Ocean City police prepare for H2Oi despite event’s relocation

OceanCity.com
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Although H2O International’s official event was moved to New Jersey for the 2018 season, the Ocean City Police Department is still anticipating crowds of car enthusiasts beginning Monday, Sept. 24 – Sunday, Sept. 30. After years of disruptive behavior and disorderly conduct during the event, police plan to continue a proactive, no-tolerance enforcement strategy through the week. 

“Our Intelligence Unit has been busy monitoring this event and current social media posts indicate that a number of car enthusiasts plan to come to Ocean City with the intention of being disrespectful to our town,” said Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Residents and visitors should expect a highly visible police presence and a proactive enforcement strategy.”

Allied agencies will be in Ocean City to assist including the Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, and Maryland Natural Resources Police.

All Ocean City roads will be designated as a Special Event Zone starting on Tuesday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 30. Speed limit signs will be changed and reduced to 30 MPH on Coastal Highway and Philadelphia Avenue. Additionally, fines will be increased for all speeding violations in Ocean City during the designated dates.

Common traffic violations seen during motor events include speeding, reckless driving, negligent driving and spinning wheels. These violations carry fines up to $530 and up to six points assessed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to the violator’s driver’s license.

Spectators are advised to keep public sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic. Open containers on public property, including public sidewalks, streets and alleyways, are strictly prohibited. Anyone violating this local ordinance is subject to a maximum fine of $500 and/or 90 days in jail.

Citizens and business owners are encouraged to be proactive in the event of disruptive behavior and call the Ocean City Police Department immediately at 410-723-6600.

Citizens should expect traffic delays throughout the weekend. Drivers are reminded to use caution, refrain from texting while driving and be aware of pedestrians. Pedestrians are reminded to Walk Smart, use crosswalks, and wait for the signal to change before crossing.

Ironweed Ale Werks makes its debut in Ocean City

Kristin
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The new sign on Coastal Highway went up late this summer.

Major changes are now underway in a well-known building on Ocean City’s 55th Street, bayside. Some of these changes are in progress, some are slated for the near future and others are already depicting signs of what’s to come in the spot where OC Brewing Company once was — literally.

The street sign in front of OC Brewing’s old headquarters has been replaced and now boldly reads “Ironweed Ale Werks.” It features a stylized image of the native Maryland plant that’s also usually seen, in its natural form, on the side of the road. 

Phillip Rhudy, a co-owner of the new Ironweed brewpub, said, “We wanted something that was representative of Maryland as well as organic and powerful.”

Also a part owner and operator of Independent Brewing Company in Bel Air, MD, Rhudy was brought in to Ironweed by his now-partner Bob Frankis, an operator of five Greene Turtles in Maryland and in Delaware.

With their combined knowledge of food operation and the craft brewing process, Rhudy and Frankis are working to add quality products and an optimal brewery experience to Delmarva’s growing craft beer community. Most breweries lack space, Rhudy said, but in their building on 55th Street, there’s almost too much square footage, and they’re excited for all the possibilities that the new business allows. 

“We’ll throw our flair on the place, and we think people will embrace our vibe.” 

Inside the taproom, small changes have already been made to the function and decor of the space. They’ll make more changes during the off-season, and any major changes they decide to make will happen further down the road. Right now, they’re busy focusing on what’s most important: The food and the beer. 

The food menu will see the most changes as they transition to all local and homemade items.

“The food menu has been reduced to doing less, but doing it much better,” Rhudy said.

Already, 10 Ironweed brews are on tap, and a new one is added each week.

The tent didn’t exactly keep the rain out, but the Ironweed team was all smiles and samples at their station in front of the giant puddles.

On Sept. 8, the beer made its debut at Shore Craft Beer’s Brews on the Beach festival, where hundreds of people turned out to drink beer under the Hooper’s Crab House tent in spite of torrential downpour that hit town mid-festival. Under the tent, Ironweed’s table was in the center of all the action and received a steady flow of festival-goers who kept returning to try all four of the beers they were pouring. 

Those beers, which can be found today in their taproom, included Galactic Jack, a citra and galaxy hop brew balanced with sweetness from golden promise grains; Sharksbreath, made with huell melon hops added during dry hop and whirlpool but no bittering additions, giving the session beer all flavor without the “bite”; Harlequin IPA, brewed with citra and simcoe hops and honey and vienna malt for a dark, sweet balance; and Sour Diesel, a raspberry sour with a dry wine-like complexity for a nice tart finish.

What’s more, all of Ironweed’s beers are gluten-free. Most beer manufacturers use some sort of clarification agent, Rhudy said, and when one clarification product he’d been following was determined to be gluten-free when used in a specific manner, the decision for his brewery to make all gluten-free beers was “an easy one.”

In addition to their availability on the festival circuit — Ironweed will also be in attendance at Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest on Oct. 27 — the brewery is currently distributing in Worcester, Harford and Cecil counties.  

“The Eastern Shore has great breweries producing amazing products and we wanted to add to the Shore Craft Beer trail,” Rhudy said. 

>>Read more about Ironweed and the other new breweries on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. 

