaurants, click here.

This news is thrilling to many restaurant owners across Ocean City, who have been ready to return to normalcy. “We are prepping our dining room and spreading tables apart right now. We are hoping to get the green light today at 5:00!”, says Greg Shockley, owner of Shenanigan’s Pub. He and many other restaurant owners did indeed get that green light, and they say that they will be ready to go come Friday evening.

The famous view outside of Fager’s Island will now be seen by more patrons!

Fager’s Island, another Ocean City staple, is also among the establishments excited by the governor’s amended order. Earlier Wednesday, owner John Fager questioned why Maryland has been hesitant to begin limited indoor dining, pointing directly to information from the Maryland Department of Health, which says that “The vast majority of people recover from this infection.” Fager then asked, “Why is Maryland still locked down?” and added, “It’s time to fully open up.” Businesses like Fager’s depend on a busy and successful tourist season to stay afloat.

Governor Hogan’s announcement comes after many businesses were angered by his previous announcement on June 3th, which made no mention of restaurants. Restaurants have been open for outdoor dining since May 29th, but many owners said it simply wasn’t good enough. Wednesday, Hogan said, “While we are continuing to battle this deadly virus, we are also fighting to protect and improve the health of suffering Marylanders and small businesses…that’s why we’re continuing to push to safely reopen more and more of our economy.”

Ocean City restaurants are encouraging social distancing!

In an open letter to Governor Hogan, Susan Jones, Executive Director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association voiced her frustration following his press conference last week. “How it is ok for big box stores that are indoors to be open and not indoor dining is beyond me?” Following the governor’s press conference, Jones said, ” Health officials finally see the need to balance the economic health of small businesses and the thousands of Marylanders not working…Thank you Governor Hogan”.

Outdoor Amusements

Jolly Roger Amusements.

Also on Friday, outdoor recreational activities  including miniature golf, go-karts, and rides may being operations. Capacity at pools will also increase to 50% from the previously mandated 25%. All of this is certainly positive and reassuring news for Ocean City tourism!  To view guidance for outdoor amusements, click here.

June 19th

Pointing to declining numbers, Hogan even added that at 5:00 p.m. on June 19th, indoor gyms and indoor studios may open at 50% capacity. Casinos, arcades, and malls may also reopen on June 19th.

Schools

State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon joined Governor Hogan for today’s press conference with encouraging news.

She says that small groups (10-15 students) are now able to enter school buildings for summer instruction. Additionally, non-public special education schools may also reopen.

To the delight of many students, Hogan announced that he encourages school systems to plan outdoor graduation ceremonies with physical distancing measures in place.

Outdoor high school sporting activities may resume for practice and training.

Child care providers are also able to reopen, with a maximum of 15 children per classroom.

Finally, Salmon said that plans regarding the reopening of schools in the fall will come later in the summer once the state has entered Stage Three.

Testing

Hogan touted more testing, which has increased by 429% over the last 50 days. 6.4% of the population has been tested, and 100% of nursing home residents and staff have been tested. The state positivity rate is now just 7.2% and he says that we have “crushed the curve”. He also spoke about recent protests across Maryland, and said that he encourages every protester to get tested for the coronavirus. This will be made possible by multiple new high-volume testing sites across Central Maryland.

To view the governor’s amended executive order, click here.

Experience Ocean City’s Shore Craft Beer Cruises Aboard the OC Bay Hopper

OceanCity.com
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Experience Ocean City’s Shore Craft Beer Cruises Aboard the OC Bay Hopper

What’s a Shore Craft Beer Cruise?

Shore Craft Beer and the OC Bay Hopper, in collaboration with craft breweries across Delmarva, teamed up to offer Craft Beer Cruises again this summer: An opportunity for people to enjoy fantastic views from the water on  Thursday evenings while drinking, and learning all about, local craft beer.   Social distancing is accomplished by selling three zones in the boat.  Aft, port and starboard sections.  You and your family or friends can buy a section and have as many as four in your group.  The total number of passengers allowed is 9.

Through October, the OC Bay Hopper will embark from the dock at Hopper’s in West Ocean City and put the Shore’s World Class Beer and World Class Beauty on full display, sailing two hours to Assateague Island and back.   There will be one bathroom break mid-way.

