9 Storm Pictures in Ocean City, Maryland

Ann
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9 Storm Pictures in Ocean City, Maryland

When it rains, some of your activities might be limited, but some of your views may become dramatic. Mother Nature never quits offering big clouds, dramatic lightning, huge waves and even rainbows.  If a storm rolls in, take some pictures so you can remember how spectacular your vacation was despite the clouds.  Here are some photos submitted to us or taken by us over the years to inspire you.

Beautiful Clouds

Terri Lynn Shaffer Maxwell – Beautiful sky during a wild storm. The sky was beautiful.

The light in Ocean City, as anywhere, during a storm can illuminate the clouds in spectacular ways.  Here, Terri Lynn Shaffer Maxwell captured the drama and the many shades of gray – and blue, and orange and yellow.  Check out the water – it’s orange!

Anvil shaped storm flowing into the ocean

This picture was submitted on Facebook and captures the drama of some of the storms that roll through Ocean City.  I think the people on the beach should probably head in for safety’s sake, but everybody can admit that this cloud picture is both dramatic and beautiful!

Another Gorgeous Cloud Shot Looking South

 

Drama continues with this picture.  The water is glassy on the beach and reflects the grays of the cloud, but look at the blacks, whites, and browns in the sand.  This is a great time to head for Horizons in the Fontainebleau to watch the storm from inside and enjoy some great local craft beer and seafood!

Storm at Sea

Here, the beach looks so white against the dark clouds of a storm off to sea.  Luckily, this one passed Ocean City without dropping a lot of rain, but the drama it delivered is beautiful.  Remember to get off the beach if the Beach Patrol tells you to which they will do if they see lighting or hear thunder.  These storms roll through pretty quickly so you will be back on the beach in no time.

Lighting

Martin-Peletsky Kim – On 30th street. Thunder storm over the ocean.

It is so hard to catch lighting on a camera – at least for me – but here, Kim Martin-Peletsky got not one but two bolts striking the ocean.  Congratulations on this shot and lets see some more submitted to our Photo Friday contests on Facebook!

Better to Not Get Caught Out

Chester and dogs in a windstorm.

While this is a great picture, you can feel the misery of the dogs and Chester hunkered down against the windstorm. Better to be under cover and safe until the storm passes.

There Will Usually Be a Rainbow

Allison Henke Bossler – Taken after the storm tonight…double rainbow

Rainbows frequently follow a storm and you can get some great shots from your room or your favorite restaurant.  Here are some great rainbows submitted or captured here in Ocean City.

Rainbow after storm on 134th street on 7/29/18
West Ocean City has large marinas

8 Good Reasons to Stay at the Fontainebleau When it’s Raining

Ann
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8 Good Reasons to Stay at the Fontainebleau When it’s Raining

The Fontainebleau Resort Hotel at 101st Street in Ocean City MD

The Fontainebleau Resort Provides Fun Even in the Rain

The Fontainebleau Resort Hotel is a destination in itself so it makes sense that there are lots of things to do even in the rain. This hotel is under new ownership and the plans being made to upgrade the hotel this winter are nothing short of spectacular, but as you can see – it’s a fabulous place to stay right now.

As much as we wish it wasn’t so, it will rain in Ocean City, Maryland.  So, when you are planning your trip, make sure you check out the hotels where you are staying so you can be sure that you are happy and can find things to do even in the rain.  Here are 8 great reasons the Fontainebleau Beach Resort is a good choice even when it rains:

Covered Entrance

covered entrance at the fontainebleau resort hotel

First things first.  The Fontainebleau is a conference hotel which means they have a large conference center in front of the hotel on Coastal Highway at 101st Street.  When it’s raining, it’s great to be able to bring your car up in front of the hotel to unload and at the Fontainebleau, there is plenty of space to do that all while protected from the rain.

Inside Sitting Areas

lobby sitting area at the Fontainebleau hotel

When it’s raining, it’s nice to have a place to regroup or meet friends.  At the Fontainebleau Resort Hotel, they have seating areas in the lobby to do just that.  There are also large areas in the conference center and outside their meeting rooms where you can take a break or meet your friends.

Indoor Pool

indoor pool at the Fontainebleau Resort
The indoor pool has a large skylight and a view back to coastal highway on one side and a bar on the other.

While the pool isn’t huge, it’s right next to the bar and it’s a great place to shelter from the rain.  It’s also upstairs from their other facilities like their sauna and whirlpool.

Sauna and Whirlpool

Nothing beats a dreary day like a nice steam room, sauna, and hot tub.  The Fontainebleau offers all three and they are BIG.

Coffee and Sundries Shopping

Coffee Shop & Sundries shopping available at the Fontainebleau Resort
Food, coffee, and miscellaneous items can be purchased in the shop in the Fontainebleau Resort Hotel

The shop has ice cream, sandwiches, coffee and snacks – everything you need to weather a rainstorm so you can get back out on the beach.  You can also find sunscreen and other necessities to make your stay comfortable.

Covered Bar & Seating Area Outside by the Pool

Seating area at the Fontainebleau outside by the bar and the pool
Between the bar and the ocean, the covered eating area by the pool
If it's driving, you can still get under cover and stay outside at the Fontainebleau
If it’s drizzling, you can still get under cover and stay outside at the Fontainebleau

 

There is a bar right behind this table between this patio and the indoor pool.  It’s big and the cold drinks keep flowing.  The Fontainebleau is one of only 2 hotels which own their beach so it is a great place to go when you can sit on the beach, watch the waves and the children and have food and drinks delivered to you in the sand.  When it’s raining, however, the Fontainebleau is just as fun because of their large covered areas outdoors where you enjoy the day despite the rain.

Horizons Indoor Restaurant and Bar with an Ocean View

Horizons in the Fontainebleau has an ocean view

You get a great ocean view from Horizons.

Breakers Pub with Local Craft Beer

Pub in the Fontainebleau with local craft beer

 

Breakers also has an ocean view, but when it’s raining, you might prefer the burger and local craft beer you can get here.  It’s casual, on the ocean, and next to the covered outside seating area pictured above so you can take you food outside and enjoy the storm. You might even see some dolphins playing in the waves.

The Ocean View – At all Times

Clarion Beach
View to the beach from the  Fontainebleau Resort Hotel

When you are on the ocean, it doesn’t really matter if it’s raining or not.  You can watch the waves, listen to the sound of the ocean, look for whales and dolphins, and smell the salt air.  If that’s not a way to spend your holiday, we don’t know what is!

Explore the Shore With Sail Alyosha and the OC Bay Hopper

Logan Dubel
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Explore the Shore With Sail Alyosha and the OC Bay Hopper

Are you looking for a new view of Ocean City and a memorable experience that promises to shake up your vacation? For those seeking a new adventure for their resort vacation highlighting the magnificent ambiance of the Eastern Shore, this is for you. A trip on Sail Alyosha or the OC Bay Hopper will thrill visitors of all ages.