Delmarva Real Estate Investments and Values

Joanna Laslo
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If you followed me down the Pocomoke river in my last blog… you can see how a river might affect land prices as it widens and becomes navigable.  

When the river began it was a drainage ditch bordering a soybean field, but it ended as a grand river in southwestern Worcester County (with magnificent homes gracing its shores) before flowing into the Pocomoke Sound.

Land values vary considerably from town to town

An acre of farmland near the start of the river is approximately $7,000  versus a lot at the other end of the river in Pocomoke for $55,000.  View Listing

This is a prime example of how property value is affected by close proximity to any specific attraction or area.

Property values fluctuate greatly in just a matter of a mile or two. One end of the county may be much more valuable than the other end.  In fact, in Ocean City, value can increase within a matter of feet. Oceanfront is considerably more expensive that ocean block, for example.  While Ocean City is a drastic example, it shows how land/property costs and values vary.

Investment in land and building a home

For anyone interested in building a new home, the resale value of the home is a prime consideration. Keep in mind: Where the cost of land is low, chances are the resale will also be lower.

If you built a 1400 square foot, three bedroom house in Snow Hill and the exact same home in Berlin, the resale value of each home would be vastly different. This is true even if both houses were equally appointed (both had water and sewage connection, etc.).

For this example, let’s assume the home you built, in both locations, cost $100,000.

The home in Snow Hill would likely sell for around $200,000. View Listing 

The equivalent home in the Berlin Area would likely be worth $395,000. View Listing   

However, the cost of the lot would be greater in Berlin than in Snow Hill.

A residential lot in Snow Hill will run around $45,000. View Listing A build-able lot in Berlin is $75,000 and up.  View Listings  Therefore, the profit from the Snow Hill property would be approximately $55,000 vs. the profit from Berlin of $220,000.

Berlin would be the better investment, even though the requirement of initial funds would be much greater.

Please do your homework before investing, as property values can vary depending upon proximity to rivers, ocean, bay, schools, shopping centers, parks, playgrounds, major highways, etc.

A call to your local REALTOR may be a good first step. They will be happy to assist you in your quest for information on value of any property you may find interesting.

Ocean City Oddities: The Story of Laffing Sal

Brandon Seidl
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Laffing Sal in her exhibit – 2000s.

For decades, Laffing Sal was the star feature at Jester’s Fun House, one of Ocean City’s most memorable 20th century amusement attractions located on Wicomico Street off the boardwalk. Often misspelled as “Laughing Sal,” the large robotic rag doll, the first animatronic of its kind, would shake her head, wave her arms, jerk her torso, and continuously laugh while patrons would stop in wonder and often begin laughing along with her. Sal’s early conceptual design and production made her an influencer and forerunner in the amusement industry and set the pace for a rapid production of animated figures featured around the world in carnivals and amusement parks, including the Disney enterprises.  At the height of her popularity, Sal was featured at venues all over the country, but today can be enjoyed at only a handful of remaining attractions.

Early Sal

Mr. Jester purchased Laffing Sal in the early 1940s for about $360 from the Philidelphia Toboggan Company  based in Germantown, Pennsylvania for his attraction. When she arrived, she was placed in front of the attraction to greet guests, and in later years, was exhibited behind a chicken wire cage to prevent passersby from reaching for her, often resulting in vandalism. Buttons to make her work were wired to a nearby concession stand where the Jesters were able to control her every move at a moment’s notice.

A view of Jester’s Fun House at Worcester Street and the boardwalk where Sportland Arcade is located today, circa 1940.

Famous for her looks, and her intoxicating laugh

Standing over six feet tall, Sal had a simple internal make-up of papier-mâché and pressed card stock mounted on a steel frame comprised of numerous coils. Beneath her famous dress, interior construction was rudimentary consisting of pins, staples, nails, and nuts & bolts as all of her extremities were detachable for simpler shipping and storage. Visible to the public, the laughing lady donned a bright pink dress, handbag, large Mary Jane shoes, and a big floppy hat. It’s rumored that Sals were not originally produced with hats by the PTC and were to be supplied by the buyer, although original ads depicted the display complete with a hat.

Lovely Lady: A closeup of Laffing Sal circa 1950s.

Sal’s famous laugh track was originally transmitted by a 78 RPM record player concealed beneath her pedestal which measured 12” in diameter. It wasn’t until the record stopped that the lucky attraction operator that day would have to restart the record, a cycle that would typically last only a few minutes.  The invention of tapes would eventually automate that task. Interestingly and according to legend, the voice talent that performed the famous Sal laugh was not that of a lady, but supposedly an intoxicated gentleman.

Bruno and Sal

Bruno as he appears in the Live-saving Station Museum.

Jester’s Fun House was originally built in the late 1920s by Mr. Thomas Conway of Atlantic City, NJ. Conway, who also owned several other small businesses, managed it for only four years before selling it to Lloyd Jester due to poor health. The attraction had a large façade with the words “Fun House” clearly displayed on both the façade and on the roofline. Along with images depicting clowns and ballyhoo, the interior featured effects such as air bags, floor obstacles, a tilt room, dancing skeletons, a stunt entitled “Bruno” which was a bulldog that suddenly sprang out at unsuspected patrons, a large gorilla, and even an octopus. Mr. Jester retired in 1970 from the fun house business and turned it over to his son, Lloyd Jester, Jr. The fun house was demolished after only two years of being operated by his son to make room for the nearby expanding arcade, known as Sportland. After the fun house’s closing, Sal was transported to a storage facility in Berlin where she was later vandalized resulting in her face being disfigured and her garment left knackered.

