In the nearly twelve full months since last year's H2O, there has been quite a lot of chatter about what changes would be made in an attempt to calm the ever-growing presence, and the rowdiness that it brings.  Finally, after many rumors and much discussion, we have some concrete information about what to expect this year, direct from the Chief of Police himself.  In a statement (which can be read in full below), Chief Buzzuro says that while we're still welcome, they simply will not tolerate blatant violations of local law.  Things like open containers, blocking streets and sidewalks, encouraging illegal behavior and excessive noise after 12am will be ticketed accordingly.  More common nuisances like bullhorns and even not so common ones like folding knives (do people really bring those?) are also mentioned by name as offenses that will be ticketed.  It's all pretty common sense stuff, really.

Read the full message below.

A MESSAGE FROM THE OCEAN CITY CHIEF OF POLICE ROSS BUZZURO 

On behalf of the men and women of the Ocean City Police Department, I want to welcome you to Ocean City, Maryland. We invite you to enjoy our beautiful city with the expectation that you do so safely and respectfully while abiding by our laws and local ordinances.

Due to the increased number of visitors that we are anticipating during this event, you should expect to see a large police presence during your stay. Our highest priority is to keep our residents and visitors safe, in addition to ensuring a positive quality of life by using friendly, fair and firm enforcement. To accomplish that, officers will be focusing on the issues listed below. I ask that you review the list and keep the issues in mind during your stay.

We are optimistic that the majority of people that are planning to visit Ocean City in the coming weeks will be here to enjoy everything our town has to offer. Those that choose to disrespect our town and our laws can expect swift and firm enforcement.

Chief Ross Buzzuro

COMMON VIOLATIONS
  • Disorderly conduct, or willfully acting in a manner that disturbs the public peace, is prohibited. Officers will enforce laws concerning disorderly conduct in order to protect the quality of life of our citizens and ensure a peaceful environment.
  • Inciting or encouraging others to commit a crime is also prohibited. Citizens may not request, encourage or direct another to break the law, such as inciting burnouts, reckless driving or disorderly conduct.
  • Blocking sidewalks and public roadways is prohibited. Citizens may not sit along sidewalks or congregate in the roadway in a manner to prevent others to easily pass.
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
  • Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors will be strictly enforced. Traffic delays are expected along Coastal Highway throughout the weekend. Speeding and aggressive driving can quickly lead to serious motor vehicle collisions which is why our officers take this behavior very seriously.
  • Spinning tires and burnouts are strictly prohibited. A driver can easily lose control of a vehicle during a burnout.
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not tolerated by our officers.
LOCAL ORDINANCES
  • The Town of Ocean City Noise Ordinance states that it is unlawful for any person to make, cause or continue any loud, unnecessary, unnatural or unusual noise, or any noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace and safety of others at any time, day or night.
  • No disruptive noises may be made between 12 midnight and 7 a.m. in such a manner as to be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the building or structure where it originates. This includes loud noise from a vehicle.
  • The use of a megaphone without a permit from the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City is prohibited.
  • Open container and public consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
  • Assisted opening knives are prohibited within city limits. An assisted-opening knife, or spring-assisted knife, is a type of folding knife that springs open only after the blade is slightly pushed open with force. Switch blade knives are also prohibited throughout the state of Maryland.
  • Martial arts weapons, such as metal knuckles, nunchaku, throwing stars, etc., are prohibited in Worcester County.