6th Annual Boardwalk Drive in Disguise

Nancy
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For the sixth year, residents and visitors with a vintage Ocean City license plate will be allowed to ride down the Boardwalk during the annual OC Vintage License Plate Rally, which will take place Saturday, October 22.  Continuing with the Drive in Disguise theme anyone wishing to decorate their car also will be allowed to ride down the Boardwalk.

“The rally has grown,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “The Halloween theme has really broadened the event. There’s a real competition in decorating the cars.”

Decorated cars will join the OC vintage plate cars during the rally, which will roll-off at 27th Street at 3 p.m. Vehicles will drive off the Boardwalk at the Inlet Parking Lot. The public will be able to vote for their favorite decorated car. Each vote is one dollar. A People’s Choice trophy as well as additional trophies will be awarded.  In addition, various local organizations will have information booths set up and a DJ will play music. Several local businesses will offer a 15 percent discount to participants for the weekend.

Book your weekend now!

“We are still working on other possible components to the day,” said event organizer Nancy Howard. “The entire event is an attempt to create a weekend that will bring visitors to join in the fun. If you want to join in and don’t want to drive, get out your Halloween finest and join us at 13th St. for a walk.”

There is a $25 donation fee for non-vintage license plate participants and those vehicles and bicycles must be decorated. There is no fee for those with an Ocean City ‘vintage’ license plate (these are not vintage car tags but the special Ocean City plate). Proof of insurance is required for all participants. Proceeds from the event will be benefit the Ocean City Downtown Association. Registration forms are available at www.downtownassociation.net. For additional information, contact Nancy Howard at 443-235-4405 or e-mail neffiehoward@comcast.net.  If you do not have a City vintage plate and would like to obtain one visit the City web site at www.oceancitymd.gov

Ocean City Beach Ball adds fun flare to downtown skyscape

OceanCity.com
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Residents and visitors will notice a new view in downtown Ocean City, as the highly anticipated beach ball water tower received its final coat of paint this weekend.  The brand new landmark, which has been under construction since June of 2015, will replace two aging water towers and is expected to enhance fire flow, improve water quality and reduce maintenance costs.

The beloved beach ball, which is slated for completion in November, will hold one million gallons of water, allowing the town to remove existing towers on Worcester Street and 15th Street.  Located at 1st Street, the project cost approximately $4.9 million dollars and was funded by general obligation bonds. The removal of the aging water towers not only improves the water distribution but will allow for future expansion of the Ocean City Fire Department Headquarters and approximately 30 additional parking spaces on Worcester Street.

With the paint job complete, Ocean City’s public works department will continue to work with Chicago Bridge and Iron (CB&I) subcontractors to finish site work, including fencing, landscaping and the eventual in-service placement of the tank, once sterilization is complete.  Ocean City officials are optimistic that the water tower will not only improve the water distribution but will also add a fun and memorable charm to Ocean City’s downtown horizon.

Municipal Election Drawing Near, Absentee Ballot Applications Accepted

OceanCity.com
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The Ocean City Board of Supervisors of Elections will conduct the municipal election on November 8, 2016, to coincide with the National Election Day. The polls, which are held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, located at 4001 Coastal Highway, open promptly at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters can conveniently cast their votes for municipal candidates in Hall A and national candidates in Hall B. The universal voter registration deadline is October 18, 2016.

Residents unable to go to the polls on Election Day must apply for and submit their municipal absentee ballots to the City Clerk’s Office by mail or by hand, no later than November 7, 2016 at 5 p.m. Absentee voters should be mindful that the process, when done by mail, takes time. Therefore, voters are encouraged to allow plenty of time to receive, complete and deliver their ballots.

Early voting centers will NOT include the municipal election on the early voting ballot.  To vote for the municipal election, voters must either vote in person at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center or by absentee ballot.

For more information about the Town of Ocean City Municipal Election, absentee ballot applications and voter registration applications, please visit http://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/city-clerk/election/ or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 410-289-8824.

The 4 most popular seafood spots in Ocean City revealed!

Tony Russo
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Each year we invite our readers to chime in and tell us which are the best places in different categories. The categories range from Boardwalk Stands to Bars. One of the most contentious categories tends to be “Seafood” because people are so passionate about it. What follows is an accounting of who is leading the Best of Ocean City voting in the various seafood categories. These leaders are not carved into stone, though.

