Fenwick Island
Delaware

Fenwick Island Dredging/Channel Marker Update

In late February, the Town of Fenwick Island received official US Coast Guard approval for our permit to install markers in designated locations along the recently dredged Fenwick channels. Unfortunately, DNREC’s permitting team has been much slower to complete their review and provide the necessary approval.

We have been in contact with DNREC’s permitting lead several times every month for the last three months. Unfortunately, the DNREC’s lead in the permitting team has now moved to another DNREC division. We were promised our permit approval before her departure (May 30) but that didn’t happen.

We have been in contact with other members in the DNREC permitting department over the last ten days in hopes of shaking loose the permit. Representative Gray has also advocated on our behalf. Our understanding is that Fenwick Island is not the only community awaiting final permit approval for channel markers and we do not know when DNREC will issue the approval we need to complete the work.

Fenwick is not legally allowed to install channel markers without DNREC approval. So, we are left waiting for DNREC to approve our permit request.

On the good news front, DNREC’s waterways management team (completely different DNREC division) has been excellent to work with and has provided a lot of help in preparing for the installation of the channel markers. They donated some of the materials for the markers as well as put us in contact with the vendor to source the 20-foot PVC pipes.

We have all the material necessary for the installation of the channel markers purchased, staged and ready to go once DNREC approves our permit.

We also have officially started a public bidding process (requirement to use grant funding) and have held a pre-bid Q&A session on June 18 to hire a vendor to install the markers.

Two firms were present during the pre-bid meeting and at least two other firms have expressed interest in bidding on the project. Final bids are due on July 2 at which time we will have a formal opening of all sealed bids.

DNREC recently performed a similar public bid process for all of their waterway management projects throughout the state. Our original plan was to use DNREC’s winning bidder. Unfortunately, not a single firm bid for the state-wide DNREC work.

We will continue to contact DNREC’s permitting team with the goal of receiving our formal permit approval to install the channel markers. Unfortunately, the lack of an approved permit from DNREC has resulted in the delay in completing placement of the channel markers, the final phase of the town’s dredging project.

In the meantime, please see the map which shows where the dredging occurred. For those that have boated in the area, the Fenwick channels going into the Town are where they were in the past but are much deeper and wider.

As for the western main channel and the shoaling present, DNREC has been made aware and did place some temporary buoys to better mark the channel. The western main channel is one maintained by DNREC and while we offered to allow DNREC to piggy-back on our dredging project, they declined to do so, citing lack of funding. We will continue to urge DNREC to consider dredging at that location so that the western main channel remains open and can be safely navigated.

Please stay alert while boating!

 

TOWN OF FENWICK ISLAND, DELAWARE OFFICIAL NOTICE OF ELECTION CANCELLATION

In accordance with the Town Charter and Municipal Election procedures, the 2025 Town of Fenwick Island Municipal Election, originally scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, has been canceled.

Four Town Council seats were available this year, and exactly four qualified candidates filed by the official deadline. As the number of candidates does not exceed the number of seats open for election, an uncontested election has been declared, and no formal election is required.

The following individuals will be sworn in to serve a two-year term on the Town Council:

• Natalie Magdeburger
• Jacque Napolitano
• Kurt Zanelotti
• Lucy Wilder

We extend our appreciation to all candidates for their commitment to public service.

For additional information, please contact Town Hall at (302) 539-3011 or email townclerk@fenwickisland.org.

Beach Crossover Maintenance Notice

DNREC has started the replacement of the poles and ropes along the beach crossovers, beginning at Atlantic Avenue and proceeding northward.

As part of this effort, the Town’s Public Works Department will be removing two beach mats per day to accommodate the work. Once DNREC has completed repairs at each location, Public Works will return to reinstall the mats.

Please note that pedestrian access to the beach will remain available throughout the duration of this project. Each dune crossover is estimated to take one day to complete.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to maintain and enhance the safety and accessibility of our beach areas.

The Faucett Okie Family Nature Preserve

Fenwick Island is proud to announce the opening of the Faucett Okie Family Nature Preserve — now open to the public 7 days a week, from dawn to dusk!

This beautiful space is made possible thanks to a generous donation by Mr. Okie and the incredible efforts of our Green Infrastructure Working Group, Residential Concerns Committee, Environmental Committee, and dedicated volunteers.

Come take a peaceful walk and experience the beauty firsthand!

Foxes in Fenwick Island – What You Need to Know

The Town of Fenwick Island reminds all residents and visitors to be mindful of wildlife, including foxes, which may occasionally be seen in our area.

Fox sightings are not uncommon in coastal communities, and while they are generally not aggressive, they are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect.

To help prevent unwanted interactions:

• Do NOT feed foxes or any other wildlife.

• Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids.

• Avoid leaving pet food or other food sources outside, especially overnight.

• Keep small pets indoors or supervised when outside.

Please note: The Town is not responsible for handling wildlife, including foxes.
Wildlife management falls under the authority of the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, and only licensed animal control professionals are permitted to trap or relocate wild animals. Town staff are not trained or authorized to perform this work.

If you are experiencing issues with foxes on your property, you will need to contact a licensed wildlife control service directly.

Thank you for helping us keep Fenwick Island safe and respectful for both residents and our native wildlife.

Beach Repairs

Residents, please take note: DNREC has begun removing poles and ropes along the beach areas as part of routine maintenance. Over the next couple weeks, they will be replacing all poles and ropes to help protect and preserve our beautiful coastline.

We kindly ask for your patience and caution while crews are at work.

Town of Fenwick Island Voter Registration Reminder

Voter Registration Deadline – June 30, 2025, by 4:30 PM
Election Day – August 2, 2025, from 1:00 – 5:00 pm at Fenwick Island Town
Hall, 800 Coastal Hwy. Fenwick Island, DE 19944

Who Can Register:
U.S. citizens living in Fenwick Island.
Anyone otherwise qualified who will be 18 years old by Election Day.
Any property owner as of March 1, 2025.

How to Register:
Complete the Voter Registration Here
Necessary proof of identification must be submitted along with application.
Contact the Town Clerk at, 800 Coastal Hwy. Fenwick Island, DE
19944 or call 302-539-3011 for further information.

More Election Information Here

Public Hearing Notice: Chapter 160-10 (C) on Tuesday, June 24 at 9 AM

June 24 Notice – Click Here for More Details

Check Out This Great Article About Our Outstanding Police Department!

We’re proud to share this recent article highlighting the impressive work and accreditation efforts of the Fenwick Island Police Department. Chief Morrissey and the team have been working diligently to boost the professional image of the FIPD, ensuring safety and community trust are always top priorities.

Read the full article here: Coastal Point: Morrissey Boosting Professional Image of FIPD

Fenwick Island Boating Channel Dredging Project Map

Click Here to View the Map