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🍦Goodbye, JCPenney

🍦Goodbye, JCPenney

Annapolis boat shows, Kate Myers releases new book, Annapolis budget update...

Naptown Scoop
June 19, 2025

Good morning, Annapolis. Boating this weekend? Did you know it’s illegal not to return a wave from fellow boaters while in Annapolis’ territorial waters? Totally fine in Pasadena. But here? Hands up, or else.

other intro stuff goes here

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Annapolis boat shows
Kate Myers releases new book
Annapolis budget update

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

P.S. OK it’s not actually illegal. But it should be.

THE DIGEST

First All-Women Crew Finishes 2025 Annapolis-Newport Race ⛵️

The J/42 Allegiant and her crew made history as the first women-only team to complete the legendary 475-nautical-mile Annapolis to Newport Race (A2N). The 2025 edition — hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club — marked the 40th running of A2N.

Led by skipper Maryline Bossar, the girl–powered team navigated one of sailing’s most demanding ocean courses facing light air, fog, calms, squalls, and fickle winds. They anchored when needed, surfed when possible, and gained 30 miles on the fleet in the final 24 hours. The ladies sailed into Newport Harbor with an elapsed time of 4 days, 17 hours, 58 minutes, and 52 seconds, finishing 9th in the PHRF class.

Dollars and Sense: breaking down the Annapolis City budget

City Council recently passed its $201 million operating budget, which is roughly $2 million over what Mayor Gavin Buckley advocated for back in April. The budget keeps property taxes stable while plugging in potential raises for elected officials and funding to help landscapers and residents transition from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers. Two infrastructure projects, the City Dock expansion and the Weems-Whalen Field development, will receive considerable funding from the City’s capital improvement budget. To read more, check out the Capital’s analysis. ($)

Anne Arundel Seeks Public Feedback on 2025 Hazard Plan Update 🗣️

The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) wants public input on its 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update, which outlines strategies to reduce natural and man-made disaster risks. Regular updates help build safer communities as environmental factors change and communities grow. The plan is available online. Residents can email comments to [email protected] until the plan is formally adopted.

OEM will present the plan to the Planning Advisory Board on June 25 at 6 PM during a virtual meeting where public testimony is welcome (see sign up details to speak). The plan — developed with local, state, and federal partners — awaits final FEMA and county approval.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Dead or Alive: JCPenney Edition

We were sure that JCPenney, a mainstay in Annapolis for the last 40 years, was set to shutter its doors earlier this year, when the company issued a Worker Adjustment and Retaining Notice (WARN) stating its last day would be May 12. But when the “Store Closing” signs were replaced with “Now Hiring” signs, we got our hopes up. Turns out the parent company secured a short-term lease with the Mall’s new owner.

Unfortunately, the short-term agreement was just that, and the store really is closing this time: a second WARN notice was filed stating that its 65 employees will be laid off by August 17. JCPenney was one of the original tenants in the Annapolis Mall, and will be replaced by a Hobby Lobby, Grocery Outlet, and Onelife Fitness. It was also the only place to buy your bath towels, if you ask Duffy’s mom.

Last call: Join the Annapolis 4th of July Parade

Attention patriotic LARPers, acrobatic dance troupes, and Uncle Sam-inspired marching bands: the Annapolis City Fourth of July Parade needs YOU. Parade organizers are finalizing their lineup for the parade by June 25, and there’s no entry fee to participate. The parade kicks off at 6:30 PM and is followed by fireworks at 9:15 PM.

Further out of town? Don’t forget about the Golden Anniversary (aka 50th) of the Severna Park Fourth of July Parade, which kicks off at 10 AM. So, theoretically, if you’re a chronic overachiever, you could do both. Go all out this year, but remember you can’t throw the candy at people. You have to politely hand it to them.

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’

LOCATION CHANGE: Carr’s Beach Reunion

We don’t think it’ll be anything like yesterday’s rain (that was CRAZY) but there is rain in the forecast tonight so tonight’s Carr’s Beach Reunion Concert is moving indoors. It will now be held at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center. This change does not affect the weekend’s Juneteenth Parade and Festival.

Weekend Preview 🗓️

Is this going to be our first weekend without rain in . . . how long’s it been? Honestly can’t remember. Sounds like a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Here’s what’s happening. . .

SATURDAY

Summer Field Market at Wildberry 9 AM. Start the weekend off by doing some shopping with Wildberry and other small businesses at this market on the farm.

Make Music Day 10 AM. Celebrate music from all around the world with local composer and instrumentalist Shajib McMillian at the Chesapeake Children’s Museum.

Annapolis Juneteenth Parade 11 AM. The fifth annual Juneteenth Parade steps off from St. John’s College and makes its way through downtown Annapolis to Amos Garrett Boulevard. Stop by the festival afterward at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds which is also on Sunday.

Homeschool Book Swap 11 AM. Exchange gently used books and other reading material with other homeschool families at the Severna Park Library.

Spring into Summer Festival 5:00 PM. There will be all kinds of sunny fun, including live music and lawn games, at Annapolis Town Center’s celebration of the season.

Summer Movie Night: The Parent Trap (1998) 7:30 PM. Enjoy an outdoor showing of this family-friendly flick on the Boathouse Pavilion and Green at the Annapolis Town Center. Be sure to bring a folding chair or picnic blanket.

Bestseller Kate Myers releases new book next week 📖

Salty summer starts on June 24 — that’s when Salty, the newest book from bestselling local author Kate Myers, hits the shelves, and Kate will be celebrating with Park Books at Maryland Hall. Her official book launch starts at 6 PM on Tuesday, and your ticket with Park gets you a signed copy of Salty along with admission to Kate’s conversation with fellow author Michelle Douglas. (FWIW, Scoop writer Dylan read an advance copy of Salty and gives it 5 out of 5 stars—it’s the perfect book for summer!)

🔎 If you recognize Kate’s name, it might be because you read her debut, Excavations, which was recently greenlit for a Peacock series called Dig, written by and starring Amy Poehler. Can’t make it to Kate’s launch? She still has a few other events planned throughout Maryland and the region later this summer.

Save the date: Annapolis Powerboat and Sailboat Shows 🛥️

It’s almost that time again – when people get $32 tickets to post pictures of themselves on $2 million boats because social media won’t know the difference. In broader terms, it’s one of our city’s most-anticipated events — whether you’re truly shopping or just climbing aboard for “market research.” Mark your calendars:

🚤 Annapolis Powerboat Show: October 2–5, 2025
⛵️ Annapolis Sailboat Show: October 9–12, 2025

What about City Dock construction? Since full-on construction hasn’t started, the shows will go on.

As long as construction isn’t fully underway, the shows will go on as normal as possible. Tickets are already on sail. 🎫 Sailboat Show and Powerboat Show.

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

Turn Old Jewelry into Instant Cash (or Something New & Sparkly) 💎💰

From June 24–28, Bloomstone Jewelers is hosting a limited-time Buying Event—and appointments are filling fast. Bring in your old gold, platinum, or diamonds and walk out with cash in hand or store credit toward something new. Don’t let those unworn pieces sit in a drawer. Turn them into your next vacation—or your next diamond.

👉 Spots are limited. Book your appointment now.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Thursday

88 🌡️ 68 | ⛈️ | 53% | SW 15 mph (13 knots)

Friday

84 🌡️ 71 | ☀️ | 4% | 💨 WNW 9 mph (8 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 73ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

Friday

THANKS!

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