AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices Watch: Delaware County’s lowest regular gas hit $3.73 (week ending May 30), while New Castle County’s low was $3.84; statewide regular averaged $4.26 for the week, down from the prior week. Public Records & Policing: The ACLU of Delaware says it obtained Dewey Beach police body-worn camera footage after settling a lawsuit over a denied public records request tied to a 2025 incident. Space & Travel Buzz: NASA says the New England “double boom” came from a meteor about 5 feet wide, traveling ~42,000 mph and breaking up before falling into Cape Cod Bay. Coastal Resilience: Lewes is testing a “living shoreline” approach to reduce flooding and erosion, using nature-based structures to protect roads, wastewater systems, and homes. Affordable Housing: Sussex County Council is set to vote on affordable housing reforms that could loosen rent caps and density rules to attract more developers. Arts & Community: Delaware’s “Award Winners XXVI” exhibition opens statewide, featuring the largest class of 27 Individual Artist Fellows. Family Fun Planning: Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor launches a traveling exhibition, “Dynamo! Innovators, Inventors and Architects of Revolutionary Change,” with stops starting in Kingston.

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor: The DLNHC is rolling out its new traveling exhibition, “Dynamo! Innovators, Inventors and Architects of Revolutionary Change,” spotlighting the region’s makers and ideas; it’s on view in Kingston through June 12 before heading to Shickshinny (June 12–19). History on the move: Delawareans can catch the 250 Ride Reenactment (June 12–13), recreating Caesar Rodney’s Dover-to-Philadelphia journey with events in Dover and Historic Old New Castle. Summer learning in Delaware: UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute opens registration for its Summer Selections (June 22–July 25) across Dover, Lewes, Wilmington and online, with day trips and classes for adults 50+ (age guideline waived). Local events: Northampton’s Paw Prints on the Canal returns June 14 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) with 170+ vendors, training demos, contests, and proceeds benefiting the Northampton K-9 unit. Travel perks: Delta Air Lines is No. 1 in The Points Guy’s 2026 Best Airlines Report for the eighth straight year. Family-friendly Delaware beach watch: Delaware State Police are investigating a June 2 death of a 63-year-old man found unresponsive at South Indian River Inlet Beach; officials say it doesn’t appear suspicious.

Delaware Beach Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating the death of a 63-year-old man found unresponsive on South Indian River Inlet Beach on June 2; the case is active but not believed to be suspicious. Local Lodging & Tourism: Millsboro passed a 3% lodging tax ordinance, which would stack on top of Delaware’s existing 8% lodging tax, pushing the total to 11% for hotel stays if fully approved—aimed at funding local infrastructure and community improvements. Outdoor & Active Travel: The Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail is highlighted as an easy, scenic Delaware bike ride along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, with paved access points and mostly flat terrain. Community & Summer Plans: CAMP Rehoboth’s new executive director, Dr. Robin Brennan, says she’s in a listening phase as the LGBTQ+ community center gears up for a busy summer. Family-Friendly Events: Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids expanded its seed-to-cafeteria school garden program to six new Delaware schools, reaching about 28,500 students statewide. Travel-Adjacent Food Buzz: Michelin’s latest U.S. expansion points to growing travel interest in serious regional food scenes, including Philadelphia and the Southwest.

Local Lodging Policy: Millsboro passed a 3% lodging tax ordinance, which would stack on top of Delaware’s existing 8% hotel tax—pushing the total to 11% if approved—aimed at funding town infrastructure and community improvements. Family Travel Safety: A 14-year-old boy is missing after swimming in the ocean during a school trip in Wildwood, N.J., prompting a multi-agency water rescue and search. Outdoor Delaware Getaway: Skip the hike and try the Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail—an easy, mostly flat, paved ride with canal views and multiple access points along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. Community & Summer Plans: UD’s 302 Tour returns June 11-13 across all three Delaware counties, mixing community service, local stops, and campus events with student-athletes. Delaware Bay & Learning: Seed-to-cafeteria school garden programs expanded statewide, adding new Sussex County sites like Beacon Middle (Rehoboth Beach) and Laurel Elementary (Laurel). Delaware Beach/Events: CAMP Rehoboth named Dr. Robin Brennan as its new executive director, sharing plans to “listen and learn” during the busy summer season.

