AGP Executive Report

Family Travel Calendar (Chesapeake): August is packed with Maryland-friendly plans, from the Maryland Renaissance Festival’s 50th season kickoff in Crownsville (Aug. 29) to Annapolis crab feasts, a Made in Maryland festival at Kurtz’s Beach (Aug. 16), and the SPCA of Anne Arundel’s Puppy Plunge at Camp Letts (Aug. 23). Fishing Updates: Maryland’s striped bass season closes Aug. 1–Aug. 31, with the tidal Potomac closed until Aug. 21; DNR also highlights its “Reel in the Blues Bonanza” and invasive blue catfish efforts. Baltimore Airport Immigration Detention: A Johns Hopkins researcher was detained by ICE at BWI despite work authorization, then released after legal pressure—another reminder for travelers to double-check documents. Local Culture & Nightlife: Baltimore’s Paramount venue is nearing completion and is expected to open this fall, adding a major midsize concert option near the stadium district. Health Alert: Maryland health officials warn of a possible measles exposure tied to an Elkton emergency department visit (July 30). Travel Safety/Water: Matapeake Beach is under a swimming health warning, and Chesapeake Bay conditions remain a key summer watch item.

Hotel Safety Tips: Travel experts say don’t leave passports, IDs, or sensitive documents on display in your room—store them in a safe to reduce identity theft risk. International Travel Watch: A new report on East Coast tourism shows international visitation down in places like New York City and Washington, D.C., as costs and security concerns weigh on overseas travelers. Maryland Health Alert: State officials are warning of possible measles exposure in Elkton after a visitor tested positive; anyone who was at ChristianaCare Union Hospital’s ER during a specific early-morning window should monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. Beach Update: Matapeake Beach in Stevensville is under a swimming health warning due to high bacteria levels. Chesapeake Fishing Rule: Maryland’s monthlong striped bass (rockfish) closure starts Aug. 1, limiting targeting even for catch-and-release. Coastal Resilience: The University of Maryland expanded Hydronet flood monitoring with a new real-time station at Breezy Point Beach and Campground. Immigration at BWI: ICE detained a Johns Hopkins researcher at BWI while she tried to board a domestic flight, sparking concern from the university and lawmakers.

Camp David Spotlight: President Trump is set to hold a Cabinet meeting at Maryland’s Camp David as Iran war tensions shape the agenda, a reminder that the Catoctin Mountains retreat keeps pulling double duty as both diplomacy hub and travel destination. Road-Trip Reality Check: Maryland drivers near Baltimore County should plan for a traffic pattern change on I-695 near Sparrows Point/Bear Creek as the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild continues, with lane adjustments and daytime bridge maintenance. Family Fun & Local Stops: North Beach Farmers Market is a weekend must for visitors and locals, with a community-friendly setup in the North Beach Senior Center parking lot and easy add-ons like the boardwalk and library nearby. Heritage Tourism: Catoctin Furnace is getting a Maryland Heritage Areas grant to add a digital projection recreating the historic ironmaking process—an immersive upgrade for history lovers. Community Safety: Maryland Natural Resources Police will join National Night Out on Aug. 4 with family-friendly events and safety presentations across the state. Shopping Update: Nordstrom Rack plans to open new stores in Maryland as part of a broader expansion, adding more deal-hunting options for travelers.

Chesapeake Bay Health Alert: Maryland health officials say cases of vibriosis are climbing, including confirmed “flesh-eating” Vibrio vulnificus infections—so swimmers and anyone with open wounds should take extra precautions this summer. Local Water Woes: Dundalk residents are fed up after repeated water main breaks left flooding and patchwork repairs in their Rosewald Beach neighborhood, with calls for a more permanent fix. Family-Friendly Camp: Camp Open Arms at Camp Running Bear in Baltimore County is giving more than 75 kids with limb differences a free, confidence-building week of activities—no bullying, just community. Baltimore Design for Visitors: Baltimore launched an international design competition to make three major traffic corridors more welcoming, with $450,000 in prizes and a focus on arrival experiences for residents and visitors. Road/Travel Disruption: MDOT warns of a width restriction on southbound US 301 over MD 290 in Queen Anne’s County due to bridge replacement work. Safety on the Water: Officials also reported a beaver bite that closed a beach at Cunningham Falls State Park, underscoring how quickly summer plans can change. Immigration at Airports: A Johns Hopkins public health researcher was detained by ICE while boarding a domestic flight at BWI, raising concerns among the university community.