From the 50 foot catamaran Alyosha to the 27 foot Carolina skiff bay hopper, the boats are ready to set sail and entertain people on a variety of excursions.

What does a ride on Alyosha or the Bay Hopper truly mean? See unbelievable views of the resort town and beyond, meet new faces, enjoy a friendly crew, and experience the beauty of coastal living.

Check out the photo gallery below for a sample of some of the fantastic views and experiences offered by trips on the Alyosha and Bay Hopper. Plus, read more about the different trips available and then, book your experience!

Photo Gallery

Sail Alyosha Excursions

*The Alyosha takes off from the kiosk at Sunset Marina, next to Pier 23*

Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Let Captain Steve Butz and his crew know so that they can hoist a flag for you and make you feel special.

The Alyosha offers a calm and intimate environment that allows those aboard to take in their surroundings.

OC Bay Hopper Excursions

*Many Bay Hopper trips take off from the kiosk at 118th Street next to Food Lion. Click on each excursion for more information*

Just like the visitors, the crew on the Bay Hopper can’t get enough of the water.

“My favorite part about working on the Bay Hopper is meeting new people and helping them make new memories,” a crew member told OceanCity.com. “Hearing about their lives and being out on the water together all day is a blast.”

The OC Bay Hopper Offers a Shuttle/Taxi Service 

The Bay Hopper offers a shuttle service from approximately noon to 9 p.m., beginning at 118th Street and heading south, before traveling north again. Departures from 118th Street are at noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. The boat leaves from West Ocean City at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

A one-way trip costs $15 and a round trip is $25. Riders can book their trip and find the best route using the OC Bay Hopper app. Click here to download.

Stops on the route often include many popular restaurants, including Seacrets, Fager’s Island, 45th Street Taphouse, Lazy Lizard, Angler Restaurant, M.R. Ducks, Pier 23, Harborside Bar & Grill, The Shark on the Harbor, and Sunset Grille.

Hollywood on the Shore: New Book Highlights Local Connections to the Big Screen

Logan Dubel
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Hollywood on the Shore: New Book Highlights Local Connections to the Big Screen

The Eastern Shore is known for its natural beauty, creative ambiance, and small-town spirit. Never before have people thought of the region as a Hollywood hub. Now, local author and 10th generation shoreman Brent Lewis is changing the narrative with his new book, Stardust by the Bushel: Hollywood on the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore. 

Released in December by Secant Publishing, the book tells the history of filmmaking up and down the Chesapeake over the last century, the tales of stars who have hailed from here, and even surprising connections between some of your favorite films and the shore. 

While Delmarva may not compare in size to the City of Angels, our stars still shine just as bright. Lewis explores the journeys of numerous beloved figures, from America’s Golden Girl, Bea Arthur, who spent time in Cambridge, to Planet of the Apes sensation and Berlin native Linda Harrison, and classic tough guy Robert Mitchum, who landed in Talbot County. Of course, the shore received its greatest industry attention in 1998, as the filming of the Runaway Bride took place in charming Berlin. 

From the stars to the secrets of the screen, Lewis’ research knows no bounds, and he explores every angle of the shore’s unique position in the filmmaking scene.

“There is a uniqueness and a history that comes with this area,” Brent Lewis said. “This book is for everyone interested in local and regional history, as well as those who simply love movies. I think that people will be surprised at how often filmmakers have been lured to the shore over the years.”

Although Lewis is a pop culture, history, and cinema lover, this project was more than a deep dive into his greatest interests. He sees a strong connection between pop culture and individuals across Delmarva and draws on those connections in his writing of this particular work. Most importantly, his admiration for the Chesapeake region rings strong from chapter to chapter, harkening to his local roots over several centuries. 

“Both sides of my family go back generations in this area. When I was a young writer, I didn’t want to be known as local or regional writer Brent Lewis, but as I’ve gotten older and come to better understand this area we live in and the parts that are slipping away into history, I’ve become more enthusiastic about being a writer from Delmarva,” he reflected. “My connection to the region has become more and more of my identity.”

Lewis, an experienced writer of three other books and many plays, locked in the concept for this highly specific book in 2019 and began his research and interviews just before the pandemic. In his eyes, the “new normal” made many high-profile people available to him throughout the writing process that would have been harder to track down in regular times. 

As much as Delmarva has made its mark on Hollywood, Lewis is the first to admit that there is of course room for significant strides. There has not been a major film shot on the shore in several years, and for that, Lewis turns to the Maryland Film Office. 

“There hasn’t been a huge production here in years, and since talking with the state’s film office, which operates on a limited budget, I’ve learned that even as beautiful and unique as the area is, without tax incentives for the production companies, it’s hard to bring more filming here,” he explained. 

Brent Lewis

When the lights, camera, and action do come to the shore, it serves as a boom for the local economy. Even in the more than two decades since Runaway Bride hit the big screen, Berlin has exploded with small businesses and become a vibrant community. While the film isn’t the only contributing factor, it certainly has made an impact. No matter the project, Lewis notes that every actor and crew member can’t stop raving about our delicious crab cakes. Maybe a little Old Bay is the film office’s path forward?!

Still, even if Hollywood has not visited us in a while, filmmaking certainly has not stopped on the peninsula. The Ocean City Film Festival, launched in 2017, has grown tremendously and attracted creators from all over the country. 

“We welcome people here and tend to treat individuals with respect. We have a history of hospitality,” he added. “Even if this place isn’t Hollywood, there’s a flavor here that you can’t find anywhere else.” 

What’s next for Lewis? He has a few plays in mind for the summer and fall, but he won’t rule out a sequel or even a prequel to his latest book, especially following the resounding positive reception. 

Stardust by the Bushel is available now online via Secant Publishing and Amazon as well as in the gift shop at the Art League of Ocean City. 

Photo Friday Contest Winner July 1st 2022

Anne
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Photo Friday Contest Winner July 1st 2022

Thank you for all the submissions we had for our Photo Friday Contest this week. We love receiving photos of your vacation here in Ocean City Md, and we have put together a selection of your pictures submitted this week. We have some spectacular sunsets and sunrises,  little kids and big kids enjoying their time on the beach, big wheels, big fries, little ponies and little dogs, all making the most of their time here in Ocean City!  This week’s randomly selected winner of two FREE tickets to Jolly Roger is Sarah Almonte for this great picture of her family doing what everyone hopes to do on a visit to Ocean City – enjoy the Boardwalk together! Congratulations Sarah! Keep taking pictures of Ocean City, and be on the look out for next week’s Photo Friday Contest.