Rehoboth Beach Mayoral Race: Four candidates filed for mayor, including two commissioners tied to earlier public dispute allegations—setting up a closely watched local political showdown. Sussex Growth & Access: Sussex P&Z backed a Route 1 commercial zoning change for the Seaside at Lewes project, with planned road upgrades like roundabouts to improve access between Lewes and Milton. Lodging Tax Talk in Millsboro: Town leaders are considering a new 3% lodging tax on top of Delaware’s 8%—pushing hotel room taxes to 11%—to fund local infrastructure and community needs. Beach Safety Alert: Police are still searching for a 14-year-old missing after a school trip swimming incident in Wildwood, where no lifeguards were on duty. Space-to-Shore Buzz: NASA confirmed a meteor caused the loud “double boom” heard across New England, with details that may interest Delaware visitors planning stargazing trips. Community & Summer Planning: CAMP Rehoboth’s new executive director shared plans for a busy summer, while a statewide seed-to-cafeteria garden expansion now reaches 68 schools and about 28,500 students.

Lodging & Tourism Funding: Millsboro is weighing a new 3% lodging tax, which would stack on top of Delaware’s existing 8% for an 11% total on hotel stays, with revenue pitched for local infrastructure and community needs. Local Politics: Four candidates have filed for Rehoboth Beach mayor, including two commissioners tied to a March dispute that raised allegations of misconduct and harassment. Safety for Summer Travelers: Delaware beachgoers are getting a practical reminder on whether it’s safe to swim, with water temperatures and conditions highlighted. Beach Season Planning: Delta Air Lines is accepting applications for 2027 flight attendant hiring classes, signaling continued staffing for travel demand. Road Trip Safety: Newark is moving its speed camera to Capitol Trail toward Kirkwood Highway to curb speeding on one of the city’s worst stretches. Family Travel Safety: A free car seat safety check is scheduled for June 16 in Bartlesville, offering on-site installation help. Health & Outdoors: Tick-borne illness rates are rising in nearby Pennsylvania counties, a heads-up for anyone hiking or spending time outdoors around Delaware. Big News Beyond Delaware: NASA says the New England meteor that caused a sonic boom was larger than first thought and likely broke up over Cape Cod Bay.

Transit & Homelessness: Wilmington residents are pushing back on a proposed pallet village for people experiencing homelessness, as the city weighs a Springboard Delaware plan that could cost about $1.5 million and faces neighborhood resistance. Rail Planning: Delaware transit officials are again considering a commuter rail station in Newport, with an early-stage concept near James and Water streets aimed at easing traffic and adding parking, sidewalks, and a bike lane. Tourism & Summer Travel: Delaware Pride Festival is set for June 6 at Boardman Arts Park, and Wilmington-area visitors can also look ahead to a busy summer calendar as events ramp up. Beach Safety/Local Life: Delaware State University “takeover” charges were dropped for four students after the DOJ said there was “no factual basis,” following earlier boardwalk chaos and arrests. Environment & Outdoor Culture: A lawsuit targets horseshoe crab protections, arguing NOAA failed to properly list the species under the Endangered Species Act—an issue closely tied to Delaware Bay spawning. Big Sky News: A meteor explosion over New England triggered sonic booms and reports from Delaware to Montreal, with NASA saying it fragmented high in the atmosphere.

Meteor Boom Across the Northeast: NASA confirmed a natural meteor exploded over northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire around 2:06 p.m., releasing energy estimated at about 300 tons of TNT and triggering sonic booms heard from Delaware to Montreal. Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Fight: A lawsuit asks NOAA to list horseshoe crabs as threatened or endangered, citing Delaware Bay spawning concentrations and the impact on the species. Delaware Beach Travel Picks: Slaughter Beach is spotlighted as a quirky, underrated Delaware stop tied to horseshoe crab spawning season, and a guide highlights “water feature” Airbnbs in Delaware with pools and water views. Coastal Events & Summer Planning: Rehoboth–Dewey Restaurant Week runs June 7–12, and Lewes’ “Stars Over Sussex” celebration (July 2) pairs live music with fireworks and a drone light show. Travel Access Milestone: Avelo hit its one-millionth passenger at Wilmington Airport, marking continued nonstop growth. Family Fun & Community Support: Children’s Beach House received a $2,500 donation from Burke & Herbert Bank to support youth programs. Hurricane Readiness: Sussex County urges residents to prepare now for the June 1 start of hurricane season.