Laffing Sal and Bruno the Bulldog were two of the only stunts retained from the attraction. Sal was donated to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum in the summer of 1980 by Mrs. Jester and was restored soon after. Now, she can be seen and heard on the second floor of the museum in the boardwalk exhibit. With only the push of a button, Sal will laugh as she did for generations on Ocean City’s boardwalk. Unfortunately, her movements have long been defunct.

It’s interesting to note that a lot of paranormal activity has been associated with the old Ocean City Sal. Works have reported hearing her laugh after closing without explanation. Sal was originally featured at venues all over the country and can still be enjoyed at over 30 venues today.

Laffing Sal Ad – October 10, 1942 issue of the Billboard

Your photos from Bike Week and Hurricane Florence

Kristin
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Your photos from last week are in! It was a busy few days in Ocean City, even when we thought we might get slammed with torrential downpour and storm surge from Hurricane Florence, which we seemed to have narrowly avoided. Many families were still able to enjoy their beach vacations, even if the cloud cover made it a little difficult to suntan. Still… Could’ve been worse.

Below are the photos you submitted from the calm before-and-after the rain, with a few pictures from Ocean City BikeFest mixed in. We’re done with our weekly Photo Friday contest for the season, but still like to do the occasional reader-submitted photoblog, so feel free to submit your photos and you might just see them on our site or our Facebook page. (Just be sure to fill out your name and email address if you want to win anything, and send photos that are horizontally-oriented and not super tiny). 

Our winner this week is Chris from Baltimore, who took the photo of the crane at Stinky Beach and will receive a gift card to The Shrimp Boat. Congrats, Chris! 

Washed up on 81st street sat morning
Beach at Sunset on 99th Street! Wednesday, Sept. 12th. The calm and beautiful before the storm!
An evening on the beach
Grandma’s Gone Wild – Bike Week in OC. Oceans Mist, Ready for a night out on the town. 9/13/2018
Nora’s first beach trip on 9/11/18 on 27th street ocmd
June,19th 2018. At stinky Beach enjoying the amazing weather. As we were leaving, a Crain came and sat in the water looking for dinner.
Dolphin at play on the Water 62nd Street Ocean City Maryland September 6, 2018
Bikes at Pickles.
Neither my son nor myself had ever seen the ocean this rough and powerful! He was amazed and taking video of the waves crashing.
Looking for ponies.

This Week in OC: Sunfest ☀

Kristin
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The hurricane we thought might ruin the weekend ended up being a washout; In fact, aside from a few clouds and scattered light showers, last week in Ocean City was really quite nice. Temperatures are slowly and steadily dropping to fall-friendly numbers (it still reaches the low 80s here, but at least it’s no longer 95!) and Sunfest starts on Thursday to officially usher in the autumn in OC. 

Bikers rode up and down Coastal Highway all weekend, stopping by the indoor and tented events at the Convention Center, Seacrets and Hoopers, in spite of the negative forecast. And while the sun has chosen not to show up for its own festival in recent years, it’s looking like it might just make an appearance at Sunfest and Ocean City’s last big, blow-out weekend of the summer. We hope you’re there, too! 

If you’re looking for details about Sunfest, including times, parking and entertainment, you’ll find those in the post below. And if you’re looking for whatever else is going on in Ocean City this week, then as always, you’ll find that, too. 

Ocean City’s 44th annual Sunfest celebrates the end of summer

Fall can’t officially begin in Ocean City without the traditional weekend-long celebration known as Sunfest, OC’s famous arts, crafts and music festival. Now entering its 44th year, the signature event is known for drawing crowds from across the country, and with live music, fantastic food, a unique array of arts and crafts and our fingers crossed for beautiful weather, Ocean City’s Sunfest will take over the Inlet Lot once again from Sept.

Last week’s news

The calm after the storm: Florence didn’t bring much to Ocean City aside from some stormy skies and all the shells that washed up on the beach. And maybe some rare migrating birds, too, as they tend to end up in places they don’t belong after a hurricane hits the East  Coast. 

This week in pictures. – OceanCity.com

We started the week out fearful that Florence would make a direct hit on our town, but by Friday afternoon, it’s fair to say it’s not been too bad a week at all, compared to what could have happened. Here are a few of our favorite pictures from this week.

Maryland Bird-Watching After a Storm – OceanCity.com

Birders, keep your eyes wide open after Hurricane Florence hits: After a major storm, you’re more likely to see rare migrant birds where they wouldn’t normally be spotted. When birds and bugs get caught in high winds, they seek out calmer places, which often ends up being the eye of the storm (strong surface winds rotate around the exact center or the ‘eye’ of the hurricane, but the center itself is calm).