Some cruises provide a wide variety of Shore beers which will give you a great survey of many breweries here on the Shore.  Other cruises feature “Tap Takeovers,” where a representative from one brewery hosts the cruise to tell guests about their brewery and their beer.  Tall Tales Brewing from Parsonsburg, 3rd Wave and Big Oyster have controlled the “tap” on craft beer cruises last year and are joining the line-up again this year.  Crooked Hammock will join the cruises for the first time this year as they have gotten a license to distribute in Maryland.   Ann Hillyer founder of Shore Craft Beer will host the survey cruises and provide many different craft beers from which to choose .

A ticket aboard the Bay Hopper’s Shore Craft Beer Cruise includes two complimentary beers of the ticketholder’s choosing, and additional beers are available for purchase thereafter. 

Cruise participants can grab dinner and drinks at Sneaky Pete’s  before or after their cruise.   Sneaky Pete’s is behind Hooper’s Crab House on the water next to the Route 50 bridge.  It is a wonderful place to enjoy the Bay before and after the cruises.  Their kitchen is open for food and their bar for drinks and beer.  They are home to Fin City Brewing and know good craft beer.  You can also order take-out and get it as you board the boat for your Shore Craft Beer Cruise.

Craft Beer Cruises depart at 7 p.m.  on Thursday evenings; cruises are selling out fast, so it’s recommended that guests purchase their tickets in advance.

More information can be found online here and by calling 410-777-5145. 

Now enjoy some scenic photos from Ocean City’s  Shore Craft Beer Cruises last year!

Shore Craft Beer Cruise Feat. Tall Tales Brewing Co. (Parsonsburg, MD)

Tall Tales rep. Bree educates cruisers on the makings of a Tall Tales beer.
A beautiful evening with cans in hand.
A variety of beer styles are available from each brewery on the Craft Beer Cruise; Here, guests photograph Tall Tales’ Los Lobos Mexican Lager and their Mother Juice New England IPA. 
Osprey nests are plenty on the boat ride to Assateague.
Under the bridge.

Shore Craft Beer Cruise Featuring 3rd Wave Brewing Co. (Delmar, DE)

Some of the best views in town can be found as you’re leaving the West Ocean City marina, especially as sunset approaches.
Guests enjoy beer provided by 3rd Wave.
The sunset is complete with a Sunset Peach Pale Ale.

Shore Craft Beer Cruise Featuring Burley Oak (Berlin, MD)

Burley Oak rep. Matt talks about Burley’s famous Lost IPA.
Golden hour views on the water.
The Ocean City skyline + Burley’s Sour Chicky Berliner Weisse = heaven. 
A perfect summer evening in Ocean City! 

See more pictures on Shore Craft Beer.

All Aboard Ocean City’s First Craft Beer Cruise – Starts June 27th!

Craft beer cruises are back in Ocean City. You can actually book and pay for a craft beer cruise around the West Ocean City harbor, Assateague, and more. Explore Ocean City from the water with a cold LOCAL craft beer in hand.

Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk Activities

Ann
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Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk Activities

Post COVID-Activities That You Can Enjoy Now on the Beach and Boardwalk in Ocean City

As restrictions ease on activities across the state, Ocean City is welcoming visitors back to a safe and healthy environment!  There are some differences from the activities allowed in years past.  Some of these changes and closures will be temporary so check back often to get an up-do-date list of allowed activities.

Current Rules and Restrictions

The Ocean & Boardwalk

The ocean is always open and the beach patrol are in their stands from 10 am until 5:30 pm every day.  Please keep your feet in the sand until the beach patrol are in their stands!  Swimming and surfing is allowed.  The surfing beaches rotate and the schedule can be found here.  You may bring your own umbrellas or you may rent from the vendors on the beach.   Some are open and others are not yet.  Your hotel should be able to tell you what is available on the area of beach you intend to visit.  On the beaches, you can enjoy your space in the sand, but please remember that social distancing is recommended and that no smoking is allowed.  There are designated smoking areas at the back of the beach.

Trams

Trams are not operating at this time.

