It’s Labor Day Weekend, we have reached the unofficial end of summer, and what a summer 2020 turned out to be! We have gathered together some of the pictures we have taken over the summer. We hope they remind you of your visit here this summer or entice you to visit us some time in the future. Take it away Ocean City Maryland!
Black flies have been plaguing us recently and I see that they are a hot topic of discussion for Ocean City beach goers this week. I did a little research and found that our writer, Tony Russo, addressed this topic almost exactly 4 years ago. Here’s some of the biology of flies and why a west wind bodes ill for beach-goers who are likely to attract the blood-hungry insect. Enjoy — and hope for a change in the wind direction!
Originally published September 9, 2016
Although black biting flies are a rarity on the boardwalk their occasional appearance isn’t unknown, although it always is unwelcome. I spoke with Ginny Rozenkrantz, who runs the lower shore University of Maryland Extension offices. She has a good handle on the fly problem and its (fleeting) solutions.
“Whenever you have a land breeze, you have a lot of flies,” said Rozenkrantz. The sea breeze traditionally keeps these flies on the mainland, but without resistance flies have no impediment. In fact, the wind actually helps them to cover larger distances than they normally would cover.
The deluge of last week brought out the worst in the flies, the larvae of which grow in moving water. Big storms in the fall, as we’ve been having, tend to encourage flies to join in in what the birds and bees are mostly known for. There were a bunch of flies around anyway. It’s been a less-than-great year for Assateague beach goers who don’t really dig the flies, so although Ocean City usually is immune, there already were a ton of flies active before last week’s storm.
The female flies feed on blood before laying their eggs. All of their biological clocks are ticking at deafening levels. So when given the opportunity they find their food where they can. People on the boardwalk in the still, or westward wind air are a perfect target. Moreover, they look to the untrained eye like normal flies until they’re inflicting an irrationally disproportionate level of pain on your arms and legs.
When the flies come to Ocean City’s Boardwalk there is no solution but to wait for the wind to change. Most pesticides prevent larvae from maturing, but once they mature there is little to be done. If bug spray is your thing (and it totally is mine, I’ll have the extra DEET version, thanks) use it generously. It works on Assateague, so it ought to work in Ocean City. Beyond that, just be patient and keep your eyes on the flags because when the wind changes it will disperse the flies.
The Town of Ocean City will not sponsor SunLITE, an alternative to Sunfest, this fall. However, local entities and businesses that are interested in holding a scaled-down festival are taking it over. “We are reversing roles” said Frank Miller, Special Events Director for the Town of Ocean City. “Before, the Town was spearheading the event and businesses played a strong supporting role. Now, the Downtown Association, OCDC, and Trimpers will be spearheading the effort.” The Town wants to test COVID friendly and family friendly event ideas, and SunLite is the perfect event to work on. This event will be smaller scale, and located on the Boardwalk. The primary elements include a big sidewalk sale along the boardwalk. Bikes will be allowed on the boardwalk all day and there will be craft vendors and other business vendors promoting and selling their wares spaced out along the boardwalk. This event is slated for October 2-4.
“It is not possible to plan on a traditional timeline ” said Frank Miller. “We are developing ideas at the same time we are trying to execute them. That’s just the way it is in 2020.” That’s why the Ocean City Development Corporation under Glenn Irwin’s leadership along with Trimpers and the Downtown Association are working hard to bring this event to Ocean City goers in about one month. Stay tuned for more details as they are worked out.
For several weeks, the Ocean City Council and Special Events Director Frank Miller struggled with a decision on SunLITE. The event was first proposed in early August, once it became clear that Sunfest, an Ocean City staple, would not be possible in 2020.
During a meeting on August 17, the council voted 6-1 to explore the idea of SunLITE. Councilman Dennis Dare opposed the motion, citing the need to save money during these unprecedented and unpredictable times. At the time, City Manager Doug Miller said that SunLITE would cost the town an estimated $50,000-$100,000. While the rest of the council did not know if SunLITE was feasible, they expressed a desire to see if businesses were interested.
At the work session on Tuesday, Miller discussed the results of a survey, which revealed a lack of interest from local businesses. More than 2,000 surveys were sent via email to local businesses with the help of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (HMRA), the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association, and the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC). Despite the massive effort to gauge interest, only 50 surveys were completed, including five duplicates.
While Miller said he understands how busy businesses are, he was disappointed in the lack of responses. “It’s hard to keep focused on their operations, let alone respond to an event survey. However, the lack of direct interest is concerning,” Miller said. “From the beginning, I’ve said that this event requires proactive participation from businesses, and the event surveys did not indicate that.”
Not among the Ocean City businesses who failed to express their desire to participate in the event was Trimper’s Rides. Miller gave props to Trimper’s President Antoinette Bruno and the entire team for showing their interest. Miller said that Trimper’s has taken the SunLITE component of a treasure hunt and developed a phone app concept, along with several other ideas for a successful event.
“My suggestion to you is that we as a town will not produce this event, but we will allow others to push forward some version of this event and to proactively do something special,” Miller said. He made clear that he will support businesses with these efforts, even though the Town of Ocean City is not the premier sponsor.
Following a question from Council Secretary Mary Knight, Miller assured that the town would not be making any additional investments into this event. “The only type of money we would use is money that is already earmarked for similar offerings,” Miller said. The town hopes to streamline permit processes and possibly assist with advertising.