Bikers weather the rain: Events and concerts were moved indoors to the Convention Center after the weatherman predicted a weekend of doom and gloom, but tons of bikers still turned out for Ocean City’s annual BikeFest.

What hurricane? Bikers roar into Ocean City for BikeFest

CLOSE Despite the threat of Hurricane Florence, hundreds of bikers and bike enthusiasts stayed committed to this year’s Ocean City BikeFest. While Delmarva Bike Week was canceled due to the bad weather forecasts in the area, Ocean City adjusted its portion of the four-day event so that it could stay open, rain or shine.

#ThisWeekinOC

Sunfest (Sept. 20 – 23): With over 30 food vendors, free live entertainment on two stages, and a huge selection of arts and craft vendors, there is something for everyone at Ocean City’s Sunfest.  Enjoy four days filled with something for all the family, including over 250 vendors, live music, artistic demonstrations, gourmet food and beverages, family hayrides on the beach and kids activities. Remember, admission to Sunfest is FREE!

Sunfest Kite Festival (Sept. 20 – 23): Always a sight to see as you walk along the Boardwalk, come and marvel at the spectacular sight of hundreds of brightly colored kites being flown in the blue skies above the beach and Boardwalk. Master kite flyers from around the world will showcase their aerial displays of art. There will be kite-making workshops and kite battles, and more.

Sandcastle Home Tour (Sept. 20 – 21): The 14th annual self-guided home tour will feature 10 beautiful homes ranging from oceanfront to bayside, penthouse to family home, all in the Ocean City area. $30 per person. Proceeds benefit the Art League of Ocean City.

Brown Box Theatre Presents: “As You Like It” (Sept. 20): Brown Box Theatre presents As You Like It by William Shakespeare, performed under the stars at Sunset Park.  As You Like It will transport audiences into the heart of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies in a can’t-miss multi-state tour.  This performance is FREE.

Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show (Sept. 21 – 23): Peruse an inventory of fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, wire-wrapped jewelry, beads, pearls, loose gemstones, minerals, crystals and fossils. Admission is $5, age 16 and under are free.

Park Place Jewelers’ Treasure Hunt at the Beach (Sept. 22 – 23): Dig in the sand for real buried treasure on the beach in front of Park Place Jewelers. Prizes include gems, diamonds, silver jewelry, gift certificates and more. This chance to dig for treasure is limited to 100 people per day, so you must register in-person at Park Place. Must register in-person at either Park Place Jewelers location. There’s a $15 entry fee that goes toward the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s foundation.

OC Cruzers Car Display (Sept. 23): For the 16th year, the OC Cruzers Car Display will be on select Sundays on Somerset Plaza, a semi-pedestrian street that is closed to all traffic during special events.

This week in pictures.

Anne
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We started the week out fearful that Florence would make a direct hit on our town, but by Friday afternoon, it’s fair to say it’s not been too bad a week at all, compared to what could have happened. Here are a few of our favorite pictures from this week. 

Early morning on Tuesday, a glimpse of sun.

 

9/11 Memorial on the Boardwalk.
The town was busy scooping the sand off the Boardwalk and back onto the beach.
The decision was made to move the events for OC Bike Week from the Inlet to the Convention Center.
The Inlet, looking stunning on Tuesday.
Clouds over the Inlet Parking Lot and Life-Saving Station Museum.
Sunshine and blue skies on Wednesday.
A beach just asking to be walked on.
A great day to look for sea shells.
A selection of shells found near the Inlet.
Lots of Horseshoe Crabs spotted along the beach too
Blue skies at the Inlet on Wednesday
Good day for fishin’
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
Trimper’s Roller Coaster track, always looks good against a blue sky!
Back to grey skies on Friday
Waves a little rougher than earlier in the week.
The Pier holding up against the waves.
Under the Ocean City Pier
Riding in style.
Bikers making a stop at the Inlet.
Looking for ponies.
Still looking…
Found some!
Stunning Assateague Island
Egrets on Assateague
No matter what the weather, our beach just begs to be walked on.

Ocean City’s 44th annual Sunfest celebrates the end of summer

Kristin
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sunfest ocean city md
Sunfest 2017.

Fall can’t officially begin in Ocean City without the traditional weekend-long celebration known as Sunfest, OC’s famous arts, crafts and music festival. Now entering its 44th year, the signature event is known for drawing crowds from across the country, and with live music, fantastic food, a unique array of arts and crafts and our fingers crossed for beautiful weather, Ocean City’s Sunfest will take over the Inlet Lot once again from Sept. 20 – 23. Admission to Sunfest is free.

With nearly 300 vendors and over 180 artists slated for the 2018 festival, there’s something for everyone over the four days of Sunfest, set upon the backdrop of Ocean City’s pristine beach and Boardwalk. Sunfest combines live music and artistic demonstrations with gourmet food and drink and even family hay rides on the beach. Some of the festival’s most unique assets this year include exhibits from T-Mobile and Duke’s Mayonnaise, an Ocean City Police Department K-9 demonstration and the chance to test ride fat tire bicycles on the beach.

