AGP Executive Report

Breeze Airways expands Maryland-area flying: The airline is adding nonstop service from Burlington to Baltimore, with flights Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays starting now; tickets begin around $54 one way. Breeze grows Florida routes too: Breeze also announced five new Vero Beach routes, including service to Baltimore and Atlantic City, plus Burlington and Provo (some nonstop, some BreezeThru). Rail day trip idea: The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is running, giving travelers another reason to plan a fall outing in the region. Road-trip safety in Maryland: Maryland reported 39 September crash deaths (including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists) and urged safer driving as deer season ramps up. Local travel logistics: WMATA is adding new bus shelters and benches across the region to improve stops for riders. Weekend planning note: Maryland’s fall calendar continues to fill up, with events and seasonal activities highlighted across the state.

New Air Service at BWI: Breeze Airways is launching nonstop flights from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) to Burlington, Vermont, and Vero Beach, Florida, with introductory fares reported as low as $54—more options for Maryland travelers and a boost for airport traffic. Baltimore Travel Boost: The first nonstop Baltimore-to-Burlington flight in 16 years has landed, highlighting how the new route can cut travel time for visitors heading north or to New England. Local Safety & Community Impact: A parking-spot dispute at a youth football game in southwest Baltimore ended in gunfire, killing a 12-year-old girl and injuring four adults—another reminder to share tips with police. Travel Tech at the Border: U.S. Customs and Border Protection tested facial recognition for pedestrian exits at the Progreso International Bridge, a step toward completing the biometric entry-exit system. Fall Getaway Ideas: A roundup of small-town November trips spotlights St. Michaels, Maryland, as crab-season travel heats up with quieter streets and lower rates.

New Air Service at BWI: Breeze Airways is adding nonstop flights from Baltimore/Washington International to Burlington, Vermont (from $54 one-way) and Vero Beach, Florida (from $89), marking the airline’s arrival at BWI. Fall Travel Ideas: A new guide highlights 10 hiking trails near Baltimore for crisp-weather walks, plus tips for making the most of a fall hike. Local Fun for Visitors & Residents: Baltimore-area pickleball is booming, and a Maryland roundup points players to courts and beginner-friendly options. Safety After Dark: A travel-focused look at U.S. cities where tourists often feel unsafe at night includes Baltimore on the list, with context on how crime data works. Weather Check: Baltimore starts Sunday damp and gray with light rain through midday, then turns sunnier and breezier later in the week. Culture & Community: “Future Resonance — ShanghaiEye Night” brought a Shanghai-themed cultural exchange to the National Mall, with Maryland’s Secretary of State Susan Lee attending. Rail Travel Push: Brand USA is promoting American rail travel for the 2027 200-year railroad bicentennial.

Ocean City Beach Safety: Ocean City issued a swimming advisory after rough surf and rip currents led to three swimmers being rescued, with two declining treatment and one taken to a hospital. BWI Dining Fight: A legal battle over Silver Diner’s prime spot at BWI could reshape airport dining, as Fraport seeks a costly demolition/replacement while Silver Diner argues for an agreed renovation. Maryland Tourism & Events: Country Calling returns to Ocean City’s Inlet with a big country lineup after last month’s Oceans Calling disruption, and Baltimore Recreation & Parks earned a national Gold Medal for parks and recreation excellence. Travel Costs Watch: The national gas average fell nearly 7 cents to $4.41 after a record September, easing pump pressure for road trips. Local Nature & Coastal Work: Maryland’s Swan Island restoration used dredged sediment to rebuild eroding shoreline habitat in Tangier Sound. Sports Travel Angle: Nebraska swept Maryland in volleyball, a reminder of how college matchups pull fans across state lines.

Road Safety: A 22-year-old man died after a two-car crash in Owings Mills Friday night; the Honda driver was pronounced dead, while the Yukon driver and a passenger were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Ocean City Travel Advisory: Ocean City issued a swimming advisory after rescuers pulled three swimmers from rough surf near 19th Street; officials warned of dangerous rip currents and noted beach patrol is off duty for the season. Local Hospitality & Airports: Silver Diner at BWI is fighting a legal battle with concession manager Fraport over plans to demolish and replace the restaurant, a dispute that could affect travelers’ go-to preflight stop. Arts & Events (Maryland): Country Calling returns to Ocean City’s inlet Friday and Saturday with major headliners and a beach-and-boardwalk setup, following last week’s nor’easter disruption. Parks & Recreation: Baltimore City Recreation & Parks won a national Gold Medal Award for parks management excellence. Film (Baltimore): Henry Jaglom’s “Sitting Ducks” gets a 4K restoration run starting with a Baltimore screening at Charles Theatre on Oct. 4. Public Safety (UMD): A man was arrested after allegedly driving onto the University of Maryland campus while waving a gaming rifle and wearing a face mask.