Pets

For the beach and boardwalk pets are not allowed on the beaches or boardwalk from now until September. Pet owners can let their dogs run free at the various pet parks throughout Ocean City. Pets are also allowed to be leashed and walked on the streets. We have lots of pet-friendly hotels and even some restaurants, so bring your furry friends with you, but please follow the rules.  For information on traveling to Ocean City with pets, click here.

Bonfires

Cooking, grilling and bonfires are prohibited unless a permit is received from the fire marshal.   Grilling and bonfires are allowed at the national park on Assateague  Island.   A bonfire below the mean high tide line is allowed at any time.  Details on Assateague are available here.

Bicycles skateboards, and rollerblades

The boardwalk also has restricted hours for certain activities. Bikes can be rented and ridden on the boardwalk from 2 am to 11 am daily.  Skateboarding follows similar rules; riding is only allowed until from 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. until the end of September. Skateboarders are also able to use the skatepark on 3rd street.   During the summer, you may not rollerskate or rollerblade on the Boardwalk.

You can rent bicycles, wheel chairs and segways on the Boardwalk at various locations.

Restaurants for Outdoor Dining & Take-out; New picnic tables

Restaurants are open for take-out, delivery, and outdoor dining.  Some restaurants have added additional outdoor space thanks to rapid approvals by the Mayor and City Council.  The Mayor and Council have also added picnic tables on the beach for your use.  They are first come, first served and available at no cost.   Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or boardwalk despite your ability to order beer and drinks for carry-out.  If you encounter lines at any of the restaurants, please be sure to remember that we need to stay safe and healthy in order to remain open, so please social distance and wear masks.

Public Restrooms

Boardwalk restrooms are open and being cleaned regularly, but masks are required.

Scopes

Generations of Ocean City vacationers will remember Scopes and may even have a collection of these photographs.  The famous Scopes photographers are back on the sand and ready to add to your collection of memories. Scopes are the images taken of families and friends by Scopes beach photographers and placed inside a small telescope as a memento. For group photos, Scopes is taking all necessary measures to ensure guests feel safe and comfortable. Owner Jon Cameron currently has their kiosks running at 50% and has them well equipped with proper sanitation supplies. Customers are still encouraged to come in and pick up their photos at an assigned time. While on the beach, the Scopes photographers are also prepared and taking all necessary safety measures. All photographers will have facemasks available and be adhering to proper social distancing guidelines.  After pictures are taken, the photographers will hand out bracelets with the Scopes name and “Ocean City Strong” on the reverse side. Scopes may be operating in smaller numbers, but guests can be reassured that photographers will still be present on beaches this summer!

Captain Schoepf Relay set for Sunday June 14

Anne
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Captain Schoepf Relay set for Sunday June 14

Ocean City, Maryland – (June 8, 2020): The Ocean City Beach Patrol’s annual Captain Schoepf Relay will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 14. Captain Schoepf served on the Beach Patrol from 1950 to 1996, at which time he retired after more than 40 years of service to the Town of Ocean City.

A classic steel rescue buoy is passed along by alumni guards and current lifeguards. The relay begins at 7th Street, Captain Schoepf’s original stand, with a run to the end of Ocean City followed by a swim the entire length of Ocean City. The buoy is returned to the beach and run back to the starting point at 7th Street. The direction of the relay is contingent upon the prevailing ocean current on the morning of the relay

Each year the starting leg of the relay is completed by a member of Captain Schoepf’s family or OCBP alumni. “This annual relay not only reminds everyone involved of the past contributions of George Schoepf, but also of the contribution and sacrifices of all past and present Beach Patrol lifeguards,” said Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin. “It also keeps the current Surf Rescue Technicians (lifeguards) in touch with the beginning of this world class organization as they run and swim with an antique piece of lifesaving equipment (the metal buoy) that was once carried by all Ocean City lifeguards.”

Captain Schoepf began his career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 1950 and worked his way through the ranks, promoted to sergeant, then to lieutenant. With the approval of the Mayor and City Council, Schoepf became Assistant to the Captain in the late 1960’s and was appointed to Captain in 1987.

In addition to George Schoepf’s service to the Town of Ocean City, he also retired from Wicomico County Schools where he ended his successful career as a Teacher and Coach at Wi High. For more information about the Ocean City Beach Patrol’s Annual Captain Schoepf Relay, please contact 410.289.7556.