Avelo milestone at Wilmington Airport: Avelo Airlines celebrated its one millionth passenger at ILG, marking rapid growth since launching in Feb. 2023 with nonstop service now spanning more than a dozen destinations. Meteor boom sparks regional buzz: NASA confirmed a fast-moving meteor exploded over northeastern Massachusetts, sending a sonic boom heard from Delaware to Montreal—an unexpected reminder to keep an eye on the sky. Coastal Delaware summer plans: Rehoboth–Dewey Chamber of Commerce announced Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week, June 7–12, with proceeds supporting local first responders. Lewes Delaware 250 fireworks: Sussex County Land Trust set “Stars Over Sussex” for July 2 at the Lewes ferry terminal, pairing live music with a coordinated fireworks and drone light show. Travel weather check: Delaware starts June with dry, bright conditions and a moderate risk of rip currents along the beaches. Family travel comfort: Shoreline Sitters expanded into Rehoboth and Lewes with a summer nanny program for visiting and local families. Local tourism-friendly infrastructure: ChristianaCare plans a new Aston campus neighborhood hospital with 24/7 emergency care, aiming to reduce longer waits for care in the region.

Air Travel: Avelo hit a major milestone at Wilmington Airport, welcoming its one-millionth passenger since launching in February 2023, with leaders celebrating the record inside the terminal. Local Tourism & Community: Lewes Brewing Company is gearing up for its second full summer season after opening in fall 2024, with more visitors expected along the Delaware beaches. Beach Season Watch: Spring fishing is running late, with cooler-than-normal water temps in Delaware Bay and the Atlantic blamed for delays—good news for anglers once conditions warm. Family-Friendly Events: The Coastal Delaware Artisan Market returns June 13 at the Cambria Hotel in Rehoboth Beach, featuring 28+ local artists and coastal-themed gifts. Classic Car Fun: Selbyville’s Old Timers’ Day Classic Car Show & Family Festival is set for June 20, bringing vintage cars, live music, and a downtown walking tour. Travel Safety: Delaware-area visitors may want to double-check water conditions—reports highlight ongoing concerns about water quality and swimming advisories in nearby regions.

Rehoboth Beach “Takeover” Case: Delaware DOJ says there was “no factual basis” to charge four Delaware State University students tied to the May 19 boardwalk incident, directing prosecutors to dismiss all charges. Beach Safety & Summer Prep: Lewes Beach Patrol says its lifeguards are ready for the season, with seven-day coverage from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekend duty in September. Local Events: Old Timers’ Day classic car show returns to Selbyville June 20, and the Coastal Delaware Artisan Market brings 28+ local makers to the Cambria Hotel in Rehoboth Beach on June 13. Food & Fun: Sussex County unveiled a proposed $300M 2027 budget, including public safety, sewer expansions, and open-space preservation. Coastal Culture: A new interpretive sign will be unveiled at Johnnie Walker Beach in Lewes, sharing the site’s Jim Crow-era history. Community Grants: Delaware awarded $712,500 to 28 groups to expand access to healthy food across the state.

Rehoboth Beach “takeover” case: Delaware DOJ says charges tied to the May 19 boardwalk event will be dismissed, directing prosecutors to drop felony riot-related counts against four Delaware State University students; Rehoboth Beach Police say the incident led to arrests and multiple agencies responding. Tourism stay spotlight: Lewes’ Hotel Blue is pitching summer stays with harbor/canal views, a rooftop pool, and suites starting around $269 for June. Coastal infrastructure: Cape Henlopen State Park’s fishing pier is facing more closures as structural problems worsen, with state leaders urged to replace it rather than keep patching. Outdoor plans: Delaware beaches and nearby areas get a boost from summer-ready events and guides, including a Delaware beaches farmers market roundup and seasonal “things to do” picks. Local governance & voting: A Delaware judge upheld Fenwick Island’s charter allowing certain business entities to vote in town elections, a ruling that’s already drawing national attention. Safety on the roads: Delaware State Police are investigating a May 1 single-vehicle fatal crash near Georgetown that killed an 18-year-old driver. Energy costs for summer: PECO customers in the region are set for about a $5 monthly electricity supply increase starting June 1.

