AGP Executive Report

Utility & Cost Pressure: Delmarva Power has filed an appeal in Delaware Superior Court to overturn regulators’ cuts to its interim electric rate hike, a move that could mean higher bills sooner for the utility’s roughly 300,000 customers. Road Work for Travelers: DelDOT announced intermittent lane closures on Buttonwood Avenue at the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing (between SR 9 and Lukens Drive) from Sept. 8 to Sept. 14 for resurfacing and maintenance. Beach Community Spotlight: Operation SEAs the Day will host “Warrior Family Beach Week” in Bethany Beach next week, offering free vacation stays for wounded service members and their families in homes donated by local volunteers. Tourism & Workforce: Cape Henlopen High School students completed a UD dual-enrollment course and paid internship program aimed at building hospitality and tourism talent in Sussex County. Local Climate Prep: The Sussex County League of Women Voters will host a Sept. 15 talk at Cottage Cafe in Bethany Beach on preparing Delaware for rising seas and climate hazards.

Utility & Cost Watch: Delmarva Power has filed an appeal in Delaware Superior Court to overturn regulators’ cuts to its interim electric rate hike, arguing the Public Service Commission arbitrarily reduced the interim schedule and could push bills higher sooner. Road & Rail Updates: DelDOT announced intermittent lane closures on Buttonwood Avenue at the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing (Sept. 8–14) for resurfacing and maintenance, with minor delays expected. Tourism & Community Health: Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth opened a new Beebe Health Suite in downtown Rehoboth Beach, expanding HIV/STI screening, PrEP, vaccinations, and care coordination. Travel Planning: Avelo Airlines extended its Philadelphia/Delaware Valley flight schedule through April 20, 2027, adding more time for spring travel bookings. Local Hospitality Pipeline: A University of Delaware dual-enrollment program placed 20 Cape Henlopen High School students into paid hospitality/tourism internships this summer, building workforce skills for Sussex County. Exhibit for Visitors: Delaware Public Archives will debut “Tracks, Towns, and Transformation: How the Railroad Changed Delaware” on Sept. 10, 2026, free and running through July 2027. Weather for the Weekend: Delaware and the Jersey Shore are set up for a cooler, drier Labor Day stretch with low humidity and beach-friendly conditions. Safety Note: Delaware State Police arrested a suspect in the WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach.

Hospitality & Workforce Pipeline: Cape Henlopen students completed a 10-week paid dual-enrollment with the University of Delaware, earning college credits while working at local tourism and hospitality employers. Rail History for Visitors: Delaware Public Archives will debut “Tracks, Towns, and Transformation: How the Railroad Changed Delaware” on Sept. 10, 1832’s anniversary, running free through July 2027. Labor Day Travel Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track to set records, with the national average around $4.14 amid crude oil volatility. Road-Trip Reality Check: A Resume.io survey finds many commuters would trade salary for a much shorter commute—Delaware drivers put a high price on avoiding the Wilmington Viaduct. Beach Safety & Services: Rehoboth Beach Patrol is winding down lifeguard coverage after Labor Day, with some stands closed and swimmers urged to use open areas. Local Crime Impacting Visitors: Delaware State Police arrested WSFS Bank robbery suspect Demetrius Frith-Thompson in Rehoboth Beach. Park Pass Fix: DNREC says it will replace peeling state park pass stickers. Food & Fun: Delaware restaurants are leaning into artsy dining, and a new piece spotlights mushrooms on local menus.

Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track to hit record highs, with Delaware averaging about $3.98 per gallon today as crude stays pricey. Public Safety—Rehoboth Beach: Delaware State Police identified 26-year-old Demetrius Frith-Thompson of Milford as the suspect in the Aug. 29 WSFS Bank robbery; police say he fled on foot with undisclosed cash and no weapon or injuries were reported. Family Safety—Dover Airman Case: Federal charges were filed against Dover Air Force Base airman Dylan Williams, 27, accused of using online messaging to groom a 15-year-old and transporting her across state lines for illicit sexual conduct. Transit & Tourism Planning: Delaware received a Federal Railroad Administration grant to study passenger rail expansion (“Diamond State Line”) that could connect Delaware and Maryland communities. Coastal Activities: The Point at Cape Henlopen oceanside beach reopens Sept. 1, and Dewey Beach is listed among America’s cleanest beaches. Local Events: Delaware Center for the Inland Bays brings “Resilient Earth, Resilient Communities” to James Farm through Oct. 24.

