AGP Executive Report

Major Crash in Lewes: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons was briefly hospitalized after a multi-vehicle crash on Savannah Road in Lewes tied to a driver’s sudden medical emergency; Coons was treated for minor injuries and is home expected to fully recover. Fatality Near Milford: Delaware State Police report two deaths from a two-car crash near Milford on June 26, with the Nissan Rogue overturning and catching fire after a high-speed collision. Coastal Summer Fun: Rehoboth Beach’s Puppies and Pilates event brought Frenchie puppies into a fitness class for a beach-season feel-good outing. Boating Safety: A boat fire at North Bay Marina in Selbyville was contained quickly by multiple agencies; the Delaware State Fire Marshal is investigating and no injuries were reported. Delaware Travel Calendar (Outdoors): Delaware visitors can also plan around summer wildlife viewing—here’s a guide to where to spot dolphins and whales in Delaware this season. America 250 Relay: The American Discovery 250 Relay starts July 1 from California and is set to end at Cape Henlopen, with Delaware stops drawing walkers, runners, cyclists, hikers, and more.

Road-Trip & 250th Anniversary Buzz: The American Discovery 250 Relay is gearing up for a July 1 start in California and a finish at Cape Henlopen, carrying Declaration of Independence batons across 6,800 miles—walkers, runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and even horseback riders can join shifts. Underground Railroad History Walk: Maryland historian Anthony Cohen’s “Freedom Walk” retraces an Underground Railroad route from Sandy Spring, Md., through Delaware and beyond toward Toronto, using historic maps and stopping points for public learning. Coastal Summer Energy: Dewey Beach’s Running of the Bull fundraiser drew a huge crowd despite thunderstorms, underscoring how fast Delaware’s summer events are heating up. Local Travel Planning: Rehoboth Beach’s new Holland Glade Road traffic light is now live with crosswalks, with the broader Route 1 project expected to wrap later this summer. Safety & Access: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Milford; the roadway was closed about four hours and investigators are asking for witnesses or video. Wildlife Viewing Guide: Looking for dolphins and whales? A new guide highlights where to spot them around Delaware this summer, with Delaware Bay cruises and self-guided tips. Community & Giving: The Delaware Business Owner Summit in Dewey Beach named Children’s Beach House as its 2026 beneficiary.

Coastal Safety & Travel Disruption: A new traffic light with crosswalks is now active at Holland Glade Road and Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach, with more Route 1 work expected later this summer. Beach Season Watch: Rehoboth Beach saw a heavy police presence around a rumored “takeover” event June 25, but officials say no takeover activity was found. Local Events & Community: The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice will hold its 10th anniversary gala Oct. 24 in Rehoboth Beach. Family Fun on the Shore: Blue Hen Baseball Camp wrapped up its fifth annual week in Lewes, with more than 50 kids training and competing. Wildlife Guide for Visitors: Here’s where to spot dolphins and whales in Delaware this summer, with tips on guided cruises and self-guided Delaware Bay trips. On-the-Ground Emergency Response: North Bay Marina in Selbyville reopened after firefighters contained a boat fire inside the building; no injuries reported. Outdoor Adventure Spotlight: The American Discovery 250 Relay begins July 1, a 6,800-mile non-motorized coast-to-coast run that will reach Delaware later in the journey. Summer Travel Costs: Gas prices continue to fall heading into July 4 travel.

Community Impact: The 2026 Delaware Business Owner Summit in Dewey Beach named Children’s Beach House as its nonprofit beneficiary, highlighting leadership and long-term community investment. Public Safety Watch: Rehoboth Beach saw a heavy, multi-agency police presence on June 25 tied to a rumored “takeover” event—but officials say no takeover activity was found. Road-Trip Ready: A new traffic light with crosswalks is now active at Holland Glade Road and Coastal Highway, part of ongoing Route 1 work expected to finish later this summer. Tourism & Summer Planning: Delaware’s gas prices keep sliding ahead of July 4 travel, with AAA reporting continued declines. Local Events: The Outdoors Calendar lists hiking and outdoor activities for the week starting June 28. Sports Spotlight: Stetson won the 75th Delaware Amateur at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, earning a spot in the U.S. Amateur. Travel Policy: A proposed Delaware bill would let towns extend “last call” from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., giving local hospitality more flexibility.

