AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices & Road Trips: AAA says the national regular gas average is up 3 cents to $4.10, the highest it’s been on this date, as crude oil stays around $80 a barrel. School-Zone Safety: St. Mary’s County is shifting its School Zone Speed Camera Program to a 30-day warning period starting Aug. 24, with citations beginning Sept. 23. Heritage Tourism (Accessibility): Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is highlighted as the country’s first heritage railroad designated a Certified Autism Center, aiming to make historic rail experiences more accessible. Family Fun in Southern Maryland: A week of local picks includes Turtle Time at North Beach Nature Center, a Summer Night Festival in Chesapeake Beach, and more events across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s. Travel Tech Watch: The FTC is seeking public comment on personalized pricing, a practice that can affect travel and hotel rates based on personal data. Local Attractions: Glory Days Antiques in Newburg leans into roadside weirdness with a life-size T. rex and a big antiques-and-collectibles spread.

Travel Safety & Weather: A tornado watch is up for parts of Maryland and the D.C.-Baltimore corridor through 10 p.m. Thursday, with damaging winds, hail, and flash-flood risk during the evening commute. Local Tourism & Food: Worcester County launched “Maryland’s Coast Shellfish,” a new brand spotlighting locally grown oysters, clams, and bay scallops and the watermen behind them. Coastal Travel & Health: Beachgoers are being warned about flesh-eating bacteria (Vibrio vulnificus) in warm seawater, with Maryland reporting dozens of cases this year. Airport & Travel Disruption Watch: U.S. CBP seized nearly 1,600 pounds of khat across Dulles and BWI in multiple busts, including a 368-pound haul from a Paris flight. Visitor Tips: A Maryland-focused guide warns travelers how to spot vacation rental scams before booking. Getting There: BermudAir announced twice-weekly nonstop flights from Newark to South Caicos starting Dec. 20, with fares from $347 one-way. Outdoor Fun: Maryland’s fishing report highlights strong crabbing and notes striped bass targeting is prohibited through Aug. 31.

School Bus Safety: Maryland’s MVA is reminding drivers to slow down and never pass a stopped school bus, with automated camera citations of $250 and potential fines up to $570 plus three points. Road Work & Detours: Eastbound I-70 lane closures at the I-70/I-81 interchange in Washington County run Aug. 22–24, with a detour routing traffic via I-81 exits. Historic Dig in St. Mary’s County: Archaeologists and St. Mary’s College students are preparing to search for the original 1638 Cross Manor site after the county approved a $5,000 grant. Travel Planning for Nature Lovers: Maryland sunflower bloom timing varies by farm and weather; a Southern Maryland festival is set for Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5–6) in Benedict. Caribbean Flight Boost: BermudAir adds the New York area’s first nonstop to South Caicos from Newark, starting Dec. 20, 2026 (Sundays/Thursdays through April 25, 2027). Local Events: Berlin, Maryland, is a Hallmark “Merriest Christmas Town” finalist, moving into the public voting phase. Tech & Travel Security: UMass Amherst researchers presented “Zombie Card,” showing how expired Visa contactless cards can be revived under specific conditions—highlighting why travelers should keep payment info current.

Airport Watch: CBP at BWI seized nearly 850 pounds of khat from two London-arriving travelers—after a prior 412-pound bust—highlighting how the stimulant is being smuggled in suitcases. Road & Safety: Maryland schools are reopening, and officials are reminding drivers to stop for school buses with flashing red lights and stop arms, even on multilane roads. Local Travel Disruption: Route 2 is closed near Skinners Turn Road in Owings due to a sinkhole, with detours advised while crews repair the roadway. Community & Tourism: The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Project earned a national preservation award for restoring the Chesapeake Bay landmark and expanding volunteer tours. Baltimore Updates: Baltimore’s DOT director is stepping down as the city prepares downtown traffic changes tied to Harborplace redevelopment. Ocean City Watch: Police are detailing growing social-media “takeover” events and pushing for a coordinated statewide response. Sports (Maryland ties): AEW Dynamite aired from Baltimore, with Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega set for a major All In showdown.