Councilman Mark Paddack expressed his outrage over the lack of responses from local businesses. “This is absolutely deplorable…I’m just shocked at what I’m seeing here today,” Paddack said. He issued a general critique towards entities that always seek assistance from the town but failed to respond when town officials needed answers.
“People in business might be so busy that they didn’t even see the email,” claimed Council President Lloyd Martin. “The businesses are short-staffed, and I know that for a fact because I’m a business owner.”
Councilman Dennis Dare agreed with Councilman Paddack that the lack of interest was disappointing. He also discussed the need for improved event planning. “We need to be strategic and make sure we are doing the right thing at the right time. This event might be better suited for June,” Dare explained.
Mayor Rick Meehan acknowledged the challenges businesses are facing. “The businesses don’t have any help, and they are stretched thin, so that may have played a role in it. This might be a great event to add in June…I think to continue these discussions this fall would be a good idea,” Meehan said.
Just before the members of the council voted on the motion, Councilman John Gehrig made clear that no other funds should be spent on this event. Gehrig also voiced his displeasure with “using funds just to use them.”
The final vote was 6-0, with Councilman Tony DeLuca absent.
Assuming things are back to normal, Sunfest will return to Ocean City from September 30-October 3, 2021.
The Ocean City Center for the Arts is offering both in-person and online exhibits for September. Artists hope to inspire creativity and innovation.
An online video displaying the gallery shows will be available Friday, September 4th on Facebook Live or at https://artleagueofoceancity.org
Also, on September 4th, the physical galleries at the Arts Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing visitors with an additional three hours to look around. Face coverings are required, and capacity will be limited to accommodate social distancing. Admission is free.
“While this is not going to be our normal First Friday party reception with food and drink, we are hoping a small gathering of art lovers will inspire creativity and be a bit of fun, something we all could use a dose of right now,” said Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League.
The Thaler Gallery will feature “Patterns,” a group show featuring 2D and 3D creations. Christopher Harrington, chair of the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, will judge each work.
In the Galleria, “Artists Paint OC: Plein Air Event,” will be on display once again. These works were painted in and around Ocean City. “This is one more opportunity to see the wonderful paintings created by our plein air artists in August, and also to take home a masterpiece for your own home or business,” Thaler added.
Studio E will display “52 Leaves,” a collection of mosaics for every week of the year. Carol Rydel of Fenwick Island uses unique colors, shapes, and textures to illustrate each season and week.
The Spotlight Gallery will house Helen Smith’s “Pattern in Art and Nature.” Patterns convey balance, contrast, harmony, movement, and rhythm. Smith’s art fosters an emotional response from viewers.
According to a press release, Nancy Jarvis of Ocean Pines is the artisan for September. ” She creates visual pictures in 2D and 3D collage using vintage costume jewelry, and also creates seascapes under glass domes, mah jongg necklaces, and items made from seashells.”
Visitors can check out the exhibits through September 26th.
The Arts Center is offering several in-person and online classes. For more information, click here.
This is our last Photo Friday contest winner for the summer 2020 season. We have loved looking at all your photos this summer from Ocean City Md! They have shown family, kids, partners and friends enjoying the beach, the ocean, restaurants, activities, sunrises and sunsets, the odd special event and everything in between. You have shown us that even during this difficult summer, fun has been had and memories have been created, exactly what a trip to Ocean City should be. This week’s randomly selected winner of 4 FREE tickets to Jolly Roger is Patricia Hassett-Hook for this great shot of cousins enjoying the beach on a beautiful day in Ocean City! Congratulations Patricia! Keep taking pictures of Ocean City, and although there are no more Photo Friday Contests this summer, stay on the lookout for other great contests on OceanCity.com!
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that all public school systems are authorized to reopen during a press conference Thursday. Hogan issued a sharp warning to local school systems that have yet to consider bringing back students for some form of in-person instruction.
Hogan pointed to declines in key metrics such as the positivity rate and hospitalizations as he advocated for more schools to reopen. The statewide positivity rate is 3.30%, down 87% from its peak on April 17. The statewide positivity rate has remained below 5% for 63 days.
In late July, Hogan warned Marylanders about the gap in the positivity rate for those above and under 35. Now, that gap is slim. The positivity rate for those under 35 is 3.79%, compared to 2.97% for those over the age of 35.
As of Thursday morning, 412 people are in the hospital. This figure is down 76% from its peak 117 days ago.
Cases per 100,000 are also continuing to drop.
Despite this progress, eight of twenty-four jurisdictions have no plans to reopen for in-person instruction anytime soon. Hogan said that schools throwing their hands up and making no effort to reopen is “simply unacceptable.”
“In order for us to keep moving forward and to keep making progress, it is absolutely critical that we begin the process of getting our children safely and gradually back into the classrooms,” Hogan said. “There is broad and overwhelming agreement…that finding a way to begin safely returning children to classrooms must be a priority…There is no substitute for in-person instruction.”
While Hogan believes that many of these jurisdictions feel it is easier to issue prolonged closures, he feels it is imperative that students return to the classroom sooner rather than later. In the end, county school boards still have the authority to make final decisions.
The governor and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon urged schools to reconsider their decisions to remain 100% closed. Changes for the start of the school year are unlikely, as the school year in most localities begins in just ten days. While Hogan would like to see districts flip the switch now, he knows that is unlikely. He hopes to see changes announced by the end of the first marking period.
