🍦What should replace Agave?

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. If you happen to have a child today, there’s a slightly better than average chance they will turn out to be a world-famous soccer superstar. Both Ronaldo and Neymar were born today in 1985 & 1992 respectively.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• New Key Bridge revealed

• How many businesses opened in Anne Arundel County in 2024?

• You totally need a library card

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins, & Ryan Sneddon

SPONSORED BY BRAD KAPPEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

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THE DIGEST

Gov. Moore reveals new Key Bridge design

This isn’t in our radius of coverage but most Marylanders probably remember the morning of March 26, 2024, when we woke up to learn the Key Bridge had collapsed overnight after being hit by a container ship. Now the long road (pardon the pun) to rebuild the bridge lies ahead — and yesterday, Gov. Wes Moore revealed the design for the new bridge. The design pays tribute to the architectural tradition the original bridge had while using modern industry standards and materials. The project will cost $1.7–1.9 billion, which has already been approved to be funded by Congress. Demolition will begin this spring. The project should be finished by October 2028.

Annapolis eyes naming City Dock park after Vincent Leggett 👀

Annapolis may name the new City Dock park after the late Vincent Leggett, a historian and conservationist. Leggett founded Blacks of the Chesapeake, plus played a key role in acquiring Elktonia Beach and preserving the history of Black watermen. ($)

City Council has authority to name the park but it’s unclear when the city will move forward with the naming. Right now, it’s also unclear when the city will move forward with construction. A lawsuit recently paused work. Btw, the Historic Preservation Commission has the proposed welcome center and park on its agenda for its 2/11 public hearing.

Should the park be named after Leggett? If you’re against it, tell us an alternative name. We’re all ears and no judgment.

If you vote No, let us know who you think it should be named after.

How many little free libraries do you think the Rotary Club of Annapolis has built?

25. What a number! Reading is critical for learning so we’re big fans of a good old Little Free Library. The Rotary’s latest installation included not one but two – one for kids and one for adults. Our local Rotarians have been building book boxes for five years now and they’re not done yet. If you know where they should build their next one, email [email protected].

Want to build your own? It’s so easy a caveman could do it. He just couldn’t read the books inside. Just go to littlefreelibrary.org to follow the five easy steps. They even have a map of all 175,000 existing libraries so you can find someone who runs one (they’re called Stewards) and ask for advice. Happy reading!

Dog of the Week: Meet Tequila 🐕‍🦺

You may say we’re mourning Agave, but “Tequila” the dog is calling our name. Warning: it’s near impossible to look away from this beautiful Retriever/Lab mix (a great breed for families or active singletons). Her soulful brown eyes . . . I mean, come on?! Ask any mom how old she is, and they’ll say 19 months. Tequila’s shiny black and white fur looks so pettable too. See for yourself at the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (1815 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403).

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LOCAL BUSINESS

ANSWER: What do y’all want to replace Agave?

Over 1,000 of you chimed in on what you want to replace Agave yesterday. Here are the top 3 answers:

1. International Cuisine – Something totally new (Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, etc.) with 28% of the vote 🇹🇭 🇮🇳 🇬🇷

2. Food hall – Different mix of vendors for variety with 18% of the vote 🥨 🍻 🥡

3. Casual Brunch Café – Pancakes, coffee, and chill vibes with 13% of the vote 🥞 ☕

To everyone who voted for #3, congratulations. You literally described Evelyn’s. It’s right down the street and it’s damn delicious. Enjoy.

#1 and #2 are awesome ideas. Now who wants to do it? Scoop will help you however you can. Especially with the food hall because we could pack it with international cuisine and kill both top birds with one stone. One thing’s for sure. Whatever goes here, it’s a real pretty building.

Trivia Time: How many new businesses opened in Anne Arundel County last year? 🏢

At least 389. At least according to the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation’s inaugural New and Expanding Report. We can add one more because we noticed Naptown Scoop’s sister company, Royal Flush (luxury toilet rental) wasn’t included. We won’t hold it against you, AAEDC.

And because we’re huge fans of local businesses at Scoop, we can’t resist shouting out some of our readers’ favorites.