If you think the voting is unfair, vote for your favorite. You can vote every day and tip the scales. Just Click here!

People love more than the crab cakes at the Crab Cake Factory

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There are only a couple of percentage points between the first place Crab Cake Factory and the (technically second place) Shark on the Harbor. There are a bunch of popular restaurants that make up the the de facto second place category “Other.” Phillips Crab House, the Crab Bag and Harpoon Hanna’s all have about 14 percent of the vote. What sets the Crab Cake Factory apart, I think, is that they’ve caught people’s attention on so many different levels and motivated them, that people are enthusiastic about them winning.

Check out the crabs in the Crab Bag

screen-shot-2016-09-21-at-3-36-53-pmIt is difficult to tell what sets the Crab Bag apart from its nearest competitor (Hoopers), but whatever it is sets this Ocean City eat in/take out restaurant apart by a mile in the eyes of Ocean City diners. It very well could be the equal emphasis the Crab Bag puts on the eat in/take our aspect of their business that gets people excited. They have a bunch of different crab feast options laid out on their menu and they truly seem to be excited about crabs. The other crab houses include Phillips, Higgins and On the Bay but they’re all running way behind even the “other” category.

No competition in the crab cake department

screen-shot-2016-09-21-at-3-50-12-pmWith more than 47 percent of the vote (at this writing) it seems as if the Crab Cake Factory will be unstoppable. True, since this is a popularity contest, it could be that people just are more passionate about the Crab Cake Factory than they are about any other restaurant. But what makes you passionate about a restaurant more than the excellent food and service? Other participants are popular restaurants as well. Coins, for example, and OC Fish Company are popular and excellent restaurants with substantial followings. Still, they only are sharing about 20 percent of the vote with a one digit smattering going to Phillips and Crab Alley.

People like Blu, but they love Harrison’s Harbor Watch

screen-shot-2016-09-21-at-3-54-31-pmIf you’ve ever been to Harrison’s Harbor Watch, it is easy to see why it is the most popular raw bar in Ocean City. There’s ample seating and food and a great view. Something to consider, though, is that Blu has increased in popularity in nearly every category. Mostly, it has been a write-in contender in all of the categories we have considered so far, so it probably is a safe bet that a restaurant that popular probably also is worth the trip.

2016 Zombie 5K set for Snow Hill

OceanCity.com
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Register today for the 3rd annual Zombie 5K / 1 Mile walk benefiting the Worcester County Recreation & Parks (WCRP) youth scholarship fund. This event takes place on Friday, October 21 at the John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill.

The race starts at 6:00 p.m. and open registration begins at 5:00 p.m.  Open to all ages, a 5K course will offered for runners and a 1 Mile course for walkers.  Both courses will begin outside and will finish inside the Worcester County Recreation Center (WCRC) Indoor track.

The registration fee is $25 per runner for the 5K course or $20 per walker for the 1 mile course. Families of 4 can register for the 5K course for $90 or the 1 mile course for $70.  All participants will receive an event t-shirt! Prior registration is encouraged. An additional $5 will be applied if registering the day of the event.

Prizes will be awarded to the top runners and participants are invited to dress up in a Halloween costume.

For more information on this event or to become an event sponsor, contact Lea Cataggio at 410-632-2144 ext.2509 or lcataggio@co.worcester.md.us. Visit our website at www.WorcesterRecandParks.org to sign up for email announcements.

Worcester County offers free emergency training in Newark

OceanCity.com
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Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) invites the public to participate in a free, 8-sessionCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in Newark.

The training will take place at the Fire Training Center, located at 6743 Central Site Lane just off U.S. Rt. 113 adjacent to Worcester Technical High School, on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. from October 11 – November 22, 2016.

CERT is an informative, hands-on, educational program packed with information to equip residents, who have no prior emergency medical training, to support their families and communities during a disaster. Participants will gain the decision-making and practical skills necessary to offer immediate assistance to those in need following an emergency until further help can arrive.

Participants will learn to recognize both natural and manmade hazards. In addition to Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training, sessions will include Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Fire Safety and Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations I and II, Light Search and Rescue and Hazardous Materials; Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Incident Command System; Practical Work Stations, and Special Topics. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to create disaster plans and supply kits.

Those who successfully complete the training will receive CPR and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association. During the course, instructors will provide information on hazards typical to Worcester County, hazardous materials in the home and the National Incident Management System. Instruction is geared to help residents better prepare and survive during the first 36 to 72 hours after a catastrophic event, when local first responder resources are stretched to their limits.