This year, festival-goers will have the opportunity to create their own pieces of art with the OC Painting Experience. Kids can enjoy inflatable bounce houses on the beach, family hayrides and an abundance of other activities. After working up an appetite, guests can delight in traditional Eastern Shore fare in the food tent or relax to the sounds of free entertainment at the outside pavilion.

Kites
Kite Fest coincides with Sunfest, just a few blocks north.

Hours: On Thursday, September 20, Sunfest will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m. on the outdoor stage. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Entertainment and ticketing: Sunfest features live music playing throughout the duration of the event. All entertainment is free with the exception of evening headline shows. Headliners start on Thursday night with a stage show by Forever Tina performing Tina Turner’s greatest hits. On Friday, the up and coming American southern country rock group The Cadillac Three hit the stage. On Saturday, the Comcast Entertainment Pavilion will be filled with a sold-out concert by Daughtry.

Tickets for h shows are on sale at the Ocean City Convention Center Box Office on 40th St. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets will also be available on-site during Sunfest, or at www.ticketmaster.com, 800-551-7328.

Parking and transportation: Parking is restricted at the festival grounds, so it is advised visitors take advantage of the Town’s Park and Ride services. The West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 just west of the bridge provides a convenient location for attendees with free parking and shuttle service to and from the South Transit Center on S. Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $3 to ride all day.

Special Event express shuttle service is also available at the Convention Center on 40th St., where you can park for free in the south lot and ride the express shuttle directly to Sunfest. Fare is $3 to ride all day, as is the normal Coastal Highway bus fare service. Additional park and ride locations are also located at the Public Safety Building on 65th Street, the municipal lot at 100th St. and Northside Park at 125th St. (walk to bus stop on Coastal Highway).

The $3 ride all day pass is valid for use on Coastal Highway, Park n Ride and Express Shuttle buses from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. Exact fare is required. The Boardwalk tram also will be in service during the event with fare of $3 one way. For additional information regarding bus fares for Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons, Medicare Card Holders and children please call Ocean City Transportation at 410-723-1606 or visit the Public Works Transportation webpage at www.oceancitymd.gov.

Maryland Bird-Watching After a Storm

Kristin
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Birders, keep your eyes wide open after Hurricane Florence hits: After a major storm, you’re more likely to see rare migrant birds where they wouldn’t normally be spotted. 

When birds and bugs get caught in high winds, they seek out calmer places, which often ends up being the eye of the storm (strong surface winds rotate around the exact center or the ‘eye’ of the hurricane, but the center itself is calm). Winds die down, and birds disperse. Migratory birds also end up in unlikely areas when their food supplies have been eradicated by storms, and they’re forced to seek sustenance elsewhere. 

If there’s anything good to come out of a major storm, it’s the “birding bonanza” that follows it, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the rare birds that would scarcely appear in your region otherwise. The Alabama Wildbird Conservation Association has a few safety tips for those who plan on “chasing hurricane birds.” 

Phil Davis of the Maryland/DC Records Committee dug up some records on the rare bird sightings reported in Maryland and DC after major hurricanes that, like Florence, moved inland to the Carolinas. Not all of the reports below were accepted due to improper or incomplete documentation; digital cameras weren’t as easy to come by in the years that many of these storms hit, and if the clouds were still pouring rain, it would have been difficult to capture a clear image of the species’. 

“This information is provided primarily to pique your interest and prepare your thinking about where you may want to go (safely!) after the storm passes,” wrote Davis in an email to the MD Birding group. 

Those who see, and document, rare bird species after the storm are encouraged to submit them to the Records Committee. 

Sooty tern

Hazel – Oct 1954

Leach’s Storm-Petrel – Royal Oak, Talbot Co.
Sooty Tern – Baltimore City

Hugo – Sep 1989

 

Pterodroma, sp. – Bellevue, Talbot Co.
Red Phalarope – Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel Co.
Great Cormorant – Sycamore Landing, Montgomery Co.
American White Pelican – Blackwater NWR, Dorchester [back when they were rare in MD]

Fran – Sep 1996

Pterodroma

Parasitic Jaeger – Sparrows Pt., Baltimore
Roseate Tern – Potomac River, DC
Sooty Tern – Little Seneca Lake (Black Hills Regional Park), Montgomery Co.
Sooty Tern – Woodrow Wilson Bridge, PG Co.
Sooty Tern – Ocean City inlet, Worcester Co.
Sooty Tern – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Sooty Tern – Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel Co.
Sooty Tern – Sparrows Point, Baltimore
Pterodroma, sp. – Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel Co.
Pterodroma, sp. – Woodrow Wilson Bridge, PG Co.
Cory’s Shearwater – Woodrow Wilson Bridge, PG Co.
Procellariidae sp. – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Brown Pelican – Royal Oak, Talbot [back when they were rare in the Bay]
Long-tailed Jaeger – Lilypons, Frederick Co.
Roseate Tern – Woodrow Wilson Bridge, PG Co.
Roseate Tern – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Bridled Tern – Woodrow Wilson Bridge, PG Co.
Sooty Tern (5) – Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel Co.
Sooty Tern – Sherwood, Talbot Co.
Sooty Tern – Bellevue, Talbot Co.
Sooty Tern – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Anhinga – Town Hill, Allegany Co.
Black-capped Petrel – St. Michael’s, Talbot Co. [specimen]

Floyd – Sept 1999

Black skimmer

Bridled Tern (2) – Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s Co.
Bridled Tern – Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s Co.
Black Skimmer – Georgetown Reservoir, DC
Royal Tern – Gravelly Point, Potomac River, DC
Oceanodroma sp. – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Sooty/Bridled Tern sp. – Pax River NAS, St. Mary’s Co.
Sooty Tern – Ocean City inlet, Worcester Co.
Sooty Tern – Pax River NAS, St. Mary’s Co.