Sarah Almonte – Enjoying the boardwalk with my family 2 weeks ago
Diane Mallace – My granddaughters first Ocean City trip. She loved the beach and water.
Kayla Schaffer – Morning Sunrise in the inlet
Chad-Michelle Walck
Alicia Hennigan Guy – Lots of fun at the beach!
Jeannie L Michael – View from our balcony over Springfest weekend
Justine Hall – My girls and I love Ocean City!!
Amanda Creasy – Dinner at Dead Freddies and a beautiful sunset. Family time in Ocean City is the best!
Karen Lesko – Granddaughter enjoying the beach!
Heather Morgan – The ocean was angry with storms brewing
Stephanie Ryan – No better feeling than OC vacation vibe!
Amber Koryn Costalas – The beach at night is a beautiful adventure.
Susan Klinger – Fun at the beach in Ocean City!!
Leslie Price

 

Brooke Ridenhour – Hands down, the BEST lemonade on the planet!
Michele Sartwell
Rosie Baer Garnand
Dave Easton – Grandkids enjoying the awesome rides on the boardwalk
Melissa Mendoff
Lori Cramer Stroup – Last week’s storm!
Tony Caciolo – Atop the ferris wheel June 6th
Ashley Shipley
Jessica Rhoads – This is from 2017 before my husband and I got married. I’m exactly 1 month we will be visiting again for a week with our 1 year old for her 1st beach trip!
Jeannette Brush – Nursing from momma on Assateague
Ally Krewson – My son playing with perspective and the moon over the ocean after walking the boardwalk near the inlet.
Laura Carotenuto – Continuing our family tradition of yearly footprints in the sand
Christina Krumholtz – Punky waiting for his Thrasher’s Fries
Sara Wallet – The kids modeling their shirts they just got done at Fat Cats. We get one every year. Highly recommended
David Rossbach
Kyle Sowinski – Our Daughter loves Ripley’s!
William Kirk – What are the odds we have “Buni” (grandma from Romania) on her 1st trip to the U.S. in 2.5 years only to have three exceptional servers at Spain OC MD restaurant all from Romania. They enjoyed talking, in Romanian of course, with three generations, grandma Cristina, daughter Simona and 6 year old granddaughter Angelina. LOVE OC MD!
Cheryl ShakanSearch -My daughter was so happy she won this at Marty’s Playland a couple nights ago!
Debbie Cross – My granddaughter loves The ocean water. We love ❤️ OCMD. Always making special memories there.
Janelle Marie – Sunset on 135th street
Michael Smith – Any day on the beach is a good day, sisterly love!
Chris Scott – Pearl’s first time to Jolly Roger at the pier !
Deb Maggio – A beautiful evening on the beach in front of the Sea Watch!
Sherry Prudnick Fox – Seashell at sunrise
Kimberly Ann Burdette – Beautiful view from trimpers wheel 2 nights ago
Alicia Bubash – Catching sand crabs!
Laura Fisher Akers – “Somewhere over the rainbow“ on the 144th street Beach…

 

The Town of Ocean City is Expecting Traffic Delays w/Road Closures on July 5th

Ann
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The Town of Ocean City is Expecting Traffic Delays w/Road Closures on July 5th

Ocean City, MD- (June 29, 2022): The Town of Ocean City would like to remind our residents and visitors to expect traffic delays during the July 5th Independence Day Celebrations.  Traffic and pedestrian congestion are expected to be heavy throughout all of Ocean City.  This year, the Town of Ocean City will offer two unique celebration events on the evening of July 5, 2022.

July 5th: American Idol Star Jay Copeland Concert at Northside Park.

We would like to notify our residents and visitors that there will be “NO PARKING” on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. along the following streets:

  1. The north and south sides of 123rd Street between Coastal Highway and Jamaica Ave.
  2. The north and south sides of 125th Street between Coastal Highway and Jamaica Ave.
  3. The north and south sides of 127th Street between Coastal Highway and Jamaica Ave.
  4. The east side of Jamaica Avenue from 123rd Street north to 125th Street.
  5. The west side of Jamaica Avenue is from 125th Street to 127th Street.
  6. The east side of Jamaica Avenue from 127th Street to the road end near the entrance to the Department of Recreation and Parks’ maintenance complex.

Starting at 7 p.m. on July 5, 2022, there will be a new traffic pattern established between 123rd Street and 127th Street. Please note, that there will be no fireworks featured during or after the July 5th concert at Northside Park.

July 5th: Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Talbot Street & the Beach

To prepare for the Fireworks Celebration, there will be “NO PARKING” on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. along the following streets:

  1. Baltimore Ave and N. Division Street.
  2. 900 to 902 Philadelphia Ave.
  3. The north side of the 200 block of Dorchester Street.
  4. The 200 block of 1st
  5. South side of the 200 block of 2nd
  6. South St. Louis Ave between Dorchester Street and Talbot Street (Eastside).

Check the Traffic Before You Go – from a webcam

There are a lot of webcams that can show you the traffic situation – both approaching Ocean City and in town.  Click here to see what it looks like when you are ready to celebrate the 4th in Ocean City!

Public Transportation Options

The Town of Ocean City offers several options for public transportation if you are looking for an alternative to driving during the celebration events.

The Boardwalk trams can take you the whole length of the Boardwalk, which travels from the Inlet to the north booth at 27th Street. The Boardwalk tram fare is $4 per person, per boarding, one-way ride, sold at the north and south tram ticket booths and on any Tram. We are anticipating a heavy volume of pedestrian traffic in the tram lane south of North Division Street. For the safety of pedestrians and tram operators/riders, the Boardwalk tram will pause its operations from approximately 9:30 p.m. to 10: 30 p.m. Once, the tram resumes at 10:30 p.m., it will continue its normal operations until midnight.

The Ocean City Beach Bus can take you from South Division Street Transit Center up to the 144th Street Transit Station or anywhere in-between. A $3 Ride-All-Day pass allows you to ride from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. the next morning. After the fireworks celebration, you will find the Beach Buses staged at the S. Division Street Transit Center and along Baltimore Ave south of N. Division Street waiting to pick up riders.

If you want to skip the traffic congestion downtown, the Department of Transportation will begin its Park-N-Ride Beach Bus service at 5 p.m. The Park-N-Ride Beach Bus Service will pick up and drop off at Dorchester Street near the corner of St. Louis Ave. The $3 Ride-All-Day fare applies for the Park-N-Ride Beach Bus as well.

As a popular, transportation method, the Beach Buses will most likely fill to maximum capacity. If a bus is at maximum capacity, it may pass by normal bus stops. We ask that you “pack your patience” and know that the next available bus will stop. The safety of our riders and drivers is number one. Delays are expected with the Beach Buses.

Be Safe – Be Smart

In addition, heavy pedestrian traffic is also expected throughout the Town of Ocean City on July 5, 2022. Pedestrians are encouraged to use crosswalks and cross with caution. We would like to encourage everyone to Walk Smart, Drive Smart, and Bike Smart while enjoying the Independence Day Celebrations.

 

Great views are just the beginning of a stay at the Grand Hotel

Anne
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Great views are just the beginning of a stay at the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is instantly recognizable by its shape and color, standing out from other hotels in Ocean City. Its design means there are many rooms with views and partial views of the ocean. There’s a great outdoor pool, an indoor pool, five dining venues on-site, fitness center and sauna, guest laundry and game room! Open year round, it’s the perfect place to stay no matter what the season. Take a look with us.