🎣 Local Coast — hunting, fishing, and boating apparel
🛏 1313 West — a luxury boutique hotel
💎 Bloomstone Jewelers — lab-grown diamonds
🦪 Chessie’s Wharf — new location for the RAR-owned taproom
⛽️ Dash In — a shiny new gas station on Riva Road
🍞 InGrano Restaurant — Ingrano bakery & bistro’s second local establishment 🍹 SeaSalt — craft cocktails and ultra-fresh seafood
🏌️‍♂️ X-Golf — highly realistic indoor golf. Like Top Golf, but much much better.
🍕Timber Pizza — DC-based, Annapolis-owned pizzeria. Bon Appetit’s best pizza of 2017
👑 🚽 Royal Flush — Luxury portable toilet rental

Here’s the full report!

Hey Macklemore Scoop, can we go thrift shopping?

Ok, sorry for that obscure 2012 pop culture reference. But seriously, if you like thrifting, you’ll be stoked to know that Vintage Vibe Finds and Artfully Acquired now have a brick and mortar location. At Vintage Vibe Finds, you’ll find decor, art, clothing, and jewelry that’s well . . . vintage. At Artfully Acquired, you’ll find carefully curated pottery, art, and other fine home furnishings. Owners Alison and Matt started Vintage Vibe Finds in their home but recently decided it was time for a proper space. Artfully Acquired got its start on eBay and while it’s still there, local fans can now find both businesses at 40 Hudson Street, Unit 107. Check the website for hours!

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

It is a GREAT day for reading

You already read the story about the Rotary installing 25 Little Free Libraries. Now it’s time to talk about another library – the Anne Arundel County Public Library! This February, (aka Love Your Library Month) AACPL is running an awesome contest. The rules are simple. For every friend you get to sign up for a library card, you get entered to win a $200 Visa gift card and they get entered to win a $200 Visa gift card. You both also get 15% off in the library merch store and honestly, there’s some pretty cool stuff in there.

There’s no limit to how many people you can refer so get out there and start sharing. AACPL offers so much more than just books (although they’ve got great reads too) so we think everyone in Anne Arundel County should have access. Oh and if you didn’t know, library cards cost $0 so literally anyone can get these resources.

We’re joining the party, too! You can use our referral code if you don’t have a card yet.

Save the date: The Maryland Chicken Wing Festival 🐔

We have a bone to pick . . . You likely haven’t gotten your tickets to the 11th annual Maryland Chicken Wing Festival on April 5. And, you should! Here’s why:

• This cluckin’ good time features the best wings around, live music, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

• It’s conveniently located at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds.

Get ready to wing it and don’t miss your chance to grab early bird tickets. Prices fly (unlike chickens) as the event approaches! Admission includes festival entry and parking. Children under 12 are free (but still need a ticket). 🐔

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

Start Fresh: A Clear View of New Possibilities 

Cleaning your windows not only improves the appearance of your home but also symbolizes a fresh start. Blue Heron Property Services will remove dirt, grime, and smudges to let in more natural light and brighten up your space. A well-maintained window provides a clearer view of the world outside and invites positivity and fresh energy into your space, setting the tone for a productive and happy year ahead. Get a free estimate today and see the difference clear windows can make!*

Give an outside-the-box Valentine’s gift, straight from the heart! ❤️ 

Gift a child a summer of unforgettable memories at Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Summer Camp. Your gift can make a world of difference! A contribution of $100, $250, or $500 provides a local student in need with the chance to experience an unforgettable summer—exploring the Bay, discovering nature, and creating lifelong memories. Learn more.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

36 🌡️ 31 | ☁️ | 15% | NE 5 mph (4 knots)

Thursday

46🌡️ 40 | 🌧️ | 94% | 💨 S 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 37ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappel & Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Aaron Hawkins | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Pirate Cove | Chris Diller | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Ultimate Acoustic Rock Show | 8 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

Thursday

49 West | Steve Cyphers Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
Brian Boru | Ted Garber | 6:30–9:30 PM
Killarney House | Chris Lee | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Joy Oladokun | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Navy Basketball Star Makes National Player Award Top 50 🏀 ⚓️

Navy’s Zanai Barnett-Gay just scored a spot on the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Midseason Watch List. She’s one of 50 women’s basketball players nominated for the nation’s top award. The 5’8” sophomore guard has been a slam dunk for the Mids, leading the team with an average 19.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, with a total of 69 assists and 51 steals. A standout since freshman year, she’s earned multiple honors, including Patriot League Rookie of the Year. With two more seasons ahead, she’s just getting warmed up. The winner will be announced at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in April. Catch Zanai in action against Lafayette at Alumni Hall this Saturday (2/8) at 4 PM!

Upcoming games

Men's Basketball (8-15)
2/5 @ Boston University | 7 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s probably having a baby today. They won’t read it today. But they’ll appreciate you wishing their child future soccer success.