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JANUARY 12, 2024
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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School bd. worries about FY25 funding Talk about county sticking with minimum formula concerns school officials
MALLORY PANUSKA AMES/OCEAN CITY TODAY
By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 12, 2024) Worcester County Public Schools will have a $500,000 drop in county funding from Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year 2025 if the county commissioners again choose to fund schools through the maintenance of effort formula. While presenting a draft of the school system’s 2025 budget to the Board of Education on Monday, the school system’s Chief Financial Officer, Vince Tolbert, said that another
year with minimum county funding could also dig the school system into a $10 million hole from pay raises and cost-of-living adjustments alone. “At this time, we’re hearing maintenance of effort funding again for next year,” Tolbert said. Maintenance of effort, or MOE, is the minimum amount of county funding to schools that is permitted by state law. It maintains funding at the same per-pupil amount as was spent in the previous year. The commissioners funded the schools at this level for the 2024 budget after requesting a more detailed line-item budget. The board says this forced them to make cuts on See GROWING Page 3
A flooded Fourth Street and St. Louis Avenue is to be expected after a storm like Tuesday night’s.
Who’s a good boy?
High wind, heavy rain, usual floods
James, now that he’s back safe at home
Storm comes, goes leaving little bit of damage in wake By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Jan. 12, 2024) The storm that crossed over Ocean City on Tuesday raged through the night, raising flood waters into the downtown bayside area and carrying sheets of surf across the inlet beach and up to the parking lot. Hal Adkins, the public works director for the city, said that the orange barricades, or jersey walls, that public works set up along the border of the inlet lot and beach around a month ago blocked most of the sand that could have washed into the lot. Still, some did, but public works
HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Strong winds from the south churn up the ocean at the inlet jetty.
cleared it out. “I had to send a fleet of heavy equipment down there in the way of backers (backhoes) and loaders,” Adkins said. “But it was far less than it See BIG Page 6
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 12, 2024) The first week of the New Year was nothing short of eventful for the almost 3-year-old basset hound-shepherd mix James, the pup that went missing on Dec. 31 around 1 p.m. from 136th Street in Ocean City, stirring a frenzy in the community. James’ owner, Perie Donellan of Baltimore, was in town staying with a friend when her beloved dog broke away. The next seven days were filled with drives back and forth to Worcester County Animal Control and communication with the Ocean City See DOG Page 4
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY
James, a basset hound-shepherd mix, had the community looking for him for days until Ocean City Police officers found and returned him.
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Ocean City Today
Growing costs could put system far in red Continued from Page 1 school materials, summer and afterschool programs and to lower promised salary increases for staff, all of which would cost around $1.5 million to recover in the 2025 budget, Tolbert said. At the same time, schools face growing costs that could put them millions of dollars under budget. Most fees would come from the mandated spending increases from the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, but some stem from inflation and a new state law that guarantees paid time off, Tolbert said. Much of the budget is still in the works and many allocations remain unknown. The school board is negotiating contracts with the teachers association and has to meet with bus contractors, Tolbert said. Health insurance benefits aren’t finalized either, he said. “This is all a stamp draft. We are very early on in the process. These numbers will be checked and rechecked … before it comes back to the board in February. (Then) it won’t be a draft. It will be final at that point,” Tolbert said. Tolbert said he also won’t know the amount of state funding going to Worcester County schools for another seven to 10 days from Monday, he said. The $500,000 decrease in funding from 2024 to 2025, however, would be in the county’s contribution. The minimum funding level dropped because Maryland is using a three-year average for student enrollment rather than the actual number of enrolled students when calculating maintenance of effort, Tolbert said. The average is meant to compensate for the
enrollment fluctuations during covid, he said. Even though enrollment has increased, the three-year average is lower, meaning schools actually get less money from the county per-pupil if the commissioners only give the minimum required by the state, Tolbert said. While the school system faces yet another year of minimum county funding, mandatory salary increases in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requires millions more in spending over the next few years as school leaders implement the state’s education reformation law. The school board will have to make six percent increases in the teachers’ cost-of-living adjustment for the next three fiscal years in order to meet the $60,000 starting teacher salary that the Blueprint mandates Maryland’s school systems to meet by 2027, Tolbert said. For the 2025 budget, a salary step increase for teachers with no cost-ofliving adjustment could lead to a $5 million shortfall, according to a presentation from Tolbert. A step increase with a six percent cost-of-living adjustment increase could create a potential $10.3 million budget shortfall. Superintendent Lou Taylor said that if schools receive the minimum county funding, and the budget settles on a six percent cost-of-living increase, he would have to cut 100 job positions from the schools to make up the deficit. He said teachers deserve a raise, and that he feels they were “stepped on” last year. “I challenge you in your hearts today to remember that this is about kids. This isn’t about somebody we
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FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The Worcester County Board of Education met Monday to discuss and review a draft of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Pictured is the Worcester County Public School Administration building in Newark, where the board meets.
