OC Today-Dispatch FEBRUARY 6, 2026
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OCFD: new boss same as old boss Acting Fire Chief Josh Bunting regains title on permanent basis after ‘retiring’ in December and then winning position over 53 other applicants. — PAGE 4
DeLuca survives council challenge Other members question his intent and say he should resign, but agree he met poorly written eligibility requirements to run for City Council in 2024. — PAGE 3
HMRA NOW HOSPITABLE — PAGE 12 COACH CASE DISMISSED — PAGE 23 DEE SHANNON-DOBSON/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
C-C-COLD A string of days with sub-freezing temperatures and nights dipping into the low teens left portions of the bay locked up, as was the case here off Jacqueline Avenue in Ocean City.
MURDER CONFESSION — PAGE 22
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Colleagues say DeLuca may keep seat amid controversy Officials vote to revisit the eligibility requirements for the mayor and City Council By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 6, 2026) Ocean City Councilman Tony DeLuca will maintain his seat after a motion to disqualify him over residency concerns failed for lack of a second. The outcome was the result of a special meeting held Wednesday, during which officials debated whether DeLuca had maintained his domicile during his time in office, as required by the city’s charter. Despite allegations and evidence suggesting he lived in Annapolis, and commuted to and from the area on a weekly basis, a motion to oust him failed to gain traction among his colleagues. “I’m kind of pissed we’re here. I think you’ve put us in a very bad spot …,” Council President Matt James told DeLuca this week. “Even if you originally intended to be here fulltime – and maybe you do meet the letter of the law, I don’t know – I don’t think you meet the intent of the charter.” In January, challenger Leslie Smith filed a formal complaint with the Town of Ocean City seeking a review of DeLuca’s residency. The former council candidate – ousted from the 2024 race after a council majority determined she did not meet the city’s domicile requirements – alleges she was discriminated against, and that the same review was not applied to DeLuca, who she claims is living full-time in Annapolis. Real estate records Smith presented to the City Council this week showed DeLuca purchased his Annapolis condo in April 2023, at the same time he sold his primary residence in Ocean City. She also presented an affidavit signed by DeLuca and his wife, declaring their intent to occupy the condo at least seven months out of the year. In May 2024, four months before announcing his bid for re-election, he purchased a second property, a 486square-foot unit at the Coconut Malorie in midtown Ocean City. The deed from that purchase declares the property would not be used as a principal residence and lists DeLuca’s mailing address as his Annapolis condo. Smith also presented loan documents and testimony from a resident in DeLuca’s condo building in Annapolis, declaring that he resided there 80% of the time and served as the board’s vice president. “I would request that Councilman Deluca do the honorable thing and step down from the council this afternoon,” Smith concluded, adding that she would seek a full investigation if
he did not. For his part, DeLuca acknowledged that he and his wife purchased their Annapolis condo in 2023, after his son was diagnosed with cancer and his daughter-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He said the residence allowed them to go to Annapolis each week to help family. “The bottom line is I live in Ocean City, and I travel to Annapolis every week to help support my family during this family crisis,” he said. DeLuca presented the City Council with his deed to the Coconut Malorie, which he said he and his wife moved into five-and-a-half months prior to the election. Up until that point, he told his colleagues he rented a place on 120th Street. DeLuca also shared his driver’s license and Homestead Tax Credit application, which lists the Coconut Malorie as his principal address. He then proceeded to show E-ZPass records, car registration information, 2024 tax returns, and his voter card for Ocean City. “All documents currently meet all requirements,” he said. DeLuca said it was always his intent to remain domiciled in Ocean City. Councilwoman Carol Proctor, however, said she did not believe him to be a fulltime resident of the municipality, pointing to the deed restrictions on his Coconut Malorie home and his voter registration card, which was issued in Ocean City after DeLuca had filed to run for re-election. “Based on all the data and everything that I have, I’m sorry to say but I do not believe you live there,” she said. “And I also believe the intent of our charter is that you are here for 12 months out of the year, that you live here fulltime basically, not parttime.” James agreed. “I don't think the intent of the charter is to have people live here six months and a day to serve our public,” he said. “I think the intent is to have full-time, year-round residents serve Ocean City.” Councilman John Gehrig, however, argued the council must vote based on what the charter states, the main reason he said he voted to keep Smith as a council candidate back in 2024. Officials noted that the charter does not define “fulltime” or how many days a resident must live in Ocean City to serve on the dais. “We have to vote based on the words on the page,” Gehrig said. “And if the words on the page need to change, we need to change it.” Councilman Will Savage shared his frustrations, adding that most of the evidence brought before them was circumstantial and “inconcluSee DELUCA Page 4
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FEBRUARY 6, 2026
DeLuca maintains council seat Council appoints Bunting to Continued from Page3 sive.” “The intent of the charter, is it met? I don’t think so,” he said. “Do you meet what the charter says? Yes, I think you do.” For his part, Councilman Jake Mitrecic said he took issue with the process and his involvement in it. “That being said, there is nothing in our code today that says that Tony needs to live here 186 days of the year, or whatever that number may be,” he said. “And until that time comes, I can’t in good conscience go against the law of our town, regardless of how I feel about anything else.” With no second, Proctor’s motion to disqualify DeLuca and declare his seat vacant failed. However, a motion to revisit eligibility requirements for the mayor and City Council passed in
a 6-0 vote. “The whole problem lies within the charter,” Councilman Larry Yates said. James made it clear at the end of this week’s meeting that he expected DeLuca to resign should any charter amendment make him ineligible to keep his council seat. “If it becomes clear, I expect you to respect that,” he said. Following Wednesday’s meeting, a complaint was filed with the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, seeking an investigation into election irregularities and voter integrity concerns. The letter outlines Smith’s discrimination claims involving her ineligibility to run for City Council, DeLuca’s residency dispute, and questions surrounding the residency of former councilman Frank Knight, among other things.