Salmon announced that $10 million in grant funding will be available for systems that push towards in-person instruction at the end of the first quarter. Resources that are currently available include $345 million in CARES Act funding, technology, grants to address academic accessibility, targeted tutoring, and expanded broadband access. Additionally, Salmon emphasized the importance of schools offering a minimum of three hours of live instruction per day.
Acting Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Jinlene Chan made clear that if school systems decide to open, safety measures are paramount. Physical distancing, face coverings, cleaning, disinfection, and staying home if sick are all key components of reopening plans. If schools reopen and cases of Covid-19 are confirmed, local health departments and school systems would handle mitigation efforts.
Hogan and Salmon will be traveling to schools that have reopened over the next several weeks to observe their progress.
Following these announcements, MSEA, the local affiliate of the National Education Association, responded to the governor’s calls to reopen schools. “The state abdicated responsibility for months for creating reopening standards and told districts to develop their own plans. Now they undercut hard decisions schools have made to keep students and educators safe days before the year begins. This is a recipe for chaos and destruction,” MESA tweeted.
During his press conference, Hogan acknowledged that unions are strongly opposed to resuming any sort of in-person instruction.
As students prepare to begin the school year virtually, Ocean City is pushing a new effort to bring families to the Beach. “With fewer crowds and beautiful weather, there’s truly no better setting to work remotely than Ocean City, Maryland. Bring your studies to the shore because a change of scenery and a peaceful work haven will ensure plenty of productivity ahead,” the town wrote in an email to tourists.
The resort is promoting several attractions such as the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, the Delmarva Discovery Center, and the Worcester County Library as places for additional educational opportunities.
Susan Jones, Executive Director of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, believes that parents and students will find Ocean City to be the perfect education destination. “The fall is a gorgeous time of year in our special town. Kids and parents are at wit’s end and mental health is a real concern for many parents who are worried about their kids,” Jones said. “Sitting on a hotel balcony and watching a zoom lesson will provide a relaxing atmosphere and allow for a little fun.”
Many hotels are offering special packages to bring people down to the ocean. This may help to recoup losses from the pandemic.
To find a Covid-19 testing site, click here.
To watch the full press conference, click here.
Almost nothing is normal in 2020, but last weekend, Ocean City hosted an event that has been a part of the town for quite some time. ArtX, now in its third year, aims to promote artistic expression. Even during a pandemic, the event was a shining success.
The free festival took place at Northside Park on August 22 and 23. In total, 28 vendors set up throughout the park, showing off and selling their unique photos, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, drawings, and more.
Approximately 4,000 people attended the event over two days, which is down 50% from 2019. However, Special Events Director Frank Miller is pleased with the turnout. “In 2020, we never know what to expect,” Miller said. “However, the 50% figure is a trend we are noticing across the board.”
While a group of 4,000 people may seem alarming, Miller explained that people flowed throughout Northside Park and distanced from each other. “Northside Park is 58 acres in size. Vendors set up far apart from each other, and people continued to move around. There were never any noticeable large crowds,” Miller said.
When advertising ArtX, Ocean City officials made clear that social distancing and masks were required due to Covid-19.
In addition to the vendors, the event offered interactive activities for people of all ages. Children were able to tie-dye t-shirts, make kites, illustrate frisbees, and paint.
For those looking to advance their skills or try something new, the Art League of Ocean City hosted workshops. Professional artists demonstrated their techniques and assisted amateurs with painting. Creations included summer beach scenes, horseshoe crabs, and flowers.
Rina Thaler, Executive Director of the Art League of Ocean City, was excited to provide a creative experience during these unprecedented times. “The town coordinated this event as a way to show how important the arts are. The arts are the fabric of this town. People were so happy to have something to do,” Thaler said.
Food and beverage vendors were also present for the event.
Despite the roaring success of the festival, indoor ArtX spaces attracted far fewer visitors than Northside Park. Miller noted that most people are still cautious when it comes to entering enclosed spaces.
Earlier this summer, the town advertised that live musicians would take to the stage at 8 p.m. on August 22. Due to restrictions from the Maryland Department of Health, no large concert occurred. This directive also prevents the now-canceled Sunfest from having headliners. Instead, local musicians spread out across the park, adding to the artistic ambiance of the festival.
Miller emphasized that this event was worth having, and that the vendors who attended, did quite well. On the flip side, he believes that Sunfest would be a completely different story. “Sunfest is a totally different event, which is why it simply was not possible to do it this year. Both events have vendors, but Northside Park is huge. There is room for the vendors to social distance, and there are fewer vendors for ArtX than for Sunfest,” Miller said. “Sunfest has 300 vendors, a smaller footprint of space, and enclosed tents. Enclosed spaces are frowned upon by health officials, and so are large concerts.”
Even though visitors and businesses will have to wait until 2021 for Sunfest, SunLITE is still a possibility for the first weekend in October. Miller pointed out that the Ocean City Mayor and Council will make the final call, but that business interest is the driving indicator. “We need interest and excitement from local businesses. We have just under 40 days to bring this together, and marketing this is a crazy idea in itself. However, if the businesses want this, then we will do it,” Miller explained.
The Ocean City Council will meet for a work session on September 1 and discuss SunLITE.
The Ocean City Council voted last week to allow Class 1 electric bicycles on the Boardwalk. However, Class 2 and 3 bicycles are prohibited.
