AGP Executive Report

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.

Nor’easter Disrupts Maryland Travel: A powerful, slow-moving nor’easter is battering the East Coast with heavy rain, dangerous surf, and coastal flooding, while knocking out power across the region. In Maryland and the Delmarva area, officials warn about tidal flooding through high-tide cycles and urge travelers to avoid flooded roads and closed beaches; Ocean City’s Oceans Calling festival was canceled, and beach access/roads saw impacts. Ocean City & Delmarva Storm Fallout: DelDOT reported multiple flooded roadways in Sussex County as high tides approached, with ongoing advisories for wind and coastal flooding. Ravens-Cowboys Rio Game (Travel Angle): Baltimore and Dallas are set for the NFL’s first-ever Rio de Janeiro matchup at Maracanã Stadium on Sept. 27 (CBS/Paramount+), with field-condition concerns addressed by the NFL and the players’ union. Local Roads Update (Harford County): A $4.8M intersection project at MD 543/MD 136 begins Monday with lane/shoulder closures and flagging through spring 2028. Visa/Birth-Tourism Policy Watch: U.S. officials say they’re moving to close a visa-free loophole tied to Chinese visitors and birth tourism, with a Maryland judge previously blocking parts of the policy. Baltimore Dining: A guide highlights Baltimore raw bar spots beyond oysters, including carryouts and sit-down options.

Nor’easter Disrupts Maryland Travel: Ocean City closed the ocean and tightened road access as rough surf, flooding, and high winds hit the resort; the storm also helped cancel the remainder of Oceans Calling. Coastal Flooding & Power Outages: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast with dangerous waves, major coastal flooding warnings, and outages affecting tens of thousands, with officials urging people to stay away from water. Flight & Cruise Changes: Hundreds of flights were canceled and airlines waived change fees; Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Vision of the Seas saw itinerary and arrival delays/reroutes due to weather. Maryland Tourism Spotlight: Lonely Planet named Maryland among its best destinations to visit in 2027. Local Safety Update: Denton’s police chief died in a head-on collision, underscoring travel risks during stormy conditions. Sports Travel Angle (Baltimore Fans in Rio): Ravens fans are in Brazil for the Cowboys-Ravens game as Maracanã turf concerns continue to be monitored.

Nor’easter Travel Impact: A powerful nor’easter is already disrupting travel across the Northeast, with hundreds of flight cancellations and major power outages expected as coastal flooding and strong winds hit the Mid-Atlantic. Maryland Coast Warnings: Ocean City reported low-lying streets underwater and issued travel advisories as the National Weather Service warned of 2–3 feet of flooding above ground in some areas, plus beach erosion and dangerous surf. Airline Waivers: Multiple major U.S. airlines are offering weekend travel waivers and change-fee relief for trips through affected hubs like Boston, New York/Newark, and Philadelphia. Local Resilience Project: Hillsmere Shores Marina marked completion of a living shoreline restoration, adding tidal marsh and oyster habitat to help protect the South River from erosion. Community & Family Fun: The 79th St. Mary’s County Fair wrapped up after a full weekend of rides, food, livestock, and local awards. Road & Transit Notes: I-695 bridge painting will bring lane closures in eastern Baltimore County on three Saturdays, and drivers should also expect other regional traffic alerts.

Nor’easter Travel Disruptions: A powerful nor’easter is expected to bring rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding across Maryland this weekend, with gusts up to 40 mph in Baltimore and worsening conditions on the Eastern Shore—plus major beach erosion and possible power outages. Ocean City Festival Impact: Oceans Calling canceled all three days of its sold-out festival in Ocean City as flooding and high winds hit the area, with refunds promised. Local Transit Disruption: An Amtrak train passing through Essex, Maryland, saw a fire and smoke reported under a rail car; at least 25 passengers were evacuated and the train later continued. Safety & Community: Baltimore officials are pushing for juvenile justice reform after a stolen car crash injured 16 people, including teens, when it hit an MTA bus in East Baltimore. Aviation & Border: CBP arrested a New York man at Dulles after 65 pounds of khat were found in his checked baggage. Royal Tourism Spotlight: The Duke of Edinburgh’s five-day U.S. and Canada tour includes stops in Baltimore and Washington, DC, with education and community engagements. Park Heights Culture: Sankofa Children’s African Festival returns to Park Heights with food, music, and hands-on activities at a new location.