CERT is available at no cost to all interested residents thanks to the generous support of the Worcester County Commissioners. Space is limited to 20 individuals and is available on a first come, first served basis. For more info or to register, contact Tom Kane at 410-632-3080 or tkane@co.worcester.md.us.

5 stories about the tragic close of summer

Tony Russo
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Last week we began coming to grips with the fact that summer most likely will end. It’s great to hold out hope, and we still have a ton of gorgeous days left, but the clock surely is ticking. Our top posts from the week involve how the changing season is going to affect us here at the beac over the coming weeks.

Lifeguards still are on duty

Lifeguards will be on duty on limited beaches for the remainder of the season, in case you didn’t know. Last week our friends at Maryland Life shared this post from the Ocean City Beach Patrol talking about the changes in coverage.

Fly invasion

There was something of a fly crisis last week as black flies sailed to the Boardwalk on the back of the west wind. Dozens of readers reached out to OceanCity.com for an explanation and we ran down an answer from DNR that we incorporated into what became our story of the week.

 
Just a few days later, the fly epidemic passed as quickly as it had arisen.

All the beer that’s fit to drink

We helped host the 8th Annual Brews on the Beach this weekend, which was quite a success, but it puts us in the mind of the other upcoming beer festivals we’re participating in, including the Bike Week Beer Garden in Seaford, Del. featuring all the best breweries on the Peninsula.


News of note

Last week OceanCity.com was recognized by the county commissioners for its participation in providing local job opportunities for high school and college students looking to enter the tech (in our case, media too) business. Small business have the opportunity to show students that there are worthwhile ways to stay local rather than searching for jobs across the bridge after high school and college.

In more business tech news…

Our partner site WallopsIsland.org shared this post about other astounding opportunities provided locally to students.

Ocean City Beach Patrol Guarding the Beaches in the Fall

Kristin Joson
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Although Labor Day marks the traditional end of the summer season and begins what the Ocean City Beach Patrol refers to as “fall guarding,” I assure you that there will still be a lot of beautiful sunny beach days ahead, well into the fall. I personally plan on taking advantage of this season. Even though it’s fall we still have safety messages. What we want you to be aware of is that fall guarding is different from guarding during the summer months and it comes with many unique challenges. During this period, we are in a reduced coverage mode with fewer lifeguard towers and surf rescue technicians patrolling the beach. This reduction in personnel is an annual occurrence with an earlier start of college classes and the return of our education professionals to school systems throughout the U.S. Additionally, tropical storm activity in the Atlantic is at its peak during this time and contributes to rougher surf which I am sure you have been noticing. This heavy surf contributes to the frequency and severity of rip currents, which account for 95 percent of surf rescues and a drowning that occurred 90 minutes after the guards went off duty last summer. With fewer guards on the beach and stands that are farther apart, a guard may have to run two blocks or more (as far as 800 meters or ½ mile) to rescue a victim where as in the summer they need only run 50 meters. In order to increase safety and coverage of the beach, the Beach Patrol will rely more heavily on its motorized support vehicles to patrol between stands. This enables them to provide back up if the need should arise.
Although we have less available personnel, the Beach Patrol remains committed to provide surf rescue technicians along the entire beach for all visitors and residents. So rather than have unguarded areas, the number of available lifeguard towers are equally distributed along the beachfront. While nearby beaches in Delaware are unguarded or at Assateague where the guarded area is reduced to just a few blocks.
As this redistribution occurs, the location and distance between stands changes. We will continue to provide coverage from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. along all 10 miles of Ocean City beaches until Sunday, September 25th. This coverage will be done with fewer personnel and lifeguard stands, however, we will supplement this coverage by increasing the number of mobile rescue units patrolling the beach. These mobile units are first aid and AED equipped with one SRT (rider) acting as the primary rescue swimmer while the other SRT (driver) maintains radio communication and backup during an emergency. Both are qualified as surf rescue technicians, medical first responders and are quad (ATV) certified.

Beach in Ocean City, Md
A lifeguard riding a wave in during this year’s crew competition.

