OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
JULY 3, 2020
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
What
will July 4th bring forth for weekend? By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 3, 2020) Ocean City is preparing itself for a Fourth of July weekend unlike any other, as it deals with potential fallout from fireworks display postponement, pent-up travel demand and the closure of all bars and bar service at next door Delaware’s beaches. “We definitely expect an influx of
Possible influx from Delaware, where beach bars will be closed on a traditionally thirsty holiday celebration. visitors but are confident that our business community is following the governor’s occupancy orders and are complying with all of the state regulations,” interim Tourism Director
Jessica Waters said. “We are also working with the [Worcester County] Health Department and [Worcester County] Board of Licensing, along with having our fire marshals check-
HOLIDAY The Ocean City Today and Bayside Gazette office will be closed on Friday, July 3 for the Independence Day weekend. It will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday
FREE ing occupancy. It is a team-wide effort to keep our community moving forward.” Delaware Gov. John Carney announced his decision to close beach bars on Tuesday, after a recent upswing in covid-19 cases. The rise in cases there has been seen among lifeguards, bar staff and some senior beach week party goers, as reported by the Baltimore Sun’s McKenna Oxenden. Areas of concern include Rehoboth Beach, Lewis and south of Dewey Beach. Nationwide, states such as Texas, Florida, Arizona and California are backtracking after seeing record infection rates. While Maryland cases continue to rise, key metrics, such as hospitalizations, deaths and positivity rates have declined or plateaued consistently. The positivity rate is the number of See OC BUSINESSES Page 2
Resort police tested by spike in incidents Videos playing bigger role in helping identify suspects in usual summer increase
PHOTO COURTESY JIM HALVORSEN
The Tranquilo, a 70-foot yacht worth $700,000 that was seized by the federal government in November 2019, was removed from the water at Sunset Marina on Sunset Avenue on Tuesday.
Yacht lost in heavy seize By Ally Lanasa Staff Writer (July 3, 2020) The Tranquilo, a 70-foot yacht that was seized by the federal government in November, was hoisted out of the Sunset Marina in West Ocean City on Tuesday. The vessel was taken from Long Is-
land, New York-based owners Jack and Frances Cabasso, who were charged with money laundering, fraud and illegal transportation of equipment manufactured in China, such as survelliance cameras. Long Island’s Newsday reported See YACHT Page 4
By Josh Kim Staff Writer (July 3, 2020) Although correlation does not always mean causation, in this case it does. As visitors return to Ocean City, the resort has seen an uptick in crime — as it always does — which has kept the Ocean City Police Department busy. “During the month of June, we have investigated six stabbings, an armed carjacking, a robbery, a firstdegree assault and one shooting,” said Ashley Miller, police deputy communications manager. “From these incidents we have made 15 felony arrests.” This past weekend alone, the police department made nine DUI ar-
rests, 22 calls for service in regards to controlled dangerous substance violations and 59 calls for service for alcohol violations. Calls for service refers to what the officer responds to, and does not necessarily deem whether someone committed a violation. That is determined during the investigation. As previously reported, last month was particularly busy for police, as a new violent or disorderly event seemed to take place every day. However, the police department has been successful in investigating these incidents, in large part due to recordings. “The submission of video evidence from City Watch [camera surveillance program], private businesses and cell phone video has been used in many of these cases with great success,” Miller said. See POLICE Page 5
Ocean City Today
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JULY 3, 2020