Eastern Shore Travel & Tourism: Stevensville is rolling out 18 new decorative banners to spotlight the Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District, boosting visibility for travelers passing through Queen Anne’s County. Road Trip Stops: Route 50 traffic got you stuck? A new guide highlights easy detours between Kent Island and Salisbury, including a Stevensville brewery/venue and other quick-hit attractions. Family Fun & Safety: Talbot County’s storm response included NWS-confirmed tornadoes near Trappe (EF-1 and EF-0), with no injuries reported. Beach Planning: Marylanders are reminded to plan around water safety—elsewhere, lifeguards say cliff jumpers are still ignoring warnings after rescues. Local Culture: Baltimore’s Birthday Bash 2026 is set for the War Memorial with a DJ, open bar, and proceeds supporting Live Baltimore. Travel Tech/Reading Hacks: Maryland libraries say you can grab multiple library cards across systems to cut e-book wait times—handy for summer reading before trips. Money & Travel Timing: A $1 million Powerball prize was claimed in Odenton. Sports Tourism: The All Blacks’ historic tour includes a Test at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Airport & Rail Upgrades: Amtrak is ramping up work on the $6B Frederick Douglass Tunnel project in West Baltimore, setting the stage for tunnel-boring in 2028 and major Northeast Corridor realignment. Major Airport Overhaul: President Trump announced a $22.5B makeover of Washington Dulles, aiming to retire the “people movers” and replace them with a new passenger train, walking tunnel, and expanded moving walkways. Big Event Traffic Planning: D.C.’s first IndyCar race (Aug. 22-23) around the National Mall is expected to draw 140,000 spectators a day, with road closures and parking restrictions starting well before race weekend. Local Summer Fun: Chesapeake Beach is launching its first-ever Red, White and Warrior Challenge (Aug. 8) with a two-person obstacle course to benefit a local American Legion post. Ocean City Watch: Ocean Downs near Ocean City could be up for sale as Churchill Downs considers selling multiple harness racing properties. Travel Safety Note: A rabid beaver incident at Cunningham Falls State Park led to beach closures and renewed warnings for visitors. Legal/Travel Disruption: A Washington bar exam in Yakima was canceled due to a technology issue, leaving hundreds of applicants in limbo—another reminder that travel plans can get derailed fast.

Ocean City Summer Send Off: Ocean City is bringing back its free late-summer bash Aug. 27-30 with hot air balloons, giant kites, and nightly laser shows plus hotel and vendor discounts. Rugby Rivalry Watch: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the Argentina match will be prep for the All Blacks, with Tests including one in Baltimore during August and September. Travel Disruption Alert: Travelers are still dealing with major flight disruptions after FAA ground stops and an American Airlines IT outage, including heavy impacts at BWI and DCA. Family Fun & Community: St. Mary’s County is gearing up for National Night Out on Aug. 4 with neighborhood events, foam parties, splash downs, and meet-and-greets with local first responders. Outdoor Safety: A beaver attack at Cunningham Falls State Park led to a rabies-positive test and a temporary swimming beach closure. Weekend Picks: Local event listings highlight live music and country line dancing in the region.

Maryland Travel & Tourism: National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2–8): Baltimore’s Farmers’ Market is kicking off the week with live performances, farm-to-table demos, and restaurant pop-ups, with the city’s market spotlighting how local food supports tourism and small businesses. Local Community & Visitor Experience: Etz Chaim Baltimore moves to Pikesville: The Jewish learning and community space is relocating from Smith Avenue to Old Court Road this fall, aiming to keep programming more accessible as people travel less and prefer local meetups. Outdoor Safety: Cunningham Falls rabies scare: A beaver that bit a 13-year-old at Cunningham Falls State Park tested positive for rabies, and the swimming area stayed closed while officials check for additional animals. Road Trip Planning: WalletHub value picks: A new national ranking highlights which states deliver the best summer road-trip “bang for your buck,” with Maryland travelers likely comparing costs and drive-friendly fun. Air Travel Disruptions: American Airlines IT outage: Travelers at Miami International faced rebooking and check-in problems after a systemwide outage, with some rerouted flights to Baltimore and others canceled. Sports Tourism: All Things Go 2026: The music festival returns with shows in NYC and Columbia, Maryland (Merriweather Post Pavilion), with Brandi Carlile headlining both stops.