Councilman Tony DeLuca said that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee collaborated with the Ocean City Police Department and a local rental shop to reach a decision.
The vote tally was 4-3, with Council President Lloyd Martin, Council Secretary Mary Knight, and Councilman Dennis Dare opposed. These members spoke against allowing any electric bikes on the Boardwalk due to safety concerns.
Members of the council who supported the change in the city’s code pointed to the fact that Class 1, pedal-assist e-bikes reach speeds of just 20 mph and do not have a throttle.
While the council is right about Class 1 e-bikes, Kurt Dawson, owner of the local Pedego Electric Bikes store, believes that the council does not have the full story when it comes to Class 2 e-bikes.
Many of Pedego’s bicycles are Class 2, and Dawson said they do not reach speeds of greater than 20 mph, similar to Class 1 bicycles. Even though Class 2 bikes have a throttle, they also have a pedal-assist system, consisting of five modes. The first level hinders the bike from reaching speeds of greater than 8 mph. Speeds of 20 mph are only possible at level five, which Dawson feels is not necessary on the Boardwalk. He added that when riders were allowed on the Boardwalk, he always alerted them to avoid using the throttle and not to exceed speeds of 8 mph, in the interest of safety. The bicycles have a speedometer, which allows riders to monitor and control their speed.
Dawson does not contest that Class 3 bikes do not belong on the Boardwalk, as they can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. He does hope to see the council change its course when it comes to Class 2 bikes.
“Instead of figuring out which bicycles are allowed, we should set a speed limit. I would even recommend 8 mph. Since the council is focusing on speed, and Class 1 and Class 2 bikes are the same in that respect, they should both be permitted. We can’t take a privilege away without having the full story, especially since this is how many people get around,” Dawson said.
Dawson also expressed his desire to speak with members of the council and other officials at City Hall. He said that he has reached out but received no response. When Dawson does get in touch with local officials, he wants to discuss the facts about electric bikes. He said that members of the council should have the best information possible before making a decision next time around. He also aims to learn more about the statistics of regular bicycle collisions versus electric bicycle collisions.
This decision is making matters worse for Dawson, with Covid-19 already putting a dent in the new store, the sole electric-only bike shop across the Delmarva Peninsula.
Dawson is hoping that the Boardwalk will once again be a choice for his riders in the near future. However, there are still many options for riders. Dawson explained that the most popular route is from Ocean City to Assateague Island, and that visitors have enjoyed exploring the area, surrounded by wild ponies. Pedego Electric Bikes is open for business each day except for Tuesday.
The Ocean City Film Festival will wrap up its summer drive-in movie series at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on September 1 at 8 p.m. Several films will be shown, all of which are from the 3rd Annual OC Film Challenge.
The OC Film Challenge encourages filmmakers across the region to create works about Ocean City.
Admission is free, and vehicles can easily social distance in the large parking lot. The film night will run for under two hours.
Short films that will be screened include:
Following the conclusion of the short films, there will be a screening of Terry Sterner’s “Ash Wednesday Storm,” which details the powerful 1933 hurricane that resulted in the creation of the Ocean City Inlet.
William “B.L.” Strang-Moya, Founder and Creative Director of the Ocean City Film Festival, is excited to share the unique local films with the public. “All of these films were produced exclusively this summer. These movies are the most Ocean City-specific content you can find. All of the filmmakers have different backgrounds, and it is cool to see people produce content of this caliber,” said Strang-Moya. “It’s a new experience, and it’s about being a member of our artist community as we build the culture of Ocean City.” While some may be apprehensive about seeing these new local films, Strang-Moya encourages people to have an open mind. “The movies are not out of Hollywood, but it is all about supporting the community and experiencing something exclusive to the Town of Ocean City,” Strang-Moya said.
“These movies are all so different, and that’s what’s so wonderful about them,” said Elaine Bean, Marketing and Communications Director at the Art League of Ocean City.
For more information, call (410) 524-9433 or click here.
Councilman Dennis Dare has been a dedicated servant to the Town of Ocean City for decades. He served as City Engineer from 1982 to 1990, and City Manager from 1990 to 2011. He garnered tremendous support in the 2012 city council election and won his re-election bid in 2016.
Dare believes that his prior experience has served him well over the past eight years on the council. “It’s benefitted me immensely. I know the actual operations of the town. We have many departments and divisions. The mayor, council, and city manager have different departments and divisions to oversee. There’s finance, human resources, the city garage, but then we have a golf course, fire department, beach patrol, and waste-water plant operation. It’s so diverse,” Dare said. “In 38 years, you get to know all the different people well.”
Dare addressed the controversial 2011 council vote that ultimately resulted in his retirement, and why he decided to return. “It was a trying time, but it was mostly the way it came down,” Dare said. “As I sat out for several months, I thought I had a unique perspective and wanted to finish some of the things that were in progress.” During his time as City Manager, Dare focused heavily on the expansion of the Ocean City Convention Center and beach replenishment.
Dare: As City Engineer, they gave you a project and some money and told you to go do it. As City Manager, you had to find money to do things and present it to the council for approval. I’d sit there and look at the elected officials and wonder what they were thinking. As a councilman, it’s a whole different perspective. Now, you have to work with the other elected officials and with the constituents. We have four different groups of constituents. We have the residents, the non-residents that own condominiums and homes, the business owners, and finally, we have the visitors who love Ocean City…Only one group gets to vote for elected officials, but I’ve always felt obligated to represent everyone. However, I did learn a long time ago that you can’t please everyone.
