Fenwick Island
Delaware

New Crosswalk Lights

The Town of Fenwick Island has installed two crosswalk lights at Bayard Street and Oyster Bay Drive. Under Delaware code vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk.  No pedestrian shall suddenly leave curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle. To operate, push button and safely cross the roadway. Vehicles are not required to stop until a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.

Stay safe!

State Fire Marshal’s Statement on Fireworks

Thunderstorms Possible: 6/26 – 6/28

Governor Carney Announces Delay in Phase 3 of Economic Reopening

Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a delay in moving to Phase 3 of Delaware’s economic reopening, and issued the following statement:

“I know many Delawareans expected us to move into Phase 3 of economic reopening on Monday, June 29 – and that had been my hope, as well. But we are delaying that decision so we can get a better handle on what’s going on in Delaware and around the country. We intend to make a decision early next week regarding the start of Phase 3.

“Too many Delawareans and visitors are not following basic public health precautions. We’ve heard and seen concerns especially in our beach communities, in restaurants, in gyms, and at sporting events. Now’s not the time to let up. You’re required to wear a mask in public settings. Keep your distance from those outside your household. These are common sense steps that, frankly, are not that difficult to follow. And they’re a small price to pay for keeping our friends and relatives out of the hospital.

“Today, we held a COVID-19 testing event in Rehoboth Beach. Results of that event should help us determine infection rates in our coastal communities. We’ll be monitoring this data – as well as compliance with public health requirements like mask-wearing and social distancing – as we make a determination about when Phase 3 should begin.

“In Delaware, we are beating this disease. We have flattened the curve. But that’s because Delawareans stayed home and made significant sacrifices to keep others safe. Make no mistake: COVID-19 has not gone away. We’ve seen what has happened in other states when folks let their guard down. Let’s not be one of those states.”

For additional details about Delaware’s economic reopening, visit de.gov/economy.

 For details about COVID-19 testing, visit de.gov/gettested. 

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Health or medically-related COVID-19 questions can also be submitted by email to DPHCall@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response to COVID-19, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Governor Carney Signs Executive Order on Law Enforcement Policy

Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed Executive Order #41, State of Delaware law enforcement agencies, including Delaware State Police and Capitol Police; increases community engagement; requires additional de-escalation and implicit bias training; and increases the availability of crisis intervention services for law enforcement officers.

Governor Carney’s order also will formally prohibit executive branch law enforcement agencies from sharing mugshots of minors, except when public safety is at risk; require transparency around use-of-force protocols; and mandate participation in the national use-of-force database.

Agencies subject to this order include Delaware State Police, Capitol Police, Department of Correction, Natural Resources Police, Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement.

Click here to read Governor Carney’s Executive Order #41.

“Talk is cheap. It’s on us to make progress,” said Governor Carney. “As I said last week, these are first steps that we can take administratively to improve the relationship between law enforcement agencies and communities of color in Delaware. I know that the General Assembly will build on these steps, and I thank legislators for their partnership. Thank you to Colonel McQueen and the law enforcement officers of the Delaware State Police for their leadership on this important issue. I know law enforcement in Delaware. The vast majority of officers here and across our country serve for the right reasons – to protect and strengthen their communities. They want meaningful change. Let’s keep working together to move forward.”

Governor Carney’s Executive Order #41 will make the following changes:

1.  Use of Chokeholds: No law enforcement officer in the Executive Branch shall knowingly or intentionally use a chokehold, kneehold or other similar acts of applying force or pressure against the trachea, windpipe, carotid artery, side of the neck, or jugular vein of another person unless that officer reasonably believes that the use of such force is necessary to protect the life of a civilian or a law enforcement officer and other applicable control methods have been exhausted.
2. Availability of policies and protocols: Any use of force policies and protocols for law enforcement officers shall be posted on the agency’s website, subject to redactions necessary for the limited purpose of avoiding disclosure of tactical information that may jeopardize officer or public safety. 
3. Publication of Photos: A photo or mugshot of a child 17 years of age or younger arrested or suspected of committing a crime shall not be released or published by law enforcement on a publicly maintained social media page or website unless that child is charged with a violent felony, as that term is defined in Title 11 of the Delaware Code, and release of the photo or mugshot is necessary to protect the public’s safety. Law enforcement may release the photo of a child 17 years of age or younger if required to do so by applicable state law.
4. Community Engagement: At the direction of the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware (DSHS), DSP shall increase its community outreach unit by designating and training troopers as community outreach liaisons so that each Troop throughout the state will have a community outreach officer assigned to it. The community outreach troopers shall receive training on building relationships with residents and community-based organizations and meet with residents and organizations regularly to discuss how to better serve their communities and make it easier for those residents and organizations to communicate with law enforcement.
5. Participation and Utilization of National Databases: DSHS law enforcement officers shall continue to participate in the National Use of Force Data Collection effort in order to assist law enforcement and the community to identify and understand the totality of, and trends associated with, use-of-force incidents. In addition, DSHS law enforcement officers, working with the Council on Police Training, shall participate in the Police Officer Decertification Database to aid law enforcement agencies in making informed hiring decisions to prevent officers who have been terminated for cause from being hired in Delaware.
6. Training Requirements: The following trainings shall be conducted for law enforcement officers on at least an annual basis:
   1. Implicit bias training, including scenario based training and other methods of evidence-based experiential training, engaging community members with special expertise, to address implicit bias and its role in the criminal justice system; and
   2. De-escalation training, including a use-of-force continuum or matrix, to demonstrate the use of less or more force in an arrest situation, and reinforce exhausting all other reasonable alternatives before resorting to deadly force.
7. Increase crisis intervention services: In collaboration with the Behavioral Health Consortium of Delaware, all law enforcement officers shall have access to crisis intervention training and services to improve appropriate response to individuals suffering from a behavioral health crisis.

