A coastal storm is expected to impact our area starting this evening and continuing through the day tomorrow.
Rainfall totals of 1″-3″ are expected as low tracks up the coast. Minor flooding is possible for low lying and poor drainage areas.
Winds will increase Thursday evening into Friday as the storm tracks along the coast. Sustained winds of 20-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph are possible.
Surfs of 4′-6′ are expected Thursday through Friday night, with a moderate to high threat of rip currents.
Governor John Carney on Monday formally extended the State of Emergency declaration another 30 days to confront community spread of COVID-19, and issued the following statement:
“For months, Delawareans and Delaware businesses have made significant sacrifices to flatten the curve, and protect the health of their family members, friends, and neighbors. We are beating COVID-19. Let’s not go backwards. Wearing a face mask in public settings is still required by this State of Emergency declaration. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Keep your distance from others outside your household. We know from public health experts that following these basic health precautions is the best way to prevent community spread of COVID-19. Thank you to all Delawareans and visitors who are following these precautions. Whether or not you have symptoms, consider getting a test to help us track the spread of this disease. Locations are available at de.gov/gettested. Stay vigilant. We will get through this by continuing to work together.”
Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration – including each of its modifications – carries the full force and effect of law. Delawareans and visitors also must follow local restrictions in place to limit community spread of COVID-19.
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.
Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.
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.
TOWN HALL IS NOT A POLLING PLACE FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION. PLEASE GO TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING POLLING PLACES:
Governor John Carney on Thursday signed the fifteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, rescheduling Delaware’s presidential primary for July 7. The Delaware Department of Elections will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered Democrats and Republicans in the State of Delaware, providing all eligible registered Delaware voters the opportunity to vote by absentee ballot in the presidential primary election.
Governor Carney’s updated order also formalizes interim steps announced on Tuesday, allowing certain small businesses to resume limited operations effective 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8.
Read Governor Carney’s updated order.
“Delawareans have a basic, fundamental right to vote, and these changes will allow all Delaware voters to safely exercise that right,” said Governor Carney. “We are making progress. Delawareans have helped flatten the curve by staying home, and by practicing social distancing when you’re out in public. But this fight isn’t over. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily, and wear a face covering when you do. Wash your hands often. Delawareans should stay vigilant, and stay informed at de.gov/coronavirus.”
Eligible Delaware voters will be permitted to select the “sick” or “temporarily or permanently physically disabled” options on their absentee ballot application to cast a vote in the presidential primary election, even if they are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Voters must return the application to the Delaware Department of Elections or complete the process online to receive an absentee ballot. The Delaware Department of Elections will operate at least six polling places in each county to allow voters to cast ballots in person should they choose not to vote by absentee ballot.
Governor Carney’s order on Thursday also reschedules school board elections for July 21, and places additional requirements on municipalities that are conducting elections. The order requires districts and municipalities to enforce social distancing during elections, require face coverings, and limit crowds to 10 or fewer people at polling places.
Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration – including the stay-at-home order and mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers – remains in place and carries the force and effect of law. Violations of the order, or any of its modifications, constitute a criminal offense.
Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Or text your 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.
Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.
It has been observed over the last few weeks with more visitors in Town that social distancing is not being practiced while on Bunting Avenue.
Effective immediately, while walking/running along Bunting Avenue (the unofficial Fenwick Island “boardwalk”), face masks are required. This is for everyone’s safety. The cases are increasing rapidly in Sussex County and we need to stop the spread!
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has released the answers to
publicly-asked questions about the possible location of an electrical interconnection facility at
Fenwick Island State Park bringing power from a proposed offshore wind farm, as well as results of
a public survey about possible improvements to the park.
Last year, Ørsted requested that DNREC consider allowing electric cables from the company’s
proposed Maryland offshore Skipjack Wind Farm to connect underground to a possible interconnection
facility on Fenwick Island park property. DNREC took public comment on a number of possible
improvements to the park that could be funded by Ørsted if the interconnection were allowed within
the park, with the comment period extended to earlier this year. DNREC has not made a decision on
the use of Fenwick Island State Park as a landing for the power produced from the proposed wind
farm.