Councilman Dare has not made up his mind about whether he will run this election cycle, but he still has time to decide. The candidate filing deadline is not until October 6. If he decides against a run, he promises to remain active as a citizen.
Over the past decade, social media has become a top source of information. Dare said that elected officials have to be cautious when reading posts on social media. “Too often, you look at social media posts, and you start to form the public’s opinion. Half of the opinions people post on social media, they wouldn’t say it to your face, but for some reason, a person goes online and becomes a keyboard warrior. I’ve learned to separate that out, but everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Dare said.
He believes that when voting on issues, members of the council must investigate and become educated. Dare explained that just understanding the “capstone” is not enough to form a decision.
Councilman Dare is outspoken about the need for responsible spending due to the pandemic. The council voted unanimously last week to cancel Sunfest. However, the vote to consider SunLITE, which could cost between $50,000 and $100,000, was not unanimous. Dare was the only member to oppose. When the council discussed the motion, Dare spoke about the 2008 furloughs and hiring freezes. He made clear that he never wants to be forced down that path again.
“I know what a train wreck looks like. We had one in 2008 when the economy went down. At the time, we had over 600 full-time employees, and in a matter of six months, I presented many proposals to the mayor and council. We shrunk the budget by $5 million, and I had to cut 100 full-time employees. It was painful,” Dare said. “We still feel some of the pain of those decisions. I’m afraid of what I foresee. I hope none of this happens, but we are going to have to dip into our rainy-day fund for this past fiscal year.”
A second budget amendment was just approved for Fiscal Year 2020, containing an overall increase of $10 million, and a decrease of more than $430,000 in the general fund. Despite this amendment, there is good news to report. The town racked up nearly $3 million in June, which is up nearly $50,000. This will help to alleviate some financial stress.
Dare expressed his worries about the next fiscal year, and the additional changes that might be necessary due to declines in revenue this summer. “We’re going to have deficiencies in room tax, food tax, admission and amusement tax, sales tax, slot revenue is going to be off, and parking revenue is going to be down,” Dare noted. “We have to take every advantage to save money because we are going to need it. If we don’t, we are going to have to make very painful decisions.”
While Dare recognized that the resort town has been crowded with tourists this summer, he said that he remains skeptical that the numbers will be normal.
Dare is not actively pushing for a tax increase, but he recognizes that costs must be covered somehow. Instead of increasing taxes, Dare believes there are alternatives such as more paid parking. Millions of dollars are spent on beach replenishment, and Dare said that visitors should help to cover that cost. “There’s a way to do this, and it needs to be done. We can get things done without a tax increase,” Dare said. “If you are against a tax increase, then you need to be for some other way of raising funds for services that are demanded by the residents, non-residents, businesses, and visitors.”
The battle against Covid-19 continues in Ocean City, though Dare admits that the town’s response has not been perfect. A staunch supporter of wearing masks and social distancing, Dare questioned the decision to hold in-person council meetings. “They were meeting together socially distanced, but no one was wearing masks,” Dare said. “The audience wasn’t required to wear masks. It’s just a lot of poor decisions along those lines.” The council is back to meeting virtually, but Dare, who has underlying health conditions, refused to return to City Hall, even when in-person meetings resumed.
Councilman Dare also addressed the Boardwalk mask mandate. He agrees with the directive but voiced his frustrations about enforcement. “If you don’t want the police to enforce it, then you don’t put it in writing,” Dare said. “They’re going to do what they are told, and the mayor said wear masks on the Boardwalk.”
Dare: We’ve followed all of the governor’s mandates. Initially, while the stay-at-home order was in place, we went a step farther by mandating that hotels and motels close. We’ve been consistent with the governor’s orders twice. Once with the lodging, and once with lifting the stay-at-home order. As far as quarantine lists go, that’s at a higher pay grade than us…It appears that locally, we haven’t suffered terribly. Do people go back to Pittsburgh or Lancaster and develop symptoms? Possibly.
Dare emphasized the importance of more law enforcement on the Boardwalk to combat unrest and crime. He hopes that the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) can hire ten more officers. He said that one of the reasons he is so cautious when it comes to spending is because of situations like these, when hiring more employees is necessary. “The way that we are going to overcome the deterioration, I hate to use that word, but it’s true, is to have more police officers,” Dare said. “We need more code enforcement, especially in the downtown area. I just did a white paper on the revitalization of the downtown and what it takes…some of that work is not getting done, and it’s starting to show up. If we want the businesses to make money, we have to provide more infrastructure, whether that’s in the form of a new water line or more police officers.”
Dare: We need to maintain and restore our fundamental image of being safe and clean. I’d like to see more people living in Ocean City. One of the things the Covid crisis has brought forth is that people can work remotely. We have an opportunity to draw new residents. Why not live where people vacation? There are a lot of things to offer. One of the roadblocks is how taxpayers are being treated unfairly by Worcester County. We must address that.
To send a message to Councilman Dennis Dare, click here.
Keep an eye out for an announcement about whether Dare will seek re-election or not!