Delmarva Power Reminds Customers to Keep Foil Balloons Away From Power Lines

Delmarva Power Reminds Customers to Keep Foil Balloons Away From Power Lines

Metallic balloons can lead to power outages if not disposed of properly

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on many events, including birthdays and graduations, but as families and friends begin to come together again to celebrate these achievements, Delmarva Power reminds you not to lose sight of those foil balloons.  Foil balloons, also known as Mylar balloons, can cause power outages if they come into contact with power lines. Untethered balloons cause thousands of unnecessary electric service interruptions each year for Delmarva Power customers. These balloons also have been known to float for days and can end up having a negative impact on the environment.

When foil-coated balloons contact a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can impede equipment. These types of outages are easily preventable. Delmarva Power encourages customers to help reduce foil balloon-related power outages and ensure safety by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to weights.
• Properly dispose of foil balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon or toy that is entangled in an overhead power line. For assistance, call Delmarva Power at 800-898-8042.
• Always assume power lines are energized and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away at all times.

Delmarva Power customers can learn more safety tips by visiting delmarva.com.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower, and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

Governor Carney Closes State of Delaware Offices in honor of Juneteenth

Governor John Carney announced he will close State of Delaware offices on Friday in recognition of Juneteenth, and issued the following statement:

“Over the last several weeks, we have seen largely peaceful protests demanding racial justice and equality across our state. I have spent much of this time listening, and trying to chart a productive path forward. We can make meaningful change, and I believe we will.

As we move forward, I believe the least that each of us can do is commit to learning the lessons of our history. The good and the bad. That’s why on Friday, June 19, we will close state offices in recognition of Juneteenth, which helps us commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. This holiday offers an opportunity to encourage open dialogue, and to recommit to treating one another with more respect.

We are also working with the Delaware Heritage Commission to create an educational program around issues of race and slavery in Delaware and the U.S.  If we don’t educate ourselves and acknowledge our ugly history around race, we can’t begin to understand the anger and frustration that I’ve heard from so many Delawareans in the last several weeks.

But we shouldn’t stop there.

Next week, I will sign an executive order to ban the use of choke-holds at the Delaware State Police and Capitol Police, and require additional de-escalation training. We will stop posting mugshots of children, mandate participation in the national use-of-force database, and increase crisis intervention training and mental health services for police officers. These are first steps that we can take administratively to improve the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color.

Talk is cheap. We are committed to moving forward productively – and in good faith – to make real change in Delaware. That starts with recognizing our shared history, and learning the lessons of the past.”

At 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, Governor Carney will host a live discussion about Juneteenth with Dr. Reba Hollingsworth, Vice Chair of the Delaware Heritage Commission; local historian Sylvester Woolford; Dr. Donna Patterson, Chair of the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy at Delaware State University; and Dr. David Young, Executive Director of the Delaware Historical Society. Watch the Juneteenth discussion on Governor Carney’s Facebook page, or at de.gov/live.

Election Cancellation Notice

The annual election for the Town of Fenwick Island Town Council scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2020 has been cancelled. 

The three (3) candidates have been declared elected to fill the three (3) vacancies: 

• Gardner Bunting
• Vicki Carmean
• Bernie Merritt

For additional information, please contact Linda Martin, Town Clerk, at Town Hall, 800 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, Delaware 19944 or at 302-539-3011.

