There’s plenty happening across Coastal Delaware right now, from new recreation projects and downtown opportunities to a local fundraiser that brought in nearly $80,000 for a state non-profit with an incredible mission.
Here are some updates worth knowing about happening in Coastal Delaware.
Any questions? Email us at [email protected] and we would be happy to help.
Fish Hawk’s Restaurant opens in Dewey Beach
There’s a new place to grab dinner and drinks in Dewey Beach.
Fish Hawk’s Restaurant is now open at 1904 Coastal Highway, right at the corner of Coastal Highway and New Orleans Street.
The new restaurant is leaning into a polished coastal feel, with deep blues, teal accents, warm wood, and a menu built around fresh plates, shareable snacks, flatbreads, handhelds, desserts, craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
Some of the signature drinks include the Blueberry Limoncello Margarita, made with tequila, limoncello, blueberries, lemon, and agave, along with the Nutty Mexican, which combines peanut butter tequila, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
The menu also features The G.O.A.T., an over-the-top Old Fashioned made with premium whiskey and served with plenty of presentation, including a bell ring.
The restaurant also has its own mascot, Ozzy, a sunglasses-wearing osprey who shows up across the branding. The website even features a live osprey camera showing some of his real-life relatives around Dewey Beach.
Locals are excited for this new spot at the beaches and we can’t wait to see how they become part of the local community here.
Image: Fish Hawk's Restaurant of Dewey Beach
Sussex County Continues Work on Forest Preservation Rules
Sussex County Council is still working on a new forest preservation ordinance after delaying another vote to give officials more time to refine the proposal.
The draft ordinance would require developers to preserve 30% of existing forest in growth areas and 50% in rural areas, with the goal of protecting wooded land while still allowing future development.
During the July 28th council meeting, members debated several parts of the proposal, including whether preserved trees could be replaced somewhere else, whether wooded buffers should count toward preservation requirements, and if developers should have the option to pay a fee instead of preserving forest on-site.
Several council members also raised concerns that stricter preservation requirements could reduce the number of homes allowed on some properties, push development farther into rural areas, or lower farmland values by reducing development potential.
Rather than voting on the ordinance, council agreed more work is needed before moving forward. The proposal is expected to return at a future meeting for additional discussion.
Georgetown-Lewes Trail Nears Completion
Right now, the 11-mile trail runs from Cape Henlopen State Park to Fisher Road in Georgetown.
Closed signs remain up at the end while work continues on the final section, which still needs fresh pavement in some areas and signage along the route.
The last six miles come with a $17.5 million price tag and will complete a project that began with the opening of the trail’s first section 10 years ago.
Once finished, the Georgetown-Lewes Trail will stretch 17 continuous miles between Lewes and Georgetown, making it the longest continuous trail in Delaware.
It will also provide access to the Junction & Breakwater Trail toward Rehoboth Beach and connections into Cape Henlopen State Park.
The trail has already become a popular option for residents and visitors, with its shaded stretches offering some welcome relief during warmer months.
DelDOT says an exact opening date should be available as the project gets closer to completion.
Sussex County Pauses Major Development Hearings After New State Law
Sussex County is temporarily pausing public hearings for major subdivision applications after the passage of Delaware's Senate Bill 23, which changes how certain residential developments move through the approval process.
During a recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Sussex County Assistant Attorney Vince Robertson announced that two scheduled development applications had been removed from the agenda for public hearings after county officials determined the new law applies more broadly than originally expected.
According to Robertson, Senate Bill 23 eliminates public hearings for certain residential applications, including major subdivisions that would normally require review before the Planning & Zoning Commission.
County officials now believe those applications may qualify for approval without going through the traditional public hearing process.
The change has prompted Sussex County to temporarily pause all public hearings for major subdivisions while legal staff reviews the legislation and determines how future land use applications should proceed.
Council President Doug Hudson said the pause will remain in place while the county develops a process that complies with the new state law.
More to come once more news is released!
AI-Generated Image
Millsboro Is Looking for New Ideas for Downtown Properties
Have an idea for downtown Millsboro? The town is preparing to accept proposals from individuals and organizations interested in purchasing or leasing several town-owned properties around Main Street.
Millsboro is launching a request for proposal process after investors expressed interest in town-owned properties over the past year.
Rather than deciding on a specific use first, the process will allow developers and organizations to submit their own concepts for the properties and potentially bring new activity to downtown.
The available properties include the current Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce building and parking lot at 203 Main Street, the former police station at 307 Main Street, two vacant lots at 317 and 327 Main Street, and a small parcel beyond 327 Main Street that currently holds the “Welcome to Millsboro” signs, landscaping, and flagpole.
With its waterfront access and location at a regional crossroads, town officials see potential for downtown properties to attract businesses, nonprofits, or other new uses.
Millsboro Town Council approved the RFP forms on July 6th, with all proposals due by Dec. 31st. Submitting an idea does not guarantee a project will move forward, and any project would ultimately require approval from the town council.
Starboard Auction Raises $79,257 for the B+ Foundation
The auction took place April 26th at The Starboard in Dewey Beach, giving bidders the chance to score one of just 22 VIP Black Tags for the summer.
Each tag lets the cardholder and one guest skip the line at The Starboard, and get priority seating throughout the season.
Bidders also had the chance to go after a legitimate low-digit black Delaware license plate, adding a local touch to the fundraiser.
The auction was supported by The Starboard, Low Digit Tags, Aaron Dunphy, and bidders who helped push this year’s total to more than $79,000.
All proceeds benefitted the B+ Foundation, providing additional support for families of children battling childhood cancer.
Image: Google
Midway Pickleball Gets Approval for First Phase
Plans for a major indoor pickleball complex in Sussex County are moving forward after the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission approved the first phase of Midway Pickleball.
The building will also include a retail area, commercial kitchen, and second-floor mezzanine for players and spectators.
A proposed second phase would add another six courts and bring the full complex to nearly 80,000 square feet. That portion remains under review.
Commissioners have asked the developer to consider moving the second building farther from nearby homes and adding landscaping to provide additional screening.
With as many as 24 courts planned between the two phases, Midway Pickleball could become one of the largest indoor pickleball destinations in Delaware if the entire project moves forward.
Sources: Fish Hawk's Restaurant of Dewey Beach, Sussex County Council Meeting, Sussex County News, Coast TV, Coastal Point, B+ Foundation Instagram, Sussex County P&Z Meeting
Keep following the blog for more Coastal Delaware news, development updates, local events, and everything happening around our beach towns.
Have any questions about our blog(s), the Coastal Delaware real estate market, or local life in our beautiful beach towns? Do you think there is something we should write about? Did you see an event coming up that we should know about? Shoot us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at (302) 212-0074. We would love to hear from you!
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