Waterfront Jazz in Crisfield: Crisfield’s fourth annual “Jazz on the Waterfront” returns Oct. 3 (4–8 p.m.) at the City Dock, bringing Washington, D.C. and Baltimore-area acts including Phillip “Doc” Martin, Elwood Bishop, and Karen Linette for an evening of jazz, R&B, and blues on the Chesapeake Bay. Coastal Planning in Oxford: Oxford commissioners voted to seek $300,000 in state stormwater funding for drainage work at the Strand parking lot, despite resident pushback over the $512,511 price tag and the “perma-puddle” area. Baltimore Tourism Update: Guinness’ Open Gate Brewery in Halethroppe will shut down Nov. 1, ending Diageo’s years-long effort to build a Maryland visitor destination. Local Events for Visitors: Loyola Maryland hosts Boston University Oct. 3 at Ridley Athletic Complex (1 p.m.), while Baltimore Rock Opera Society faces backlash after firing an exec over cornrows. Chesapeake Bay Policy: Maryland lawmakers back tighter Atlantic menhaden harvest limits, citing major declines since 2020 and potential impacts across the Bay food web.

Ocean City Beach Recovery: After a nor’easter battered Ocean City’s shoreline, engineers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are assessing damage and planning beach re-nourishment to restore the berm and reduce future surge risk. Outdoor Recreation in Maryland: Ocean City hosted the 3rd Annual Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit, highlighting the state’s $10.6B outdoor industry and pushing for broader access to parks and recreation. Travel Planning for Visitors: Country Calling is bringing thousands to Ocean City; organizers shared parking, shuttle, and rideshare drop-off guidance for getting to the Inlet and avoiding post-show traffic. Road Work & Detours: SHA will mill, patch, and resurface MD 2 in Anne Arundel County starting Oct. 6, with overnight lane closures through mid-November. Consumer Travel Rules: A new Maryland law requires travel advisors to carry at least $1 million in professional liability and errors-and-omissions coverage, aiming to raise protection for travelers. Safety Watch: Maryland State Police reported a fatal pedestrian crash on I-795 in Baltimore County, underscoring ongoing roadway risk for pedestrians.

Aviation & Routes: Breeze Airways is adding six new nonstop routes from Oct. 1–4, including new service to San José, Costa Rica, and debuts at BWI, plus multiple Vero Beach links—good news for Maryland travelers looking to skip connections. Road & Bridge Updates: Bay Bridge maintenance brings scheduled lane closures and nighttime span changes Oct. 4–10, with tolls fully electronic—plan around the late-night work. Local Safety & Transit: PHMSA awarded hazmat training and inspection grants that include Maryland’s Short Line Safety Institute and state agencies, boosting instructor training and emergency response readiness. Pedestrian Safety: A Westminster woman and her dog were killed after being struck while crossing I-795 in Baltimore County—investigators are still working to understand what happened. Community Tourism & Food: St. Mary’s County is rolling out a new oyster-focused marketing push highlighting the economic and environmental impact of local oysters, with visitors invited to explore the region’s seafood story. Family Travel Planning: St. Mary’s County reported 60 marriage license applications in September, reflecting steady wedding-season activity for the Southern Maryland travel crowd.

Transit Upgrade for Maryland Commuters: Maryland launched a new direct MARC express service linking Baltimore and Montgomery County, cutting trips roughly in half for many riders and offering a $2 promotional discount on Brunswick-Camden tickets for the first six months. Tourism & Travel Disruption: A Maryland travel company is accused by tourists of leaving 70 women stranded in France and delaying refunds, raising fresh questions about customer protections. Coastal Recovery & Beach Restoration: After a nor’easter battered the region, Ocean City is moving ahead with beach renourishment and cleanup plans, including a major Army Corps contract. Road & Bridge Work: MDOT SHA scheduled routine maintenance on the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge with lane closures Sunday, Oct. 4, plus other nearby highway resurfacing updates. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a week-long East Coast flood threat from heavy rain, with travel impacts possible. Heritage Spotlight: Baltimore’s heritage preservation leader Shauntee Daniels is highlighted for her work promoting local history and community stewardship.

Caribbean Airlift & Tourism: Anguilla’s tourism director praised Trans Anguilla Airways for opening a dedicated St. Kitts office and locally based team, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity and passenger support. Maryland Roads & Travel Planning: Lawmakers are weighing new EV taxes to help fund Maryland bridges and roads, while MDOT/State Highway Administration maintenance is set for the MD 4 Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge (Calvert/St. Mary’s) with one lane closed Sunday, Oct. 4. Ocean City Recovery: Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza says state help is moving for Ocean City beach debris cleanup after the nor’easter, alongside a $25.7M Army Corps contract for beach replenishment. Fall Travel Ideas: DNR outlines when Maryland fall foliage typically peaks by region, with timing shifting fast based on weather. Baltimore Area Local Travel & Community: Volo Sports expands via acquisitions (including Fray in D.C., Phoenix, and Jacksonville; CLUBWAKA Miami), growing adult recreational sports options in more markets. Flight Disruption Watch: A new report flags 2026 as a tough year for flight cancellations, with travelers urged to plan for delays. Southern Maryland: Educational Systems Federal Credit Union was named Best Credit Union in the 2026 Best of Southern Maryland awards. Baltimore Finances: A taxpayer watchdog warns Baltimore could face financial strain as debt and city travel bills rise.