don’t like, or somebody shouldn’t be in a position we’re in. The bottom line is this school system is not about one, two, three, four, five or seven people. It’s about 6,700 children,” Taylor said. On top of that, teachers who achieve National Board Certification must receive $10,000 raises. If the same teacher works at a high-poverty school, they get an additional $7,000,
which comes from the county because of the blueprint’s wealth-based formulas, said board member and former school superintendent Jon Andes. The blueprint also stipulates that 75 percent of certain restricted funds from the state must go to highpoverty schools and wouldn’t be able to be used for places like Showell or See CUTS Page 4
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Cuts to come from reducing staff Continued from Page 3 Ocean City Elementary Schools, Andes said. Andes hopes the Maryland General Assembly tweaks the rule in the upcoming legislative session, or else there could be significant implications for the non-highpoverty schools, he said. Another new cost comes from the state’s recently passed Time To Care Act, which gives employees 12 weeks of paid time off through increased payroll holding, but the county school administration is working with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education to see if this can be paid for through an insurance plan, Tolbert said. It could be less expensive this way, but still cost several hundred thousand dollars, he said. Charles Abt, the schools’ chief operations and human resource officer, said schools start paying into the program by next October. Combined with another 12 weeks guaranteed of unpaid leave made available by a federal law, employees could have 24 weeks of leave each fiscal year, Abt said. “Salaries and benefits and bus contractors, those things together are about 93 percent of our budget,” Tolbert said. Of the Fiscal Year 2024 operating budget, which is almost $126 million,
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86.5 percent is salaries and fixed charges, Tolbert said. Most of another 7 percent of the budget labeled “contracted services” is for bus contractors, he said. “As we talk about potential reductions or potential cuts, it’s going to come from reducing staff. That’s where the funds are in the school system,” Tolbert said. Worcester County receives the smallest per pupil state funding contribution of any Maryland county. The county covers 68.8 percent of the schools expenses, while state funding makes up 16.9 percent and federal aid is 13.7 percent. School finance staff formatted the draft of the 2025 budget in a more detailed way than years past to resemble the line-item style that commissioners asked for in the last budget round, Tolbert said. Its layout is based on the Wicomico County schools’ budget, he said. School budgets had never been formatted this way because staff are required by state law to organize proposed funding by category and subcategory, Tolbert said. Schools have followed an accounting manual published by the Maryland Department of Education that directs staff where
to put certain items categorically. The schools did, however, record expenditures as line-items in the past. Tolbert and Andes said for things like materials of instruction, a spreadsheet and formula dictates how much total funds each of the county’s 14 schools receive from administration for the category. Each school principal then makes specific choices on how to spend the money, Tolbert said. For upcoming meetings regarding the budget, board member Katie Addis asked Tolbert to provide a report that shows approved budgets compared to previous years’ expenditures, to see if there are any trends, she said. The funds in the approved budget of each fiscal year does not necessarily reflect the final expenditures. After the meeting, board members decided to cancel a second budget review meeting that was set for Tuesday. The next regular board of ed meeting is Jan. 16, then there is a budget work session on Feb. 6. The board is set to decide whether to adopt the final Fiscal Year 2025 budget at their regular meeting on Feb. 20.
Dog wanders off for days, but found and returned by police Continued from Page 1 Police Department and animal control as they strived to locate the missing pet. Donellan, who adopted James from a South Carolina shelter in June 2021, confessed that he is a little neurotic, and that she found herself overcome with anxiety as the search trudged on. “I was so distraught when he went missing, but it was probably more traumatizing for him than it was for me,” she said. Family friend Craig Lerman urged Facebook users in the area to keep an eye out for the dog. The post was shared over 100 times within the first hour. “We would not have received nearly half the help we did if we were elsewhere,” Lerman said. “There was so much awareness. People I didn’t know were asking me in person if we found James yet.” Multiple sightings were reported, but James was hard to track down. The police, animal control, friends, and strangers scoured the area for him day and night. He was spotted on Jan. 4 on Old Landing Road eating out of a bowl left by a resident for the neighborhood fox. Later, the pup was found on the same street in the middle of the highway. He bolted before he could be grabbed.