Passenger Rail Push: Delaware just received a Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development grant to study possible passenger service south of Wilmington/Newark—potentially through Dover and Harrington, with options reaching Seaford/Salisbury or Milford/Georgetown/Berlin. Beach Access Update: DNREC says the Indian River Inlet Sand Bypass System will restart around Sept. 11, with temporary south-inlet restrictions through mid-May 2027 to keep visitors out of fenced areas. Public Safety—Rehoboth Bank Robbery: Delaware State Police identified 26-year-old Demetrius Frith-Thompson of Milford as the WSFS Bank robbery suspect and are asking the public to help locate him. Road Safety—Lewes Crash: DSP identified the victim in a fatal Lewes motorcycle crash as 48-year-old Paul Lawson of Harbeson and is still investigating. Local Culture: Bethany Beach’s annual jazz funeral returns with changes after the longtime organizer’s death, shifting from a pure “goodbye” to a “farewell and hello” to the next season. Travel Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices are poised to hit record levels, with Delaware averaging $3.98 today.

Rehoboth Beach Bank Robbery: Delaware State Police are still investigating a Saturday WSFS Bank robbery on Coastal Highway. A thin man in his 20s allegedly entered, handed a demand note, and fled on foot with cash; no weapon or injuries were reported. Police say the suspect was wearing tight-fitting women’s clothing and a wig, and they’re asking the public to help identify him. Road Safety on the Coast: A fatal motorcycle crash in Lewes on Sept. 1 shut down Coastal Highway for about three hours. Police say a Kia made a U-turn into the path of a Harley, ejecting the rider; the 48-year-old Harbeson man died. Luxury Travel Sales: Swan Hellenic named Josie Bielmeier as North America sales director for the East territory, covering Delaware among other states—good news for travelers booking high-end itineraries. Food & Tourism Spotlight: The Raising Shell Oyster Social highlighted oyster farming with shucked varieties from New Jersey and Delaware, plus a new oyster boat display—an easy tie-in for seafood lovers planning a fall visit. Health Watch for Travelers: Cyclosporiasis cases are still being reported nationwide even though the CDC season ended Aug. 31, so travelers should keep an eye on food safety guidance.

Public Health: Cyclosporiasis season is technically over, but the CDC says cases are still being identified after the May 1–Aug. 31 window; as of Aug. 31, 18,445 infections were confirmed across 49 states plus D.C., with 2 deaths and 990 hospitalizations. Local Safety on the Coast: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal Sept. 1 motorcycle crash in Lewes on Coastal Highway; a Kia Sorento made a U-turn into the path of a Harley, ejecting the 48-year-old rider from Harbeson, who died at the hospital. Severe Weather Disruptions: Storms across the Northeast have brought power outages and damage, including reports of tornado activity in Dover, Delaware, and Atlantic Beach, N.Y., with cleanup underway and ongoing risk through Friday. Travel Watch (Gas Prices): GasBuddy expects record-high Labor Day gas prices, projecting $4.03/gal nationwide for the holiday weekend. Air Service Update: Avelo extended Wilmington Airport nonstop flights through April 20, 2027, adding more spring travel options. Tourism & Leisure: Browseabout Books will host a signing Sept. 5 in Rehoboth Beach with “F is for First State” illustrator Elizabeth Traynor.

Grand Canyon Travel Disruption: Deadly flash flooding has damaged the park’s South Rim water pipeline, triggering water restrictions and shutting down overnight lodging at multiple properties, with the South Rim still open for day visits while Phantom Ranch and key inner-canyon access remain closed. Delaware Beach Safety: Lifeguards are winding down but still staffing many Delmarva beaches through Labor Day and into September, including detailed coverage for Lewes, Dewey, Rehoboth, Bethany, and more. Rehoboth Construction Update: The Holland Glade Road/Coastal Highway intersection project remains unfinished, even though a traffic signal is active, leaving full four-way access delayed. Local Health & Community: Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth opened a new downtown health suite for HIV/STI screening, PrEP, vaccinations, and prevention services; La Red Health Center marks 25 years with a Sept. 24 gala. Preparedness & Outdoors: September is National Preparedness Month, and Fair Hill Nature Center is hosting a Sept. 19 “Farewell to Summer” hike. Travel Costs: AAA expects record-high gas prices for Labor Day, with Delaware averaging about $3.93/gal as of Sept. 1.