serve as city’s new fire chief Bunting declared the front runner for the position, and was sworn in this week By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 6, 2026) Josh Bunting has been named Ocean City’s fire chief, a position he held in an acting capacity before to his retirement in December. On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted 7-0 to confirm Bunting as Ocean City Fire Department’s next fire chief. He will permanently fill a position he has held on an interim basis for roughly eight months. “I had eight months to evaluate Josh, and I have 100% confidence in his ability to do the job,” City Man-
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This week, Josh Bunting was named as the Ocean City Fire Department’s next fire chief. He was sworn in by Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
ager Terry McGean told the council. “And it gives me great pleasure to make this recommendation to the mayor and City Council.” With the council’s vote, Bunting will continue to lead the department he left in mid-December, when he announced he would be retiring the following day. In his letter to department staff at that time, he shared his intentions to reapply to the position. In his speech Monday, Bunting thanked city officials, city staff, family and members of the Ocean City Fire Department for their support. He said he was eager to work alongside the department’s firefighters, paramedics, fire marshals, and even some “childhood heroes” as the city’s next fire chief. “We remain committed to stepping up when you need us, when our citizens need us and our community needs us,” he said. “So in closing, thank you again for the opportunity to serve alongside this fantastic group of men and women that is the Ocean City Fire Department, and for your continued support now and in the future, to be able to develop it into the department the community deserves.” In his recommendation to the council Monday, McGean said Bunting was one of 54 candidates to apply for the job. While sharing his See CITY Page 6
Inside this week Calendar ..............................34 Classifieds ..........................37 Crossword ............................60 Dining Guide ........................54 Editorial/Letters ..................64 Entertainment ......................30 Horoscope ............................61 Obituaries ............................63 Police/Crime........................22 Public Notices ......................40 Sports ..................................69
FEBRUARY 6, 2026
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OC Today-Dispatch
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This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in Lorelei II offers an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, cozy gas fireplace, and a private balcony with front-row views of Winterfest and fireworks at Northside Park. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet and direct balcony access, plus there are two more large bedrooms and a second full bath. Sold fully furnished and move-in ready, full remodel in 2021. Enjoy community amenities like a pool, plus easy access to the beach, dining, shops, and year-round fun at the park right across the street. MDWO2032542
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Welcome to this 2BR/2BA waterfront condo, filled with upgrades, located in Heron Harbour Isle. You will be wowed by the remodeled chef ’s kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless appliances and upgraded countertops. The kitchen, dining & family rooms flow seamlessly with an open concept living floor plan leading to a private balcony overlooking the water, bird sanctuary & breathtaking sunsets. Relax in your spacious primary bedroom with a spa-like, en-suite. The second bedroom is freshly painted with new carpeting. Enjoy resort-style amenities including tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, sauna, indoor heated pool, lap pool, family pool, and a kiddie pool. This location is close to the beach, restaurants, shops, grocery stores & mini golf. Come experience the very best of coastal living! MDWO2034104
Condo – Canal Views, Community Pool & Prime Location! This upgraded top-floor condo offers the best of both worlds—peaceful canal views and just two blocks from the beach! Sold fully furnished and move-in ready. Featuring open concept living with updated kitchen & bath, stainless appliances and storage galore. Close to Northside Park, the beach, restaurants, shops, and mini golf, this unit is the perfect coastal retreat or investment property. MDWO2033766
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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 shoppingcenter 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
10312 THIRTY KNOTS LN GLEN RIDDLE • BERLIN NOW $1,090,000 Rare Opportunity: Build Your Dream Home on a Prime Waterfront Lot! Seize the chance to create your ideal residence on this exceptional 0.73-acre waterfront lot, nestled on an expansive sandy beach within the highly sought-after gated community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline, and breathtaking vistas of Turville and Hearing Creek, as well as the Assawoman Bay. Glen Riddle is an amenity-rich community. MDWO2023166