Coastal Highway upgrade: A new traffic light with crosswalks is now active at Holland Glade Road near Rehoboth Beach, part of a Route 1 project expected to finish later this summer—drivers say it could improve safety, but some worry about backups during construction. Rehoboth public safety oversight: The Rehoboth Beach/Lewes/Delaware River and Bay Authority Police Accountability Committee will discuss the May “beach takeover,” but likely won’t meet again until an independent investigation wraps up. Late-night alcohol push: House Bill 433 would let Delaware towns extend “last call” from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., aiming to boost hospitality revenue and competitiveness. Immigration anxiety in Milford: A U.S. Supreme Court decision clears the way to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, leaving Milford’s Haitian community fearing what comes next. USPS delay hits Ocean View: Ocean View’s post office rebuild has been pushed to 2027 after USPS shifted from repairs to a full rebuild, drawing criticism from lawmakers. Lewes fireworks support: Go Fourth Lewes says it received seven donations totaling $14,250 for the July 4 Delaware Bay show. Delaware travel essentials: Blood Bank of Delmarva urges donors to give before the Fourth of July as summer travel and “trauma season” strain supplies.

Rehoboth Beach Charter Changes: Delaware lawmakers approved Rehoboth’s proposed charter changes, but the House removed a hot-button clause that would have barred two people from the same household from holding office at the same time. Travel & Air Service: Breeze Airways added twice-weekly nonstop flights between Charleston and Trenton starting Sept. 20, giving travelers another easy route into the Philadelphia/Delaware region. Family Fun Across Delmarva: The final June weekend lineup includes Lewes’ Juneteenth celebration, Dewey Beach’s 30th annual Running of the Bull, Millsboro’s Stars and Stripes Festival with fireworks, and Milton’s Horseshoe Crab Festival with shuttle service to Prime Hook. Summer Safety & Health: Blood Bank of Delmarva is urging donors to give before the Fourth of July as summer travel and “trauma season” can strain supplies. Local Community Watch: New Castle County is seeking permission for a third electronic speed camera, with civil violations tied to speeding above 30 mph. Sports & School Spotlight: Delaware high school baseball’s top team is Caravel Academy, while local coverage also highlights standout student-athletes and championship runs.

Road-Trip Timing & Costs: AAA says Delaware drivers are heading into the July 4 rush with some of the lowest gas prices in the Mid-Atlantic ($3.75 in Delaware vs. $4.05 in Pennsylvania), as national fuel averages keep sliding for a fifth straight week. Local Safety & Traffic: New Castle County is seeking permission to add a third electronic speed camera, targeting speeding on Old Capitol Trail near Marshallton, while a new Route 1 traffic signal at Holland Glade Road goes live June 26 (with turn-lane work continuing). Cape Region Dining Buzz: Five Points is seeing a daytime-diner boom, with more breakfast and lunch spots clustering around the Route 1/Route 9 area. EV Convenience: Solar-supported EV chargers are being installed at two Delaware-area hotels (Country Inn & Suites near Dewey Beach and Cambria near Rehoboth). Summer Events for Visitors: Delaware’s Fourth of July plans are rolling out across Kent and Sussex, including parades and fireworks in Dover, Smyrna/Clayton, Millsboro, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, and Lewes. World Cup Tourism Tie-In: Ivory Coast advanced to the World Cup knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Curaçao in Philadelphia—another big draw for sports travelers in the region.

Independence Day travel watch: AAA expects 72.2 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home for July Fourth (June 27–July 5), a slight rise over last year, while GasBuddy projects gas around $3.75 on July 4. Beach safety & crowd control: Rehoboth Beach is warning visitors about another planned “Takeover” on the boardwalk and says permits and municipal rules will be enforced, with extra police staffing. Local history: Dewey Beach marks the 45th anniversary of its 1981 incorporation, recalling how local rules and a police force changed the town. Parks & outdoors: Delaware State Parks launches a virtual Parks for Everyone 5K fundraiser running through Dec. 1, with accessibility options and a $35 entry. Coastal planning: USACE will join a virtual public meeting on June 29 about the Mispillion Inlet shoreline damages mitigation project, including a tentatively selected beach nourishment plan. New places to stay & eat: TKo Hospitality adds Ocean Glass Inn and The Waypoint in Rehoboth, plus a new luxury boutique project in Oceanport, NJ; Newark welcomes The Juice Pod and an Urban Fork opening in downtown Wilmington. Family-friendly fun: SoccerFest26 kicks off on the Camden waterfront June 15–27 with World Cup watch parties, food, live music, and youth soccer activities.