OC businesses doing their best to keep up Continued from Page 1 test kits that come back positive. As of Thursday morning, Maryland had 68,423 cases, 3,086 deaths, 441 hospitalizations and a positivity rate of 4.76 percent of 675,929 tests completed. Worcester County has not seen any significant spikes. Nonetheless, Mayor Rick Meehan has warned that the resort cannot fall into a sense of false security. “…For some reason, sometimes, everybody feels like Ocean City is a covid-free zone, and it’s not, and I think we all have to be cognizant of it,” he said during last Tuesday’s council work session. “… We can’t forget about it [covid-19] and we have to make sure that we remain vigilant and try to do everything we can to not only protect our visitors, but our residents and our employees.” Erring on the side of caution, city officials chose to postpone the resort’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display — although the decision was contested among council members. Guests may also expect to see plenty of law enforcement personnel, particularly after last month when the resort saw a spike in violent and disorderly actions. “We will have a full complement of police personnel on duty during this
weekend,” said Ashley Miller, police deputy communications manager. “We will have officers deployed throughout the town to ensure we have ample coverage everywhere. We will also have additional personnel assigned to the Boardwalk for the holiday weekend.” The postponement of fireworks, the cloSusan Jones sures of Delaware beach bars and a Saturday July 4 have created uncertainty over how busy this weekend will be. “I do think the news of uptick in covid-19 and the Delaware beach changes will drive visitation here,” said Susan Jones, Ocean City Hotel-MotelRestaurant Association executive director. “However, we’ve also had some Ashley Miller reports of cancelations due to no fireworks on [July 4]. Unfortunately, I do not have any concrete numbers.” Further complicating data gathering is a covid-induced trend of spontaneous bookings. “These days, the booking window is super short, and [there’s] lots of
day before and/or day of booking, which makes preparing super difficult,” Jones said. Regardless of the level of busyness the weekend will see, it’ll be busy, and local business owners and operators will have their hands full, as staffing remains in short supply and capacity at restaurants N. Schwendeman in particular is limited to 50 percent. “This holiday weekend does pose some unusual challenges for our local businesses,” said Nancy Schwendeman, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce interim executive director. “There is an employee shortage, which has been making daily operations difficult, and this weekend will be no different, espeJessica Waters cially with the volume of guests that will be in town.” The staffing issue has been attributed to a myriad of variables, most recently President Donald Trump’s suspension of foreign work visas. “Restaurants are doing their best to keep up,” Jones said. “However,
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because of staffing shortages, visitors should expect longer waits and we are hoping guests will pack their patience.” Business owners are aware of the challenges, but said they are moving forward without looking back. “[I’m] just trying to keep the wheels on the cart,” said Shawn Harmon, owner of Fish Tales on 22nd Street. Bull on the Beach owner and manager Kevin Houck expressed similar sentiments, and said he was prepping his 94th Street and his Boardwalk bar and restaurants for the best-case scenario, with about 25-30 percent less staff. “As for now, it’s the calm before the storm,” he said. Jeremy Brink, owner of Ocean 13 restaurant on 13th Street and the Boardwalk, said he was closing early on Wednesday in order to prepare the establishment’s Tiki Rum Bar for the Fourth of July weekend. The seafood and steak restaurant portion of the business has been closed, and will remain closed until next week, because of staffing shortages. “We’re heavy prepping, heavy sanitizing and strictly following covid-19 rules and regulations,” Brink said. Brink said the advanced preparation was necessary to leave no room for error or guesswork. Neither Houck nor Brink have seen much trouble from guests in terms of guidance compliance, but Brink reminded everyone to be responsible and do their parts to keep Ocean City safe. “It’s about following the guidelines and doing your part,” Brink said.
Worcester County government will close offices Fri. (July 3, 2020) Worcester County Government offices, including Recreation and Parks, will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The Central Landfill and Homeowner Convenience Centers will be closed Saturday, July 4. The Homeowner Convenience Centers will resume standard hours of operation on Sunday, July 5. The Shore Spirits Retail Liquor Store in Pocomoke will be open during standard hours of operation. All other Worcester County Government offices, including the Central Landfill, will resume standard hours of operation on Monday, July 6. For more information on Worcester County Government hours of operation, contact Public Information Officer Kim Moses at 410-632-1194.