Welcome to our selection of this week’s Photo Friday pictures. 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 to our Photo Friday Contest. They show family, fun, beautiful scenery, the OC Airshow and other memorable moments, all captured by your phones. This week’s randomly selected winner of 4 FREE tickets to Jolly Roger is Stephanie Ryan, for this great shot of her family showing their love for Ocean City! Congratulations Stephanie! Keep taking pictures of Ocean City, and be on the look out for next weeks Photo Friday Contest.
The Lower Shore Land Trust is holding a virtual 30-mile River Rally on the water and trails to commemorate its 30th Anniversary. The event will run from September 4-27 and encourages people of all ages and skill levels to venture outdoors and explore Delmarva.
The first River Rally was held in 2018, celebrating the Pocomoke River and the history of the watershed. The single-day event included pontoon boat and kayak tours. The River Rally will be quite different in 2020 due to Covid-19, but the mission of conservation remains the same.
The River Rally will span nearly all of September and is not limited to any area. Participants can kayak, paddleboard, canoe, hike, and bike at their favorite locations, including the Viewtrail 100. An interactive map with the perfect spots for these activities is in the works.
Those who wish to take part should register online. Registration is $30 per person and $45 for families. These funds will help the organization reach its goal of $10,000, allowing staff and volunteers to continue their environmental efforts.
Not sure if you can complete all 30 miles? No worries, the 30-mile mark is symbolic of the organization’s anniversary, and a few miles is sufficient. The most important thing is to get outside and enjoy the ambiance of Delmarva’s most beautiful sites! Participants can log their experiences using an app or enter their miles into a downloadable form.
All participants will receive a T-shirt. Additionally, registrants will have the chance to win prizes, which will be distributed randomly.
Exploring our local ecosystems is the perfect activity for this time of social distancing.
Founded in 1990, the Lower Shore Land Trust began as a small volunteer organization to address suburban land sprawl and to ensure that lands and natural resources remain plentiful in the future. Kate Patton, Executive Director, said that the group has slowly grown over time and that protecting land is their top priority. “We work in conservation and land stewardship. We help landowners and communities save property to preserve water, wildlife, and recreational value. People are looking to get outside, and they want places where they won’t be around a ton of people. With this event, people can recreate for a cause,” Patton said.
The Lower Shore Land Trust has saved 21,000 acres of land on more than 125 properties over the last three decades. The group also works on conservation projects to aid migratory birds and pollinators.
Without the efforts of this non-profit organization, more land could be developed, resulting in the destruction of biodiverse ecological communities and a reduction in the availability of vital natural resources. “The region where we are has a special ecosystem. It’s a biodiverse area with a lot of habitat for migrating birds. Additionally, having marshland is crucial for water quality. The water where we fish and swim has to be clean, and without buffers like marshes, contaminants can easily infiltrate,” Patton explained.
To register or become a sponsor, visit https://www.lowershorelandtrust.org or click here.
For more details, send an email to kpatton@lowershorelandtrust.
If you’re lucky enough, when visiting Ocean City, and Maryland’s Coastal Bays, you may spot a Striped Burrfish!!
When looking at the Striped Burrfish, you might think that you are looking at a Northern Pufferfish, a similar fish found in the Coastal Bays. While they are eerily similar, there are some key features that differentiate the burrfish from the pufferfish. The first major feature that makes the Striped Burrfish stand out are its spike-like spines sticking out all over its body. These spines stay fixed in place, meaning they are always protruding out, protecting the burrfish from predators. The burrfish actually have very few predators because most animals cannot get past these spines.
Other features that make the Striped Burrfish unique are the dark and wavy stripes that run across its entire body, and the various large dark spots present on its yellowish-brown skin.
The Striped Burrfish has green and blue colored pupils and a small beak-like mouth with impressively strong jaws that allow them to crunch through crabs, snails, and many other hard-shelled creatures. Striped Burrfish typically grow to be a maximum length of 10 inches.
And don’t worry- neither the local burrfish nor the pufferfish species are poisonous!
Striped Burrfish can be found in the Atlantic Ocean as far north as Nova Scotia and down through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. Striped Burrfish can even be found as far south as Brazil! Although they are uncommon to find north of North Carolina, they are found in Maryland in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as right here in Maryland’s Coastal Bays! The number one habitat for Striped Burrfish in the Coastal Bays (as well as other regions) is sea grass beds. During spawning, it is believed that burrfish travel offshore, though little is known about their breeding.
Like pufferfish, the Striped Burrfish can take in water to inflate its body when it feels threatened. It does this with the help of an organ called the buccal pump. The spikes of the burrfish are an additional defense mechanism that the pufferfish does not have. Another interesting thing about burrfish is that rather than relying solely on their fins, Striped Burrfish use their gills like jets and push water through them to propel themselves forward. Striped Burrfish are not popular for consumption or harvesting in the seafood industry, but they are common in the pet and aquarium trade, due to their interesting appearance! Despite their popularity in this industry, it is encouraged that if you encounter one of these awesome creatures, that you let it stay wild!
Collin Ludwig was the 2020 summer science intern with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Collin is originally from Mount Airy, Maryland and is currently studying environmental studies and urban and regional planning at Salisbury University. Collin spent the summer working with the MCBP science department on various monitoring projects, restoration site maintenance, and data entry and analysis.
For more information on the Maryland Coastal Bays Program science and education programs, please email cjoiner@mdcoastalbays.org.