Surfing expands to most of the beach

Another difference you may notice during the fall season is where surfing is allowed. OCBP Captain Butch Arbin will modify the ordinance that restricts surfing and allow surfing along the entire beach, except where guards are posted. The Beach Patrol keeps the swimmers in front or near their stand and surfers are encouraged to congregate away from the swimmers. This is a time of the year the surfers enjoy. They can surf while the Patrol is on duty and not be confined to designated surfing beaches like they are during the summer.

Surfers must still utilize an ankle leash and remain 50 yards from the nearest swimmer. Having surfers in the vicinity often proves valuable in saving lives. It is helpful to have the extra flotation devices in the water at this time of year when the coverage is spread over larger spans of beach. It is not unusual for surfers to aid a distressed swimmer and keep them afloat until a surf rescue technician can reach them and take them safely back to shore. Although surfing restrictions have been modified, the Beach Patrol still reserves the right to prohibit surfing in certain areas or under certain conditions. Something new the past couple of years, beginning the Monday following Labor Day, September 12th, stand up paddle boards (SUPs) will be allowed, Monday through Friday during the day. Stand up Paddle boarders must follow all applicable Maryland state boating laws and enter and exit the water away from the areas where we are encouraging people to swim. The use of skim boards and other watercraft (kite surfers, windsurfers, prone paddle boards, kayaks, etc) is still prohibited.

butch arbin
Capt. Butch Arbin will continue to announce surf beaches.

OCBP stays on longer

Even though fall guarding is different than guarding during July, the first priority of the Beach Patrol continues to be public safety. To aide your SRT, the Beach Patrol suggests taking extra precautions and make sure to walk the short distance to the nearest lifeguard stand and check in with the Surf Rescue Technician and always swim near or better yet, in front of the SRT on duty. We strongly encourage all beach patrons to restrict any water related activities to times when Beach Patrol personnel are on duty, never swim alone, always stay with the limits of their ability and never rely on a flotation device.

For additional information, please call Beach Patrol Headquarters. Guard stand placement may relocate daily as conditions change. To locate the closest stand to your beach you may go to the official Beach Patrol website (ococean.com/ocbp) and scroll down to the “Beach Conditions” table and click on the stands location link or by calling Beach Patrol Headquarters at 410-289-7556 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Commissioners recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month

Tony Russo
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September 6, 2016 – the Commissioners joined with representatives from the Worcester County Health Department and Jesse Klump Memorial Fund to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month. Those pictured include Caroline Green (front row, from left), Ron Pilling, Kim Klump, Jessica Sexauer, Olivia Holland, and Erin Wooten; and (second row, from left) Commissioners Diana Purnell and Chip Bertino, Monica Martin, Jennifer LaMade, and Brittany Lawton; and (third row, from left) Commissioner Ted Elder, Steven Taylor, and Commissioners Jim Bunting, Joe Mitrecic, and Merrill Lockfaw. Health Department, staff, in partnership with representatives with the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, strive to end the secrecy in which suicidal thoughts play on a person’s mind by educating caring individuals to recognize the warning signs and take action to save a life. Learn the signs and risk factors for suicide athttp://worcesterhealth.org and http://choosetolivemaryland.org and take part in the Out of the Darkness Walk  to Prevent Suicide
Saturday, Sept. 24, at Caroline Street and the Boardwalk.

Worcester County recognizes Economic Development

Tony Russo
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September 6, 2016 – The Commissioners present a proclamation recognizing September 19-23, 2016 as Economic Development Week in Worcester County to highlight the impact that businesses starting up or expanding have on the local economy. Those pictured include Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting (front row, from left), Vince Gisriel of Sprout Creatives, Economic Development Director Merry Mears, and Commissioners Diana Purnell and Merrill Lockfaw; and Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (second row, from left), Ann McGinnis Hillyer of OceanCity.com and ShoreCreftBeer.com, and Commissioner Ted Elder. Area residents benefit greatly from community-focused businesses, and young, emerging companies, like Sprout Creatives and Ocean City.com are exemplary. The presence of these types of trendsetters attracts additional startup businesses and spurs economic growth.

Tidal Flooding Expected to Continue Until Monday

OceanCity.com
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Ocean City, Maryland – (September 4, 2016):  Despite sunny skies and calm conditions, Ocean City will continue to see the effects of Tropical Storm Hermine over the next several tidal cycles. The wind and rain has subsided but strong rip currents and chances for beach erosion remain high.