The Warm Days of Summer are Here at the Beach

Anne
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The Warm Days of Summer are Here at the Beach

Visitors to the beach this week were lucky enough to have warm, even hot weather, calm seas, and tidal pools. While there were plenty of people on the beach, it could not be said that the beaches were crowded, so social distancing was possible. We have here a collection of photos taken this week on the beach in Ocean City.

Things To Do In Ocean City This Weekend

Logan Dubel
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Things To Do In Ocean City This Weekend

If you are heading down to the ocean this weekend, there is still plenty to keep you occupied, despite some remaining closures and restrictions.

Ocean City Beach

If you are simply looking for some rest and relaxation, you can always head to the beach.  Swimming, sunning, and surfing are all allowed.  Surfing beaches rotate and can be found here.  The beach patrol is back on duty for the season and swimming is permitted. You are also allowed to bring your own umbrellas to the beach.  If you normally rent umbrellas and chairs, many companies are back up and running, including 85 ‘N Sunny, Ocean City Beach and Linen Rental, and EZ Beach Rentals. Just remember, social distancing is encouraged!

Additionally, if you’re planning on visiting Ocean City later this month, you can take part in drive-in movies, which will begin on June 15th and continue every Monday night at the convention center. https://www.oceancity.com/ocean-city-will-offer-guests-free-drive-in-movies-this-summer/

Ocean City Boardwalk

The Boardwalk in Ocean City is open all the time so anybody can enjoy a stroll along Ocean City’s famous boardwalk at any time.  It is free and open to all.  The individual businesses keep independent hours, so if you are looking for a specific business, please check with them to see if and when they are open.  Generally, the amusements and arcades are closed until re-opened by Executive Order from Governor Larry Hogan.  That means Trimper’s famous carousel and Jolly Rogers at the Pier are closed.  However, restaurants are open for take-out, delivery, and outdoor dining.  The Town of Ocean City added picnic benches in the sand along the Boardwalk so visitors can grab food to go from a local restaurant and take it onto the beach for a picnic.  Open container laws are still in effect and no alcohol can be consumed on the Boardwalk or beach.  Most of the shops are open, allowing 50% capacity.  Masks are required inside retail locations.

Ocean City Tram

The tram that runs along the Boardwalk is not yet operating.  Until the Town can ensure social distancing of patrons riding the tram and walking on the Boardwalk, it will not operate. 

Bicycles on the Boardwalk

Bicycles are allowed on the Boardwalk daily until 11 am.  Rollerblades are allowed until 10 AM on weekends.  More details are located here.

Activities

Many activities are open in Ocean City.  Amusement parks, arcades and miniature golf are not yet open, however. The Town is hoping that Governor Hogan will open some of these activities soon.  In the meantime, many outdoor  and some indoor activities are open.  Here is a list of just a few of the many things you can do this weekend in Ocean City.

Swimming Pools

Hotel swimming pools are open, but their capacity is restricted.  Please contact your hotel for specific information on their pools.

Paint Ball

If you’re looking for some action, you can head to OC Paintball, where walk-ins are welcome on Saturday and Sunday. As their Facebook page says, “What better than a sport that already meets social distancing and face mask requirements??” Visit https://oceancitypaintball.com for more information.

Escape Room

You can also visit Escapomania. Due to the ongoing pandemic, parties must stay separate and will not be able to participate in escape room adventures together. Despite this rule, there are no restrictions on the size of your party, and you can be assured that disinfecting wipes and spray will be used all over! There will also be longer breaks between game sessions to allow for extensive cleaning. Although there are three locations, not all are open at this time. Be sure to check which location(s) you can visit this weekend. You can book your next adventure at https://www.escapomania.com

Courtesy of Odyssea Water Sports.

 

Watersports & Boat Rentals

Boat rentals, jet-skis, and even the water taxi are all open and operating.  Please check with individual companies for specifics on what is being rented, how many people can participate, and hours of operation.

Have you missed the water? Odyssea Water Sports is open for jet ski and kayak rentals, along with pontoon boats. All paperwork is now filled out electronically. If you choose to borrow a life jacket from Odyssea, you can be sure that it will be disinfected. You can also bring your own life jacket or buy one from Odyssea. Head to https://odysseawatersports.com for more details.