Bicycle Safety in Coastal Delaware: DelDOT, Delaware State Police and Sussex Cyclists are running free bike safety checkpoints this summer in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, with lights, helmets, maps, basic repairs and on-site inspections at set dates from June 24 through Aug. 12. Rehoboth “Takeover” Watch: Rehoboth Beach Police are preparing for another unsanctioned boardwalk/beach gathering, warning of extra enforcement focused on drugs and alcohol, disorderly conduct, litter, noise, trespassing and traffic. Delaware Housing Policy: The General Assembly advanced an affordable housing bill requiring municipalities with 2,000+ residents to plan for 20% affordable housing, with penalties removed in the latest version. Marriage Amendment Fails: A proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine marriage equality fell short in the Delaware House, though same-sex marriage remains legal under existing state law. Cape Region 250th Birthday Events: Sussex-area celebrations for America’s 250th include Stars and Stripes 250 in Millsboro (June 27) plus “Stars Over Sussex” drone lights and fireworks in Lewes (July 2) and a multi-day Georgetown Speedway Fourth of July festival. Travel Deals & Planning: Wawa’s Hoagiefest returns June 22–July 26 with new in-store promos and meal deal options across Delaware and beyond. Local Real Estate (Rehoboth/Lewes): New listings highlight coastal luxury and a downtown Rehoboth mixed-use ocean-block condo opportunity.

Independence Day Travel: AAA expects nearly 209,000 Delawareans to travel 50 miles or more for the July 4 holiday (about the same as last year), with most driving and a smaller share flying or taking other modes. Gas Watch: National pump prices keep sliding ahead of the holiday, though they’re still near record highs. Bicycle Safety: DelDOT and Delaware State Police are running free summer bike safety checkpoints in Lewes and Rehoboth, offering inspections, maps, lights, helmets, and basic repairs at set dates and locations. Local Summer Fun: Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen has opened in Rehoboth Beach. Pet Prep for Fireworks: Dover dog trainers are sharing Fourth of July obedience and safety reminders for Southern Delaware owners. Road Safety Tech: Kingston, N.Y. is using AI speed cameras to ticket drivers speeding near schools. Travel Deals & Dining: Wawa is bringing back Hoagiefest with new meal deal options and limited-time toppings.

Rehoboth Beach Public Safety Watch: A Police Accountability Committee meeting is set for Sept. 29 to revisit the May 19 “takeover” event, after an independent review was ordered; the city wants residents to hear the facts and asks that the four promoters dismissed by the AG’s office also speak. Road & Bike Planning: DelDOT will run intermittent lane closures on Janice Road (Route 1 to Lewes Senior Center) July 6–24 for paving, and the agency is also hosting free Bicycle Safety Checkpoints in Lewes/Rehoboth through summer. Coastal Environment: DNREC opened a new environmental lab in Smyrna to test water quality and chemical contaminants, and a coastal building-line advisory group heard mostly supportive feedback on dune protection rules. Local Travel Culture: Delaware realtor/creator Maya Centrella is blending wrap recipes with home tours, while the Delaware State Parks virtual 5K fundraiser marks the parks’ 75th anniversary. Community & Service: A Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was dedicated in Millsboro, honoring fallen service members and their families.

DelDOT Route 16 Planning: DelDOT is taking public comment through June 27 on its Coastal Corridors study for Route 16 through Milton, focusing on how to support all modes of travel (cars, bikes, and pedestrians) and future needs rather than widening. Fatal E-Bike Crash on Coastal Highway: Delaware State Police say a 66-year-old Maryland woman died after an e-bike left the bike lane and entered the southbound lanes, where a pickup truck hit her north of Savages Ditch Road; lanes were closed about two hours. Rehoboth Election Tension: Rehoboth Beach’s June 18 meeting certified candidates for the Aug. 8 municipal election, but the process turned heated over staff memo wording and other disputes. Road Safety & Local Alerts: Milford Police are investigating a fatal early-morning crash that killed a Harrington man after a vehicle left Shawnee Road and overturned into a retention pond. Beach Travel Caution: A Delaware beach umbrella incident highlights how unsecured umbrellas can become dangerous in strong wind—worth keeping in mind for July 4 crowds. Tourism & Community Events: Delaware State Parks kicked off a virtual 5K fundraiser to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

