Author Archives: Shawn Soper

About The Author: Shawn Soper

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Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. He began as a staff writer covering various local government beats and general stories. His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history.

OCPD Report Shows 13% Crime Decrease In 2017

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OCEAN CITY — After a three-year run of sharply declining crime rates in Ocean City, the figures dropped significantly again in 2017, according to the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) annual report.Chief Ross Buzzuro presented the annual crime report for 2017 to the Mayor and Council on Tuesday, showing crime in most statistical categories had… Read more »

Business Licenses Proposed For All Rentals

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OCEAN CITY — A requirement for short-term online vacation rental listings to include a business license could be extended to all rental listings in Ocean City after a spirited debate this week.For well over a year, Ocean City officials have been monitoring short-term vacation rentals in the resort brokered by online platforms such as Airbnb… Read more »

Worcester Moves Route 90 Up Highway Project List

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OCEAN CITY — The future dualization of Route 90 has moved up Worcester County’s priority list for State Highway Administration (SHA) projects, Ocean City officials learned this week.Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who represents Ocean City, led off his quarterly report with word the proposed dualization of Route 90 has moved up the county’s state… Read more »

City Council Approves $20K OC BikeFest Event Sponsorship; Debate Results In 6-1 Vote For Marketing Plan

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City Council Approves $20K OC BikeFest Event Sponsorship; Debate Results In 6-1 Vote For Marketing Plan

OCEAN CITY — Resort officials this week approved a shared marketing opportunity with OC BikeFest at around $20,000, but not before a spirited debate on the return on investment and the value of the event to the town.At last week’s Tourism Committee meeting, Tourism Director Donna Abbott presented a request for the marketing opportunity with… Read more »

St. Patrick’s Tourney Nears Conclusion

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St. Patrick’s Tourney Nears Conclusion

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s 30th annual St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament concluded this weekend after roughly 150 teams and hundreds of players from all over the region have participated in the event over the last three weekends.From modest beginnings 30 years ago, the annual St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament has grown by… Read more »