Join Calvert County Government for an informational session to learn about the county’s residential permitting process and recent system improvements on Monday, March 9, at 6 p.m. at the County Administration Building, 150 Main St., Prince Frederick.
There will be one presentation involving representatives from Planning & Zoning, Public Works, Environmental Health and Soil Conservation. The session is designed to help residents understand the permitting process and the new improvements to streamline it.
The session is purely informational and is not a public hearing. Residents may submit questions, but there is no public comment period. Questions may be submitted in advance online at www.calvertcountymd.gov/SubmitPermitQuestions or submitted at the session. Representatives will collect questions from the public during the session, and questions not answered during the session will be answered online afterward.
The Calvert County Department of Public Works began a sidewalk reconstruction project in Solomons Tuesday, Feb. 17. The project will enhance pedestrian safety and improve walkability along Charles Street.
Weather-dependent construction will occur along eastbound Charles Street Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., between Charles Street and the traffic circle at Farren Avenue. Work will include the removal of trees located between the sidewalk and curb, demolition of sidewalk sections displaced by tree roots and the installation of new concrete sidewalks.
The Department of Public Works thanks residents and visitors for their patience during this improvement project. The work is part of Calvert County’s ongoing efforts to improve local infrastructure and enhance walkability in town centers.
The Calvert County Board of Elections approved changes to polling locations and precinct boundaries as part of the 2026 election plan.
At its Nov.19 meeting, the board approved combining Precincts 3-6 and 3-7 into a single precinct, which will be designated as Precinct 3-6. Voters who previously voted at Northern High School, 2950 Chaneyville Rd., Owings, during the 2024 election will now vote at Ward Farm Park, 10455 Ward Rd., Dunkirk.
A permanent building is currently under construction at Ward Farm Park and is scheduled to be completed before June, when the June 23 primary election takes place. Voters in the Dunkirk area affected by this change should look for a new voter notification card in the mail.
The candidate filing deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 24. The Election Board will be open until 9 p.m. that day for local candidates to file. The Calvert County Election Board is located at 30 Duke St., in Prince Frederick. For more information, contact the Election Board at 410-535-2214.
The Calvert County Department of Communications & Media Relations announces the launch of the new Calvert County TV app, now live and available to stream on multiple platforms.
The Calvert County TV app features live streaming, video on demand and important county information residents rely on to stay informed. Viewers can watch public meetings, special events, announcements and other county programming anytime and anywhere. The new platform makes it easier than ever for residents to connect with county government and stay up to date on what’s happening in Calvert County.
“Providing clear and accessible information to residents is a top priority,” said Eryn Lowe, director of Communications & Media Relations. “These new streaming options give the community more ways to stay engaged with county government.”
In addition, captioning is now available on live meetings broadcast on Comcast and Calvert County TV, expanding accessibility for viewers across the county.
To watch, viewers can:
Download the free app by searching “Calvert County TV” on Android and Apple devices
Stream on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV and www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CalvertBroadcast
The Calvert County Department of Community Resources is collecting new toiletry items for individuals in need in advance of its upcoming Community Resource Fair on March 27.
Donations for men, women and children are being accepted. Requested items include diapers and pull-ups, diaper wipes, body wash and soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
All donated items must be new and unopened. Donations will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 27. Donations may be made Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:
Communications & Media Relations Office, 150 Main St., Suite 264, Prince Frederick
Community Resources Building, 30 Duke St., Suite 102, Prince Frederick
Calvert County Emergency Communications has been recognized by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as a Tri-Accredited Center for Excellence (ACE) for police, fire and emergency medical services dispatching. Calvert County Emergency Communications is the 31st Tri-ACE in the world.
IAED is the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch services worldwide. Accreditation and reaccreditation from the IAED represent the highest distinction awarded to emergency communication centers, certifying that a center performs at or above established industry standards. Centers that earn ACE status are the embodiment of dispatching done right, and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality assurance processes and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement.
Calvert County Emergency Communications is a team of more than 40 public safety professionals who answer and dispatch emergency services for Calvert County. In 2025, the department answered 32,607 emergency calls and dispatched 135,075 calls for police, fire and EMS.
During this time, staff were credited with saving 19 lives, and the successful delivery of a baby.
“These numbers reflect the dedication, professionalism and life-saving impact that Emergency Communications staff make every day,” said Dave McDowell, director of Calvert County Public Safety. “Becoming a Tri-Accredited Center for Excellence highlights the professionalism, dedication and care our staff bring to every call. Our community depends on us during its most critical moments, and this achievement affirms our commitment to delivering accurate, timely and life-saving instructions when it matters most,” he said.
