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OC Air Show Begins, Topless Controversey Ends

Ocean City Air Show website

Tourists will get a sneak peek of the Ocean City Air Show this afternoon as thousands flock to the resort for the annual event. Delmarva Public Radio's Steve Plotkin has this reports.

Topless Ban is Legal

Credit Don Rush

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) - Officials in Ocean City can now legally ban topless women.

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh waded into the controversy that has rocked the resort for days. The Washington Post reports that Frosh said Thursday that requiring women to cover up on top while allowing men to expose their chests does not violate state or federal constitutions.

Last week, the head of the beach patrol said lifeguards will no longer approach and scold women who are topless. Some on social media incorrectly assumed this meant toplessness would be allowed.

Ocean City officials, fearing for their resort's family-friendly reputation, unanimously passed an ordinance in an emergency session Saturday barring topless women.

Resort Braces for Students Next Month

Credit Bill Price III / Wikipedia
/
Wikipedia

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) - Police in a popular Maryland beach town are warning residents and visitors to brace for an influx of college-age visitors next month.

Ocean City police issued a notice this week saying they are preparing for what is being called an "unsanctioned" event the weekend of July 21-23.

Police Chief Ross Buzzuro says residents and visitors can anticipate increased enforcement and visibility.

Authorities say business owners should staff accordingly and that employees should be prepared for a busy July weekend. Residents also are being encouraged to report any ordinance violations, including sleeping in vehicles and noise.

A similar gathering last summer resulted in a dozen people being arrested during two confrontations with officers on the boardwalk.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.