Isabel – Sep 2003

Long-tailed jaegers

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel (3) – Potomac River, DC
Band-rumped Storm-Petrel – Potomac River, DC
Oceanodroma sp. – Potomac River, Marshall Hall, Charles Co.
Red Phalarope – Rock Gap State Park, Allegany Co.
Long-tailed Jaeger – Tilghman Island, Talbot Co.
Roseate Tern – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Arctic Tern – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Bridled Tern – North Beach, Calvert Co.
Sooty Tern – Elm Beach, St. Mary’s Co.
Sooty Tern – Stevensville, Kent Co.
Sooty Tern – Tolchester, Kent Co.

Hurricane Florence Tracking South

OceanCity.com
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OCEAN CITY, MD – (September 12, 2018):  Ocean City emergency management officials are continuing to monitor Hurricane Florence, which is now showing a southern track and steering farther away from the Maryland coastline.  While emergency management officials watch closely in the event of changes to the storm’s path, Ocean City continues to be open for business.

OC Bikefest events, including the ticketed concerts, have been moved to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center and will play as scheduled.  Access to the event’s Rommel Harley-Davidson and other select vendors is free and open to the public.

Although Ocean City is not expected to experience tropical storm force wind or heavy rainfall, property owners should still secure loose, lightweight objects including patio furniture and garbage cans. It is also advised to secure water vessels and anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (such as propane tanks).

Ocean City will begin to experience lingering effects of the weakening category three storm, including wind, rain and tidal flooding, as early as Thursday night, September 13, and into Saturday, September 15.  With minor flooding in the downtown area predicted during high tide cycles, emergency management officials are reminding residents and visitors not to drive through flood waters. Also, for residents and property owners in flood-prone zones, remember to protect your property by moving valuables to higher levels and keep important documents in a waterproof container.

The Town of Ocean City’s Emergency Management personnel works closely with local and state representatives to provide citizens with timely, accurate and essential information before, during and after the storm.  To begin preparing, citizens should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan for potential relocation during a flooding event.  For more information regarding preparedness, please visit: http://www.ready.gov.

Ocean City Continues to Monitor Hurricane; Residents in Low-Lying Areas Need to Keep Watch

OceanCity.com
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Town of Ocean City Continues to Monitor the Path of Hurricane Florence

From Town of Ocean City, 9/12/18: Along with moderate wind and rain, the current path of Hurricane Florence will likely bring storm surges and tidal flooding, specifically in our A and B zones. If you live in Zone A or B, PREPARE NOW by gathering supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment. Learn more about flood preparedness at https://www.ready.gov/floods 

It’s imperative to stay informed before, during and after a storm. The Town of Ocean City will be posting storm related information on various websites, social media outlets and through the Emergency Alert system.  In an effort to keep citizens informed with the most updated and accurate information, the Town of Ocean City will be posting storm related information on the following outlets:

Worcester Residents in Low-Lying Areas Urged to Evacuate

From Worcester County Government, 9/11/18: Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) urges those residing in mobile homes and low-lying, flood-prone areas in Zone A to make preparations to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Florence.

Though no mandatory evacuation order has been issued at this time, residents in low-lying areas and mobile homes are extremely vulnerable to anticipated hurricane conditions.

Visit www.co.worcester.md.us and click on Know Your Zone to determine if individual properties are located in Zone A (greatest risk), Zone B, or Zone C (least risk).

  • Those served by well water are reminded that power loss could result in loss of water
  • Have bottled water on hand, and set aside water in bathtubs for washing and flushing toilets
  • Have canned and other nonperishable foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration

Governor Larry Hogan issued a State of Emergency for all of Maryland. In the event that the Worcester County Commissioners issue a State of Emergency for Worcester County, tune in to your local news stations, for information and instructions on what additional measures to take, or visit Worcester County at www.co.worcester.md.us or on Facebook and Twitter.

As Hurricane Florence strengthens, Hogan declares State of Emergency

OceanCity.com
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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 10, 2018)– On Monday evening, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed Executive Order 01.01.2018.22 declaring a state of emergency beginning Monday, September 10, 2018 ahead of the landfall of Hurricane Florence. The order allows the state to secure the assets and funding should it be needed in jurisdictions within Maryland and neighboring states.

“At this time, there is still some uncertainty about the track of this storm and its potential impact, but we are preparing for any possible outcome, including the potential for historic and catastrophic rainfall, life-threatening flooding, and high winds,” said Governor Hogan. “Our state is taking every precaution, and I urge Marylanders to do the same. Stay tuned to your local news stations for the latest updates, listen to state and local authorities, and most importantly, use common sense.”