According to Donellan, the jumpy animal was seen in the marsh near Knights of Columbus on Jan. 5. Police showed up with drones but ultimately spooked him. The determined owner returned to Ocean City Sunday to continue the hunt with liquid smoke and belongings from home at the recommendation of an animal tracker. James was finally secured and returned home on Jan. 7 after being found in the fenced-in area between ACME and Roses on 95th Street. “New Year’s Eve is the worst time for a skittish dog to go missing,” Lerman said. “There were a lot of fireworks and partying, and seven days later, a few of us were losing hope but still doing everything we could. When I was driving home and saw the police crowded near the grocery store, I knew it was about James. I got a spark in my heart that it would be good news.” Donellan was impressed with the help she received from the community, notably the Ocean City Police Department, and plans on sending the department dinner to express her gratitude. “The town of Ocean City was amazing,” she said. “I’m looking forward to retiring and moving down here.”
JANUARY 12, 2024
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Ocean City Today
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733 BRADLEY ROAD • OCEAN CITY $3,200,000 Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market! This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends. Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level. You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home. Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold! MDWO2014714 WATERFRONT HOME AT REFUGE DERRICKSON CREEK OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-3PM
36939 CREEKHAVEN DRIVE SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 • $835,000 Stunning 4BR/4.5 bath home in the Refuge at Derickson Creek hits the market! This meticulously maintained home backs up to the pond, has peek of the Bay and is located approximately three miles from Fenwick Island beach. As you walk through the front door you will immediately see the attention to detail. There is an upgraded kitchen with breakfast bar, Quartz countertops, beautiful tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinet space. The kitchen opens into the dining area. Friends and family will enjoy meals there together and will make memories that last a lifetime. The spacious family room, with a beautiful gas fireplace, is off the dining area and is a perfect gathering place for entertaining family and friends. There’s a wonderful, enclosed sunroom with a glass slider to the paver patio deck and beautiful back yard. There’s also a flex room on the first floor that could be used as an office. The primary bedroom suite is located on the first floor and is oversized and has a beautiful full en suite bath. You will enjoy the water views from your primary bedroom. The laundry room is also on the first floor. You will love the first-floor hardwood floors, tile, woodworking, upgraded lighting and upgraded carpet throughout. The hardwood floors continue to the second level. There is a spacious second family room on this level and there are three additional bedrooms all with en suite baths. This is the perfect home for everyone to enjoy. There is a two-car garage, covered front porch, and outside shower. Every room in this house has a view of the pond and a peek of the Bay. The Refuge is an amenity rich community with a large inviting outdoor pool w/separate wading pool for kids, a clubhouse with an exercise/workout room, tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court and playground. In the Refuge you get to enjoy the scenic views and native wildfowl of Derickson Creek and the Delaware Inland bays. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! DESU2052970 RESIDENTIAL LOT
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WATERSIDE DRIVE BERLIN • $475,000 Are you looking to build your dream home? Look no further than this beautiful residential lot in the community of South Point Farms. This beautiful building lot is in a prime location on the corner with beautiful bay views. The lot is approximately 2.76 acres and it’s located off 611 in Berlin Maryland. At the entrance of South Point Farms is a public boat ramp and public pier with water access for boating fishing, crabbing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you are looking for a peaceful, tranquil location with unbelievable Bay views this is the prime spot. There are multiple world-class golf courses close by and Assateague National and State Park as well for days on the beach. No builder tie in required. Come take a look today and enjoy the good life on South Point Farms! MDWO2014122
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $3,900,000 Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-1PM & SUNDAY 11AM-1PM