Road & Rail Updates: Baltimore crews are repairing the Hanover Street/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge while planning a long-term replacement that could take years and cost hundreds of millions. Local Travel Safety: A beaver that bit a boy at Cunningham Falls State Park tested positive for rabies, and the swimming area will stay closed for several days as officials check for exposure. Commuter Disruption (Southern Maryland to DC): Freedom 250 Grand Prix construction is already underway around Washington’s National Mall, with pavement work and changing traffic patterns affecting commuters from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s ahead of the Aug. 22-23 race. Family-Friendly Beach Gear: Beachmate’s all-in-one beach shovel is rolling out to 100 Walmart stores nationwide, aiming to replace disposable beach tools. Community & Accessible Recreation: Tides of Grace’s “Shore to Shine” on Maryland’s Eastern Shore brought a boardwalk-themed dance and Jeep rides for the special needs community. Culture for Visitors: Baltimore’s Imagination Lunchbox International Film Festival (Sept. 13–20) is accepting short film submissions from 17 countries, with free community access and virtual options.

New Flights for Maryland Travelers: United Airlines is adding year-round nonstop service to Cartagena from Houston and Washington Dulles starting Dec. 17, with four weekly flights on a 737—another reason to plan a Caribbean getaway from the DMV. Beach Update: Ocean City’s Atlantic Coast of Maryland beach replenishment is set to restart this October after a funding delay, with dredging sand placement expected to run through around next Memorial Day (with the beach closing three blocks at a time). Family & Community Food Access: Maryland’s NourishMD grant program is funding 44 projects statewide, including a permanent food hub in Baltimore’s Cherry Hill, aiming to expand fresh food access in food deserts. Local Travel Safety & Infrastructure: West Baltimore residents are questioning a North Dukeland Street resurfacing and “Complete Streets” redesign, including bike lanes and curb changes, saying they weren’t involved early. Outdoor Health Alert: Cunningham Falls State Park closed water access after a beaver tested positive for rabies following a 13-year-old attack. Rural Veterans Care: A mobile “hospital on wheels” program (GOHOSPITAL) is set to bring hospital-grade diagnostics to remote areas, with a rollout expected later this year into January 2027 at National Harbor.

Water Safety: The American Red Cross is urging Maryland families to be extra careful around pools, beaches, rivers and even bathtubs this summer, noting drowning is the leading cause of death for children and can happen in seconds. Family Travel Help: Hyundai Hope is teaming with Children’s National to expand access to child car seats, booster seats and safety education across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Eastern Shore Getaway: A new guide makes the case for quick Eastern Shore escapes from Annapolis—St. Michaels, Oxford, Easton and Chestertown—plus practical Bay Bridge timing tips. Rent & Deals: Zillow reports rent prices are ticking up, but concessions are rising too, meaning renters may still find meaningful move-in offers. Wildlife Watch: Chesapeake Bay region wildlife is in peak breeding and nesting mode, with summer activity affecting species from crabs to birds. Local Tourism & Events: The Calvert Marine Museum’s Waterside Music Series drew thousands for Warren Zeiders in Solomons, a reminder of the region’s strong outdoor concert scene. Getting There: Montgomery County’s purchase of White’s Ferry moves the Potomac crossing closer to reopening, which could ease travel for drivers on both sides. Summer Driving Safety: Maryland warns that the “100 Deadliest Days” stretch brings higher crash risk, urging safer summer driving habits.

Cunningham Falls State Park Incident: A teen was bitten by a beaver near the William Houck Area and flown to Johns Hopkins; the park closed the swimming beach while DNR and Natural Resources Police searched the area and arranged rabies testing. Library Travel Tip: Maryland libraries are moving further into “fine-free” rules for minors’ materials, meaning fewer late-fee hassles for families planning day trips and summer reading. Family Travel Safety: An 8-year-old in Charles County was seriously injured in a boating accident at Goose Bay Marina & Campground in Welcome; the child was flown to Johns Hopkins and faces major recovery. Chesapeake Bay Monitoring: A new Hydronet water-level station was installed at Breezy Point Beach and Campground to improve flood-risk data access for residents and emergency planners. Weekend Planning for Maryland History: Guides highlight top Maryland history museums for family day trips, with suggestions for matching exhibits to kids’ interests. Local Sports Buzz: The Orioles fell to the Braves 3-2 in extra innings, and Baltimore now heads to Detroit.