Road Safety (Rehoboth Beach): Delaware State Police say 66-year-old Stephanie Lewis of Potomac, Md., died after an e-bike crash on Coastal Highway south of Savages Ditch Road; investigators say she left the bike lane and entered the truck’s path. Road Safety (Milford): A Harrington man died after a high-speed crash on Shawnee Road that sent his pickup into a retention pond. Road Safety (Route 24): Two drivers were hurt in a Route 24 crash near Lewes after a box truck and a car collided; a fuel leak cleanup followed. Rail Safety for Travelers: Operation Lifesaver Delaware is urging drivers and pedestrians to know the blue-and-white Emergency Notification System signs at crossings and how to use them fast. State Parks & Family Fun: Delaware State Parks launched a “Parks for Everyone” virtual 5K fundraiser for its 75th anniversary, with accessible options and trail time at participating parks. Summer Travel Planning: A new survey ranks the best and worst states for summer road trips, with Delaware listed among the worst. Climate & Coastal Travel: A study finds sea level rise is swallowing farmland in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay watersheds faster than forests, reshaping the region’s coastal landscape.

Road Safety (Rehoboth Beach): Delaware State Police say a 66-year-old woman from Potomac, Md., died after leaving the bike lane and being struck by a pickup on Coastal Highway north of Savages Ditch Road; the truck driver was not hurt and the crash remains under investigation. Road Safety (Lewes area): A Route 24 crash east of Love Creek sent two drivers to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries; a 74-year-old Millsboro man was cited for failure to maintain a lane after crossing into the center lane. Hit-and-Run (Townsend): A New Jersey man, 23-year-old Nizaiah Ellis, was arrested and charged after police say he struck and killed two 17-year-old pedestrians near an electric bike on Dupont Parkway, then left the scene; troopers say they later found his damaged Nissan. State Parks & Outdoors: Delaware State Parks launched a “Parks for Everyone” Virtual 5K for its 75th anniversary, with $35 registration and options to run, walk, or roll at any state park trail. Rail Crossing Safety: Operation Lifesaver Delaware is urging drivers and pedestrians to learn how to use the blue-and-white Emergency Notification System signs at crossings, ahead of ENS Awareness Sign Day June 24. Health & Recovery: UD is creating the Delaware Center for Neurologic Rehabilitation & Recovery Research to advance stroke and Parkinson’s recovery studies. Travel Planning (Delaware): Delaware’s Independence Day fireworks and events schedule is now posted for July 4 across Delmarva, including beach-area shows and ferry options.

Road Safety (Rehoboth Beach): Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal e-bike crash on Coastal Highway near Savages Ditch Road. A 66-year-old woman from Potomac, riding in the bike lane, entered the roadway and was struck by a GMC Sierra 2500; she died at a local hospital. The 64-year-old driver was not hurt, and the Collision Reconstruction Unit is asking witnesses to contact Sgt. A. Mitchell. Hit-and-Run Case (Seaford): Police say a Georgetown man, Angel Morales-Ortiz, faces vehicular assault and DUI-related charges after a string of hit-and-run crashes seriously injured another driver. Marine Life (Delaware Bay): Delaware Bay horseshoe crab numbers are nearing recovery after decades of restrictions following overharvesting, with new statewide monitoring showing encouraging trends. Weather & Travel Disruption (Philadelphia region): A severe storm alert is in effect Monday, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes that could affect commutes and outdoor plans, including World Cup viewing. Community & Tourism (Rehoboth Beach): The Village Improvement Association installed new officers, continuing its long-running summer volunteer work and civic projects.

Beach Safety & Tragedy: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal e-bike crash in Rehoboth Beach after a 66-year-old woman from Potomac, Md., was struck when she left the bike lane and entered the roadway; the 64-year-old driver was not hurt. Road Safety: Police also arrested a New Jersey man, Nizaiah Ellis, after a hit-and-run in Townsend that killed two 17-year-old pedestrians; he faces charges including leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. Wildlife Watch: An endangered Atlantic sturgeon was found dead at Bailie Beach, with officials retrieving it for a necropsy to determine the cause. Travel Planning: Avelo Airlines added nonstop service from Concord Padgett Regional Airport to Cleveland and Indianapolis, giving travelers more direct options into the Charlotte region. Community & Culture: Delaware Libraries and Fingal Libraries launched a Delaware-to-Dublin pen pal exchange for adults, with registration open through July 15. Local Events: Tickets are on sale for the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ Decked Out 2026 fundraiser on Sept. 24 in Rehoboth.