On any given beach day in Ocean City, as seen in the picture, numerous canopies are spread out on the beach along with umbrellas. Some resort governments – as close as neighboring Delaware — have decided to ban canopies on the beach, while others impose rules, and some have done nothing in the way of… Read more »
Tom HortonSpecial To The DispatchThe Sassafras River, mid-May. Tulip poplars and black locusts in full and fragrant blossom. Local watermen offloading tons of catfish as hungry ospreys, eagles and herons soar close.The little landing here on Turners Creek, just off the Sassafras in the Upper Chesapeake Bay, has been in constant human use for thousands… Read more »
The decades-long battle over tax differential between Ocean City and Worcester County government is finally over.All efforts have been exhausted for Ocean City to secure a tax setoff for duplicated services the town provides to its citizens that are also provided by the county but not utilized by those living in Ocean City proper.The closure… Read more »
It’s natural for Ocean City traditionalists to frown on Boardwalk properties being replaced by massive redevelopment projects. However, each case needs to be evaluated independently before rushing to judgment. In the case of the Phillips Beach Plaza property and the plans to develop a major Margaritaville resort, this is a good thing. It represents a… Read more »
Concerns are mounting over another possible upward swing in coronavirus cases. While there does appear to be legitimate reason to worry, especially with the problematic variant and breakthrough and double positivity cases on the rise, proper perspective is important.Worcester County’s positivity rate was 3.46% on Wednesday (above the statewide 2.45%). This is a low number… Read more »
There are more than 330 alcohol licenses in Worcester County and only three spoke during a public hearing for an extension of carryout drinks.This lack of robust support to allow to-go drinks resulted in an easy call for the Worcester Board of License Commissioners. Couple the paltry turnout with opposition from veteran restaurateurs Shawn Harman… Read more »
By 2025, according to recent legislation passed, police departments in Maryland are to have body cameras as part of their police officers’ uniforms.It was learned this week the Ocean City Police Department hopes to have body cameras purchased before then, as Chief Ross Buzzuro views them as, “a very valuable resource for us to move… Read more »
Like many other places across the country, Berlin is considering creating its own set of regulations in response to a recent surge in short-term rentals. A potential ordinance was drafted two years ago and discussed. Efforts to take a deep dive on the issue stalled during the pandemic. The same concerns heard about the proposed… Read more »
In a culture centered on routine, deadlines and pressure, change is something newspapers generally do not embrace. If 2020 taught us anything it’s the importance of adapting and evolving. It’s with the need to pivot and progress forward in mind we today launch a new look for us here at The Dispatch.It’s been more than… Read more »
Resilience, grit, commitment, perseverance and adversity.These are just a handful of words to sum up the 2020-21 school year for students, teachers, staff members and administrators.Rather than viewing it as a year to forget, although an understandable view for many who work in education, we prefer to think of it as a year to celebrate…. Read more »