(Link to forecast and advisories, lower E.S. Md:)
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.0722&lon=-75.5638
(Link to forecast and advisories, E.S. Va:)
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.7108&lon=-75.742
(Shore Daily News)
(View news story)
NASA Seeks Permit for Major Wallops Island Shoreline Restoration Project - Shore Daily News
(Shore Daily News)
(View news story)
Virginia Primary Results: Eastern Shore Voters Set the Stage for November - Shore Daily News
Announcement comes just days after state finalized $85 million deal to acquire rights to Preakness Stakes
(View news story, then what AI says)
Preakness, Pimlico left out of new race series by Churchill Downs, Belmont - Maryland Matters
(AI says:)
.jpg)
8/3/26 (Mayor Nock's Facebook page)
Governor Wes Moore, Senator Alsobrooks, Rep. Andy Harris, M.D., Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Kevin Anderson,
I never thought I’d write a letter such as this.
Twenty years ago, there was a kid that walked to church by himself along what we called the back burner. This kid played endless hours of basketball in the yard on the corner of 4th and Laurel Street with his cousins and neighbors. He went to Mitchells market to buy a sandwich and drink. All of these locations would be known as "the hood" to most people. That kid was me.
The incredible thing is that I wasn’t scared. Neither my cousins nor my parents were ever fearful. We were able to roam freely due to the safety of our community. Growing up, we believed that as long as we worked hard, treated others respectfully and remained focused, we could become anything. Pocomoke City truly felt like the safest little city in the world.
Now today, that same little boy now serves as mayor of the city he grew up in and barely recognizes it. Today, our children are getting shot in plain sight by other children. Now, parents are reluctant to allow their children to go out and play. Citizens do not feel the peacefulness that previously characterized our community. Trauma is slowly becoming an accepted part of life and that should frighten each of you.
Perhaps the saddest aspect is that so many times the young people committing these crimes are arrested and then released back onto our streets in short order to resume their terrorizing of neighborhoods still trying to recover. Local governments and law enforcement agencies are unable to provide reassurance to traumatized citizens while having neither the authority nor resources available to implement meaningful changes.
I’m writing because we need your help. In my role as Mayor, we’ve invested in sidewalks, roads, neighborhood beautification projects, community events and establishing a local government that represents and serves all members of our community. In addition, we have enhanced our partnership relationships with our churches, schools, police department, and various community based organizations. At present, we are searching for every way possible to improve Pocomoke as a place to live.
However, I have come to a difficult conclusion. Regardless of how many roads we pave, How many sidewalks we repair, How many festivals we host, How many times we celebrate diversity within leadership, None of those things individually will keep a teenager from picking up a gun. Our largest infrastructure gap is no longer made of concrete.
It's hope.
For years, we have begged for assistance in building a community center that will provide our young people with a safe location to receive education, learn recreational activities, participate in mentorship programs, gain job training skills and simply just be kids. However, small rural towns similar to Pocomoke face competition for limited grant funds from much larger cities with large departments of professionals whose sole responsibility is grant writing. We cannot possibly compete fairly.
My staff does the work of four people working on a cup of coffee and prayers. We’re committed; however, being committed isn't going to compensate for lack of capacity. Rural municipalities throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore require technical support, specific funding sources and fair access to both state and federal resources.
The Eastern Shore is often overlooked in discussions related to violence prevention; yet, the reality is that many rural communities are facing similar problems as larger metropolitan areas. Therefore, we need investments that take into account the distinct needs of rural communities rather than programs developed specifically for larger urban areas with dramatically greater populations and infrastructure.
This is not simply about law enforcement.
It is about prevention.
Prevention through mental health.
Prevention through mentorship.
Prevention through recreation.
Prevention through workforce development.
Prevention through providing children with a belief in their future that they will want to protect.
Yes, it is also about assuring that our justice system provides our communities with real options to intervene in meaningful ways when repeat violent offenders pose serious threats to public safety. Our residents deserve assurance that the safety of law-abiding families continues to be the top priority while providing young people with legitimate opportunities for rehabilitation before they enter into a cycle of violence.
I did not write this letter to assign blame. I wrote this letter because I refuse to accept that what is occurring in Pocomoke City has to become the norm for generations moving forward.
On Friday at 10:00 AM, I am holding a Microsoft Teams meeting regarding strategies (both immediately and long term) to combat youth gun violence and methods by which local, state and federal officials can collaborate to alter the course of Pocomoke City. It would be a privilege if you or a representative from your office would join us during this time.
I have never written a letter such as this before.
Perhaps that is precisely why I needed to. Because what we have been doing up until now is no longer sufficient. I don’t want the next generation to hear stories about the Pocomoke I grew up in. I want them to grow up here.
Please let me know if you’re able to attend, my staff will get you the link.
Regards,
Todd
Our Neighborhood Outreach Initiative is continuing throughout August, and we hope to see you in your neighborhood!
From 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, city staff and officials will be out in the community to meet with residents, answer questions, and hear your ideas.
We're stepping out of City Hall because your voice matters. Whether you have questions, concerns, suggestions, or simply want to learn more about what's happening in Pocomoke City, we invite you to stop by and chat with us.
Neighborhoods for our August 6th visit include:
8th St.
Cedar St.
Walnut St.
7th St.
6th St.
5th St.
2nd St.
This is part of our ongoing commitment to connect directly with residents and ensure every neighborhood has the opportunity to share feedback and be part of the conversation.
Can't make it this month? No problem! We'll continue visiting neighborhoods across Pocomoke City in the months ahead.
Stop by. Ask us anything. Help shape the future of your neighborhood and our city.
Together, we're building a stronger Pocomoke City.
(View news story and mayor's Facebook comments)
Two tragedies in Pocomoke are leaving community saddened | Latest News | wboc.com
Here are some new faces that have debuted on local TV recently:
WMDT ...
As of Thursday morning (7/30) no additional information had yet been provided by authorities pending completion of investigation into the death of a 4-year-old girl whose body was recovered from the Pocomoke River last weekend.
According to AI the child's name was Skylar Philistin and the parents are Rose Jerome and Wesder Philistin. AI says a GoFundMe campaign organized for the parents has raised over $11,000 to help cover funeral expenses.
Worcester County Public Schools
July 28, 2026
Newark, MD, July 28, 2026– Today, the Maryland State Department of Education released statewide performance data with Worcester County Public Schools outperforming all school systems in the State in both Mathematics and English/Language Arts.
(View full statement)
Snow Hill, MD – Due to improving drought conditions and recent rainfall across Worcester County and the Lower Eastern Shore, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office in coordination with the Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs has lifted the countywide Open Burning Ban, effective immediately. (7/27/26)
(Additional info:)
July 27, 2026 - Worcester County Lifts Burn Ban | Worcester County
(AI)