Grand Canyon Travel Disruption: Severe flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon has shut down in-park overnight lodging and suspended key inner-canyon access, with the South Rim still open for day visits while search-and-recovery continues. Rehoboth Health Access: Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth opened a new downtown health suite offering HIV/STI screening, PrEP, vaccinations, and prevention services. Delaware Events & Tourism Boost: The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is gearing up with an official program for visitors, plus DART shared Labor Day transit schedules and the Route 305 Beach Connection will run on a Sunday schedule. Community Health & Awareness: La Red Health Center will mark 25 years at a Sept. 24 gala, and Rehoboth Avenue turned teal for ovarian cancer awareness. Family-Friendly Delaware History: Delaware Public Archives hosted its first-ever overnight “Night at the Archives,” filling capacity quickly. Beach Safety Update: Ocean City reduced lifeguard staffing through Sept. 27, with specific guarded hours across Delmarva. Local Travel Logistics: DART noted Beach Bus service ends Sept. 7, while Route 305 Beach Connection continues to Sept. 27.

Grand Canyon Travel Disruption: Grand Canyon National Park shut down all in-park lodging after a Saturday flash flood destroyed the Transcanyon water pipeline; officials report 2 deaths and about 15 missing, with major closures including Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and the North Kaibab Trail segment, plus ongoing water restrictions for visitors. Delaware Public Safety & Roads: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal Delmar motorcycle crash that killed an adult and an 11-year-old passenger, and a separate Laurel crash that killed one and left another seriously injured; meanwhile, DelDOT announced a Sept. 14–Oct. 29 intersection closure at Conleys Chapel Rd and Dorman Rd for a full rebuild. Local Tourism & Community: Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens will host Deaf Awareness Month events in Sussex County starting Sept. 2 at South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach, including ASL beginner classes and author/artist talks. Scam Watch (Travelers & Residents): BBB Scam Tracker data shows Seaford tied for 6th in Delaware for July scam reports, while Rehoboth Beach also ranked among the top Delaware cities. Sports on the Delaware Radar: UD women’s tennis released its 2026 fall schedule, and Merrimack College will play Delaware at Delaware Stadium on Thursday night.

Grand Canyon Travel Disruption: Flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon has left at least two dead and more than a dozen missing, with multiple South Rim areas closed and overnight lodging shutting to guests starting Aug. 31; day visitors can still enter, but water restrictions and reduced services are expected. Delaware Road Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal Delmar motorcycle crash that killed a 36-year-old woman and an 11-year-old passenger; the road was closed for about four hours and witnesses are urged to contact troopers. Delaware Crash Update: In Laurel, a two-vehicle crash killed a 54-year-old woman and seriously injured a 63-year-old man; investigators are still working to determine what happened. Rehoboth Beach Governance: A report says Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Suzanne Goode sent nearly 2,000 emails since 2024 and engaged in abusive, harassing conduct toward employees, prompting calls for action from city leadership. Local Culture & Travel Buzz: Miss America contestants are in West Palm Beach for pageant week, sharing plans to visit local attractions like Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the Palm Beach Zoo.

Grand Canyon Flood Fallout: After flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, Grand Canyon National Park says it’s closing overnight lodging on the South Rim and starting Stage 4 water restrictions Monday (day use remains open), while crews assess damage to the Transcanyon Waterline and officials search for about 15 unaccounted people. Rehoboth Beach Crime: Delaware State Police are investigating a WSFS Bank robbery on Coastal Highway; a suspect entered with a demand note, fled on foot with cash, and is described as a thin Black man in his 20s wearing tight feminine clothing and a wig. Delaware Travel Safety Watch: A fatal motorcycle crash in Delmar killed a 36-year-old woman and her 11-year-old passenger; the road was closed during the investigation. Retiree Travel Demand: New reporting highlights Delaware’s growing 65+ population, with more retirees choosing beach-area towns like Lewes and Rehoboth—good news for tourism, but a reminder to plan ahead for peak-season crowds. Local Visitor Economy Policy: NJ’s hospitality industry is pushing lawmakers on tipped-wage protections and reducing credit card processing fees, aiming to keep costs down for restaurants and tourism-linked businesses.