 

 

 

Shore Craft Beer Cruises

Shore Craft Beer and the OC Bay Hopper are teaming up again this year to provide weekly 2 hour local craft beer cruises in the bay behind Ocean City every Thursday night starting at 7 pm.  You won’t want to miss the opportunity to book a 2 hour sunset cruise with 2 craft beers provided by local breweries included in the price.  Of course, this cruise is meant for those 21 and over.  Due to concerns about social distancing, the boat is being sold in three zones, port, starboard and aft sections.  You and your family or group can occupy a zone.  The price depends on the number of people in your group.  A limit of 9 people total can book each cruise.  Details and reservations are available online at https://book.ocbayhopper.com/Experience

Shopping

Are you ready to shop? Select stores at the Tanger Outlets in West Ocean City are now open at 50% capacity with face coverings and limited hours. Outlets that have reopened their doors include: Coach, Chico’s, Nike, Old Navy, and others. J. Crew and the Sunglass Hut are set to reopen on June 12th and HomeGoods will follow on June 15th. Adidas, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, and The Children’s Place remain closed. Visit the store directory to see which shops are open. https://www.outletsoceancity.com/directory/

The boardwalk is also open for business, just remember to social distance and wear your mask inside!

Governor Hogan & Mayor Meehan

Unfortunately, amusement parks such as Jolly Roger and movie theaters remain closed. Indoor dining is also prohibited, but outdoor dining has begun all across the island. Governor Larry Hogan did not address restaurants at all in his press conference on Wednesday.

In a press release and video released Friday morning, Mayor Rick Meehan urged tourists to remember that social distancing and other safety measures such as wearing a mask inside stores is paramount. He stated, “We are looking forward to summer and welcoming visitors back to Ocean City, but it’s important to remind everyone that you can’t press pause on safety while you’re on vacation…We want our residents and visitors to enjoy our beach, Boardwalk, shops, restaurants and hotels, but please make your top priority keeping yourself and others healthy and safe.” The mayor added that the town of Ocean City will be moving ahead with the latest executive order issued by Governor Hogan, which moved Maryland into Stage Two of the recovery plan.

To see the Mayor’s press release, visit https://www.oceancity.com/ocean-city-mayor-urges-visitors-to-adhere-to-towns-safety-guidelines/

To see Mayor Rick Meehan’s video message, visit the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxiIQfDSc8I&feature=youtu.be

Ocean City Will Offer Guests Free Drive-in Movies this Summer

Jessica Bauer
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Ocean City Will Offer Guests Free Drive-in Movies this Summer

Drive-in Movies Are Free Family Fun 

Ocean City Offers Drive-in Movie Experience 

While so much of our new normal has been trying to navigate all new protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy, Ocean City is bringing back an experience that some young adults may have never tried, but some more mature adults can remember with great nostalgia – Drive-in movies!

Trying to write a new playbook of activities for the family that supports social distancing, Ocean City has designated Mondays as free drive-in movie night in the parking lot at the Convention Center.

When :

Monday nights starting June 15th. Cars can start coming into the parking lot at 8pm. Movie start time has not been determined.

Where:

Roland E. Powell Convention Center parking lot. 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842

What’s playing?:

The movie schedule has not been determined yet, but check back to our events for more information.

Another Chance to Take in a Movie:

Along with the featured Monday night movie, the town has teamed up with the Ocean City Art League to showcase independent films one Tuesday each month. 

Is It Safe?:

Town of Ocean City officials have been working closely with the Worcester County Health Department to ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed during all events. “Safety is our top priority,” said Ocean City Special Events Director Frank Miller. Miller finished. “We want families to come here, relax and know that we have taken every precaution to protect them so they will feel safe enough to return.”

Not the first try…

Did you know Ocean City boasted a drive-in theater back in the day? Unfortunately, it is no longer operational. You can read more about one of our contributor’s experiences with old Drive-in in our Pen of the Captain’s Kid entries.

Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon also wanted to do a drive-in movie date night back in late April early May, but they announced the below on social media:

Well…friends, customers, locals & staff…Thanks for the overwhelming support and response to our Friday Night Drive In. UNFORTUNATELY, the powers that be determined the event was “non essential” in this current environment. We are going back to the drawing board to see what we can come up with next… (suggestions welcomed)

Now That We are in Stage 2

Since the appropriate metrics that needed watching have trended down, the Governor of Maryland said today we can begin stage 2 of the reopening process. With that activities like drive-in theaters are available for people to safely participate. Along with the drive in movies all non-essential businesses that remained close may now re-open.

Ocean City Mayor Urges Visitors to Adhere to Town’s Safety Guidelines

Jessica Bauer
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Ocean City Mayor Urges Visitors to Adhere to Town’s Safety Guidelines

Ocean City, Md., Mayor Rick Meehan Urges Visitors to Adhere to Town’s Safety Guidelines

In a new video message, Mayor Meehan reminds public that practicing physical distancing and following other safety guidelines shouldn’t stop while you’re on vacation

OCEAN CITY, Md. (June 5, 2020) – Mayor Rick Meehan released a new video message urging people to adhere to the town’s safety guidelines while visiting Ocean City. Mayor Meehan’s video message, available at https://youtu.be/QxiIQfDSc8I, reminds visitors to practice physical distancing and follow all health and safety guidelines in Ocean City.

“We are looking forward to summer and welcoming visitors back to Ocean City, but it’s important to remind everyone that you can’t press pause on safety while you’re on vacation,” said Mayor Meehan. “We want this to be a summer to remember, in a year that we certainly won’t forget, which means we all need to keep Ocean City moving forward. Continue physical distancing and follow all the rules and guidelines from the CDC and State of Maryland. We want our residents and visitors to enjoy our beach, Boardwalk, shops, restaurants and hotels, but please make your top priority keeping yourself and others healthy and safe.”

The Town of Ocean City is continuing to follow the actions of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery. To safely welcome visitors this summer, Ocean City is asking everyone to follow the town’s rules and guidelines, as an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people are present.

For more information on how visitors can safely enjoy a vacation in Ocean City, Md., this year, visit www.oceancitymd.gov.

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Things to do in Ocean City – RIGHT NOW

Jessica Bauer
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Things to do in Ocean City – RIGHT NOW

Things to do in Ocean City

Right Now

We know that since some states, counties, districts are dealing with restrictions at different paces, and it is difficult to know what is open and what is allowed. We compiled a list of things to do right now:

Restaurants

Restaurants and bars can serve meals to patrons if they have outdoor dining available. Carry-out and delivery are options as well. All covid precautionary measures must be taken by the restaurant and their staff. Social distancing must be practiced by placing tables six feet apart.

To help with the volume of people that will want to sit and eat a meal, Ocean City is also setting up picnic tables in the sand along the boardwalk.

 

Hotels, Motels, Rentals – All Open

Lodging of all kinds has been available since May 14. We still suggest you contact the facility you wish to stay with to ensure they are open, but there is not any restriction keeping them closed at this point.

Pools

Semi-public pools are allowed to be open. Indoor pools that are semi-public are limited to 10 people. OutdoorThings to do in Ocean City pools can be at 25% capacity.

Beach

The Beach is open! You can sit, walk, run or just relax on the beach. Everyone is welcome. There are no more quarantine restrictions for persons from any area. The life guards are on the beach to make sure everyone is enjoying Ocean City’s beaches in a safe manner. There are signs posted asking everyone to remember social distancing should be maintained.

Things to do in Ocean CityWhat else could you do on the beach:

  • fly a kite
  • build a sand castle
  • play paddle ball
  • search for sea shells
  • dig for fiddler crabs
  • we think you get the idea…
  • and yes, you can swim in the ocean, but lately the water has been kinda chilly

Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is open and you can expect most store to be open on the Boardwalk. Retail stores are at 50% capacity currently. Masks Things to do in Ocean Citymust be worn in stores, but a stroll on the boardwalk is permitted without masks. Social distancing is still necessary and groups of no more than 10 are permitted.