The iconic shape of the Grand Hotel
There’s towel service and a pool bar at the Grand Hotel’s outdoor pool.
Step out the hotel and onto the Boardwalk
The Game Room at the Grand
Just steps from the beach
A room with a view
The fabulous view from the Grand Hotel
Free yoga on the beach every Saturday this summer
Perfect location to watch Bike Week
The indoor-pool at the Grand
The Grand’s fitness center complete with modern equipment for all your workout needs.
What better way to start your morning than with a coffee and a pastry from the Grand’s onsite coffee shop.
The Grand Hotel!

The Grand Hotel has special offers all year round that can be found here. Whether coming as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, next time you plan to visit Ocean City, check out the Grand Hotel . You won’t be disappointed.

 

Sunset Park Party Nights – Live Music Lineup for 2022

Max Butz
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Sunset Park Party Nights – Live Music Lineup for 2022

If you find yourself in Ocean City on a mild Thursday night this summer between early July and late August, plan to spend the evening at Sunset Park for their free weekly concerts. Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. from July 7 to August 25, live, local bands take to the outdoor stage and entertain the crowd while the sun sets over the Sinepuxent Bay. It’s a beautiful scene, and an ideal way to spend a summer weeknight in Ocean City.

Sunset Park is located on South Division Street and Philadelphia Avenue on the Bay next to the US Coast Guard Station in Downtown Ocean City. Sunset Party Nights are hosted by the Ocean City Development Organization (OCDC) and the Town of Ocean City. For more information, call OCDC at (410) 289-7739 or visit ocdc.org.

July 7 Concert: Saved by Zero

Playing July 7, Saved by Zero

Saved by Zero is an 80s rock cover band from Talbot County, MD.

 

July 14 Concert: Teenage Rust

Teenage Rust is a classic rock band.

July 21 Concert: Tranzfusion

Tranzfusion is a classic rock band from the Delmarva area.

July 28th Concert: Monkee Paw

Monkee Paw plays a wide variety of genres, with a strong focus in vocal harmony and musicianship.

 

August 4 Concert: British Invasion Experience

The British Invasion Experience plays music from the British groups of the 60s and 70s.

 

August 11 Concert: Eclipse

Eclipse is a Journey tribute band based out of Baltimore, MD.

 

August 18 Concert: Full Circle

Full circle covers popular Rock, Pop, R&B, and Blues songs.

 

August 25 Concert: The Dunehounds

The Dunehounds are a Blues & Funk band from delmarva.

Sunset Park Party Night, July 2018.

Art League of Ocean City Now Offering Free Gallery Tours

Logan Dubel
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Art League of Ocean City Now Offering Free Gallery Tours

By Logan Dubel

The Art League of Ocean City is now offering guided gallery tours free of charge, each Sunday afternoon throughout the summer. Presented by experienced guide Cassie Wait, the tours promise to showcase the resort’s hidden gem on 94th Street. 

Tours kicked off in May and will continue through September 4, beginning at 1 p.m. All participants will receive a 10% discount if they choose to purchase items from the gift shop. 

As artists continue to create, the Art League’s gallery continues to evolve. The presentation highlights the monthly exhibits in the first-floor Thaler Gallery, designed by established artists of various media invited to display their work. The tour then takes visitors upstairs to the Sisson Gallery, where juried shows and award-winning works are on display. Additionally, participants have the chance to check out the working pottery studio. 

Finally, Wait highlights the multitude of classes offered at the Arts Center, from painting, drawing, pottery, and more, which allow artists to hone their skills and discover their own hidden talents. 

“The Art League displays an array of quality art from established and emerging artists from all over the region,” said Wait. “Whether people want to focus on their art skills or see works from local artists, the tour explores everything we offer.” 

While many people could tell you all about the Art League of Ocean City and its state-of-the-art building constructed in 2013, few are more qualified than Wait. With not only great knowledge of the Art League’s history, but museum tour guide experience around the globe, Wait provides an experience that you won’t forget. 

Wait, who joined the team in 2018, has given museum and gallery tours in some of the world’s most exquisite places. She gained significant experience at Singapore’s National Museum as well as the National Gallery, undergoing docent training, and later guiding visitors through everything from historical exhibitions of British colonial architecture to the works of renowned Asian artists. Wait has truly seen and done it all. 

Now, since returning to the United States in 2017, she has brought her unmatched skills and worldly spirit to the Art League of Ocean City. 

“I have lived overseas throughout my entire life and spent nine years in Singapore, spending significant time at various museums and galleries,” Wait reflected. “I have such a great love and appreciation for art. Through the tours, I translate that love into a passion for local art on the shore, and share that with our visitors, who also travel from all over.” 

In addition to the tours, the Art League is offering free kids crafts in the courtyard on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m., with unique new projects each week. 

For more information, visit artleagueofoceancity.org or call 410-524-9433.

Charm City Meets Ocean City: Summer Workforce Development Program Offers Unique Opportunity

Logan Dubel
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Charm City Meets Ocean City: Summer Workforce Development Program Offers Unique Opportunity

By Logan Dubel

Baltimore and OC

Many of Ocean City’s visitors hail from the Baltimore region, and now, a few of the resort’s hard-working employees are making their mark on the summer destination through their unique Charm City spirit. A new program is not only shaking up the local workforce but making a positive impact on the lives of students who need it most. 

The Ocean City Workforce Development Program, launched in the summer of 2021, brings students down the ocean to not only join the resort’s seasonal labor force but to gain necessary life skills, including financial literacy and the ability to interact professionally. 

The students arrived on May 28 and will continue their experience for weeks to come until August 12. The seven young men live together in studio-style apartments right across the street from Pier 23 on Harbor Road. 

The program, first imagined by Steve Butz, co-owner of Sail Alyosha and the OC Bayhopper, now has the backing of a larger and revolutionary mentorship program in Baltimore, known as Next One Up. Founded in 2009, the program has served more than 130 young men through extensive academic, athletic, and social support. Simply put, this is not a small after-school program, but a life-changing initiative that invests in students year after year.

Ocean City program director Brandon Julot, a Next One Up alumni himself, is proud to have the chance to show these students a taste of life in the real world.

Summer Workforce Development Program Students
Pictured from left to right: Andre Ross Jr., Janad Lockhart, Camron Boyd, and Braeden Hammett.

Students can earn compensation of between $3,000 and $5,000 from their summer jobs. After returning home last summer, Camron, pictured above, even purchased a car using some of his earnings.  

The program not only teaches students how to serve as professional employees and interact with one another but how to truly be independent and live confidently. 

Students receive a small two-week stipend upon their arrival to the shore for initial grocery shopping and meals, but after the stipend runs out, the students are on their own, using the money they have earned to support themselves. Whether they use their money to take a trip to the supermarket and cook, dine out at a restaurant, or spend it on leisure, it is entirely up to them. However, the program instills the importance of smart decisions because one day, they will truly be on their own. 

