Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk

Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk
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Coastal Highway was the scene of another horrific accident this week. This time involving a recent college graduate, who was crossing on her bike from east to west against the light when a southbound box truck struck her. Whenever these types of tragedies occur, there’s a desire among many to address the situation on the road and explore major infrastructure improvements. The fact here is Coastal Highway is a dangerous place a few months a year. That’s why some call it “eight lanes of hell.” Ocean City has gone the education route to address the problem. This ongoing public relations campaign started years ago when a handful of pedestrians were killed trying to cross the highway. There’s no question education has worked to a degree because fatalities and injuries along the road have decreased significantly over the years.

Unfortunately, accidents still do occur. They are inevitable with the high volume of traffic and pedestrians during the summer months. From what I observe, and I don’t mean to be callous here, most of the accidents are a result of user error. There’s a lack of common sense usually to blame in every pedestrian accidents, whether it’s not crossing at the designated areas or ignoring the traffic lights, as was the case this week. For instance, while police were investigating the fatal accident on Tuesday, a father and son tried to cross the highway in front of an ambulance that was on the scene. The father reportedly peaked around the ambulance to see if traffic was coming in the southbound direction. That’s just stupid. The crosswalk was not 20 yards away. The problem is the education message cannot reach everyone and not everyone is willing to listen.

The Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office has used the recent carbon monoxide scare at a downtown condominium as motivation to re-emphasize the law mandating detectors are needed in all resort dwelling units. Last week it was reported widely there were no detectors in the unit at the El Capitan or the common area where the leak reportedly occurred.

“Carbon Monoxide detectors are mandated by the Building Code, to be

installed in existing one and two Family dwellings within the Town of Ocean City. To protect your family, the Ocean City Fire Marshals Office recommends the installation of a listed CO detector in a central location outside of all sleeping areas if your home contains any fuel burning equipment. CO detectors should be tested monthly and the batteries should be replaced according to the manufacturers recommendations, which is typically twice a year,” the release read.

The press release also reminds property owners of a $1,000 per day fine if they are not installed, although no fine has reportedly been issued on the El Capitan. Some sort of slap on the wrist is needed in this case. That will let people know the city is serious and not just leveling threats.

The Sun dining critic Elizabeth Large probably did more harm than good around these parts with her list of Top 10 Beach Eats. She compiled her list after eating at a few of the places listed and speaking to residents. She’s hoping to hear what others have to say, so I figured I would print her list. Let the debates beginGo to The Sun’s website and email her to give her your opinion. Nonetheless, here’s what Large wrote:

— Best Italian: Fresco’s. Pastas are a specialty. No surprise there.

— Best sunset bar: Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill. Chosen because of the stirring rendition of Kate Smith singing "God Bless America" as the sun sets.

— Best place to dress up and wear your pearls: Nantuckets in nearby Fenwick Island

— Best pizza: Tony’s on the Boardwalk

— Best crab cake: Captain’s Galley II

— Best steamed crabs: On the Bay Seafood

— Best place for coffee and dessert: Jules

— Best breakfast: Bayside Skillet (as long as you want crepes or an omelet)

— Best hidden gem: Grove Market in Bishopville. Hole in the wall with four-star food, I’ve heard.

— Best lunch: Sunset Grille in West Ocean City. Remember the $4.99 filet mignon?

About The Author: Steven Green

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The writer has been with The Dispatch in various capacities since 1995, including serving as editor and publisher since 2004. His previous titles were managing editor, staff writer, sports editor, sales account manager and copy editor. Growing up in Salisbury before moving to Berlin, Green graduated from Worcester Preparatory School in 1993 and graduated from Loyola University Baltimore in 1997 with degrees in Communications (journalism concentration) and Political Science.