Forecasts indicate that torrential rains, tropical storm force winds, and and tidal flooding/storm surge could impact the state beginning as early as Thursday. Meteorologists monitoring the storm report that it has the potential to cause life-threatening conditions, including catastrophic flooding as well as high winds and dangerous conditions in our waterways. 

The state’s Emergency Operations Center Response Level has been elevated and center is fully staffed with emergency management personnel and state agency coordinating function representatives.

The state of emergency allows the governor to access critical resources in order to increase the state’s response, like the Maryland National Guard. It also allows Maryland to receive assistance from other states as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This compact serves as the cornerstone of the nation’s mutual aid system and offers assistance and aid during states of emergency through member states.

“A state of emergency is a good indicator that residents should remain alert and follow officials’ orders, news stations, and weather forecasts in order to be informed of the situation,” said MEMA’s Executive Director, Russell Strickland. “We encourage all residents and visitors to our State to visit www.KnowYourZoneMD.com to see if they are inside, or, if they are traveling to, a hurricane evacuation zone,” he added.

Governor Hogan has directed state agencies to stand ready to respond to the effects of this storm, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). For more information, residents can also go to MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov, follow MEMA’s Twitter feed at @MDMEMA, or follow MEMA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.

County Emergency Services Urge ‘Know Your Zone’ in Case of Evacuation

OceanCity.com
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Ocean City, MD (9-10-2018): Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) officials are urging locals and visitors to prepare now for Hurricane Florence, which is strengthening as it moves toward the U.S.’ East Coast as a Category 4 hurricane. It is expected to reach our region on Thursday evening, and rain is expected to continue through Saturday. 

In the case of a hurricane, citizens should always be prepared with an evacuation plan: The first storm preparedness step should be to visit www.co.worcester.md.us and click on Know Your Zone to view a copy of the Worcester County Evacuation Zone Maps, with tips to create a family preparedness plan, or visit www.knowyourzonemd.com and enter your address. 

“Worcester County is mapped into three evacuation zones, from greatest to least risk of threat from wind speed, storm intensity, and storm surge, which causes flooding,” WCES Director Fred Webster said. “Zone A, in pink identifies addresses most at risk. Zone B is orange, and Zone C is green and includes addresses least at risk. Addresses further inland that are not color coded are not expected to evacuate in any storm scenario.”

Know Your Zone in Worcester County is part of a recently introduced Maryland mapping program. In the event that WCES issues evacuation orders, zones to be evacuated would be announced by both traditional media outlets, the County website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Those residing in either low-lying, flood prone areas or mobile homes should make preparations now for the possibility of evacuating due to the current weather forecasts for our area.

WCES officials will continue to monitor the track of Hurricane Florence and keep residents and visitors updated on potential storm impacts to the area.

Town of Ocean City: Monitoring Hurricane Florence During National Preparedness Month

OceanCity.com
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OCEAN CITY, MD – (September 7, 2018): With Hurricane Florence posing a possible threat to the Atlantic, the Town of Ocean City is reminding residents and property owners that families should take time to prepare before a disaster occurs.  National Preparedness Month (NPM), which is celebrated each September, is a great reminder that different types of disasters and emergencies happen in communities across the country.

“As we enter the height of hurricane season, there are a few key steps that every household can take to be better prepared for natural disasters,” said Joseph Theobald, Emergency Services Director for the Town of Ocean City. “By taking a few simple steps – creating a disaster supply kit, making a family communication plan and staying informed – citizens can help make preparedness a priority in the community.”

In addition to having a disaster supply kit and family communications plan, emergency management officials urge the importance of staying informed.  The Town of Ocean City posts storm related information before, during and after a storm occurs, on various websites, social media outlets and through the Emergency Alert system.

In an effort to keep citizens informed, the Town of Ocean City posts information on various websites, social media outlets and through the Emergency Alert system, including the following outlets:

  • City Wide Emergency Alerts:  Citizens can sign up for emergency alerts by visiting:http://oceancitymd.gov/enews and subscribing to “City Wide Emergency Alerts.”
  • Town of Ocean City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity
  • Town of Ocean City Twitter: @townofoceancity
  • Town of Ocean City website:  www.oceancitymd.gov
  • FM Advisory Radio Station – 99.5
  • Town of Ocean City Access Channels 4 & 15
  • Emergency Management Hotline: 410-723-6666

Remember, disasters don’t plan ahead, but you can! For more information regarding National Preparedness Month, please visit: https://www.ready.gov.

Hurricane Florence moving toward East Coast, could hit Maryland (Updated 9/11/18)

OceanCity.com
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We’ll be keeping this page updated as new information comes in. 

9/11/18 Update: On Monday night, Governor Larry Hogan declared  a State of Emergency for Maryland.

“We are preparing for the potential of historic, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding in Maryland,” Hogan said.

Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina have also declared a State of Emergency. Florence is expected to hit the Carolinas and is likely to cause dangerous storm surge and flooding from South Carolina up to the coasts of the mid-Atlantic states. Florence has been upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane and could reach Category 5 status. The impact the storm will have on the state of Maryland is still unknown. 