Don’t forget a  bike ride on the boards in the morning is great for the soul, and the best way to see more of the boardwalk without your feet getting tired. (Three miles of walking, when you are full from fries, ice cream and popcorn, can be tough.) You can bike from 2am to 11 am from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Outdoor youth sports and camps

Staff, coaches, and other adult support must comply with all new hygiene recommendations since covid, but also wear masks and in some instances temp checks are required for staff. Youth can go back to sports and camps that keep kids at a safe distance from each other, but sleep away camp is still not allowed. Camps are limited to no more than 10 children.

Outdoor sporting for all

Things to do in Ocean CityOutdoor activity is deemed much more safe than inside. Many outdoor activities for all ages is now allowed:

 

Watersports

Recreational boating including all your favorite watersports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are allowed. 

Governor Hogan Sends Maryland Into Stage Two

Logan Dubel
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Governor Hogan Sends Maryland Into Stage Two

Listen up! Governor Larry Hogan has announced that the state of Maryland is heading into Stage Two of the reopening process following the coronavirus outbreak.

Pointing to the lowest number of hospitalizations in 50 days, a declining number of ICU beds and a statewide positivity rate at just 9.5%, the governor is ramping up the reopening process.

This latest move comes just a week after Hogan announced the start of outdoor dining and the completion of Stage One.

Steps in the Right Direction

Starting on Friday at 5:00 p.m., the order requiring non-essential businesses will be lifted. On Monday, June 8th, state government offices such as the MVA can begin a phased reopening process. Personal services such as nail salons and massage parlors are also able to open at 50% capacity and by appointment only. As expected, strict safety measures are required across the board. Transit schedules will also begin to return to normal and child care centers will start reopening.

However, indoor dining will have to wait as restaurants remain open for outdoor dining only. Many restauranteurs feel that indoor dining is necessary to bring back tourism this summer, especially in Ocean City.

Enclosed malls, theatres, senior centers, fitness centers, and recreational facilities such as bingo halls and miniature golf courses remain closed to the public.

The Governor added that the 10 person gathering rule is technically still in effect, yet that many are not following it, pointing to the thousands that have gathered to protest this week.

Toward the end of his remarks, the governor stated that in line with the end of the school year, amusement parks and sporting activities may eventually be allowed.

He also stressed that the Maryland coronavirus response team is still relying on data from the Maryland Department of Health and will halt the reopening process if the data begins trending in the wrong direction. However, many key metrics are now lower than ever before, showing that Maryland has indeed made significant progress in the battle against the virus. Despite the progress, teleworking and social distancing are still encouraged.

Testing

Hogan also touted the state’s strong testing capacity, as the state has now reached nearly 400,000 tests. He credits this accomplishment to the 500,000 tests he and First Lady Yumi Hogan secured from South Korea. Maryland is also increasing testing capability with a now fully operational Genome lab at the UMB School of Medicine’s Institute for Genome Sciences.

Ocean City Government

While Mayor Rick Meehan’s office was not available to comment Wednesday evening,  one thing is certain. Restaurant owners are eager to return to normalcy. To assist those proprietors, beginning Thursday at 4:00 p.m., the mayor and councilmembers will begin reviewing applications for businesses to open for outdoor dining on public property such as sidewalks or parking lots. Special meetings for this purpose will occur at the same time each business day for as long as necessary.

George Floyd & Election Irregularities

Additionally, Hogan addressed the death of George Floyd and the nationwide protests, saying that this “has served as yet another reminder that we still have a long way to go to live up to our nation’s highest ideals.”

He also commented on the irregularities reported during the primary elections Tuesday, asking for a full report along with hearings by the oversight committee to “safeguard our democratic process.” The governor’s remarks come as Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford and Comptroller Peter Franchot are calling for top election officials Linda Lamone and Armstead Jones to resign.

Resources

You can read the updated executive order from Governor Hogan along with guidance for reopening businesses at the links below.

https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Gatherings-EIGHTH-AMENDED-6.3.20.pdf

https://commerce.maryland.gov/Documents/BusinessResource/General-Business-COVID-19-Best-Practices.pdf

For updated information regarding the key metrics Governor Hogan referenced during Wednesday’s press conference, visit the link below.

https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/06/03/marylands-covid-19-positivity-rate-drops-to-9-5-hospitalizations-at-lowest-level-in-50-days/

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