With the next high tide at 10: 33 a.m. today, residents and visitors are reminded that road closures are possible, specifically in the downtown area, if areas become impassible.  The Inlet Lot is now open, along with access to the beach, however; swimming is still prohibited due to dangerous ocean conditions.

The sea gates are being opened at the street ends and public works employees are beginning to clear the Boardwalk of significant amounts of sand.  Damage was minimal and due to the preparedness of the citizens and hard work of employees and allied agencies, zero storm related injuries were reported.

Citizens are reminded to be aware of the next several high tide cycles (10: 33 a.m. today, 10:53 p.m. tonight and 11:14 a.m. tomorrow).  This is the last emergency alert for Tropical Storm Hermine. Additional information regarding the storm or the clean-up efforts will be posted on social media if needed.

Onancock announces the 2016 Annual Ker Art Festival

OceanCity.com
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The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society presents the Annual Ker Art Festival Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10 on the lawn at beautiful historic Ker Place in Onancock. Admission to all events is free and open to the public!

Festival events kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, September 9 with a Preview Party and live music from local band Corn Funk Revue. The band features local musicians Peg Volk, Lynne Rogers, Scott Wade, Melinda McPeek, Ellen Grimes, and Chris Chandler, and will perform a mix of blues, folk and original music. There will be a cash bar and an opportunity to preview and purchase artwork prior to the festival on Saturday. The Preview Party is held in conjunction with the 2nd Friday Art Stroll in Historic Onancock. Saturday’s events, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., include concessions, children’s activities, live alpacas from By the Bay Alpacas, old-fashioned pie and cake auctions, and artist demonstrations. It’ll be the last opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the Fowling Point ChromaLuxe Metal Panel Print by landscape photographer Gordon Campbell, owner of At Altitude Gallery in Cape Charles.

The winner for the raffle will be drawn at the end of the festival Saturday. Live music by local musician Erika Peterson begins at noon.

Featured artists include: Mark Belknap/Red Dog Decoys, Karyn Belknap/Ten Good Sheep, Gertraud Fendler/Sea Glass Girl, Diane Ginsberg, Tara King/By the Bay Alpacas, Brenda Llewellyn Ceramics, Laura McGowan, Mama Girl, Stevon Sample/Dominion Multimedia, Guy Shover, Donna Stufft/Painted Stitches, Liz Watson/Soul Shine Jewelry, Vesna Zidovec, Bruce Ricci, and more! Space is available for artists, photographers, and craftsmen: for more information about the festival and to register for the weekend’s events, contact Hilary or Shannon at 757-787-8012. All proceeds benefit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society and their commitment to bringing exciting and quality educational programs to the Shore community. Want to keep up with all the happenings at Ker Place? Send an email to marketing@shorehistory.org to join the email list! Follow @ESVHS on Facebook and Instagram!

Tropical storm updates

OceanCity.com
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Ocean City, Maryland – (September 3, 2016): Ocean City Emergency Services is continuing to monitor the projected path of Tropical Storm Hermine. With the previous predictions remaining consistent, Ocean City is beginning to see the initial effects of the storm. Accelerating winds and increased rain will continue well into tomorrow, September 4.

Common sense and extreme caution should be exercised during all phases of the storm by residents and visitors. Various streets in Ocean City, specifically in the downtown area, could to be subject to closures due to impassible roadways at high tide and swimming in the ocean continues to be prohibited. Residents should secure their homes and prepare for possible flooding, specifically during high tide cycles. In addition, all watercraft objects and outdoor furniture should be sheltered or protected.

Currently, the projected forecast estimates four to seven inches of rain fall, combined with upcoming tidal surges which will cause moderate to severe flooding. Residents and property owners in all zones, particularly in Zone A, should prepare for flooding beginning in the early morning hours tomorrow. To find out what zone you are in, visit oceancitymd.gov/KnowYourZone.
As always, the town remains committed to keeping residents and visitors informed with accurate information before, during and after the storm. Citizens should subscribe to the e-news and/or follow the town’s social media channels to stay informed! The next news release is expected at 4 p.m. today, September 3.
Town of Ocean City Alerts via GovDelivery: subscribe to GovDelivery, visit the “City Wide Alerts” tab on the Town of Ocean City’s website at http://oceancitymd.gov.
Town of Ocean City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity
Town of Ocean City Twitter: @townofoceancity
www.oceancitymd.gov/knowyourzone
For general & non-emergency information: 410.520.5281/5282