Additionally, Julot, who lives in the apartment building with the students, provides weekly enrichment programming, including college preparation and the skills of time management and budgeting. The students have quickly developed a rapport with Brandon that makes him more like a big brother and mentor rather than simply a teacher.

“Our enrichment portion of the program is huge, from having the guys exercising and working out to learning life skills that they wouldn’t get inside the classroom,” Julot said.

It’s an experience that none of the men will ever forget.

“I was introduced to the program by my friend, and he asked if I would want to work down in Ocean City,” Andre Ross Jr. explained. “I was excited to meet new people and make some great connections. This program has already helped me grow and become a better person.”

The students all display a strong and admirable work ethic, with some even waking up and arriving to work in the kitchen before sunrise. The program teaches grit and independence in the young men that lasts a lifetime.

“It has been a great opportunity for me to live independently and take responsibility,” said Janad Lockhart. “Usually at home, you have your mother and father, but being down here on my own has helped me become very disciplined.”

“Adulthood isn’t that far away from me, and no one is always going to be there to hold your hand,” Camron Boyd added. “This has helped me get my feet wet in the real world.”

“We’re getting a head start for what it’s going to be like in college and the workforce,” Braeden Hammett reflected. “Your parents will always be a call away, but they aren’t with you every moment.”

The boys are making a difference all around Ocean City and are working at various businesses. From joining program pioneer Steve Butz on the Bayhopper as a mate and kiosk representative to making children happy at Trimper’s and Marty’s Playland and even working hard in the kitchen at Pier 23 and Blu Crab, these students have certainly found jobs all over the resort.

Still, throughout their busy days, they find some time for summer relaxation and fun.

In the fall, they hope to put the skills they’ve learned to the test. Andre and Janad will begin their senior year of high school back in Baltimore, and recent graduates Camron (Woodlawn High School) and Braeden (Boys’ Latin School of Maryland) will head to college, at Bowie State University and Susquehanna University, respectively. Without a doubt, the kind, well-spoken, and proud young men are roaring success stories.

Organizers have already begun to look ahead to next year, and they hope to grow the Ocean City Summer Workforce Development Program even larger to 15 boys, allowing Baltimore students to experience all that the Eastern Shore has to offer, while making a positive difference on the resort.

Photo Friday Contest Winner June 24th 2022

Anne
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Photo Friday Contest Winner June 24th 2022

Thank you for all the submissions we had for our Photo Friday Contest this week. We love receiving photos of your vacation here in Ocean City Md, and we have put together a selection of your pictures submitted this week. We have some spectacular sunsets and sunrises,  fun on the Boardwalk both during the day and at night, big wheels, big boats and big storms.  This week’s randomly selected winner of two FREE tickets to Jolly Roger is Sarah Sypolt for this great picture of her overly dramatic 6 year old being eaten by a shark on the boards! Congratulations Sarah! Keep taking pictures of Ocean City, and be on the look out for next week’s Photo Friday Contest.

Sarah Sypolt – My overly dramatic 6 year old being eaten by a shark on the boards.
Kristy Lackey – Air show and the Stars and Stripes over the waves
Kyle Sowinski – Ripley’s was a hit with our daughter!
Lana Lance – Tan faces, happy faces at our Happy Place! We love OCMD!
Brittney Chenosky – Favorite sunset bayside at 92nd St.
Kendra Ann – No better place to celebrate a birthday!
Jackie Young – Cloudy morning photo shoot
Ashley Russo – Sunset at the Maresol
Kimberly Cieri – My daughters favorite end to a day on the boardwalk
Alicia Bubash – Can’t go to Ocean City and not get a picture behind these!
Christine Nicole – Sunrise surprises in OCMD
Deb Maggio – Honored to pay tribute to the Ocean City Fire Fighter’s Memorial.
Melissa Davis-Bewley – Happy Father’s Day to the best Dad in the best place ever, OC MD!!
Dana Eng – Pic of the Boardwalk and Ferris Wheel
Patty Yon – A full moon over the ocean…perfection!
Amanda Faith Houk – Waiting for the sunset at 23rd street
April Parks – Saturday chilly day at the ocean collecting seashells
Karan Kontra – A peaceful easy feeling watching the sunset on 11th Street
Courtney Cool – Sand bar from last month! So cool!
Lacey Naab – Sunset from sundaes in the park!
Deborah Jacobs Muise – From my balcony on the 12th floor at the Grand Hotel.
Lindsay Muir Johnson – Catonsville girls lacrosse at Northside Park. Beachlax champs!!!
Alisha Eid – Sunrise on the beach!
Chelsea Davey – Me hanging out with all my friends from February
Lisa Dillon – Loving the sand bar!
Pamela Wigfield – No filter just ocean city beauty
Tiffany Murphy – Cousins on our annual ocean city vacay!
Allison Smith – Awesome view from the Ferris wheel when we were there in September!
Ashley West – Took this last weekend on 6/10
Lisa Paul – Thrasher Fries and Ocean City are memories we cherish!!
Amy Casey – Fun at Jolly Rogers
Lee Wilkinson – Delivering on the boardwalk this morning
Kelly Nguyen – Waiting for the fish to bite. Love OC Maryland
Amanda Bailey – My little mermaid enjoying a perfect beach day last weekend!
Danielle Blair – Love those sandy toes
Nick Zigmant – My kiddo is obsessed with the haunted house!
Amber Moore – Beautiful day to spend in the water
Kaitlyn Blizzard – Winning fan of the night at the ocean city classic Saturday night
Brittany Sexton – Nick’s golf course was a hit for the boys.
Kelli Myers – Beautiful first night at the beach!
Amanda Mekailek – My girl’s birthday dinner at Longboard on Tuesday! Cheers!!
Allison Henke Bossler – Taken after the storm tonight…double rainbow
Craig Henning – Memorial Day weekend
Patti Anderson – After the second storm Friday
Jamie Kubina
Jennifer Stevens
Josh Simons – Taken yesterday morning during the storm
Josh Simons – Taken last night from 32nd street

 

Think Before You Drink: Alcohol in Ocean City

Kristin Joson
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Think Before You Drink: Alcohol in Ocean City

It’s certainly tempting – the picturesque landscape of the sun, sand, and glistening water. The urge to enjoy a drink by the sea is certainly powerful, but nonetheless, drinking alcohol of any kind on Ocean City’s beaches is not only illegal, but extremely unsafe. 

Compounded by the heat, the dehydrating and disorienting effects of alcohol and impaired judgment, one can understand why Ocean City does not allow alcohol on its beach. Alcohol depletes the body of the vital fluids it needs to keep a person up and running throughout the day and it can also give swimmers a false sense of confidence when it comes to ocean swimming.

Many tourists are unfamiliar with the strict yet paramount laws and ordinances the resort town has enacted to protect its residents and tourists alike. 

Open Containers 

Whether your alcohol is prominently on display in a can or disguised in a hydro flask, the law prohibits open containers of any kind. In fact, holding alcohol in a glass container falls in violation of an additional ordinance. In all cases, stay away from public consumption of alcoholic beverages on the beach, sidewalks, and while walking along the Boardwalk.