“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement,” said Christof Chwojka, accreditation board chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated call takers, dispatchers and leadership team at Calvert County Emergency Communications for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first responders to do an outstanding job.”
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which all standards must be upheld. Emergency communication centers can earn multiple accreditations, one for each emergency discipline they service. More than 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the medical, fire, police and emergency nurse triage protocols developed and maintained by the IAED. The protocol-based system, known as the Priority Dispatch System, is recognized as the standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch, and is used in 46 countries.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day. In addition:
The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county convenience centers will be open Monday, Feb. 16, with normal operating hours.
The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Monday, Feb. 16, with normal operating hours.
The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Monday, Feb. 16.
Calvert County senior centers will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is scheduled to resume Tuesday, Feb. 17. An additional meal for home-delivered meal recipients was provided in advance of the holiday.
There will be no county bus service Monday, Feb. 16; service will resume Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Calvert Library locations will be closed Monday, Feb. 16. Downloadable materials and virtual services are available 24/7 at calvertlibrary.info/.
The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division will be closed Monday, Feb. 16. Animal control officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491.
The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours Monday, Feb. 16.
All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park will be open with normal hours Monday, Feb. 16.
In the fall of 2025, the Calvert County departments of Technology Services and Planning & Zoning collaborated extensively on a major update to the county’s Land Management System. This system is used by several county departments to process and track permits and inspections.
Key enhancements to the system included:
Integrating architectural review into the permit review workflow
Incorporating the Board of Appeals processes directly into the system
Updating components of the permitting, site plan and subdivision review processes to reduce manual staff intervention as applications moved through approval stages
Revising development review workflows to align with the updated zoning ordinance adopted in 2025
“The updated system went live in November 2025, and has significantly streamlined Planning & Zoning operations,” said Jason Brinkley, director of Planning & Zoning. “These improvements enhanced customer interaction through the county’s online Encompass Portal for permit submittals and reduced the need for manual overrides by staff, creating a more efficient and streamlined process from application through approval.”
Calvert County Parks & Recreation invites residents to participate in the annual Therapeutic Recreational (TR) Duck Race on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center, located at 130 Auto Drive, in Prince Frederick. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. Games and activities start at 12:30 p.m.
Participants can sponsor a rubber duck to compete in a race down the pool; attendance is not required to claim a prize. All proceeds from this event will go towards the Therapeutic Recreation scholarship fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals with special needs attending TR programs, including summer camps and other life-enriching programs.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and this year’s theme: “Respect That!” highlights the importance of healthy and respectful teen relationships.
Teen dating violence and substance misuse are closely connected. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 12 U.S. high school students experience physical dating violence, and 1 in 10 experience sexual dating violence each year. Teens in abusive relationships are at greater risk for substance misuse, often using alcohol or other drugs to cope. Substance use can also impair judgment and increase vulnerability.
The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) focuses on prevention by strengthening protective factors such as healthy communication, coping skills, emotional regulation and trusted adult connections – strategies that reduce both substance misuse and dating violence.
“Promoting healthy relationships and positive coping skills helps young people make safer choices,” Kimberly Shoe, president of the CAASA Board of Directors, said.
CAASA encourages parents, educators and youth-serving organizations to talk openly with teens about relationships, stress and where to get help. National data shows that only about one-third of teens experiencing dating violence tell someone else, making trusted adults and community awareness critical.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, the “Love Smart: Navigating Teen Relationships Safely” workshop will be held at the Harriet Elizabeth Brown Community Center at 901 Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register for the event at this link.
For more resources, visit LoveIsRespect.org or Hope4Calvert.org. In an emergency, call 911. Teens can call or text 988 for confidential support.
The Calvert County Department of Community Resources is pleased to announce the fiscal year 2026 Community Reinvestment & Repair Fund (CRRF) awardees. The CRRF program will distribute $547,469 to local organizations providing critical services across Calvert County, including youth development, education, behavioral health, homelessness prevention, community safety, workforce development and reentry support.
The FY26 awards reflect Calvert County’s continued commitment to supporting community organizations and strengthening the programs that serve residents every day.
“These investments directly support programs and services that meet community needs,” said Jennifer Moreland, director of Community Services. “We are proud to partner with organizations that demonstrate strong capacity, measurable outcomes and a sustained commitment to the well being of Calvert County families.”
Deputy Director Jacquelyn Culver emphasized this year’s funding reflects extensive community feedback and a thorough review process. “The FY26 awards are the result of careful evaluation, community surveys and data-driven prioritization,” she said. “These organizations play a vital role in expanding services and building stronger pathways for youth, families and vulnerable residents.”