Nor’easter Disruptions (Maryland & Mid-Atlantic): A strengthening nor’easter is already hitting the region with coastal flooding and beach erosion, and Maryland officials are warning of impacts through the weekend, including a coastal flood warning for Ocean City and advisories around Anne Arundel County. Ocean City Travel Hit: Oceans Calling Festival has canceled its entire event after storm damage and unsafe conditions made it impossible to finish building stages on the beach; organizers say ticket refunds will be automatic for buyers through Front Gate. Royal Visit (Baltimore/Region): The Duke of Edinburgh is set for a five-day U.S. and Canada tour next week with stops including New York, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Toronto, focused on youth empowerment, opportunity, and the arts. Sports Travel (Local Interest): The Seahawks play the Commanders in Maryland on Sunday, and the Ravens’ international spotlight continues with their Brazil matchup against the Cowboys—both likely to drive weekend travel and traffic planning. Tourism Calendar (Baltimore County): Sept. 27 is World Tourism Day, with Baltimore County highlighting fall foliage and scenic trails. Transit Update (Philadelphia Area): SEPTA’s plan lays out major upgrades to trains, trolleys, and station accessibility, aiming for more frequent service. Air Travel/Delays: The FAA is rolling out an AI air-traffic system for the Washington-area airports, with expectations of fewer delays as the weekend storm approaches.

Coastal Storm Disruptions: A nor’easter is bringing strong winds, dangerous surf, and coastal flooding risk along the Delaware and Maryland beaches, with wind advisories, flood warnings, and Oceans Calling’s Friday Ocean City shows canceled as erosion and safety concerns grow. Southern Maryland Flooding: Coastal Flood Advisories are active in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, with tides running well above normal and possible road flooding near low-lying areas and marinas. Transit & Travel Headaches: An Amtrak train fire in Essex caused evacuations and delays into Baltimore, while a stolen-car crash into an MTA bus in East Baltimore injured 16 people. Ravens Fans on the Move: Hundreds of Ravens supporters are flying to Rio for the Cowboys game, with organized tours and big travel plans for the NFL’s first Rio matchup since 2023. Outdoor Tourism Update: Maryland DNR says grant funding and new land purchases are moving Wills Mountain State Park in Allegany County closer to opening. Policy & Privacy: A Maryland company is pushing for privacy reforms around automated license plate readers as concerns grow across the state. Local Real Estate: Coldwell Banker Premier welcomed coastal Delaware relocation expert Debra “Debbie” Zyskowski to its Rehoboth Beach office.

Coastal Storm Disrupts Ocean City: Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City canceled its Friday lineup after beach erosion and flooding made it unsafe to finish the build. Organizers said ticket holders will get automatic refunds (single-day and 33% of three-day passes bought via Front Gate). The festival is still aiming for Saturday and Sunday, with fans urged to watch official updates. Nor’easter Watch for Maryland: A powerful nor’easter is expected to bring fringe impacts across Maryland, including gusty winds and coastal flooding risk into the weekend, with coastal flood warnings in parts of the Eastern Shore. Travel Tech at BWI and DC Airports: The FAA is rolling out an AI system called SMART to help reduce flight delays, with initial rollout at Reagan National, Dulles, and Baltimore/Washington International. International Sports Travel: The Ravens and Cowboys head to Brazil for a Sunday matchup at Rio’s Maracanã, with teams monitoring field conditions after heavy rain concerns. Local Visitor Safety: A Maryland State Trooper was hospitalized after being struck in a work-zone crash on I-695; police said impaired driving may have been a factor.

Coastal Travel Alert: A nor’easter is set to bring strong winds and big waves to Delmarva and the Mid-Atlantic, with gusts near the coast up to 40 mph and dangerous rip currents; Maryland’s coastal areas are watching for minor-to-moderate flooding, including Annapolis City Dock, where officials handed out free sandbags ahead of high tide. Local Planning: Annapolis is preparing for potential coastal flooding with a sandbag distribution drive as a coastal flood watch/warning ramps up. Airport & Transit Tech: The FAA is rolling out AI tools to help air traffic control at major D.C.-area airports, including BWI, aiming to reduce flight delays. Maryland Tourism & Culture: Lonely Planet highlighted Maryland among its best places to travel in 2027, and a Maryland wine destination story spotlights a scenic vineyard and working farm. Family-Friendly Events: Oceans Calling returns to Ocean City with 40+ acts scheduled for the weekend. Sports Travel (Ravens): Baltimore’s Ravens are flying to Brazil for a Week 3 matchup vs. Dallas, with the team dealing with multiple injury absences as they travel.