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Soon expected to reach Category 3 hurricane status, Tropical Storm Florence brought high winds of around 115 mph to the Atlantic coast of Bermuda on Thursday and is now heading west. The storm is expected to reach portions of the U.S. East Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center, and while the storm had weakened slightly this morning, it is expected to gain strength as it continues moving over the Atlantic.  

Said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, “We’re keeping an eye on it.”

According to the National Hurricane Center, it is now moving northwest toward Maryland at 12 mph. On Wednesday, Florence sustained winds of 130 mph, making it a Category 4 hurricane and the first major hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic season. You can track the storm here.

Beachgoers should be aware that swells generated by Florence are expected to reach portions of the East Coast this weekend, and could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Should this be the case, please stay out of the water until further notice. 

There is no reason to panic or be alarmed; however, it’s always important to practice emergency preparedness and stay updated and aware of the situation. 

Ocean City Evacuation Phases

By Ocean City Director of Emergency Services Joseph Theobald

Phase # 1

Anyone traveling to Ocean City is asked to delay their visit until the situation improves.
Mobile Home Residents and Residents of known flood prone areas should prepare secure your homes and prepare to evacuate.
Secure or move all watercraft.
All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 2

All non-resident property owners, vacationers, and vistors are asked to evacuate.
All mobile home and low lying area residents are asked to evacuate.
The Mayor closes the beach.
City buses will be used for transportation to shelters.
The Route 50 Draw Bridge will be closed to boat traffic.
All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 3

The Mayor declares a local State of Emergency.
The sale of alcohol is banned and all businesses are asked to close immediately in Ocean City.
Everyone other than emergency personnel are asked to evacuate.
Incoming traffic is limited to emergency personnel.
The municipal bus service is providing pick up service on Coastal Highway for evacuation shelters.
All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Phase # 4

The Mayor requests a complete evacuation of Ocean City as quickly as possible.
All public services and public transportation will be shut down, and all incoming routes to Ocean City will be closed.
Remaining city personnel are ordered to seek shelter immediately and button down.
All persons are asked to tune into their Government Access Channel for further detailed information or advisories.

Ocean City Evacuation Routes

From 62nd Street area South: South on Coastal Highway over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.
From the Delaware Line South: South on Coastal Highway over the Md. Route 90 Bridge.
From South of North Division Street: North on Baltimore avenue, Left on 1st. Street South on Philadelphia avenue, over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.
From 2nd Street to 33rd Street area: One block West, South on Philadelphia Ave, over the U.S. Route 50 Bridge.

Stay updated

Radio Frequencies:
Ocean City Emergency Advisory Radio 99.5FM

Scanner Frequencies:
Ocean City Police Patrol North [460.325 MHz]
Ocean City Vol. Fire Co. Dispatch [158.895 MHz]
NOAA Radio Frequency – Salisbury [162.475 MHz]

Emergency Alerting System (EAS)
Worcester County WQHQ FM [104.7 MHz]
Worcester County WSCL FM [89.5 MHz]

Recorded Storm Updates
Call 410-723-6666

Flood Hazard Protection

Hurricane Tracking Map

Hurricane And Storm Tracking

NOAA Geostationary Satellite Browse Server

Ocean City Real Estate Tips: Always be present at the Home Inspection!

Brenda Truelove
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If the seller is unable to be present during the home inspection, it’s important for us (the listing agent) to be present at the time of the home inspection. Typically, the buyers-agent and the buyers attend the home inspection. It’s a great way for a new purchaser to learn about the systems, appliances, and see any issues along with the home inspector.  Sometimes, sellers choose to not be in attendance during the home inspection. There are some valid reasons for this.

A good example of this: Very recently, I was asked by the sellers to be present during the entire time of the inspection. I responded with an emphatic ‘YES.’ 

In preparation for the home inspection, and in their absence, the sellers asked me to visit the home the day prior to the inspection, in order to educate and instruct me on their home’s systems, as well as brief me on some of the manuals for those systems. This pre-meeting proved to be very beneficial!

 
On the day of the inspection, the Skilled Home Inspector, the Eager Buyers, the Dutiful Buyer’s Agent, and I (the Seller’s Agent) were present during the home inspection.  There were some unique systems and equipment in the property and some of it needed explanation and guidance. The information that one of the sellers shared with me during THE PRIOR DAY OF THE HOME INSPECTION – proved very helpful to the incoming buyers. 
 
Additionally, the buyer’s agent needed to leave earlier than the home inspection’s completion, as he had another appointment to attend. He did not anticipate that the home inspection would require a full 3.5 hours to complete (a typical home inspection is 2-2.5 hours in length).
 
During the home inspection, the buyers were very thorough, had many questions, and some of the questions were not known by the home inspector. At the end of the inspection, they were all very grateful for my attendance and my knowledge of the home and it’s systems & features.  I believe that most (if not all) of the buyers’ questions were answered, and they will have a better awareness of this home when it transfers to them and they are the new proud owners on settlement day. 
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