The Ocean City Council voted to officially cancel Sunfest on Monday night, after weeks of discussion about the future of the event. Vendors that already made deposits will be refunded, and their spots will be saved for 2021. The town planned to host the 46th Annual Sunfest from October 1-4 in the hopes that the Covid-19 pandemic would no longer be a threat. However, as the event draws closer and the virus continues to spread, officials simply do not believe that holding a major festival is possible.
The 2020 Sunfest has been a hot topic of conversation for the council since the beginning of August. Earlier this month, Special Events Director Frank Miller revealed that statewide Covid-19 restrictions apply to Sunfest, preventing large music events or food tents from being a part of the coveted festival.
Miller said that the loss of ticket sales from musical entertainment alone amounts to $142,000. While he said that the event could still generate revenue, he was skeptical of the willingness of businesses and vendors to participate. A survey of 157 vendors revealed that 38% were questioning whether they would participate, and 54% said that they were comfortable attending. However, 13% of the people willing to attend were motivated by concerns of losing their spot at a future festival rather than actually coming to the 2020 event.
Several weeks ago, Miller and members of the council warned against the backlash the town would face in the media if they were to sponsor the event. They also discussed the negative impact on the event’s reputation as one of the top festivals in the nation.
The responses from vendors, the potential for bad optics, and limitations due to Covid-19 led the council to unanimously vote in favor of the cancellation of Sunfest.
Despite this cancellation, officials are still looking to promote an alternative event dubbed SunLITE. Each member of the council except for Councilman Dennis Dare voted in favor of moving forward with discussions about SunLITE.
The proposed event would take place from October 2-4 and would rely heavily on the Ocean City business community. People would be dispersed throughout the downtown area, and pets and bicycles would be allowed. Visitors may enjoy shopping experiences, while other fun events such as the Kite Loft’s Kite Festival and Park Place Jewelers’ beach treasure hunt could provide families with activities. The town is also hoping to enlist the Art League of Ocean City, the Ocean City Library, and other amusements to make the event a success.
Over the next few weeks, Miller will consult with members of the business community about their willingness to participate. He will also assess the financial impact on the town. If it is possible to have SunLITE, then the town will kick planning into high gear.
There is no doubt among each member of the council that SunLITE is a perfect concept. However, there is much disagreement over whether it is possible to pull it off in so little time.
Councilman Dennis Dare discussed the need for the town to save money, considering the major declines in revenue due to Covid-19. “We’ve got to tighten our belts,” Dare said. He added that room tax is down and that he is concerned about possible furloughs and a hiring freeze, so the event should just be written off for this year. Later, he pointed out that the weather in the fall is unpredictable and that the tropics are more active this hurricane season.
Other members of the council agreed with Dare about the importance of responsible spending, but they are willing to invest in SunLITE if there is an opportunity to generate revenue. Councilman John Gehrig questioned whether the “juice is worth the squeeze.” He added, “If we don’t have the support of the businesses, this will be a dud.”
Officials continued to share their desire to have the event and to provide businesses with an event to boost sales. However, they know that it will not come without a hefty cost.
Members of the council began to ask Frank Miller for a cost estimate. City Manager Doug Miller chimed in with $50,000 to $100,000.
Following this comment, it became unclear if the council would even vote in favor of hosting SunLITE. “There’s a lot of risks, and this is out of my comfort zone with it being 45 days out…In 2020, we don’t know what to expect in terms of interest from businesses,” said Special Events Director Frank Miller. He added that the event is supposed to appease businesses who are desperate for an event during this time frame.
Council Secretary Mary Knight said that she approves of the concept, but that it may be better suited for next June. Councilman Mark Paddack discussed his experience at the OC Air Show and said that since the weather was far from perfect, the Boardwalk was not very crowded. However, he is nervous that crowds could gather on a sunnier day, presenting a social distancing nightmare. “I was all for this last Tuesday, and now I’m having cold feet about it,” Paddack said. Both he and Knight later reasoned that they would support the event, assuming that it can be successful.
Council President Lloyd Martin along with Councilmen Tony DeLuca and Matt James believe that more information is needed. They would support the event if it is possible to pull it off.
The council eventually decided to send Miller on a fact-finding mission over the next few weeks to determine the viability of the event. No funds will be spent during this time.
Councilman Gehrig told Councilman Dare that he may be right about the event not being possible this year, but that it is worth taking a shot.
Mayor Rick Meehan issued a statement following the announcement. “Ocean City has actively promoted the many ways visitors can enjoy the town while maintaining physical distancing this summer, but for an event like Sunfest, we recognized it would not be possible to host the event in a way that was in the best interest of public health. Late summer and early fall offers the best weather of the year in Ocean City, and we look forward to welcoming guests in a way that can balance fun with their safety and health,” said Meehan.
There is no regular meeting or work session currently scheduled for the rest of August. However, Miller is expected to provide officials with more information soon.
To see the council agenda from Monday night, click here.
Peter Buas, 29, a native of Ocean City, is hoping to bring a new perspective to City Hall. With a background in the hospitality industry, a law degree, and a fresh set of ideas, Buas believes that he can make a difference. In an interview with OceanCity.com, he discussed the election and his vision to revitalize the downtown area.
Four seats on the Ocean City Council are up for grabs this election season, and native Peter Buas is hoping that voters give him a chance. Buas announced his candidacy in July and is hoping to have a positive impact on the community.
