Dewey Business Partnership gears up for summer 2023
A large crowd turned out for the Dewey Business Partnership annual meeting March 7 at Lighthouse Cove Event Center, where members discussed upcoming events and received updates from town officials in advance of the 2023 summer season.
DBP President Steve “Monty” Montgomery said he and Executive Director Kelly Ranieri formed the partnership 12 years ago to get the business community involved in doing positive things for the town. Now, he said, Dewey is a well-rounded town with outdoor music and events for people of all ages.
“At the end of the day, we want people talking good about the businesses in Dewey Beach, and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing,” he said.
Ranieri outlined upcoming events, including the Egg Scoop set for Saturday, April 8 at Hyatt Place Dewey Beach; the Arts Festival slated for Saturday, May 13; and the Kids Running of the Bull scheduled for Saturday, June 24. Businesses can also get involved in the July canoe races and August Restaurant Olympics, she said.
Town Manager Bill Zolper said business licenses go on sale Saturday, April 1, and go into effect Monday, May 1. He asked attendees to monitor activities at night and to call police at the first sign of a problem.
This summer, Zolper said, the town will address the parking lot at Sea Spot Shops on the ocean side of Dagsworthy Avenue, where too many people congregate at night. Parking will still be free this summer from 5 to 11 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, he said.
Beach replenishment should begin about April 18 and should conclude by Memorial Day, he said. The 2023 municipal election is set for Saturday, Sept. 23, due to Rosh Hashanah Saturday, Sept. 16.
New Chief of Police Constance Speake said officers will be more approachable and visible, noting that tinting has already been removed from police vehicle windows and that going forward, all vehicles will be marked. Seasonal officers will be on bikes this summer, she said.
“I want the community to see our officers in a positive light,” she said.
For more information, go to deweybusinesspartnership.com or facebook.com/DeweyBusinessPartnership.