Update from the Town of Ocean City regarding Tropical Storm Hermine

Ann
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Tropical Storm Hermine Expected to Impact OC, All Zones Susceptible to Flooding

Girl GuardOCEAN CITY, MD – (September 2, 2016):   Ocean City’s Emergency Management officials are closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Hermine, which will begin to effect the area in the morning hours tomorrow, September 3.  Currently, forecast predictions include moderate rainfall (approximately four to seven inches) and moderate flooding during tidal cycles. All of Ocean City will be susceptible to flooding, with significant flooding expected in Zone A. Heavy winds are also expected with sustained wind speeds of 30-40 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. With a current storm system impacting the area, town officials are urging residents and property owners to stay informed and be prepared for flooding prior to Tropical Storm Hermine.

 

Rainfall should end on Sunday, however; significant storm surge and moderate flood threats will continue depending on the track of the forecast. In preparation for the storm, several pre-storm action items will be completed, including removing items from the beach and closing the sea wall gates.  In addition, residents and visitors should expect road closures in the downtown area and Inlet Lot during the storm if tidal cycles or rainfall becomes significant.

 

Residents and property owners, particularly in ALL of Zone A, should prepare for moderate to severe flooding beginning in the early morning hours tomorrow, September 3. To find out what zone you are in, visit oceancitymd.gov/KnowYourZone.  Preparedness efforts include tying up water vessels, removing outdoor furniture, and securing objects susceptible to wind and flooding.

 

Hurricane Hermine hits Florida and will bring some rain to Ocean City

Ann
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tropical_storm_watch_issued_for_DelmarvaAccording to the Weather Channel, Hurricane Hermine hit Florida and is now expected to cross the Panhandle of Florida and travel up the East Coast as a tropical storm.  From what the maps look like, Ocean City  is under a Tropical Storm Watch with no more than a few inches + of rain predicted, mostly falling Saturday.  WBOC predicts that we will begin seeing the effects of the storm late Friday night and that by Sunday afternoon, we should see improving weather.  Labor Day is predicted to be mostly sunny with a high of 87 degrees.  To keep updated, you can check here or check WBOC’s local weather page.

What does this mean for Ocean City and the thousands of vacationers in town for the holiday weekend? First, and most importantly,  It doesn’t look like the winds nor the rain will be life threatening if you are careful.  Happily, all the bars, restaurants, and hotels are open for business and the storm will only add to the festive atmosphere in these haunts.  There are many indoor activities that are fun, from indoor golf at Old Pro, to the new haunted house,  to many new movies at Sun and Surf Cinema 8.  Play games with the family or just watch the waves crash.  The waves should be dramatic and the beach erosion could be significant. Swimming will be more treacherous and visitors to the beach should stay out of the water unless the lifeguards are in the stands.  Be sure to listen to the beach patrol kjcrewchief0716and do as instructed.  They are here to keep you safe, but nobody should take unnecessary risks.  There may be storm surge so be careful where you drive during the high tide cycles of the storm.

We are in for a different kind of beach weekend, but it will be a blast none the less.  Pack your weather gear and plan to enjoy the many people and places that make Ocean City great throughout the summer.  Friday is great.  Sunday could be good by the end of the day and Monday will be perfect.  Saturday couldn’t be a better day for enjoying the indoor activities available in Ocean City.  Don’t forget, you can try some of the locally produced craft beers and try to win the OC8 Challenge while you are waiting for Hermine to pass.  Drink world class beer, watch a storm, and win prizes all at the same time.  Sounds like a GREAT Labor Day weekend to me!unnamed

You can download the Shore Craft Beer app from the Apple store to get started.  Information is also available online at ShoreCraftBeer.com.  For those that like the beer or can’t finish the challenge before the sun shines again, then come down next weekend for the 8th Annual Brews on the Beach where you can try over 30 locally brewed craft beers.  Tickets are available online at www.ShoreCraftBeerFest.com.

Have a very happy and safe Labor Day weekend.  We will keep you updated on Hermine and will keep posting photos and looking for yours on our Facebook page.