Ocean City Today
JULY 3, 2020
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OVER $32.5 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2019
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SPACIOUS BAYSIDE HOME - DE
4 CLUBHOUSE DRIVE • OCEAN PINES - NOW $1,229,000
12973 INLET ISLE LANE • OCEAN CITY - $1,399,000
30557 N. MAGNOLIA CROSSING • SELBYVILLE, DE - $949,900
30542 N MAGNOLIA CROSSING • SELBYVILLE - $999,999
6BR/6.5BA 5000 sq. ft. with 150 feet of bulk head. 2 boat lifts & 2 Jetski lifts. Open floor plan, HW floors, cathedral ceilings. Kitchen W/center island, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, custom cabinets, walk in pantry and breakfast area. Off the great room is deck leading to patio. Double sided gas FP. 1st floor master W/FP, and sitting room master bath W/jacuzzi tub, rain shower and double vanities. Garage w/mud room and guest quarters. Office work space, loft area, & multiple waterfront balconies. MLS MDWO108920
5BR/4.5BA in the Estates of Inlet Isle. Deep water access with room for 42ft boat. Desiger decorated and being sold fully furnished, Professional kitchen w/stainless appliances, tile backsplash, quartz counters, & upgraded lighting and breakfast bar. Great room with fireplace and custom waterfall. Cocktail and wine cooler, waterfront deck overlooking OC skyline. Master BR/BA on main level. Additional In-law suite on main level. Multple decks and screened porch. Garage, sprinkler system, elevator, upgraded lighting & ceiling fans, & custom tile work. MLS MDW0111488
5BR/4.5BA Catalina model built by Schell Brothers Luxury Home Builders. Chef’s kitchen w/granite countertops, breakfast bar, SS appliances, walk-in panty, custom cabinets & upgraded light. Dining area & oversized family room flows off kitchen overlooks golf course. Screened in porch. Spacious master suite wi/large deck overlooking the golf course. Elevator, 2 car garage. On one of the premier lots backing to golf course. Now is the perfect time to buy into the most comprehensive resort community in the Delaware Beach region. Easy access to 1st-class amenities including 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, restaurants, pools, splash zones, hot tub, fitness center, clubhouse, beach shuttle, dog park, tennis & more. MLS DESU161552
4BR/3.5 BA located in Bayside! Professionally landscaped grounds. Open floor plan. Chef's kitchen w/granite countertops, breakfast bar, high end SS appliances, walk-in pantry, custom cabinets & upgraded lighting. Dining area flows off kitchen. Stone fireplace. Covered porch w/large dining area & custom grill w/granite countertops. Spacious master bedroom w/his & hers closets and upgraded custom bath. 3 car garage w/custom finishes & lots of storage space. MLSDESU162322
UNIQUE AND INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY
WESTWOOD COMMERCE PARK
RAINBOW
NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
NEW PRICE
1751 WESTWOOD DR • SALISBURY - $2,390,000 12 90TH STREET UNIT 12A&B • OCEAN CITY - $1,599,000 TWO Ocean Block TOWNHOMES steps from the beach. 2 4BR/3BA/2HB townhomes each with its own elevator that goes from the carport to the 3rd floor. Each town home is 3400+ sq feet. In total there are 8 bedrooms, 6 full and 4 half baths, 2 elevators, 2 full kitchens and covered parking for 6 cars. Each has 3 decks with views. Gourmet kitchens & top levels consist of hardwood floors. Both units are being sold fully furnished. MLS108902
An opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area located within 2-3 hours of Baltimore, DC & Philadelphia. Very modern warehouse/manufacturing/distribution facility on 2.3 acres conveniently located just off the Route 50 & Route 13 interchange in Westwood Commerce Park. Building was completely renovated in 2019. Warehouse is 25,291 +/- sq.ft.; Office Area 1300 +/- sq.ft.; the Covered Loading Dock 2500 +/- sq.ft.; Steel & Concrete Mezzanine Level 1760 +/- sq.ft. Clear Height is 25'. 5 Dock high positions all with levelers & one with 14'x12' drive in door. Building has a new roof deck with R41 insulation, sidewalls with R31 insulation, lighting, dry fire sprinkler system, floor drains, heavy duty power supply & electric service, and plenty of parking for 8 trucks and 30 cars. Property is located in a Maryland Enterprise zone location with tax incentives possible. Best use would be manufacturing and/or warehouse distribution and the professional office space is an added benefit. Previously a large commercial laundry. Bring manufacturing back to the Great USA. (Listing agent is related to seller) MLS MDWC107760
