AGP Executive Report

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.

Maryland Tax-Free Week: Maryland’s annual Shop Maryland Tax Free Week is set for Aug. 9–15, with qualifying clothing and footwear $100 or less exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax, plus the first $40 of any backpack purchase free. Family Travel Deals: Wawa is teaming up with Lands’ End for an “Analog Summer Shorti” and tote/tee/charms collection—an easy grab for beach days and road trips across the Mid-Atlantic, including Maryland. Outdoor Escapes: Maryland says every county now has at least one state park, highlighting fresh additions like Wetipquin Creek State Park (Wicomico County), plus other newly dedicated or opened parks worth planning around. Local Media & Tourism Reporting: Baltimore Public Media and Delmarva Public Media are partnering to expand local reporting, including a shared agriculture and environment reporter—good news for travelers who want what’s happening on the ground. Gas Prices: AAA reports the national gas average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, with higher prices in many states—another reason to plan routes and stops. Weekend Plans (Southern Maryland): Southern Maryland’s July 24–30 lineup is packed, from waterfront music at the Calvert Marine Museum to festivals and family-friendly events across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s.

Maryland Travel Safety & Health: Maryland health officials confirmed multiple measles cases tied to out-of-state travel, warning residents to watch for symptoms after possible exposures at J&R Feeds LLC (Mechanicsville), MedStar Health Urgent Care (Charlotte Hall), and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital (Leonardtown). Road Trips & Delays: Expect overnight left-lane closures on I-70 near Saint Paul Road in Washington County from July 27 to Aug. 7 (8 p.m.–5 a.m.) for resurfacing tied to bridge work—plan extra time. Weekend Planning: Delmarva gets a break with cooler, drier, sunnier weather starting Thursday, with the best beach-friendly days shaping up for the weekend. Local Water Fun: ShoreRivers’ Swimmable ShoreRivers program continues weekly bacteria testing across Eastern Shore public access sites, helping visitors decide when and where it’s safe to swim. Family Travel Perk: Maryland Tax-Free Week runs Aug. 9–15, with Westfield Montgomery hosting a customization bar and a video contest for shoppers. On-the-Road Reminder: AAA urges Maryland drivers to prep for severe summer storms—check forecasts, use live radar, and avoid driving through flooded water.

Airport Security Shake-Up: Tampa International is moving to privatize airport security under TSA Gold+, a plan aimed at cutting delays after shutdown-era chaos—now sparking pushback from the TSA officers’ union. Maryland Travel Safety Watch: Maryland officials confirmed additional measles cases tied to out-of-state travel, with exposure warnings in Southern Maryland locations—plan ahead if you’re visiting or returning from trips. Local Tourism & Events: Tickets for the Maryland Renaissance Festival’s 50th season go on sale July 27, with the festival running later this summer—good timing for travelers building August weekends. Road-Trip Caution: A Frederick County crash in Ijamsville killed “Godzilla x Kong” actress Kaylee Hottle; authorities say excessive speed was a factor, a reminder to slow down on rural roads. Sports Travel Angle: NFL training camp begins this week, and Baltimore fans can expect plenty of preseason buzz as teams ramp up—another reason to plan game-day logistics early.

Public Health Alert: Maryland confirmed two new measles cases tied to out-of-state travel, bringing the state total to 11 this year; health officials say possible exposures include J&R Feeds LLC in Mechanicsville (July 16–21), MedStar Health Urgent Care in Charlotte Hall (July 20, 8:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.), and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital ER in Leonardtown (July 21, 11 a.m.–6:45 p.m.), with St. Mary’s County opening a call center and offering vaccine clinics. Youth Sports & Travel: The MPSSAA state wrestling tournament is moving to the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury for the first time, a change expected to cut travel for many Eastern Shore teams. Local Events & Visitor Draw: Little League softball and baseball tournaments are bringing national attention—and families from across the region—to Luzerne County, with organizers citing added tourism revenue. Safety on the Road: Baltimore County police released more details on a Parkville school bus crash involving a Ford Focus that crossed lanes and hit a bus transporting students from the Maryland School for the Blind; injuries were reported as minor and the investigation continues. Dining Update: Northwest Chinese Food is reopening Aug. 15 in College Park at Li Chun Café, keeping the menu’s regional flavors close to home. Space & Science: NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft has awakened from a yearlong hibernation to resume unprecedented science beyond Pluto, with Maryland mission staff reporting systems are in good health.

Eastern U.S. Storm Damage: Tornadoes and record flash flooding hit parts of Kentucky and West Virginia, with officials declaring emergencies and warning that the severe-weather threat shifts toward southern Delaware and southeastern Maryland into Virginia and North Carolina. Maryland Weather Watch: After power outages and major flight disruptions, Maryland braces for another round of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday, with forecasters urging residents to stay alert. Road Safety Push: Maryland transportation officials renewed calls for safer driving after 10 traffic deaths in one week, pointing to speeding as a factor in more than a third of fatal crashes. Travel Disruption: Severe storms triggered ground stops and thousands of cancellations across East Coast airports, including heavy impacts at JFK, Reagan National, and Boston Logan. Eastern Shore Getaway Upgrade: Historic Brampton 1860 in Chestertown is launching immersive creative retreat experiences with artist Michael Bell starting August 2026. Travel Health Reminder: Maryland families are urged to prep for measles before trips as cases linked to travel continue to be confirmed statewide. Local Spotlight: A new series of immersive tours is also set for Historic St. Mary’s City, adding more reasons to plan a Maryland day trip. In Memoriam: Deaf “Godzilla” actress Kaylee Hottle died at 18 in a Maryland crash, prompting tributes and renewed attention to road safety.

Road Safety: Maryland officials are urging safer driving after 10 traffic deaths in a week, including three motorcyclists, bringing 2026’s total to 219; the state is pushing its “Slow the Fast Down” message—slow down, buckle up, don’t drive impaired, and watch for motorcycles. Severe Weather & Travel Disruptions: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across Maryland until 10 p.m., with damaging winds, heavy rain, hail risk, and possible tornadoes; BWI issued a ground stop until at least 6:30 p.m., and some areas are still cleaning up from last weekend’s microburst damage. Shopping for Families: Maryland’s Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs Aug. 9–15, with qualifying clothing and footwear (and certain backpacks) exempt from the 6% sales tax. Local Tourism & Dining: Good Morning Darlin’ is launching a mobile coffee stop on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, aiming to serve beach traffic while supporting local markets. Chesapeake Bay Health: Maryland is reminding visitors about Vibrio risk in warm, brackish waters and how to reduce illness chances. Air Service: Southwest is adding a new Philadelphia-to-Baltimore route starting March 11 next year, bringing more nonstop options into the region.