Some beach patrons know the law, but choose to disobey and take their alcohol to the beach and then attempt to hide the behavior from the beach patrol.

Since 2012, public consumption of alcohol has been classified as a criminal offense in Ocean City. If caught with an open container, offenders could face up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Don’t let paradise turn into a nightmare – be smart!

Think Before You Drink: Tragedy Can Strike 

Almost every guard has a story about rescuing a swimmer who drank too much alcohol. A person who has a healthy understanding of the ocean and their own swimming ability might not usually head out very far, but after a few drinks they might find themselves feeling braver. They take risks they usually would not and can end up hurting themselves in any number of ways, from riding a wave into the shallow water and injuring themselves or swimming out farther than they should.

Years ago, a young man who was in town celebrating his high school graduation had too many drinks and took a headfirst dive into two inches of water. He is now paralyzed from the neck down.

Over time, it has become clear that many diving-related accidents and most of the heat-related illness have a direct correlation to alcohol consumption. When it comes to heat emergencies, the alcohol consumption may have been more than 12 hours before the incident. We know that from a safety perspective “alcohol and water don’t mix.”

Many of our more serious incidents over the years have involved intoxicated beach patrons that do things after drinking that they would never do if sober. The sad fact is, that many lives have been altered or affected in a permanent way by alcohol related incidents or injuries, both in the water and on the streets, highways and crosswalks of Ocean City. Most of our pedestrian accidents, several of which are fatal each year, involve alcohol for either the driver or the pedestrian who stepped into the path of the oncoming vehicle.

Not only is the life of the victim of a paralyzing injury or accident affected, but so are the lives of the family members who are often left caring for that individual following the injury. Another, issue with intoxicated “swimmers” is that reaction time and physical ability are diminished and often lead to the person finding themselves in trouble in the water and in need of help.

If this occurs between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. they will be lucky enough to be rescued by an SRT, although following the rescue these individuals do not do very well and are often transported to a medical facility for further evaluation (we had several the past few summers). Although we do a very good job of keeping these people safe while we are on duty regardless of how reckless they are, we unfortunately respond to several off-duty “swimmer in distress” calls each season, some of which are fatal and almost all are alcohol related.

Respect the Beach Patrol

This makes the job of the Surf Rescue Technician (lifeguard) on duty who is responsible to monitor and enforce all activities on the beach as well as in the water much more challenging. To some it appears as a game, to see if they can conceal their illegal activity from the beach patrol while the SRT attempts to perform their job and enforce all of Ocean City laws and ordinances. The result is that your SRT has to divide their responsibilities between protecting people in the water and pleading with “adults” to follow the rules.

The beach patrol and your SRT work very hard to enforce the laws and ordinances of the Town of Ocean City. But we need your help. Please do your part and obey the laws and listen to the SRT and keep the alcohol off the beach. Violation of these laws is a criminal offense and may lead to arrest and will absolutely require another trip to Ocean City, but this time for a court date.

We hope you will have a wonderful time on your vacation in Ocean City, but we also want you to remember to drink when and where it is safe and legal to do so. And always remember “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”

Planning to Drink? Ride the Bus

If you’re going to drink, don’t swim, and take a bus or cab to get home safe. The Ocean City Beach Bus runs from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily all summer long, with stops every 15 minutes. An all-day pass costs $3 and exact change is necessary.

Plus, riders can now track buses using the new locator app. Click here to download and for more information.

Along with not driving, don’t walk either! Wait for the bus. Since 2018, Ocean City has had a median fence 2.7 miles long, between 40th and 62nd Streets. The fence has helped to reduce pedestrian and vehicle collisions, as well as jaywalking, which can be especially dangerous when someone is under the influence.

Reminders from OCPD 

Alcohol reminder from OCPD

  • The Ocean City Police Department enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Underage drinking and intoxication often lead to unintended consequences such as becoming a victim of a crime or violating additional laws. The Ocean City Police Department also proactively enforces drug laws. During the month of June and throughout the entire year, detectives in plain clothes conduct undercover buy-bust operations throughout the town to prevent the sale and purchase of drugs in Ocean City.
  • The Ocean City Police Department participates in the R.A.A.M program. R.A.A.M. stands for Reducing Alcohol Availability to Minors. This initiative is designed to address underage drinking. An essential component of the R.A.A.M program is the great partnership that has been formed with the Ocean City Business Community. Without their help, this program would not be successful. This enforcement takes place at area bars, restaurants, and alcohol retailers throughout the resort. The purpose of this operation is to ensure that employees of businesses that provide alcohol are making a concerted effort to avoid selling to individuals under the age of 21. Personnel under the age of 21, accompanied by plainclothes law enforcement officers, will be visiting bars, restaurants, and alcohol retailers attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages.
  • The Ocean City Police Department would like to remind all business owners that serving alcohol to underage citizens is not only illegal but can have a detrimental impact on their business and the underage individual involved. The OCPD encourages everyone to obey all alcohol regulations to ensure a safer resort town.

Data regarding alcohol citations is not yet available for 2022, but the OCPD reported 1,008 citations in 2019, slightly higher than 757 in 2020 and 870 in 2021.

Fake IDs

While police officers and local businessmen have sought to catch people using fake IDs for years in bars and restaurants, the town is now cracking down in a major way. Numerous restaurants have adopted the BiSU ID scanner, allowing them to judge the legitimacy of an ID instantly.

Using false identification is a criminal offense that can result in a fine and/or loss of license.

“Morale is Low:” Council Votes to Increase Bus Driver Pay

Logan Dubel
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“Morale is Low:” Council Votes to Increase Bus Driver Pay
Beach Bus
Town of Ocean City

By Logan Dubel

Ocean City bus drivers will now receive a significant bump in their pay rate following a vote by the City Council Tuesday night. The vote comes amidst challenges for the resort’s transportation department and low morale amongst drivers.

Proposed by Councilman Frank Knight, the measure will increase pay for bus drivers from $17.75 per hour to $20.49 per hour through the end of Sunfest on October 23.

“Drivers are overworked, and it has been a rough summer already,” Knight explained before the council. “We are being beaten across the tri-state region, and we need to boost morale for our drivers.”

So far in the summer of 2022, deployments and ridership are down significantly compared to 2019, the most recent “normal” year in the resort. May 2022 deployments were 75% of May 2019 deployments and early June 2022 bus deployments were 50% of June 2019 deployments. Overall, 2022 ridership is 67% of 2019 ridership. Notably, there are currently six articulating buses running, with two in the shop for repairs. Getting those buses back on the streets soon could make a difference.

Councilmembers noted that with just 67 bus drivers, deployments have dropped, and many people are left behind at bus stops. Initially, City Hall hoped to recruit up to 80 drivers but came up somewhat short, and even in 2019, there were a whopping 120 available drivers. While buses attempt to make stops every 15 minutes, the strain on the transportation system has forced those stops to become less frequent. Families have reported seeing three or four buses pass by before they are finally able to hop aboard.