Maryland Travel & Tourism: Eastern Shore Art Stop: Peninsula Gallery’s Aug. 29 opening reception (5–6:30 p.m.) spotlights Delmarva through artists Carole Böggemann Peirson, Lynne Lockhart and Kirk McBride at the Shops at the Beacon in Lewes. Outdoor Safety Watch: Maryland is dealing with another wave of rabid beaver reports, with public health officials urging people to keep distance and protect pets. Road-Trip Planning: The state is moving forward on its Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, with MD 2 bid advertising planned for projects aimed at safer walking and biking. Family Fun: For All Seasons’ annual back-to-school School Supplies Giveaway and Resource Fair drew hundreds of families to Easton Elks Lodge #1622 with free backpacks and community resources. Motorsports Weekend: Budds Creek Motocross Park hosts the 36th Budds Creek National Aug. 22, with Annapolis native Travis Pastrana as Grand Marshal. Local Food Buzz: A Greenmount Avenue takeout window, I Love Seafood, is drawing crowds for its oversized seafood egg rolls and “dirty yak” style dish.

Travel Deals: Fall travel bargains are fading as shoulder-season demand pushes prices up, with Vrbo noting average nightly rates after summer are only about 5% below peak. Wildlife & Parks: Maryland is dealing with a third beaver attack in weeks after a rabid beaver incident at Seneca Creek State Park led to a partial closure of trails and river access while officials search for the animal. Heritage & Tourism Planning: The Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA) won a $40,000 rural Maryland grant to advance a two-year feasibility study toward National Heritage Area designation across Maryland and Delaware’s Eastern Shore. Coastal Recreation: Assateague State Park received $1.3 million for dune repairs and dune-crossing maintenance, aiming to protect dune grasses and wildlife while keeping visitors off sensitive dunes. Local Events: Budds Creek Motocross Park’s Yamaha Budds Creek National returns Aug. 22 with major international competition and Annapolis native Travis Pastrana as grand marshal. Airport Security: CBP at BWI recovered about 412 pounds of khat from abandoned luggage tied to flights from London.

Ocean City Jellyfish Warning: Ocean City is seeing a surge of sea nettle jellyfish, with swimmers urged to stay alert and avoid stings as warm-water conditions pull them closer to shore. Pedestrian Safety Push: Maryland’s State Highway Administration is moving forward on its Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, advertising bids for safety work along MD 2 and setting up more projects aimed at people who walk, bike, and roll. Transit Update for Travelers: Metro’s Red Line summer detour is nearly over—Bethesda, Medical Center, and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations are set to reopen Sept. 7 after construction tied to the Purple Line connection. Intercity Bus Expansion: OurBus launched new Boston South Station service to New York City, with routes to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. starting Aug. 20 and promotional fares from $19. Local Tourism & Events: Del. Ric Metzgar attended the MACo Summer Conference in Ocean City, highlighting how the event showcases Maryland attractions and helps drive in-state travel. Tech for ID Convenience: Apple Wallet digital driver’s licenses and state IDs are expanding to more states, including Maryland already among the current supported locations. Safety on the Water: Crews recovered the body of an Essex man from Seneca Creek after a reported overboard incident.

Ocean City Travel Alert: Jellyfish swarms are keeping beachgoers out of the water, and officials say about 2,000 people were treated for stings during a recent two-week stretch—expect more sting-avoidance guidance as the summer rush continues. Local Safety & Driving: Annapolis is expanding speed camera enforcement to run 24/7 starting next month, with new camera locations on Edgewood Street and West Street and higher potential fines. Outdoor Closures: Maryland state parks are partially closing after rabid beaver attacks, including incidents at Cunningham Falls and Seneca Creek—visitors should check closures before heading out. Southern Maryland Weekend Plans: Budds Creek Motocross returns Aug. 22 for the Yamaha Budds Creek National, with Travis Pastrana added as grand marshal. Family Fun in Old Ellicott City: Hot Garbage Pizza is targeting an Old Ellicott City opening, bringing a made-from-scratch “garbage” pizza concept to Tiber Alley. Event Logistics for Visitors: The Freedom 250 Grand Prix in D.C. brings major road closures and flight disruptions, with the 1.7-mile course running along downtown streets near the Capitol.