11200 COASTAL HWY #1001 • OCEAN CITY - $569,000
UNIT 109 • OCEAN CITY - $359,900
Direct Ocean Front 3BR/3BA w/ocean front master BR suite. Tropical decor throughout. Dining room off kitchen. Living area off the dining room w/glass sliders to large direct ocean front deck w/full unobstructed view of the beach & ocean. Family room is spacious, 2nd & 3rd BRs are large as well, Conveniently located up-town & close to many local favorite restaurants & shopping venues.Pool. Come take a look today and make memories! MLS MDWO107176
Stunning 2BR/2BA with every upgrade imaginable hits the market!!! Fully renovated w/beautiful wide plank flooring throughout, open kitchen w/upgraded SS appliances, quartz counters, oversized pantry and custom cabinetry. Family rm opens to large deck with southern exposure and ocean view. New sliders and plantation shutters. BRs are large with oversized master with door to deck & upgraded bath. Completely furnished with coastal décor. Was not rented, but if you wished to rent it would command top dollar. Amenity rich complex of Royal Hawaiian in North OC with indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center and large party rm., air conditioned corridors and security. MLS MDWO113766
INVESTORS ALERT!!!!
CAINE WOODS
RARE OPPORTUNITY
HERON HARBOUR ISLE
RARE OPPORTUNITY!
NEW PRICE
WATERFRONT LAND
NEW LISTING
14301 TUNNEL AVENUE #1A OCEAN CITY - $344,900
12301 OCEAN GATEWAY RD OCEAN CITY - $899,000
202 HERON DR #304 BLD C OCEAN CITY - $425,000
1BR/1BA in the amenity rich building of Golden Sands! Recently remodeled w/upgrades throughout. New floors, upgraded kitchen & bath. Being sold fully furnished. Panoramic ocean views of the beach & sunrise from your balcony. Kitchen is sure to please the chef in your family & you will enjoy oceanfront dining right from your very own condo. Storage unit on beach level. WIFI & cable are included in condo fee. Outdoor pool, indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, shuffleboard, tennis, beach volleyball, beach bar, sandwich shop, game room & picnic area. Come take a look today before it's sold! MLS MDWO113708
206-204-202 DORCHESTER ST OCEAN CITY - $1,549,000 All parcels being sold together. Prime downtown location. Currently has 4 houses Total. Lot sizes are 4927,4824, and 3381 Sq Ft each. This was a summer rental in 2018. Rare opportunity to purchase valuable downtown location! TAX ID 10-028493 Tax ID10-028477 Tax ID 10-028485. MLS MDWO1001420
5BR/3BA totally remodeled condo. Kitchen has granite counters & stainless appliances. There are 2 separate living areas & multiple decks, and this first floor unit has plenty of room out back to walk the dog or just pull up a chair and relax. Low condo fees of $500 a quarter covers your master flood insurance and maintenance and repairs to the building exterior. Close to the beach, Northside Park, restaurants and shops. MDWO110680
4.5 acre waterfront parcel on Rt50 in West Ocean City! Property is bulkheaded w/100 foot pier into Herring Creek. Build your dream home in this convenient location! It is perfect for boaters because the water is navigable all the way to the ocean from here. Property has many opportunities & potential including possible subdivision. It is zoned R2 & close to everything Ocean City has to offer. Come take a look today before it is SOLD! MLS MDWO105914
3BR/2BA end unit in the Baywatch II Building overlooking water & bird sanctuary. Comes w/boat slip #39 & 7,500 lb lift. Being sold furnished in pristine condition. Large dining area flows off kitchen w/breakfast bar. Living area is very spacious. Master bedroom overlooks water w/master bath. Upgrades throughout w/new floors. Large deck off living area overlooks water w/sunset views & the fireworks at Northside Park. Heron Harbour Isle is amenity rich w/2 outdoor pools, indoor pool, kiddie pool, fitness center, sauna, locker room, 2 HarTru tennis courts & piers. MLS MDWO113732
PRIME LOCATION
PRIME LOCATION
WATERFRONT LOT
GLEN RIDDLE LOT
LIGHTHOUSE SOUND
NEW PRICE
NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
GOLF AND BAY VIEWS!
