🍦Another challenge for City Dock

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. The Dutch city of Utrecht has installed a “Fish Doorbell” on a river lock that’s not open much right now. When viewers see a fish, they click a button that alerts a water worker who opens the lock to let the fish through. When we checked in last night, 610 people were watching from all over the world. And no, we didn’t see any fish.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Girls lacrosse: Who’s the team to beat?

• Navy basketball coach retires

• Saturday’s race delays

Let’s get to it.

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

SPONSORED BY ANNAPOLIS MALL

Big Flavor, Big Convenience — Only at Annapolis Mall! 🛍️🍽️

L’Antico Gusto Italiano may be about to become your new favorite lunch spot. That’s because their new lunch special is a fantastic deal – $9.99 for a smoked turkey or pastrami sandwich, chips, and a soft drink. All made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic Sicilian bread. It’s the perfect midday meal – delicious, affordable, and ready in the Food Court when you are.

And there’s more—POPMART is bringing the future of shopping to Annapolis Mall! Two brand new Roboshops, packed with trendy, collectible surprises are now open in two locations: one by Apple and another by the Food Court.These high-tech vending machines make shopping fun, fast, and interactive.

Whether you're grabbing a gourmet bite or discovering the latest in retail innovation, Annapolis Mall is your go-to destination.

👉 Stop by today for great eats, great finds, and a shopping experience like no other in Annapolis.

THE DIGEST

Capital Gazette 2025 high school girls lacrosse preview 🥍

We chatted about the boys yesterday. Now high school girls lacrosse takes the field. If it feels like Goundhog Day, you’re not alone. These lacrosse programs sound familiar. Defending county and Class 3A state champs Severna Park is stocked with top players in our state and poised to run the county. Broadneck skews younger, but that’s never stopped them. Other young teams, like Chesapeake, Arundel, and South River, have a shot too.

Spalding, also loaded, has a good chance at the IAAM A Conference title, though some coaches are keeping watch on Severn and St. Mary’s too.

Get the scoop (a groundball pun for the unfamiliar) on all teams! ($)

Another challenge to the City Dock project 🌊

You may recall earlier this week we told you about a legal dispute holding up flood prevention construction at City Dock. Well, now we’re telling you about a different challenge — specifically, for the Maritime Welcome Center. Historic Annapolis, which filed the challenge, says it supports protecting City Dock from flooding. But it also wants to preserve the historic character of downtown and alleges the Historic Preservation Commission didn’t apply historic preservation guidelines correctly when it approved the welcome center. The plans currently have the welcome center built as an addition to the historic Burtis house, the only remaining waterman’s home at City Dock. According to Historic Annapolis, this addition “overwhelms the historic structure.” Now it’ll be up to the court to decide.

Expect delays: Annapolis Running Festival 🏃🏻‍♂️

In case you need an excuse to sleep in and not go anywhere Saturday morning, there will be some traffic delays around downtown Annapolis until 10:30 AM. That’s because this Saturday is the Annapolis Running Festival, and the various courses — a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K — start and finish at Navy Stadium. Between the start and finish, of course, they’ll weave their way all around the city. That means road closures.

Those closures include:

Stadium Area / Rowe Blvd (7-8:30 AM and 9:30-10:30 AM)

• Taylor Avenue between Cedar Park Rd. and Annapolis St.

• Southbound Taylor Ave. between Annapolis St. and Herbert Sachs

• Cedar Park Rd. between Taylor Ave. & Farragut Road

• Farragut Road

• Rowe Blvd. inbound between Farragut Road and Northwest St.

Historic Area (7 – 8:30 AM)

• Northwest Street between Rowe Blvd and Church Circle

• Church Circle between Main St. and Northwest St.

• Main Street

• Randall St., Dock St., and Susan Campbell Park

• King George St.

Naval Academy Bridge and Areas North (6:45-10:30 AM)

• MD 450/Southbound between Boulters Way and Taylor Ave.

• Boulters Way (West/Northbound only)

• B&A Trail between Boulters Way and Joyce Lane

See a full description of all course routes.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

SPONSORED BY PEAKE EVENTS

The Annapolis Irish Festival

St. Patrick’s Day may have just finished but the party, or “craic”, as the Irish call it continues with the Annapolis Irish Festival on May 2nd and 3rd at the Anne Arundel Fairgrounds. 

Friday night is an adults-only affair that features local favorites Dublin 5 and headliner Carbon Leaf! 

Saturday is not one to miss with world-renowned, multi-platinum Irish band, The High Kings, making their debut at the Annapolis Irish Festival. They boast 1.5 million+ monthly plays on Spotify and sell out venues globally. Or come check out the Guinness Irish Mile, Highland Games, kids activities, bagpipes, and plenty more Irish traditions! Grab tickets here!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

Spring has officially sprung. We are officially happy. 💐

Saturday

🍳 ☕️ Wildberry Field Market: Get outside for the always-lovely Wildberry market on the farm from 9 AM to noon. Savor hot breakfast and coffee then visit dozens of other local small businesses. Admission is free, leashed dogs welcome — 1047 St Stephens Church Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032

Sunday

🎭 🎨 Art Fest: This is your one-day-only chance to unlock class discounts or sample hands-on activities in visual arts, performing arts, and studio arts for all ages. Experience all the creativity Maryland Hall has to offer from 11 AM to 3 PM — 801 Chase St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Hop On Over to Bunny Cove at Annapolis Mall

We’re egg-cited to hear that the Easter Bunny is finally in residence at Annapolis Mall. Beginning March 21 and running through April 19, come and catch this furry cuddlebug in his burrow next to Crate & Barrel. Reservations required.