Maryland Outdoors & Safety: Maryland DNR explains where black bears live and how the hunt lottery works, with tips for hikers and campers heading into Western Maryland. Family Travel & Planning: The Maryland fishing outlook notes striped bass rules through July 31, plus water temperature and oxygen conditions for anglers. Local Travel Logistics: PennDOT and other road-work updates include ongoing projects and weekend traffic impacts, so drivers can plan around closures. Baltimore Area Food & Fun: A roundup highlights Greek seafood spots that include Maryland dining options, plus more seafood-focused picks for summer. Rehoboth Beach Arts: CAMP Rehoboth will host an Aug. 7 “Rising Tides” art reception, with the exhibition running through Sept. 10. Staycation Mindset: A travel column encourages “tourist at home” ideas—trying nearby restaurants and exploring local neighborhoods like a visitor. Travel-Adjacent News: Maryland reports measles exposure/investigations tied to out-of-state travel, a reminder to check health alerts before trips.

Maryland Travel Watch: Montgomery County is one step closer to reopening White’s Ferry after agreeing to buy the Maryland landing for $1.5M and securing donated ferry boats and assets valued at $7M, with service still dependent on Virginia landing rights. Coastal & Outdoors: A new Hydronet water-level monitoring station was installed at Breezy Point Beach and Campground in Calvert County to strengthen Chesapeake Bay flood-risk data for residents and emergency planners. Family & Community Travel: CAMP Rehoboth in Rehoboth Beach hosts a free community book launch for “Adverse Events” on Sept. 18, followed by a Drag Me to Bingo fundraiser. Beach Safety & Events: Lifeguards from Ocean City and Delaware competed in the annual Lifeguard Olympics in Rehoboth Beach, highlighting summer readiness along the Mid-Atlantic coast. Food & Health Alert: The FDA/CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Maryland reporting no confirmed links to the outbreak so far.

White’s Ferry Reopening Milestone: Montgomery County will buy the Maryland landing for $1.5 million, while the owners donate boats and assets worth $7M, clearing a major hurdle toward restoring service across the Potomac. Local Development: Royal Farms purchased 5.8 acres on Ritchie Highway in Arnold for a planned convenience store and gas station, with county approvals still pending. Family Travel & Safety: A Waldorf man faces felony charges after authorities allege he stole a DoorDash driver’s car and later took a school bus before crashing it during a traffic stop. Beach Season Watch: Lifeguard Olympics in Rehoboth Beach drew Ocean City and Delaware teams for speed and lifesaving drills—another sign summer tourism is in full swing. Maryland Visitor Tip: If you’re craving a quieter Chesapeake beach day, Calvert Cliffs State Park offers a hike-in shoreline instead of Ocean City’s boardwalk crowds. Food Safety for Travelers: Maryland is among states reporting cyclosporiasis linked to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taco Bell.

Ocean City Beach Update: Federal engineers are set to add new sand to Ocean City’s eroding coastline in a $27 million beach nourishment project, with short off-season closures expected as work moves along about 8 miles of shoreline. Outdoor Access Grant: Beach to Bay Heritage Area in Berlin, Md., received a grant to expand outdoor recreation access for at-risk and low-income residents, including multilingual materials, trailhead signage, and guided tours. Tax-Free Shopping: Maryland’s Tax-Free Week returns Aug. 9–15, with sales tax relief on qualifying clothing and shoes under $100, plus backpacks and a $1,000 video contest prize. Weekend Planning: Baltimore is posting major road closures and lane restrictions for the July 24–26 weekend, including around M&T Bank Stadium and CFG Bank Arena. Health Alert for Travelers: The FDA/CDC are widening a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Maryland reporting no link so far. Chesapeake Nature Moment: North Beach’s baby osprey has taken its first flight, with fledglings typically staying near the nest for weeks as they learn to fish.