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12546 SELSEY RD WEST OCEAN CITY $539,000 Waterfront Opportunity in West Ocean City! Discover endless possibilities with this waterfront brick rancher, perfectly situated on a desirable bulkheaded lot in West Ocean City. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, this home offers a spacious family room, separate living room, and kitchen—providing a solid layout ready for your vision. The generous 8,100 sq. ft. lot offers ample outdoor space to enjoy the waterfront lifestyle. From the front of the home, take in water views along with scenic views of the Ocean City skyline. The property is connected to public sewer and a private well. Being sold AS IS, this home is ideal for buyers looking to add value with sweat equity while creating their own coastal retreat. It has a nice concreate driveway that would fit 2 cars. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, the beach, and the Ocean City Boardwalk, this is a rare opportunity to own waterfront property with outstanding potential. No HOA fees. MDWO2035428
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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 2026 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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City manager addresses selection process Continued from Page 4 enthusiastic support for Bunting’s appointment, he also acknowledged some of the concerns raised regarding the selection process and said he wanted to “set the record straight.” “When Josh retired in December, I hoped he would reapply but there was no guarantee that he would, and frankly there was no guarantee that he would get the job if he did,” he said. “Although, based on his performance during the eight months he served as acting chief, he was certainly going to be the front runner.” McGean said the position was advertised, both internally and externally, which resulted in 54 applications. When the city’s human resources department narrowed that list down to 11 finalists, those remaining applications were then reviewed
by McGean, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Chief Jay Jester and fire company President Steve Price, a process required by a memorandum of understanding between the city and its volunteer division. “After doing so, all three of us agreed that Josh was head and shoulders above the rest,” McGean said. “His combination of technical skills, education, training, his command experience as both a paid and volunteer member of the fire department, and his local and state network connections made him our clear and obvious choice. To bring in another candidate from out of town for a one-hour interview would've been a waste of our time and theirs.” Bunting, who has headed the city fire marshal’s office since 2020, will be no stranger to the fire chief posi-
tion. Last April, following the immediate retirement of the department’s previous leader, Richie Bowers, he was appointed to fill the vacancy in an acting capacity. Three months later, Bunting announced he was resigning as fire marshal, a move he said would give him more time to focus on his duties as interim chief. When Bunting announced his immediate retirement in December, the city began an open recruitment process to find the next chief, a position with an advertised salary range between $115,690 to $149,937. Now that Bunting will return to the post, he will not only receive a full-time salary, but pension payments for his 25 years of service to Ocean City. Bunting began his career as a cadet and became an active volunteer
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at age 18, according to the city. He began his professional career with the fire marshal’s office in 2000, where he has held numerous leadership roles, including deputy chief, fire marshal, and bomb squad commander. “It is an honor to be standing here and to swear Josh Bunting in as our new fire chief,” Mayor Rick Meehan said Monday. “Josh, I know you are going to do a terrific job.”
Officials vote to allow bikes on two OC pathways By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 6, 2026) While bikes will continue to be banned from Ocean City’s sidewalks, officials this week agreed to carve out two pathways. During Monday’s regular meeting, the Ocean City Council passed a resolution to allow bicycles to be used on the westerly sidewalk of Philadelphia Avenue, between Caroline and South 1st streets, and on the easterly side of Coastal Highway, from 60th to 64th streets, in an area where no shared bus-bike lane exists. While the council last year voted to ban the use of bicycles, scooters and other similar vehicles on city sidewalks, officials in January asked that an exception be made for the two heavily traversed pathways in town. “This was presented at the January 5 regular session and comes with a recommendation from BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee),” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council this week. Last year, the Maryland General Assembly passed Jay’s Law, which allowed bikes and other similar vehicles to be used on sidewalks everywhere unless prohibited by local ordinance. In response to the legislation, the Ocean City Council – at the recommendation of the Ocean City Police Commission – voted unanimously in November to ban such vehicles from sidewalks and to push them back into the shared bus-bike lane. However, the ordinance left open the option for city officials to allow such uses in specific areas by resolution, which was presented to the council Monday. Specifically, the resolution will allow bike use on the easterly sidewalk of Coastal Highway, between 60th and 64th streets, and on a 14-foot-wide sidewalk located on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue, between Caroline and South 1st streets. The large walkway was reconstructed in the 1990s for shared bike and pedestrian use. With no discussion, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the resolution.
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OC Today-Dispatch
FEBRUARY 6, 2026
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