New Ferry Vessel Rendering

The DRBA’s New hybrid ferry approved for Cape May–Lewes route

Staff WriterBusiness, Culture, Economy, Government, Headlines

DRBA awards $78.6 million contract for diesel-electric vessel expected to cut emissions, replace aging Cape Henlopen in 2029 NEW CASTLE, Del. — The Delaware River and Bay Authority has taken a major step toward adding a new “green” ferry to the Cape May–Lewes Ferry fleet, awarding a $78.6 million construction contract for a diesel-hybrid vessel expected to begin service later …

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)

DSHA awards $3.18M in tax credits for affordable housing projects

Claudia EstradaBusiness, Headlines

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has announced $3.18 million in preliminary project awards through the 2025 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation cycle, supporting the creation and preservation of affordable housing across the state. The funding will go toward four projects that together will create 105 new affordable units and preserve 116 existing units. “Increasing housing supply, particularly by …

DNREC is considering fee changes as rising costs and record demand put pressure on the state park system. (Photo courtesy DNREC)

DNREC considers fee changes for Delaware State Parks amid rising costs, record demand

Claudia EstradaCulture, Economy, Headlines

Delaware State Parks may see changes to entrance, annual, and lifetime pass fees for the first time in a decade, as the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) weighs options to sustain operations under rising costs and record visitation. Park fees have remained unchanged since 2015, despite expenses funded by user fees increasing by 127%. According to DNREC, …

The Broadkill River near Milton, where an 18-year-old drowned on July 15, 2025.(Photo credit: Andrew Kazmierski - stock.adobe.com)

18-year-old drowns in Broadkill River; body recovered near Delaware Bay

Claudia EstradaPolice & Fire, Headlines

MILTON — Delaware State Police are investigating a tragic drowning that occurred Tuesday afternoon in the Broadkill River near Milton. According to authorities, troopers responded to a report of a water rescue around 4:32 p.m. on July 15 at the boat ramp located at the end of Oyster Rocks Road. Emergency personnel from the Lewes Fire Department, mutual aid fire …

“The Clippers played an exhibition game against the servicemembers of Fort DuPont in 1941, with process doing to uniforms,” “Lost Delaware” writes. Courtesy of Delaware Public Archives

‘Lost Delaware’ explores what once was in the state

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

A new book offers striking stories about 71 Delaware landmarks that “now live solely in memory,” from the Greenbaum cannery (a Seaford operation that was sometimes described as the world’s biggest and was known for canning tomatoes, peas, peaches and pears) to the Cape Henlopen Light (a beacon that operated from 1767 to about 12:45 p.m. April 13, 1926, when …

Fireworks over Rehoboth Beach in 2023. Carl Wilson Jr. photo, courtesy of Rehoboth Beach.

Fireworks and so forth to celebrate Independence Day in Del.

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Most Delaware places known for Fourth of July fireworks and other Independence Day activities have announced their plans. Organizers consistently ask for people to arrive early and leave late, and the Delaware Department of Transportation warns that many events close roads, too. In other words, traffic could be bad. Organizers also often ask for contributions to support the celebrations. Go …

Metered parking will be $4 an hour this year in Rehoboth Beach. (Wikimedia Commons photo by Dough4872)

You’ll probably pay more for beach parking this year

Katie KazimirCulture, Government, Headlines

Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany beaches are increasing parking rates this summer, with Rehoboth and Dewey officials citing increased health insurance costs and other expenses. Parking rates for Lewes and Fenwick Island rates will not change. Here’s the situation in each Sussex County beach community. Rehoboth Beach parking Citing a $4.4 million deficit in the city’s proposed $37 million budget for …

The 24-hour pharmacy is back at the Walgreens in Bear. (Walgreens photo)

Exclusive: 24-hour Walgreens pharmacies returning to Delaware

Ken MammarellaBusiness, Headlines

Good news for Delawareans who need prescriptions overnight: Walgreens has reopened its 24-hour pharmacy in Bear. And its “Seaford and Lewes locations are planned to return to 24-hour Rx services,” said Samantha Stansberry, manager of retail merchandising and marketing communications. DelawareLive.com is the first media outlet to report the news. The Bear store is at 1120 Pulaski Highway (Route 40) …

Christmas Schellville drew 163,000 people in 2022. (Schell Brothers)

Ho-ho-ho! Classic Delaware area Christmas traditions await

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines, RSS-Culture

Here are some memorable spots to mark Christmas in Delaware and just over the border into Pennsylvania. Be prepared: some places required advance tickets, sell out or will be crowded. Longwood Gardens, for instance, drew 572,000 people in 2022 for its spectacular Christmas displays, and Schellville drew 163,000 for its extravaganza. These event run for weeks. There’s a separate list …

The Holiday Open House at Rockwood Park & Museum is Dec. 1-2. (New Castle County Department of Community Services)

On this day of Christmas: Holiday events to mark on your calendar

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Here are some memorable events to celebrates Christmas in Delaware. These events run only a day or two. There’s a separate list of events that run more often. Camden-Wyoming Christmas Parade. 6 p.m. Dec. 9, starting at Caesar Rodney High School. Organized by the two towns. Caroling on the Cirle and the Georgetown Christmas Parade.  Caroling at 6 p.m. Dec. …

Nicola Pizza

Nicola Pizza move to Lewes 1 year ago ‘better for everyone’

Katie KazimirFood, Headlines

Dan Huber of Wilmington, a self-dubbed “weekend townie” who’s had a second residence in Lewes since childhood, vividly recalls being at Nicola Pizza in Rehoboth Beach when it opened  half a century ago. He was 12 and said his family was the third or fourth group to be seated at Nicola’s First Street location on June 11, 1971. “We felt …

New Castle County is moving forward with a plan to require fire sprinklers in new home. (Pixabay photo from Pexels)

NCCo working to require fire sprinklers in new homes

Ken MammarellaGovernment, Headlines

New Castle County is moving forward with a plan to require fire sprinklers in new townhouses and one- and two-family dwellings. Its planing document cites lots of support, including the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, the New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association, the New Castle County Firefighter’s Association, the New Castle County Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board, the Fire Sprinkler …