Road Work & Detours (Prince George’s County): MDOT SHA is shifting traffic on the MD 4–Suitland Parkway interchange in Upper Marlboro, with a new pattern starting Aug. 17: two lanes each way on MD 4 and dual left-turn lanes on northbound MD 4 to Suitland Parkway. Temporary access closures to Suitland Parkway from northbound MD 4 ran Aug. 14–16, and the updated setup is expected to last about two years while new electronic/directional signage and infrastructure are installed. Beach & Summer Travel (Ocean City): Ocean City’s beach renourishment cycle is set to begin after Labor Day and run through next Memorial Day, with USACE saying the wide beach plus seawall and dunes have helped prevent an estimated $927M in storm damage since the early 1990s. Local Travel Disruption (Eastern Shore): Pocomoke City’s historic 1920s drawbridge will close to motorists for about 60 days starting Sept. 8 for cleaning and painting, with the drawbridge expected to stay open to marine traffic. Family-Friendly Weekend (Rehoboth Beach): The Rehoboth Beach Patrol 5K drew 175 runners, including Ocean City’s Melissa Willey as the top local female finisher. Safety Watch (Cunningham Falls State Park): Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County is partially closed after two rabid beaver attacks—one July 26 and another Aug. 5—prompting officials to close swimming access at Hunting Creek Lake.

Severe Weather & Travel Disruptions: American Airlines passengers faced delays and ground stops at major hubs as thunderstorms and an air show triggered FAA traffic restrictions, with O’Hare and Reagan National hit hardest. Maryland Commute Alert: A new traffic pattern is now in place on MD-4 at Suitland Parkway in Upper Marlboro for a $238M diamond interchange project, with changes expected to last about two years. Prince George’s County Jobs: Gov. Moore announced Cloudforce will expand at National Harbor, adding 250 new jobs and leasing more office space to support its secure AI platform. Things to Do (Southern Maryland): Wye Angus Field Day is set for Sept. 11–12 in Queenstown, featuring grazing tours, tick management, composting, and silvopasture demos. Safety on the Water: Search continues for a missing boater after a fall into the water at Miami Beach Park in Middle River. Weekend Weather Watch: Another round of storms is forecast for Maryland, with flash flooding and possible tornadoes prompting travelers to stay alert. Local Flavor: A reader survey highlights the best beers brewed in Maryland, including Mully’s Brewery in Prince Frederick and Unauthorized Brewing in North Beach.

Severe Weather Watch: Flash flooding and damaging winds are expected to hit Maryland again Sunday, with the National Weather Service warning of possible isolated tornadoes and urging travelers to stay alert for poor visibility and hydroplaning. Hurricane Disruption (Travel Impact): Hurricane Lala is causing major travel chaos in Hawaii, including airport closures and widespread flight cancellations—another reminder to build buffer time around storms. Local Flavor for Visitors: BayNet readers picked the best beers brewed in Maryland, spotlighting Prince Frederick’s Mully’s Brewery and North Beach’s Unauthorized Brewing—easy stops for a weekend itinerary. Music & Tourism: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival added Maryland singer-songwriter Cris Jacobs for Sept. 19-20 at Sandy Point State Park, plus new workshops tied to Chesapeake Bay conservation. On the Road (Planning): PennDOT and other agencies posted road-work updates and traffic shifts that could affect summer travel routes near major corridors. Community Recovery Story: Avenues in Prince Frederick highlights Danielle Murphy’s full-circle journey from addiction recovery to counseling—an uplifting local stop beyond the usual attractions.

New Flights to Aruba: Southwest Airlines is launching Saturday-only nonstop service from Nashville to Aruba starting March 13, 2027, with additional Saturday routes from Nashville to Montego Bay, St. Thomas, and Liberia, Costa Rica. Maryland Travel & Events: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival added Maryland singer-songwriter Cris Jacobs as a special guest for Sept. 19-20 at Sandy Point State Park. Baltimore Game-Day Logistics: Baltimore’s DOT announced traffic changes and bridge closures for the Ravens preseason opener vs. the Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Rugby Tourism Spotlight: The Springboks say they’re fully recovered and ready for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, with the final Test in Baltimore on Sept. 12 at M&T Bank Stadium. Local Community Travel Moments: A Maryland family shares “educational travel” after missing the first day of school—touring Washington, D.C. landmarks during a road trip. Consumer Travel Watch: A congressional inquiry is pressing major airlines to explain whether AI and consumer data help set the fares you see.