When reviewing this data last week, Public Works Director Hal Adkins and Mayor Rick Meehan noted that a re-evaluation of wages may be necessary if white lining continues due to staffing. Just a few days later, the council has sprung into action.

Councilman Mark Paddack voiced his support for the pay increase and thanked City Manager Terry McGean and others for moving quickly.

“I personally don’t like seeing families waiting on the side of Coastal Highway waiting for a bus, and we are getting close to July, and more families are coming,” Paddack said. “We need to help get those families moving on the buses.”

The increase will also apply to supervisors and solid waste drivers in varying amounts.

The raise comes at a great cost for the town, totaling over $189,000. However, leaders believe that the pay increase is necessary to not only retain current staff but potentially attract additional new drivers. Still, City Hall will not exceed its budget even with the added compensation.

The raise will make the resort more competitive with the DART transit service, which has poached four Ocean City drivers so far with an attractive $3,000 signing bonus and a $20 hourly rate.

The final council vote was unanimous, with members John Gehrig and Lloyd Martin absent.

Boardwalk TramWhile the driver shortage is impacting the buses, the problem is even greater on the Boardwalk Trams. The town currently has 18 drivers and 18 conductors, totaling 36 employees, short of the desired 50. Ridership data is not available yet for the summer so far on the trams, though deployments are down and there is high turnover with drivers.

Nonetheless, demand for both the buses and trams will likely increase as the peak summer season draws closer, and the council hopes that the pay raise will make a positive difference in the resort’s transportation system.

No Fireworks Again: Vendor Labor Shortage Forces Ocean City to Change Independence Day Plans

Logan Dubel
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No Fireworks Again: Vendor Labor Shortage Forces Ocean City to Change Independence Day Plans

By Logan Dubel

Independence Day celebrations will once again look different in Ocean City this year, after town officials received unexpected and unfortunate news. The firework company hired to provide fireworks for July 4th festivities in the resort informed the town last week they will be unable to staff the events as planned, leaving local leaders in a twist.

Although the staffing issue was out of the town’s control, City Hall employees rushed to find a solution that will ensure Independence Day remains a major celebration.

“You know what they say when things don’t go as planned,” commented City Manager Terry McGean. “You make a new plan, which is exactly what we’ve done.”

While the Town of Ocean City may not celebrate the nation’s founding exactly on July 4th, the holiday week will not pass without major festivities.

So, when will the resort celebrate? July 5th will be the new July 4th in Ocean City, with fresh plans for downtown festivities and spectacles.

Music will begin at the Caroline Street Stage at 8 p.m., and a modified fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks presentation, provided by another vendor, Celebration Fireworks, will be visible from the pier to 3rd Street, but likely not beyond, and will include a few surprises and new elements. The spectacles will be lower to the ground as well as more intense and colorful.The original show would have set off 2,500 shells going as high as 500 ft., but this show is lower elevation going up to 300 ft., but firing 16,000 choreographed shells. 

“We wanted to make sure that we did something to still celebrate Independence Day in Ocean City,” said Council Secretary Tony DeLuca. “After the pandemic and then last year, it was important to us to ensure that we still had a fireworks show, even if it wasn’t right on July 4th.”

The resort’s updated plan also includes a free concert by American Idol Star and Salisbury native Jay Copeland at Northside Park on Tuesday, July 5th, at 8 p.m. There will not be fireworks at Northside Park following this concert.

Earlier, on Sunday, July 3rd, Ocean City’s Sundae’s in the Park series will continue with a concert by “Mike Hines & the Look” at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

“It’s definitely disappointing that the fireworks vendor cannot perform as they had previously committed to,” said Council President Matt James. “While we won’t be able to have fireworks on the 4th of July this year, I do appreciate the efforts by town staff and our partners to make sure the events on the 3rd and the 5th will be enjoyable for all that attend.”

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, James questioned how the city will hold the vendor accountable for the major cancellation, especially considering that families planned their vacations around the expected fireworks show. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury responded that she already has plans to investigate that question in the coming days.

The City Manager echoed James’ sentiments.

“We faced a bit of a twist this year, but our staff was determined to put on Independence Day celebrations our residents and visitors could enjoy,” continued McGean. “Although we would have loved to host our traditional celebrations on July 4th, I think the spirit of Independence Day will have the same great impact no matter what day we celebrate. This year we have three great ways to celebrate, including a free concert by Maryland’s very own American Idol, Jay Copeland.”

4th of July Fireworks Over Ocean City Maryland

This is not the first year that Ocean City has had to shift its plans for Independence Day. In 2020, the town canceled official fireworks shows due to the pandemic, and in 2021, a fiasco with fireworks vendor Starfire Corporation involving a premature explosion forced an unexpected cancellation, leading to great frustration. Thankfully, while plans have changed once again for 2022, there will still be fireworks to honor America’s 246th birthday.

Following the 2021 incident, the town searched for a new fireworks vendor, before settling on Ohio-Based American Fireworks in April. The $318,000 contract included July 4th and New Year’s presentations for 2022, 2023, and 2024. At the moment, it is unclear how the cancellation will impact the current terms of the contract, but American Fireworks has indicated to officials that their team is still on for the remaining shows included in the agreement.

Seacrets, also recognized for its major fireworks presentation each year, will not hold a show this year amidst labor shortages and extreme costs. In 2021, the popular bar, which relied on the same vendor as the town, also canceled its show out of an abundance of caution.

Neighboring towns including Berlin and Salisbury will still hold their regular festivities as planned.

Berlin will host fireworks at Heron Park beginning at dusk on July 3rd. Picturesque viewing areas aside from the park include the Dunkin Donuts parking lot at 113 and Old Ocean City Boulevard, along with Sonrise Church on westbound Route 50 in Berlin.

Nearby Salisbury will host the massive 7th annual Red White and BOOM event on July 4th at the James M. Bennett High School stadium. Gates open at 6:15 p.m. and the fireworks will officially begin at 9:15 p.m. The spectacles are visible from all across Salisbury.

Coastal Crackdown: The Battle Against Fake IDs

Logan Dubel
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Coastal Crackdown: The Battle Against Fake IDs

By Logan Dubel

Fake IDs
ID image courtesy of Getty Images

OceanCity.com Exclusive: How one local innovator is changing the game across Delmarva’s service industry through new technology and heightened alcohol security, protecting both businesses and visitors.

Bars and restaurants everywhere keep a close watch on who comes in and out of their establishments to protect both staff and patrons. However, in a town like Ocean City, which booms with hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer week, security surrounding alcohol is even more important. As young people, including minors, flock to the shore seeking fun, service industry leaders and their crews work diligently to ensure safety. Now, new technology and a growing local initiative are helping to crack down on one of Ocean City’s greatest enemies – fake identification.