1 66TH ST UNIT 101 • OCEAN CITY • $499,900 Stunning 2BR/2BA condo one back from the beach hits the market! This condo is located on 66th street in an ocean block building. The sellers have made many recent upgrades, installing luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new microwave, new refrigerator, new stove, new dishwasher, new exterior HVAC unit, toilets and kitchen faucet within the last three years. The decks also were tiled in 2019 and the glass sliders leading to the deck were also replaced within the last five years. This would make a great second home or investment property and is being sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. This is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and only one back from the ocean. As you walk through the front door, you will see an inviting living room for entertaining family and friends. There is a dining area off the kitchen with glass sliders leading to a huge covered deck with recently tiled floor. You can hear the waves break from the deck. This is a first floor unit but it's an elevated building so the height off the street is equivalent to a second floor unit. This condo has two large bedrooms and two full baths so there's plenty of room for family and friends. The condo is in walking distance to many restaurants, stores, shops and a supermarket, so once you're here you don’t have to move your car, but the condo is conveniently located to the route 90 bridge, making coming and going a joy. Come take a look today before this amazing property is sold. This condo association is well managed by Mann Properties. MLS MDWO2016172
32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $7,900,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978
MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-NOON
121 81ST ST UNIT 706 • OCEAN CITY • $815,000 Stunning three-bedroom 3.5 bath condo at the Rivendell hits the market! This beautiful condo is being sold furnished and it's ready for your immediate enjoyment. You’ll be mesmerized by the waterfront views. You can actually watch both the sunrise and the sunset without ever leaving this condo. The kitchen is sure to delight the chef in your family with its granite countertops, custom cabinets and plenty of workspace. Off the kitchen is the family room and dining area where you will enjoy family meals and make memories that last a lifetime. The family room is great for entertaining and has a gas fireplace for chilly times in fall and winter. There’s also a wet bar for relaxing and having cocktails with friends. You can see the Ocean and Bay from the primary bedroom suite and the primary bath is luxurious with a tile Jacuzzi tub, shower and double vanities. The other two bedrooms are spacious as well and each have their own en suite bathroom. There is also a half bath off the family room. There’s a separate laundry room with washer and dryer and plenty of storage. Privacy is ensured with good separation between the primary bedroom and the other two bedrooms. There are large balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee and a cold drink in the evening. The Rivendell has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and a fitness center, and the Hobbit restaurant is located in the building as well. This condo is located in Midtown on 81st St. and there is a traffic light at the intersection so crossing the street is very easy. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and shops in the area. There is a parking garage and secure access to the building. Come take a look today and make this beautiful property yours. This is a non-rental building so you will make friends and know your neighbors. MLS MDWO2017698
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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Ocean City Today
JANUARY 12, 2024
Job posted for new Ocean City parking mgr. Officials seek someone who can run all facets of division forming this year By Mallory Panuska Ames Managing Editor (Jan. 12, 2024) By the time the summer season gets into full swing, Ocean City transit officials hope to fully staff a new parking enforcement division. This week, Transit Manager Rob Shearman gave members of the Transportation Committee an update on efforts to hire a parking manager and seven to eight part-time seasonal support staff members to run the new division. Council members voted in November, upon advice from a consultant hired to look into solving the city’s
parking issues, to combine all paid activities into a single division under the umbrella of the transportation department, and hire the new staff to run it. Staff members said at the time that the city’s parking system brings in about $6 million annually in revenue, with no one really “steering the ship.” Shearman said the department is advertising for a manager to essentially handle all parking activities within the city. The job was listed roughly two weeks ago, according to the city’s website, and includes a full description of the position and qualifications for the desired applicant. Shearman said Tuesday that more than 20 applications have been received, with some, but not all, boasting direct parking experience. “We have several promising candi-
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The inlet parking lot in downtown Ocean City sits empty on an off-season weekday.
dates in that pool and are continuing to advertise for that position,” he said. Shearman expects to hire and onboard the new manager by April 1, with the support staff to be hired by May 1. He said officials are also working out where to locate an office for the new division. He said they are eyeing space above the south tram station. Efforts are also underway to transition to new parking and tolling provider Duncan Solutions, who council members voted to hire in November to provide parking enforcement technology and citation
management. Once fully acclimated to the position, the new manager will essentially be in charge of every facet of parking within the city. “Anything related to parking will go under this individual’s job description,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said. “Whether it is the Caine Keys 2 residential parking permits, whether it is monitoring and trouble shooting an EV program throughout the town, and things of that sort. If it is parking related, it is ending up with this person.” The full job description is available to view on the city’s website.