Buas grew up in the hospitality industry, working at the Buckingham Hotel. He graduated from Worcester Preparatory School, attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and then earned a law degree from the University of Baltimore. He began his career as a clerk for the Circuit Court of Worcester County and now serves as an associate attorney at the firm Williams, Moore, Shockley, and Harrison, LLP.
The young candidate believes in responsible spending, increased transparency in the decisions made by the council, improving the public image of the town, supporting staff, and revitalizing the downtown area. He does not view his candidacy as a political adventure, but rather a way to give back to the local community. Buas feels that now is the right time to jump in and serve the town he loves.
Buas learned the importance of dedication as a teenager, working at the Buckingham Hotel. He credits much of his success to the town in which he grew up and still lives in today. “I didn’t realize this until I went off to college, but this town is very special for families. The people who grew up down here turn out to be some of the most dedicated and hardworking, well-rounded people there are. I credit a lot of that to the fact that this is a business town,” Buas said.
Buas takes a wide range of cases at his firm and calls his decision to study law the best of his life. He looks forward to using his experience in discussions about local ordinances and to aid residents. “Right now, I get to work with residents and business owners to solve their problems. If elected, I will help them from the perspective of the town,” Buas said.
“We need a voice on the council from someone that’s living and breathing this town every day, especially downtown. I’m someone that works in this town and talks with residents and businesses. I also grew up in this town. All of that combined with my background puts me in a unique position to jump in and make a difference. If you want someone who is homegrown, deeply cares for this community, and who will work to make it better, then I’m your guy. There are a lot of things that this town does well, but I feel that now is the time to run and help the community.”
“This is new territory for me…but ‘Buas’ will be plastered all over Ocean City,” he said about his campaign. Buas added that while he must continue to work to get his name out there, he is talking to members of the community daily about the issues they are facing. Buas is also using his website to deliver his message.
One of the keystone issues Buas is focusing in on is the increasing crime and disturbances on the Boardwalk. He resides on 7th Street and Baltimore Avenue, right in the middle of where much of the unrest took place this June. On his website, he wrote, “This year has been particularly difficult for our community. Ocean City has endured noise, litter, and recklessness like never before, especially in the Downtown and Boardwalk areas. Although these problems have recently increased, they are not a new phenomenon. Ocean City needs fresh new ideas to curb this trend and reinforce Downtown as a safe place for families to both visit and live.”
Buas believes that more action can be taken at the town level through ordinances. While he appreciates local representatives working with colleagues at higher levels of government, he feels that the town can simultaneously work on its own and with others. He credits Wayne Hartman, who represents district 38-C in the Maryland House of Delegates, for pushing through legislation to assist Ocean City.
Buas does have strategies in mind to drive change. He insists that an increased presence of community members, along with the police, could curb the issues on the Boardwalk. “We are blessed with a great town staff, and we should have more people from the Department of Public Works and other groups down there…There also needs to be an infusion of full-time residents. We can promote that through additional tax incentives on top of what Tony DeLuca pushed through for new construction last month,” Buas said. He believes that a greater community presence will deter agitators from causing issues.
Buas’ playbook does not include a curfew. He feels that a curfew is not the right solution and doubts that it could even be enforced effectively. He also cautions against the optics. Instead, Buas believes in initiatives such as late-night community cleanups which could keep troublemakers away, without the negative connotation of regulations that take away freedoms for families.
To combat littering, another issue on the Boardwalk, Buas encourages both public and private entities to take action. If elected, he will work with businesses and town staff to further expand Green Team initiatives and even begin new projects.
From local government all the way to the White House, tax increases and decreases are always a hot topic during an election cycle. Buas pointed out that Worcester County officials did increase room tax from 4.5% to 5% at the beginning of this year, but that it does not necessarily affect residents. If elected, he will certainly oppose a tax increase for residents. “I’m not a big supporter of a tax increase,” Buas said.
Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the state and in Worcester County, but the positivity rate is drastically lower than in previous weeks. Despite this headway, local businesses are continuing to feel the effects of the pandemic.
While Buas would not discuss his thoughts on Mayor Meehan’s mask directive, he did voice his support for the business community. “These business owners are resilient, and they have been over the past year, and they will continue to be. They are doing everything they can to stay safe, keep everyone employed, and make money. It’s not easy, but they are doing it, and they will keep doing it. We are blessed with a great Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (HMRA), who are trying to get in front of this. As long as we keep being innovative and compliant, economically, we are going to do the best we can,” Buas said.
“I want to constantly re-enforce the fact that this city is a safe place for families to live and visit. That’s the overarching vision. Residents are safe here, families that come down and visit are safe here, it’s always fun, and a great place to be.”
The candidate filing deadline is October 6, and election day is November 3. This year, many, if not all, will cast their ballots by mail due to the ongoing pandemic. The top four vote-getters will secure spots on the council, serving the people of the Town of Ocean City.
To speak with Buas directly, call (443) 497-1454 or email Peter@OCRooms.com
For Buas’ website, click here.
To visit the campaign’s Facebook page, click here.
Welcome to our selection of this week’s Photo Friday pictures. 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 to our Photo Friday Contest. They show family, fun, beautiful scenery, and memorable moments, all captured by your phones. This weeks winner of 4 FREE tickets to Jolly Roger is Justine McFarland, for this great family picture showing you are never too old to have fun at the beach in Ocean City! Congratulations Justine! Keep taking pictures of Ocean City, and be on the look out for next weeks Photo Friday Contest.
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