A Gem of a Challenge: Zachary’s Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest 💎✨

This tradition always makes mom proud and kids shine! Zachary’s Jewelers' 14th annual Mother’s Day Jewelry Design Contest invites local fifth graders to sketch a dazzling design and share a short and sweet story about their mom or caregiver. The top three designs will become real jewelry, with winners revealed at a sparkling celebration on May 4. Plus, Zachary’s is setting up the winning young artists for success with three $500 donations to their school art departments. Don’t miss this golden opportunity! Submit your design by March 31.

Maryland Day is almost here ❤️💛🖤

If you’ve ever enjoyed crabcakes and Berger cookies, picked a Black-eyed Susan, petted a Chesapeake Bay retriever, cheered for Navy to beat Army, or tried to explain how Old Bay goes on everything . . . well, then you might be a Marylander. And in addition to all those activities we just described, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate our state this weekend — aka Maryland Day Weekend.

Strictly speaking, Maryland Day is March 25. It recognizes the formal founding of the colony of Maryland back in 1633. Events and activities are planned throughout Annapolis and surrounding communities this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, including:

🏠 Tours of historic buildings
📚 Programs and activities at library branches
⛵️ Educational presentations at museums
🌳 Hikes and explorations of county parks
🙌 And so much more

In total, there are about 45 locations throughout our state that will be open to the public for free or for just $1. Check out the full list. This is our weekend as Marylanders to recognize our heritage, culture, and history, so let’s reel it in like a rockfish or scoop it up like crab dip.

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.

CIVIL NEWS

AACPS Plans Three Meetings to Discuss Redistricting

Anne Arundel County Public Schools is planning on holding three community meetings to discuss redistricting plans. Each meeting will include a presentation on the Phase 2 plans along with time allotted for public comment (up to 30 speakers, but pre-registration is necessary if you want to speak). The schedule of meetings is as follows:

• Tuesday, March 25, 6 PM at Southern High School

• Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 PM at the Carol S. Parham Building

• Tuesday, April 29, 6 PM at Annapolis Middle School

Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell plans on using information gained from the meetings to inform the School Board of his recommendations in July. If you’d like to voice your concerns but cannot attend the meetings, click this website to share your feedback.

Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson will not seek re-election

After almost twenty years and five consecutive terms on City Council as a Ward 4 alderwoman, Sheila Finlayson will not seek re-election. In a message posted to her YouTube channel, Finlayson cited the desire to spend more time with her family, in particular her aging father. Finlayson and Alderman Ross Arnett from Ward 8 are the two most senior council members, and both are retiring this year. ($)

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Experience a Night of Musical Masterpieces

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has been incredible this year! Don’t miss their last concerts of the season, April 4 & 5, at Maryland Hall. The concerts include the World Premier of Dr. Roydon Tse’s Restless World Anew, gorgeously festive music from Sonia Morales-Matos, and the acclaimed Dalí String Quartet. Ravel’s famously lush and sensual Daphnis et Chloé will make you swoon. 🎟 Scoop Exclusive! Buy One, Get One FREE with code SCOOPBOGO. Get your tickets TODAY! The performances are supported in part by MSAC, ACAAC, and the Brian and Patricia Giese Foundation.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Thursday

65 🌡️ 38 | 🌧️ | 77% | SSE 15 mph (13 knots)

Friday

55 🌡️ 40 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 NW 19 mph (17 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 49ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

Brian Boru | Bobby Reed | 6–9 PM
Cafe Mezzanotte | The Ahmed Warshana Trio | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | Moose Jaw Bluegrass | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Ray Weaver | 7–10 PM
Killarney House | Chris Lee | 6–9 PM
Market House | Nate Finn | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Young Dubliners | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Victoria & Steve | 4:30 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Tony Streamella Band | 6 PM

Friday

49 West |The Candy Rocks | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Starbelly | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | All You Need | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Miggs | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Hunter Rich | 8 PM
Dark Horse | Ricky Wise | 9 PM
Killarney House | Ray Weaver | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Grayson Moon | 8–11 PM
Market House | Alex and Frankie | 8–11 PM
Market Space | Hurricane Kevin | 6–9 PM
Old Stein | Russell Jacobson | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Levi Stephens | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Southern Avenue w/ Nate Finn | 8:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Boroy | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Bob Quinlan | 5 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Wild Grey Hairz | 7 PM
Severna Park | Frank Florence | 8 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Navy Coach Ed DeChellis retiring 🏀

It’s the end of an era at Alumni Hall. Navy men’s basketball coach Ed DeChellis is retiring after 14 seasons at Navy. DeChellis’ time at Navy was almost half of his collegiate head coaching career of 29 years and he’s got some serious numbers to be proud of.

• He coached more basketball games at Navy than any other coach with 426

• His teams won 196 games, the third most in school history

• His teams also won 9 conference titles, the second most in school history

Now as Coach DeChellis transitions from jump shots to chip shots, Navy’s launched a nationwide search for his replacement. Bill Wagner from the Capital Gazette says Michigan State’s Doug Wojcik, Atlanta Hawks (NBA) assistant Mike Brey, and Steve Wojciechowski from the NBA G League’s Salt Lake City Stars could all be the next man for the job. ($)

🎙️ Navy Baseball captures the Star Series with archrival Army

Navy baseball coach Chuck Ristano joins the Anchors Aweigh podcast to talk about the thrilling Star Series victory over archrival Army. We also talk to Navy women's basketball coach Tim Taylor about earning a berth in the WNIT and to Navy wrestling coach Cary Kolat about the upcoming NCAA Championships. Lastly, we cover Ed DeChellis’ retirement after 14 seasons as head basketball coach. Listen.

Upcoming games

Women's Soccer (9-10-2)
3/20 vs. Temple | 6 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with Ed DeChellis.