Big storm hit Tues. into Wed. 3109 POINTS REACH #33109 OCE AN PINE S
• Oversized End-unit Condominium with Comfort & Style • Prime 1st Floor position, Hardwood flooring, Open Floor Plan • 2 Ensuite Plush-Carpeted BRs with balconies. • Primary suite dual walk-in closets, shower & separate jetted tub. • Gourmet-designed Kitchen: under-cabinet lighting, upscale appliances & buffet area. • Kitchen flows into dining & living areas. • Living Room with fireplace. Lots of natural window light. • Wrap-around balcony with built-in Coyote grill. • Inclusive amenities: flood insurance, checks of geothermal system & gas grill, water services, trash disposal, landscaping maintenance & parking. An exceptional opportunity! $599,900
203 1225TH ST TREET T #3387 W HIDDE EN HAR R BOUR RV OCEAN CITY • Large, unique 2BR, 2BA floor plan
• Wrap Balcony from Living area & Master BR. • Outdoor pool, close to shopping, restaurants, and a quick walk to the beach! • Fabulous views in 3 directions & a glimpse of bay. • Steps to Northside Park’s July 4th Fireworks & Winterfest of Lights • Newer windows & doors. Deck re-done approx. 2 years ago. • Ceiling fans in all rooms • Close to many attractions & still walk to the beach.
$475,000
BAY FRONT CONDO – PRIME LOCATION OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11AM-1PM
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107 CON NVE EN TI ON CEN TER DR RIVE THUN NDER ISLA AND D #101B OCEAN CITY
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• 2 BR 2BA • Open living area, living room, dining area & fully equipped kitchen. • 2 sets of sliders. • Southern facing private balcony off living area. • Main BR with ensuite full-BA. • 2nd BR is generously sized. • 2nd full BA accessible from throughout condo. • Unit well-maintained. • Well-managed community. • Amenities: boat slips, boat storage, outdoor pool, elevators & onsite parking. • Short walk to beach, Convention Center, $479,900 restaurants & more. MDWO2016838 8
• West facing Building G, views of wetlands & Bay beyond. • 2nd floor unit.
• Updated Vinyl Plank flooring throughout & Ceramic Tile BA floors. • Updated Cabinets, Countertops, back splash, Stove, Dishwasher & Hot water heater. • Living Room Gas fireplace & Tiled hearth around fireplace. • Access covered balcony from living area or master BR. • Community amenities include: 2 Outdoor & 1 Indoor pool, Tennis courts, Club house with Saunas, Fitness Equipment & Meeting Room areas. • Walk to shops, restaurants & the beach!
$409,900 MD WO 20 01772 20
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Continued from Page 1 could have been.” Between 14th and 16th Street, the “wave action” hit and ran over the top of the seawall, the light blue barrier that divides the beach from the Boardwalk, he said. Public works closed the sea gates, or gaps in the wall that give entry to the beach, and the water making it to the wall was an isolated incident to that one area, Adkins said. Waves reaching the wall is something usually associated with named storms or nor’easters, Adkins said. He found it interesting that this storm approached from the south. County schools closed early, residents secured their yards, and the Ocean City police posted a warning about the incoming “Winter Wind Storm” on Facebook Tuesday. According to the post, residents could expect up to 2 inches of rain, with sustained winds expected to range from 35-45 mph and gusts as high as 65 mph. That did not quite happen. The Ocean City Municipal Airport reported about 1.36 inches of rainfall between about noon on Tuesday and 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. The strongest gusts reached 52.12 mph at 9:36 p.m. yesterday, according to the NOAA station at the Ocean
City Coast Guard Station. The highest tide rose about two feet above normal at 6:36 p.m., and as it tends to do in other heavy storms, St. Louis Avenue and other bayside downtown spots saw some flooding. “From an engineering standpoint people need to realize, based on the street elevations, based on the elevation of the bulkhead at the street ends, and based on Mother Nature and tidal influence, there’s nothing that we can do. We just wait it out and let it drain back off,” Adkins said. Adkins urged motorists to be aware that some areas in town simply have to be avoided during storms of any consequence. Most area residents already know this, Adkins said. Adkins heard of no property damages, and some of the only damages he saw were street signs that the wind “spun around” and one traffic light by 65th Street that twisted about 45 degrees sideways. “We anticipated back bay flooding so there wasn’t any need to mobilize the workforce through the middle of the night. We knew that we would have action when the sun came up this morning, that we would have to clean up,” Adkins said. “I’m fortunate that we didn’t have a lot more debris.”
JANUARY 12, 2024
Ocean City Today
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