 

 

Governor Larry Hogan signs Executive Order to start school after Labor Day

OceanCity.com
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Ocean City – Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order that will require Maryland’s public schools to start classes after Labor Day, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. Citing the benefits of a post-Labor Day school start for families, students, teachers, and the economy, the governor made the announcement on the Ocean City Boardwalk, where he was joined by Comptroller Peter Franchot, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Senator James Mathias, Delegate Mary Beth Carozza, education advocates, and other longtime supporters of a post-Labor Day school start.
“Starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day is not just a family issue – it’s an economic and public safety issue that draws clear, strong, bipartisan support among an overwhelming majority of Marylanders,” said Governor Hogan. “Comptroller Franchot and I believe, and the people of Maryland strongly agree, that this Executive Order puts the best interests of Marylanders first, especially the well-being of our students. This action is long overdue, and it is simply the right thing to do.”
The Executive Order signed today will require that Maryland’s public schools begin after Labor Day, complete the 180 days that are required under state law, and adjourn by June 15, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. The executive order does permit for a waiver to be applied for with the Maryland State Department of Education to be exempt from the post-Labor Day start date. For the 2017-2018 school year and beyond, local school systems will have to apply annually for a waiver based on compelling justification. Furthermore, the State Department of Education will establish procedures and standards for school districts and individual schools seeking special waivers to accommodate non-traditional schedules.
“I applaud Governor Hogan for signing today’s executive order,” said Comptroller Franchot. “This sensible, long-overdue adjustment of Maryland’s public school calendar will be a lifeline for those small, locally-owned businesses that are the backbone of our state’s economy and have struggled in the midst of the slowest economic recovery in our nation’s history. It will generate new state revenues that can be reinvested in our classrooms and for other vital priorities. It will spare tens of thousands of teachers, students and school employees from having to return to sweltering, unhealthy classrooms in the hottest days of August.
“And finally, it will give families throughout our state time to enjoy those final days of summer the way they were meant to be enjoyed, whether it is taking that final vacation to the beach or the lake, visiting the Inner Harbor or catching an Orioles game, enjoying an evening at the Maryland State Fair, or just relaxing a bit at home. As a father myself, I know that kids grow up far too fast and the time that families have together, in this day and age, goes by in an instant. The action taken today by Governor Hogan will give our families the priceless gift of time, and for that I am personally grateful.”
In recent years, the effort to start schools after Labor Day has garnered overwhelming support across the state. Two independent polls by Goucher College, conducted in 2014 and 2015, showed that more than 70 percent of Marylanders support this initiative. Additionally, a petition in favor of a post-Labor Day school start has collected nearly 25,000 signatures.

hogan and franchot
Gov. Hogan joined with Comptroller Peter Franchot Supporting Post Labor Day Start Date to Benefit Families, Students, Teachers, and the Economy

The significant economic benefits of a post-Labor Day school start have been well documented. A 2013 economic impact study by Maryland’s Bureau of Revenue Estimates found that a post-Labor Day school start could generate an additional $74.3 million in direct economic activity, including $3.7 million in new wages and $7.7 million in state and local tax revenue.
In 2013, a nonpartisan task force, which included teachers, administrators, school board members, PTA members, and other public stakeholders, was convened by the General Assembly and chaired by the Maryland State Department of Education to examine the effects of a post-Labor Day school start on Maryland’s education system, as well as its economy and tourism industry. In a report that was issued on June 30, 2014, the task force stated “there was no compelling evidence that showed there was any impact on education starting post-Labor Day.” The task force voted 12-3 to recommend that schools begin after Labor Day.
Longtime supporters of this effort were pleased with today’s announcement.
“Starting school after Labor Day gives families more time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and provides small businesses a significant economic boost when they need it most,” said Mayor Meehan. “It also creates jobs and generates revenue for our state’s economy. After a lot of hard work and tremendous effort, I am thrilled to see an executive order to start school after Labor Day, not because it is good for Ocean City, but because it’s good for the entire State. Maryland can finally ‘Let Summer Be Summer.’”
“I’m grateful to Governor Hogan for his action today,” said Senator Mathias. “I’ve worked on this effort for a long, long time, and I can’t wait to see the faces on the kids and families enjoying themselves the way they should on the boardwalk the weekend before Labor Day. This is a win for the families and for the economy.”
“Starting school after Labor Day is good for Maryland families and Maryland’s economy by giving that last stretch of summer for families and friends to spend together, either at home or on vacation,” said Delegate Carozza. “I’ve heard from many families, teachers, and our small business owners who have long supported a later start school date, and after talking to school administrators and personnel, I am confident that the calendars will be well managed by our local boards.”

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