DIRECT OCEANFRONT
10900 COASTAL HWY #708 OCEAN CITY - $259,900
36054 ZION CHURCH RD FRANKFORD $359,000 31.84 acres close to DE & OC beaches. Subdivision possibilities, or private sprawling estate. Property has been surveyed and is available in document's. Property runs on 1 side of Rt. 20, Zion Church Road with about 1468ft +/- on Deer Run Road. Sewer could be a possibility on Deer Run Rd as sewer runs down that road but not to this property. It would need to be annexed into the sewer district & approved by County. MLS DESU132230
ZION CHURCH RD FRANKFORD $275,000 6.95 Acres with 640 feet of frontage on Zion Church Rd Rt. Prime location for building and development. MLS DESU132268
10006 SEAPLANE LN BERLIN $449,000
6509 HAMPTON RD LOT 18 • BERLIN $649,900 Do you need a home office or maybe even two? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Would you like a nice yard to play in or grow your own vegetables? Well here it is, 5+ acres in a cul-de-sac in the tranquil community of Indian Creek ready and waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this and two golf courses within two miles and Assateague Island is 3 miles away where you can enjoy the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO100390
Stop! Come walk the lot & look at the water views!!! Build your dream house & enjoy the sandy beach, water views & the OC Skyline. This 28,113 sq. ft. lot will accommodate large home. Pick your builder, design, & build your showcase waterfront home! If you are not ready to build that dream home yet, buy the land & hold it. Once it's gone, it's gone... Lot is in amenity rich community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis, fitness center, marina & Ruth Chris restaurant! MLS MDWO112632
0 SOUTHHAMPTON DR #LOT 17 BISHOPVILLE $249,900 Build your dream home on lot 17 in Lighthouse Sound adjacent to hole number 2, one of the largest lots boasting 24,662 sq ft (.57 acres). Will accommodate a large home. Design, build and enjoy your showcase home for years to come! If you are not ready to build that dream home yet,buy the land & hold it.Once it's gone,it's gone. If you are looking for luxury lifestyle both on & off golf course, this community offers it all minutes from OC, restaurants & shopping. Come walk the lot today! MLS MDWO102900
COMMERCIAL
RARE OPPORTUNITY 12334 COLLINS RD BISHOPVILLE $399,900 Large 2.94 acre waterfront lot in Bishopville. Build your dream home here. Lot is surrounded by estate homes & perfect setting for peace & tranquility. Lot backs to the St. Martins River. Pier & dock for multiple boats.No HOA's here or mandatory fees. St Martins river has water access to the ocean. This location is close to 113. Come take a look today & make that dream of building your dream house a reality. MLS MDWO105638
0 RACETRACK RD • BERLIN, MD - $260,000 Zoned C1 across from the Casino on the west side of Rt 589. This is a heavy traffic area for cars to and from RT 50 and RT 90. This 1.01 acre lot has a survey already completed and a septic perk on file. This is a prime commercial location. Buy it before it's SOLD!!! MLS MDWO104326
13010 WORCESTER HWY • BISHOPVILLE, MD - $390,000 0 WORCESTER HWY • BISHOPVILLE, MD - $290,000
Commercial piece w/high visibility w/14.33 acres on corner of Route 113 & Route 610 across from the former Emings BBQ. This is your opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area on the Eastern Shore. Possibilities are endless! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO113678
Prime 3.61 Acres Property hits the market! It's all out the location & visibility w/high traffic density. Conveniently located on Route 113 & Hamond Road. It is diagonally across from the former Emings BBQ. Owner financing is available w/acceptable contract. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! Possibilities are endless. MLS MDWO113680
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 2020 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