The answers released Wednesday clarified that DNREC is “considering the proposal to allow an
interconnection facility to be installed at Fenwick Island State Park to direct power from the
proposed Skipjack Wind Farm. The proposed wind farm itself is authorized by the state of Maryland,
but an interconnection is proposed to be located in Delaware. The wind farm developer, Ørsted,
would provide park improvements as part of the project. This proposal is separate from regulatory
considerations of the wind farm, which is proposed to be developed regardless of Parks’
involvement.”
Other statements made in response to public questions about the possible interconnection within the
park and the possible park improvements included:
The public process about the possible interconnection and park improvements produced numerous
questions about the offshore component of the Skipjack Wind Farm, including the distance of
turbines to the shoreline, the location of wind energy areas in relation to fishing, the impacts of
the wind farm on recreation, fisheries, and navigation. The DNREC answers noted that many of these
questions are most appropriately addressed by Ørsted and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management.
DNREC received 2,692 survey submissions that gave feedback on the proposed park improvements, which include methods for increasing public safety and relieving traffic congestion, upgraded
infrastructure and the addition of new recreational amenities to meet the needs of increased
visitation.
Of those who completed the survey, 44% said they would like DNREC to renovate the existing parking
area and/or create additional parking facilities, 32% want the bathhouse and restroom facilities to
be renovated and expanded, 13% would like additional food concessionaires and 12% felt the proposed
improvements would improve traffic flow and parking at Fenwick Island State Park.
Respondents also ranked proposed amenities from first to last, with walking paths to connect
Fenwick Island, a nature center and additional food concessions the most popular. To see the survey results and read the questions and answers, go to: www.destateparks.com/FenwickImprovements.
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the
state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and
educates Delawareans about the environment. The Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than
26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and
connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti,
michael.globetti@delaware.gov.
Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued the 23rd modification to the State of Emergency declaration, closing bars in eastern Sussex County to limit spread of COVID-19 in Delaware’s beach communities. The modification also includes consumer protections for Delawareans who may face foreclosure or eviction filings.
Click here to read Governor Carney’s modified State of Emergency.
“Delawareans and Delaware businesses have made significant sacrifices to flatten the curve. We are beating this disease. But COVID-19 has not gone away,” said Governor Carney. “We need to protect our progress, and stay vigilant. Know your status by getting tested – especially if you have spent time in our beach communities. Wear a face mask in public settings, as you’re required to do under the State of Emergency. Remain socially distant. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. We know those are the best, and easiest, ways to prevent transmission of this virus. Let’s not go backwards.”
Visit de.gov/gettested to find a local testing site.
Governor Carney’s latest modification includes several consumer protections for Delawareans and Delaware families. Effective at 8:00 a.m. on July 1, filings for foreclosures and evictions can resume, but will continue to be stayed to permit the Justice of the Peace Courts to determine whether the parties would benefit from a court-supervised mediation or alternative dispute resolution. That process may include identifying access to housing support services through the Delaware State Housing Authority. Local sheriffs and constables are directed to refrain from removing individuals from residential properties unless a Delaware court determines that enforcement is necessary in the interest of justice. In addition, utility companies must offer four-month payment plans to those affected by COVID who were unable to pay utility bills during the height of the pandemic, and insurance companies must offer 90-day repayment plans for those affected by COVID who failed to make premium payments during the height of the pandemic.
Report a business for non-compliance using this form.
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.
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!
Fireworks….they are as unpredictable as the weather. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that an estimated 11,400 people suffered injuries in 2013 from fireworks. There were also eight deaths related to fireworks. In 2013, 40% of these estimated injuries were caused by sparklers and rockets. Sparklers can burn at temperatures around 2,000 F degrees. Device malfunction and improper use are associated with the most injuries.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics show that in 2011, fireworks caused 16,300 outside fires, 1,200 structure fires, and 400 vehicle fires, resulting in approximately $32 million in property loss, and over half of those fires occurred around Independence Day.
Most firework injuries occur in the 30 days surrounding July 4th. Too many people are needlessly hurt or killed each year.
The State law provides that “No person shall possess, offer for sale, or discharge any type fireworks.” Whoever violates this fireworks provision shall be subject to criminal fines and penalties. This includes Sparklers and Sky Lanterns.
Only regulated public displays are permitted in Delaware. Trained professionals who meet specific regulations issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal conduct these displays.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal and your local fire department urge you to leave fireworks where they belong, in the hands of professionals.
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.