Ocean City Recovery: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $25.7M contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock to renourish Ocean City beaches after last weekend’s nor’easter, adding about 982,000 cubic yards of sand from Weaver Shoal; work is slated for late 2026/early 2027 and aims to finish before Memorial Day 2027. Coastal Safety & Cleanup: Fenwick Island is arranging bulk storm-debris pickup for Oct. 7 and warns residents about dune scarping and major drop-offs—stay off dunes while repairs continue. Local Travel Disruption: Maryland Parkway Red Line construction is still squeezing businesses, even as some riders report improved service and safer stops. Roadwork for Travelers: MDOT SHA will resurface MD 214 in Anne Arundel County (Edgewater) with nighttime single-lane closures Sept. 30–mid-October. Tourism & Community: Oglebay Park Resort in West Virginia is bringing back Boo at the Zoo and Fright Lights (Oct. 9-11, 16-18, 23-25). Cost Watch: Halloween candy prices rose 8.1% in August, so shoppers may want to compare price per piece or ounce.

Coastal Storm Recovery: Fenwick Island, Del. is cleaning up after dune and beach-access damage, with a bulk storm-debris pickup set for Oct. 7 and guidance to stay off eroded dune areas while crews repair fencing. Nor’easter Travel Disruptions: A powerful nor’easter battered the East Coast with flooding, dangerous surf, and widespread power outages, leaving thousands in the dark and forcing major event cancellations—expect lingering impacts for travelers. Maryland Tourism & Culture: A mobile book boutique, Salty Girl Books, is expanding across Maryland and Delaware, bringing pop-up stops at campuses and events to help readers find local community. Local Governance & Travel Planning: Maryland lawmakers are weighing an EV tax tied to miles traveled as road funding gaps grow—something that could shape how drivers plan trips and how transportation projects get prioritized. Aviation Rules: Maryland and other states sued the FAA over its environmental review for expanded commercial drone delivery rules, a move that could affect future airspace and logistics. Community Events: Rehoboth Beach is set for its Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, while Ocean City continues assessing storm damage after cancellations.

Nor’easter & Ocean City impacts: Ocean City crews are inspecting 10 miles of beach for storm damage after the nor’easter canceled Oceans Calling, with cleanup and debris checks underway and rough surf lingering for visitors. Wildlife safety: Maryland DNR warns of increased black bear sightings as fall ramps up, urging residents to remove food attractants like pet food and trash. Tourism leadership: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County announced its FY2027 board and executive committee as it continues promoting the destination. Road planning for travelers: St. Mary’s County set a second community meeting for the FDR Boulevard extension planning study, aimed at improving access to NAS Patuxent River and reducing congestion. Local events: Annapolis gears up for its 6th annual Pride parade and festival this weekend with street closures and shuttle options. Health & care access: United Theranostics opened an outpatient clinic in Bethesda offering PET/CT imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapies for cancer patients. Travel logistics: MDOT resurfacing work is planned on US 50 in Talbot County, with lane closures affecting drivers.

Ravens in Rio: Baltimore pulled off an unforgettable 34-31 walk-off win over Dallas in the NFL’s first Rio game, capped by a 27-yard Lamar Jackson pass to Zay Flowers and Tyler Loop’s 56-yard field goal with just seven seconds left—then the team leaned into the “Rio’s team now” trolling. Nor’easter Travel Disruptions: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with coastal flooding and widespread power outages; Ocean City saw flooding during Oceans Calling weekend, and officials warned about ongoing high-tide impacts. Eastern Shore Road Work: MDOT SHA started resurfacing 2.5 miles of westbound US 50 in Trappe (Talbot County), with single-lane closures 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays through mid-November. Cycling Tourism: Cycle North Carolina’s 2026 “Mountains to Coast” ride will bring about 800 cyclists through Halifax County on Oct. 7 as the weeklong route runs Oct. 4-10. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 price in Montgomery County hit $3.59/gallon for the week ending Sept. 19. Local Business & Hospitality: Easton’s Bluepoint Hospitality is expanding its footprint, including a planned residential community tied to the former UM Shore Regional Health site.

Nor’easter Travel Disruptions: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast for a second day, bringing dangerous coastal flooding, beach erosion, and widespread power outages—over 100,000 customers reported without electricity, with high tides threatening more flooding into Monday. Ocean City Festival Impact: Ocean City officials assessed storm damage after the nor’easter forced cancellations, including Oceans Calling, as crews inspected roughly 10 miles of beach for erosion and dune repair needs. Maryland Response: BGE sent crews to New Jersey to help restore power after the storm knocked out service across the region. Ravens-Cowboys Rio Tourism Boost: The NFL’s first game in Rio de Janeiro helped push hotel occupancy above 95% in Copacabana and Leme, with strong demand also in Ipanema/Leblon as fans arrived for the Ravens vs. Cowboys matchup. Local Sports Spotlight: Baltimore’s New/Next Film Festival returns Oct. 1-4 with 160+ films at The Charles Theatre, including Baltimore-made premieres tied to the Chesapeake Bay.