Delmarva Power Prepared to Meet Summer Residential and Business Energy Needs

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Delmarva Power has been performing essential work to prepare the local energy grid to meet increased customer demand and keep homes and businesses powered all summer long. Employees are completing maintenance and inspections, as well as upgrades and critical repairs to prepare for severe weather, including a forecasted active hurricane season. This work is essential to providing safe and reliable service for the company’s 532,000 electric and 136,000 natural gas customers throughout the summer months.

“We enhanced our already strict safety procedures so our employees could continue their critical work throughout this pandemic, to help us deliver the safe and reliable energy service our customers expect,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president. “Reliable energy service has been an essential component to powering through this pandemic, and as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, we remain committed to delivering this same level of reliable service for our business as well as residential customers all summer long. We encourage our customers to take advantage of the many tools we provide to help stay prepared and to save money and energy during the summer months.”  

Delmarva Power’s work to prepare for the summer is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize the local energy grid and enhance reliability for customers. Customers across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland are continuing to experience improvements in the reliability of their energy service. The work Delmarva Power has been doing resulted in customers experiencing the lowest frequency of electric outages ever in 2019—the third straight year that Delmarva Power customers have experienced record reliability.

This work is essential to fortify the local energy grid against severe weather and to help limit outages. In addition to these efforts, Delmarva Power completes hundreds of tasks to prepare for the summer season, including system work, testing and drills. As part of the Exelon family of companies, Delmarva Power can call on resources from sister companies in Baltimore, the District of Columbia, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to assist the company when needed to restore power faster after major storms.

With several impactful storms already this year, Delmarva Power encourages customers to be ready for the severe weather summer can sometimes bring.

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, a multi-purpose tool, cell phones with chargers, and a list of important/emergency phone numbers.
• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
• Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.
• Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operations of your generator. Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator in any enclosed area.
• Download Delmarva Power’s mobile app at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

Being prepared is a responsibility everyone should take seriously. If a severe storm hits, monitor local weather reports regularly and follow the advice of local emergency management officials. Immediately report a downed wire or service issue by calling 800-898-8042​, visiting delmarva.com, or through the company’s mobile app. Customers can also report an outage by texting “Out” to 67972. Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to 67972 to sign up for this service. If an outage does occur, the company’s interactive online outage map and its mobile app provide estimates of how quickly power is expected to be restored. If you smell natural​ gas, leave the area immediately and then call Delmarva Power at 302-454-0317. More tips, resources and safety information are available at delmarva.com/storm. 

With more people spending time at home and as temperatures climb, energy use typically climbs too. Delmarva Power provides helpful tips and information to help customers save money and energy all summer. More tips and information available at Delmarva.com/saveenergy.

• Manage your bill on My Account​. Online energy management tools show you how much energy you are using. The bill to date feature lets you know what your bill costs are to date at any time during the month. You can also get tips based on your energy saving goals.
• Install energy efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs.
• Unplug unused electrical devices when you leave a room. Chargers use energy when left plugged in after your device is fully charged.
• Check your thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, and higher in the summer, if health permits.
• Adjust your blinds. Raise your blinds in the winter to let warm sunlight into your home, and lower the blinds in the summer to keep cool air inside.
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By completing these simple steps, together we can be ready, stay safe, stay cool, and use less energy this summer.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower, and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

Governor Carney Announces Phase 2 of Delaware’s Economic Reopening to Begin on June 15

Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced that Phase 2 of Delaware’s economic reopening will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15. Retail establishments, restaurants and other businesses that were permitted to open at 30 percent of stated fire capacity in Phase 1 may expand to 60 percent of stated fire occupancy in Phase 2.  

Child care facilities will be allowed to open for all Delaware families during Phase 2, with restrictions on group sizes and additional social distancing and cleaning protocols. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) continues to encourage Delawareans to telework during Phase 2 of the economic reopening. Delaware families who can keep their children at home during Phase 2 of the reopening are encouraged to do so, to help limit group sizes and prevent transmission of COVID-19, according to public health guidance.

Read the full State of Delaware guidelines on Phase 2 of economic reopening.

“As businesses reopen and more Delawareans head back to work, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 is still active in Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “Delawareans need to remain vigilant. Keep distance from others outside your household. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently. Wear a face covering in public settings, and act with a sense of community. This pandemic is not over. Now’s not the time to let up.”

Also on Tuesday, Governor Carney announced a rolling reopening of personal care service businesses – including tattoo shops and massage therapy services. Personal care businesses may open at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8. 

Personal care service businesses and exercise facilities will remain at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy in Phase 2. 

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email info@delaware211.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medical-related questions related to testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. 

The Delaware Division of Public Health will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.