American Discovery Trail/250th Anniversary: The 6,800-mile relay honoring America’s 250th birthday runs through Delaware’s East County, with the ADT Declaration of Independence relay ending Nov. 26 in Lewes. Local History & Museums: Kent County backed the proposed Greater Dover Museum to preserve and expand Central Delaware collections, while Rehoboth Beach Museum opened “Emerging Delaware” maps from 1628-1868. Beach & Boardwalk Watch: Rehoboth Beach hired outside counsel to review issues tied to a May 19 “takeover” event that led to arrests and public concern. Safety on the Shore: Delaware State Police say two suspects are in custody after a Seaford homicide tied to a planned drug transaction. Travel Practicalities: AAA reports Delaware gas averages down 12 cents to $4.22, and urges “100 Days of Safe Driving” through summer. Outdoor & Trails: Hikers marked the opening of the Bridgeton Nature Preserve, adding more local trail access for Delaware-area visitors. Democracy Debate (Local Impact): A Delaware judge upheld Fenwick Island’s charter allowing corporations and other entities to vote in some municipal elections.

Road Safety Push: AAA is urging Delaware drivers to commit to “100 Days of Safe Driving” from Memorial Day to Labor Day, warning that teen-driver crashes and impaired-driving deaths spike in summer. Beach Season Updates: Lewes is delaying its portable restroom plan, starting with a pilot instead of the full rollout. Shore Travel Planning: A new ferry option is being pitched as a car-free way to beat Parkway traffic on select days between NYC and the Jersey Shore. Local Events: The Delaware Watercolor Society’s “It’s A Shore Thing” exhibit opens June 1 at the Lewes Public Library, with a free reception and awards set for June 5. Family Travel & Tech: Walmart and Amazon are expanding faster delivery to smaller towns, including Delaware beach communities like Lewes—good news for last-minute vacation needs. History on the Water: Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum is marking America’s early steamboat story with a Delaware River-themed celebration.

Delaware Beach Season Watch: A century-old Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse near Cape Henlopen is threatened by erosion, with the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation warning the breakwater is tumbling into a deep scour hole; the group is pushing a potential $4–6 million relocation plan instead of a $90–$120 million repair. Lewes Shore Notes: A sailboat washed up on Lewes Beach over Memorial Day and is drawing beachgoers’ attention, but Lewes officials say the origin is unclear and DNREC will tow it away. Family-Friendly Arts: The Delaware Watercolor Society’s “It’s A Shore Thing” exhibit opens June 1 at the Lewes Public Library, running through June 28, with a free reception and awards ceremony June 5. Outdoor & Pet Travel Tips: Delaware camping with dogs gets a practical checklist—confirm pet-friendly rules, plan for heat and ticks, and keep beach and campground etiquette in mind. Local Travel Planning: If you’re heading to the Shore, a ferry option is being pitched as a way to dodge Parkway backups, but it’s limited to set schedules and works best for planned, car-free trips. Safety on the Road: Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old from Sudlersville, Maryland, after a Kent County pursuit involving a stolen truck that ended in a crash and property damage. Downstate Summer Prep: Delaware Mosquito Control scheduled adult and larvae spraying in multiple areas, including around Milford, Lewes, and Fenwick Island.

Beach Season Watch: A sailboat washed up on Lewes Beach over Memorial Day and is now on DNREC’s radar for towing, turning the shoreline into an accidental tourist stop. Summer Events: Delaware’s beach calendar is filling fast, with June festivals like Party Like It’s 793 (Milton), the Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival (Lewes), and Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week (June 7-12). Local Food & Markets: Farmers markets keep the vacation rental kitchen stocked—Historic Lewes Farmers Market and the Farmers Market at Sea Colony (16th season) are both underway, plus the Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival is set for May 30. Travel Planning: Route 1 road-trip storytelling is back for beach travelers, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry experience is getting a fresh look ahead of peak season. Community & Culture: A Felton chainsaw artist is recreating Bethany Beach’s Chief Little Owl totem pole as an 8-foot replica. Policy & Tourism Impact: Delaware Supreme Court affirmed a Chancery ruling tied to Sussex County’s offshore wind electrical substation fight—an issue that could shape future coastal development.