Chesapeake Bay Update: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland hit nearly all 2025 Chesapeake Bay restoration goals, including 100% of sediment and phosphorus targets and 99% for nitrogen—though some watermen question whether the numbers match what they see on the water. Ocean City & Tourism: At the MACo conference in Ocean City, Sen. Chris Van Hollen highlighted federal emergency funding aimed at boosting Lower Shore resiliency, including shoreline protection efforts in places like Crisfield. Racquet Sports in Maryland Area: Sea Colony (near Bethany Beach) named Gustavo “Guga” Goncalves as its new director of racquet sports, starting Aug. 31, overseeing instruction, tournaments, leagues, and junior programs across its 46+ tennis and pickleball courts. Sports Travel Plug: The Philadelphia Eagles open their preseason at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore against the Ravens, with local transit and stadium arrival times shared for game day. Shopping Deal Deadline: Maryland’s tax-free week ends at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, with a $100 limit on eligible items like clothing and footwear. Safety & Roads: Delmarva Power sent crews to help restore power in Illinois after severe storms, a reminder of how travel plans can be affected by outages and repairs.

Chesapeake Bay Progress Check: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland hit nearly all 2025 Chesapeake Bay restoration goals (100% sediment, 100% phosphorus, 99% nitrogen), but some watermen argue the pollution numbers don’t match what they’re seeing on the water—an issue that matters for Bay tourism, seafood, and recreation. Ocean City Arts Weekend: Ocean City’s Artists Paint OC returns Aug. 12–16, with plein air painting across beaches, marshes, and the harbor; wet paint sales run Aug. 15 (5–7 p.m.) and Aug. 16 (1–3 p.m.). Tourism + Sports Spotlight: The Women’s Lacrosse League kicks off its inaugural championship weekend Aug. 15 at Subaru Park in Philadelphia, with Maryland Charm facing California Palms—ESPN televised. Local Travel Infrastructure: Rep. Andy Harris toured Salisbury’s Johnsons Pond Dam after a $1.55M federal award for dam improvements, a reminder that upgrades can shape safer local travel and community access. Bay Health Alert: Maryland and Virginia report rising vibrio vulnificus cases as waters warm; officials urge extra caution with cuts and seafood handling during peak summer.

Road & Commute Updates: Maryland Route 4 at the Suitland Parkway Interchange is moving into a new construction phase, with a temporary weekend closure of access to Suitland Parkway from northbound Route 4 starting Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., and a new traffic pattern expected to open the morning of Aug. 17 for about two years—expect lane shifts, turning restrictions, and extra travel time. Gas Prices Watch: AAA says the national average for regular gas is climbing again after a week of declines, now around $4.07, with crude oil holding near the $80 range. Family Travel & Summer Fun: Ocean City is rolling out its second annual “Summer Send Off” Aug. 27–30, featuring hot air balloons, giant kites, and laser shows, plus hotel savings of 15–30% at participating properties. Weekend What-To-Do: Southern Maryland’s BayNet roundup highlights outdoor movies, live music, festivals, and family events across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Local Spotlight: Mardela High School alum Ava Twilley donated $1,000 to the Little League Challenger program in Salisbury, supporting kids with disabilities in the sport.

Regional Aviation & Jobs: Gov. Wes Moore delivered the keynote at the inaugural University of Maryland Eastern Shore Aviation Maintenance Technician graduation, highlighting a 12-month FAA-focused pathway into high-demand aviation careers and pointing to $2.9M in state funding for regional airport upgrades, including Ocean City and Easton. Travel Safety & Disruption: A small fire at BWI-Marshall Airport’s daily parking garage caused about $300,000 in damage and sent one person to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center with non-life-threatening burns; the garage reopened before 2 p.m. with temporary access limits and shuttle service. Border & Luggage Rules: U.S. CBP agriculture specialists at Dulles seized about 440 pounds of unprocessed cotton from traveler baggage because seeds make it inadmissible without USDA permits and treatments. Family-Friendly Community Tourism: Mardela softball star Ava Twilley used her Gatorade Community Grant to support Wicomico County’s Little League Challenger Program, keeping it free and expanding access for kids with special needs. Maritime Economy: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Local Roads & Trust: St. Mary’s County’s school-zone speed-camera rollout faces public mistrust amid claims of transparency contradictions, with more details promised in later coverage.