Pickles Pub
Pickles Pub is among the bars taking part in the new program

Fake ID use is increasingly common among young people who come down the ocean in droves. Each year, an estimated 10,000 or more invalid IDs roll through Ocean City’s bars, with up to 12 different types of IDs presented to doormen in one night alone, making their jobs challenging. While little national data is available, a 2021 survey of students at the Ohio State University found that a whopping 69% claim to have obtained or used a fake ID. High school seniors and college students tend to be one of Ocean City’s largest visitor demographics, especially in early June.

Eric Chaplin, a service industry veteran who began his career at Fishtales and has called Delmarva home for over two decades, has created a revolutionary security program for establishments in the resort to curb this problem.

Card 101® offers a state-registered, three-part awareness course, helping bartenders and bouncers identify intoxicated customers, recognize fake identification, and employ conflict resolution techniques during tense situations. The top-rated state courses continue to educate bar staff across the shore.

However, what’s more eye-opening, is the brand-new BiSU ID Scanner, an app designed by Chaplin and his team, programmed to act as Delmarva’s “Big Brother,” and protect businesses.

“We developed a program designed for the unique atmosphere with identification we have here in the resort town,” said Eric Chaplin, author of the Card 101® program. “We get a lot of minors, who want to come and overenjoy, and they obtain IDs from all over, even overseas. Our people need extra training to ensure that we’re keeping liquor licenses, establishments, and our community safe.”

BiSU Fake ID ScannerHow does it work? As each patron enters, doormen scan the ID through the system, identifying whether the ID is valid, expired, underage, or fake. Still, the protection for businesses goes beyond just the initial scan. If an ID becomes marked as flagged in the system, staff can add additional notes regarding its legitimacy, or if the ID holder engages in poor behavior including fighting, unwanted touching, refusal to pay a tab, and more.

The BiSU private network is vast, and all information surrounding flagged IDs is available to other establishments in the resort. Thus, if a fake or flagged ID goes through a BiSU scanner at another restaurant, the doormen will have the necessary information to refuse entry to flagged individuals.

Although possessing or using invalid identification in Maryland is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, Chaplin notes that some training now instructs bouncers to allow people to retain flagged or fake IDs to reduce additional conflict. Plus, as the local BiSU network rapidly expands, the ID will likely not pass security measures at another establishment.

BiSU Fake ID Scanner“The BiSU ID scanner certainly does not replace doormen, but instead acts as a tool to assist them in making educated decisions about who they are allowing into their business,” Chaplin added. “We provide one extra tool to keep our local businesses safe.”

Numerous restaurants around Ocean City have adopted the app, including Shenanigan’s, the Purple Moose Saloon, Pickles Pub, Hammerheads, Pit & Pub, and Mother’s Cantina. The app adds a layer of protection for these businesses, especially when faced with compliance checks that could place their liquor licenses in jeopardy. Plus, some insurance companies may even offer discounts for the bars taking this extra security measure.

“We need this app, without a doubt. There are so many fake IDs out there, and we simply don’t know what’s what with just a glance,” said Steve Hoffman, an owner at the 28th Street Pit & Pub. “The program automatically lets us know whether the ID is legitimate, and since we started using it about a month ago, it has helped to maintain the safety of our customers and staff.”

BiSU Jellyfish BeerJust a few weeks ago, the Beer on the Beach event at the Jellyfish Festival used the scanner to process more than 500 IDs.

In the coming months, Chaplin hopes that more businesses adopt the BiSU ID Scanner, protecting not only themselves, but the entire resort community.

Summer 2022 Off to More Normal Start

Logan Dubel
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Summer 2022 Off to More Normal Start

By Logan Dubel

For the past few summers, no headline about the beginning of Ocean City’s summer season has seemed normal. However, 2022 is off to a mostly routine start, signaling a return to pre-pandemic norms in the town dominated by summer tourism.

From pandemic closures and forever evolving restrictions in 2020 to staffing shortages and law enforcement controversy in 2021, a simple and successful 2022 is exactly what Ocean City needs.

Still, amidst the tumultuous environment, Ocean City found a way to thrive, as many tourists avoided air travel and enjoyed their vacations within driving distance. First, the influence of stimulus money brought some desperate for an escape down to the shore, and later, the boom in remote work allowed many to take care of business while soaking in an unbeatable view. Although the pandemic took its toll on Ocean City, the town still reaped numerous benefits.

Now, with summer 2022 underway, by all metrics, it is finally a “normal” year.

“The common theme I’m hearing from business owners is that it feels like the summers of 2018 and 2019 – schools have been back in session, and traditional vacations aren’t usually until kids are out,” said Susan Jones, Executive Director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association. “The summers of 2020 & 2021 were fantastic for us, so we were spoiled.”

Aside from public health, staffing shortages acted as a major concern shared across the business community in recent years. Maryland regularly relies on the assistance of J-1 international workers, primarily in Ocean City, and from 2019 to 2021, the state saw a 58% decrease in summer work travel participants, according to new data released by Bridge USA. While many J-1s have returned, businesses have also altered operations to serve visitors and meet their bottom line in this new environment, easing concerns in 2022.

Undeniably, Ocean City has many pull factors that drive families into town year after year. However, above all, its proximity to countless metropolitan and suburban areas, which allows families to pack the car and hit the road, might be its most attractive attribute. As gas prices soar to nearly $5 per gallon in Maryland, many wonder whether the high prices could put a damper on the number of tourists heading down to the ocean.

Many voiced their views on the impact of the price at the pump on travel in the popular Facebook group, Save Money Ocean City, which has amassed 60,000 followers. Overwhelmingly, people are anxious to relax in the sand and will not let anything stop them. If they do have concerns over their pocketbook, they plan to dine out less once they arrive.

Susan Jones notes that a few smaller properties have reported cancellations over gas prices, but that for the typically busy months of July and August, advanced reservations are strong.

Whether relief is in sight or not, it appears for now that even this latest challenge will not keep loyal visitors from reaching their favorite summertime destination.

Families enjoying the Jellyfish Festival

For those who have already made their trip, they have likely enjoyed the packed special events calendar. So far, the town has kicked off the season with a bang, with the longtime Ocean City Air Show, as well as newer events including the Jellyfish Festival and Professional Bull Riding event.

Just as the season is picking up at hotels, the same is true for other businesses, including amusements and restaurants.

“The summer is picking up as many of the schools have taken their yearly field trips and enjoyed Splash Mountain Waterpark, Speedworld, and The Amusement Rides at 30th Street & The Pier,” explained Dawn Dillon, Director of Sales and Marketing at Jolly Roger Amusement Park. “It’s great to see the smiles on their faces, and it definitely brightens my day to know that our teams are providing fun in their lives.”

The outlook is just as strong in the restaurant industry.

“Business is very brisk, and we have a shiny outlook for the rest of the season,” said Rick Vach, Owner of Longboard Café. “We are still strongly recommending reservations a day or two in advance.”

Both resort leaders and visitors have their fingers crossed that the smooth sailing continues through Labor Day and beyond.

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