Public Safety—Rehoboth Beach Bank Robbery: Delaware State Police are investigating a Saturday morning WSFS Bank robbery on Coastal Highway. Police say a thin Black man in his 20s entered, handed a demand note, and fled on foot with undisclosed cash; no weapon was involved and no one was hurt. The suspect was described as wearing tight women’s clothing and a wig, and investigators are asking the public for tips. Public Safety—Fatal Crash in Delmar: State Police report a fatal motorcycle crash Saturday in Delmar. A Kawasaki Ninja struck a rollback truck making a left turn into a private driveway after passing in a no-passing zone; both the 36-year-old rider and an 11-year-old passenger died. Tourism & Community—Grove Park Reopens in Rehoboth: Rehoboth moved into new phases this week: Grove Park reopened to foot traffic after diseased red oaks were removed, and a One Rehoboth Avenue hotel parking-garage variance was approved. Travel Planning—Avelo Extends Flights: Avelo Airlines extended its schedule through April 20, 2027, adding more time to book affordable trips, including service to Philadelphia/Wilmington. Wildlife & Beaches—Cape Henlopen Reopening: DNREC says The Point oceanside beach at Cape Henlopen State Park will reopen Sept. 1 for beachgoers and anglers after seasonal shorebird closures. Local Culture—Therapy Dog Nomination: A Milford-based therapy dog, Lucy, was nominated for the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award; public voting runs Oct. 5–19.

Beach Access Update: DNREC will reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park’s oceanside beach on Sept. 1, after it stays closed through Oct. 1 for migrating shorebirds. Elections & Planning: Delaware early voting for the 2026 primary starts Sept. 2 (7 a.m.-7 p.m. first five days; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. last five), with party choice rules for AVR voters. Travel Deals: Avelo Airlines extended its flight schedule through April 20, 2027, adding more booking options for spring travel. Local Culture: Clear Space Theatre Company announced its biggest-ever 2027 season, with major Broadway-style titles and classics. Arts Spotlight: Delaware artist Joseph Barbaccia’s work is featured at the Biggs Museum through Sept. 6. Community & Food: Milford groups received Delaware Grocery Initiative grants to expand access to healthy food in food-desert areas. Safety Note: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal Laurel crash involving a Nissan and Kia at a stop sign.

Beach Access Update: The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park’s oceanside beach reopens Sept. 1, after a seasonal closure for shorebirds; it stays closed until Oct. 1 on the bayside for migrating birds. Tourism & Travel Planning: Avelo Airlines is extending its flight schedule through April 20, 2027, adding more booking runway for nonstop trips (including Philadelphia/Wilmington). Local Events: Railfest 2026 returns to Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, with free admission and historic train rides Sept. 4-6. Elections (for visitors with Delaware plans): Early voting for Delaware’s 2026 primary starts Sept. 2, with AVR voters able to pick a party up to Sept. 15. Community & Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal Laurel crash on Salt Barn Road involving a Nissan and Kia; one woman died and the driver was seriously injured. Arts: Two Joseph Barbaccia works are on view through Sept. 6 at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover.

Delaware Grocery Initiative: Milford groups landed fresh funding to expand access to healthy food—Milford Fresh Access at the House of David ($20,000), Milford Advocacy for the Homeless ($18,150) for blessing boxes and Harvest Hub meals, and the Food Bank of Delaware ($25,000) to grow its food rescue in western Sussex and Kent. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash near Laurel on Aug. 27; a 54-year-old woman from Delmar died after a Nissan failed to stop at a stop sign and hit a Kia, while the 63-year-old driver from Laurel was seriously injured. Tourism & Community: The Northampton Street Bridge in Easton will glow pink in honor of Dolly Parton on Friday and Saturday nights. Sports Tourism Staffing: Delaware’s Division of Small Business added Tatiyana Graves as Programs Manager and hired Kira Manuszak as Sports Tourism Coordinator to promote Delaware for regional and national events. Weather: A cold front clears Sussex County Friday night for a dry, pleasant Saturday; more scattered storms are possible Sunday. Scam Watch: Wilmington led Delaware cities in BBB Scam Tracker reports for July (13), with counterfeit product the most common scam type.