The Pocomoke Public Eye: 7/26/26

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Dealing with the week that was-

(View news story and mayor's Facebook comments)

Two tragedies in Pocomoke are leaving community saddened | Latest News | wboc.com

(3) Facebook

Friday, July 31, 2026

Mark your calendar for Aug 7 to 9!

Info here:

Come On In - Worcester County Fair 2026

New to our local TV news staffs-

Here are some new faces that have debuted on local TV recently:

WMDT ...

Andrea Durán

Julia Green

Paige Parsons

Meteorologists

WBOC ...

WRDE ...

Victoria Rivera

Best career wishes to all.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Child's death-

(Google image of Skylar Philistin)

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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Worcester Schools tops in state in two categories!

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)

Latest Student Performance Data Shows Worcester County Continues to Lead in Maryland | WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Monday, July 27, 2026

Worcester lifts burn ban-

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

Monday UPDATE: Pocomoke child's death-

(AI)

Law enforcement authorities do not suspect foul play in the death of the 4-year-old girl. However, Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli stated on Monday that investigators have not ruled out accidental drowning as a possible cause of death.

The latest updates regarding the investigation and community response include:

Investigation Details

The Location: Initial local reports indicate that the child's body was recovered by sheriff's deputies from the Pocomoke River at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, shorty after she was reported missing from her nearby home.
Medical Examination: Her body has been sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to officially establish the cause of death.]
Active Case: The Worcester County Sheriff's Office County Bureau of Investigation maintains responsibility for the active, ongoing case. Authorities have not publicly identified the child out of respect for the family's privacy. [Community Support

Candlelight Vigil: Hundreds of community members, local officials, and first responders gathered at Cypress Park on Sunday evening. Mayor Todd J. Nock led the service to support the grieving family.
Call for Privacy: Pocomoke City Police Chief Hancock has requested that residents refrain from online speculation while detectives complete their work.

(UPDATE) Monday's Pocomoke work session was cancelled-

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Sad news: Pocomoke missing child-

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Active Death Investigation in Pocomoke City, MD

Shortly before 11:00 a.m. today, July 26, 2026, deputies with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office assisted the Pocomoke City Police Department in the search for a missing 4-year-old child. (area of Laurel Street and Clarke Avenue)
The child was located, and despite life-saving efforts by law enforcement and EMS personnel, the child was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office’s County Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for this active investigation. Based on this being an active investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.
We ask that you keep the child's family, loved ones, and all first responders involved in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

Pocomoke City officials have invited members of the community to gather for a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. this evening (Sunday) at Cypress Park in support of the child's family, our first responders, and the entire Pocomoke City community. Those who wish to stand together in remembrance and show their support are encouraged to attend.

Pocomoke City Mayor Todd J. Nock-

(Sunday, July 26)

Today, our hearts are broken.

It is with profound sadness that I share the tragic news that the 4-year-old child who was the subject of today’s emergency search has been found deceased.

There are simply no words that can ease the pain of a loss like this. On behalf of the City of Pocomoke City, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the child’s family and loved ones. Our entire community grieves alongside you, and we ask everyone to keep this family lifted in prayer during this unimaginable time.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Pocomoke City Police Department, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, our fire and EMS personnel, public works employees, neighboring agencies, volunteers, and every community member who responded so quickly and worked tirelessly in the search efforts. Your dedication, compassion, and selfless service exemplify the very best of our community.
Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, I ask everyone to refrain from speculation and allow law enforcement to complete their work. The greatest gift we can offer this family right now is our prayers, our love, and our respect for their privacy.
I invite everyone in our community to join us this evening (Sunday) at 7:00 p.m. at Cypress Park as we come together in prayer for this precious child’s family, our first responders, and the entire Pocomoke City community. In moments like these, we stand together, lean on our faith, and support one another. All are welcome.

Tonight, Pocomoke City mourns the loss of one of our own. May God wrap His loving arms around this precious child’s family, strengthen our first responders, and bring comfort, peace, and healing to our entire community. God bless Pocomoke City.

15,000

And this post marks 15,001 since The Pocomoke Public Eye first came to computer screens in 2009 under the guidance of founder Tom Ayres (screen name: The Public Eye) and daily contributions from Brenda Wise (screen name: jmmb).

Since the passing of Tom and Brenda, contributor tk for PPE (that's me) has been "filling in" for the last decade and looking forward to another 15,000 posts with thanks to all who give us a view.

-tk