Award announcements follow a competitive application cycle with proposals to address the funding priorities of:
Education and after-school programs
Behavioral health and crisis response
Community childcare and recreational services
Housing and homelessness prevention
Job training and workforce development programs
Transportation improvements in high-density areas
Truancy and absenteeism intervention programs
Programs serving residents impacted by incarceration
Calvert County will work closely with funded agencies to finalize grant agreements, budgets, timelines and reporting requirements. Agencies will receive direct communication outlining next steps, including payment schedules and documentation expectations.
For more information about CRRF, future funding cycles or to view the full awardee list, contact the Calvert County Department of Community Resources at 410-535-1600, ext. 8803, or visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/CRRF.
The Calvert County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. to receive and consider public comments on proposed updates to Draft Chapter 1: Town Centers and Draft Chapter 3: Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan Update of the Master Plan of Town Centers.
The hearing will take place in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room at the Calvert County Administration Building, located at 150 Main St. in Prince Frederick.
Written comments will be made part of the official record if received by close of business Tuesday, Feb. 17. Submit written comments to TownCenterUpdate@calvertcountymd.gov or to the Planning Commission,150 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
The meeting will be streamed live on the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov. Individuals may also listen or comment by phone:
•Dial-in: 872-216-2953
•Meeting ID: 299 248 548 964 4
•Passcode: PX2gm3vA
•Request to Speak *9
For more information, contact the Department of Planning & Zoning at 410-535-1600, ext. 2356.
The Department of Community Resources, Transportation Division, has launched a new mobile app that allows bus riders to track buses in real time.
The Passio GO! app gives passengers access to live bus locations, estimated arrival times and route information directly from their smartphones. The app is available as a free download through the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
With this technology upgrade, local bus riders can view detailed information for individual routes, schedules and stops. Riders can also set arrival alerts, save favorite routes and stops, and receive notifications about route changes or service delays. These features help reduce wait times and keep riders informed while using public transportation.
Calvert County announces $250,000 in funding has been secured from Gov. Wes Moore, with the support and advocacy of Delegate Jeffrie Long Jr., for the construction of a statue honoring Harriet E. Brown, a trailblazing Calvert County educator and civil rights pioneer. The statue will be placed in front of the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse at 175 Main St., Prince Frederick.
Brown was a courageous Calvert County schoolteacher whose fight for equal pay transformed education policy in Maryland and helped advance civil rights nationwide.
Born in Baltimore in 1907, Brown earned degrees from Morgan State College and the University of Maryland. She continued teaching in Calvert County for more than 30 years and was known for her dignity, humility and strength. She lived to the age of 101 and passed away in 2009.
The Harriet E. Brown statue will serve as a lasting tribute to her role in advancing equal pay, civil rights and educational justice and as a reminder of Calvert County’s place in Maryland’s civil rights history.
The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, will host free paper shredding events for county residents and businesses. Shredding documents helps prevent identity theft by destroying confidential or sensitive information.
The following shred events will be held at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine:
Saturday, Jan. 24, at Mount Hope Convenience Center, 96 Pushaw Station Rd. in Sunderland
Saturday, Feb. 21, at Huntingtown High School, 4125 Solomons Island Rd. in Huntingtown
Saturday, March 21, at Appeal Landfill, 401 Sweetwater Rd. in Lusby
Proof of Calvert County residency or business location is required. Paper clips and staples are acceptable. Binders and binder clips are not acceptable.
Businesses are allowed up to five banker boxes of paper per business, or the equivalent volume of five banker boxes in alternate containers. There is no limit for residents. Certificates of destruction will be provided if requested.
Shredding events are held monthly. For information about recycling events, contact the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division at 410-326-0210 or visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Recycle.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment of Malena Brookshire as chief financial officer for Calvert County Government, effective Jan. 6.
Brookshire brings a wealth of knowledge in financial management and leadership, with more than 20 years of experience aligning strategy and resource sustainability in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Before joining Calvert County Government, Brookshire served for five years as the chief financial officer of AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service, where she led a historic multi-year finance and operations reform effort. From 2015-20, she served as deputy controller, and deputy director for enterprise planning and analysis for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, overseeing strategic planning, program performance and risk for the $8 billion agency.
Brookshire spent 10 years at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where she served as the deputy performance improvement officer and director of budget and planning.
A resident of Prince Frederick, she is a prior member of the Calvert County Commission for Women, served as president for the Association of Government Accountants D.C. Chapter, and is a member of the Chief Financial Officers Leadership Council. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the top 25 CFOs in the D.C. metro area by Finance and Investing and was awarded a national Innovation in Business Award.
Brookshire is a certified government financial manager and project management professional. She earned a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in economics and mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“We are very pleased to have Malena Brookshire join us as a vital department director in Team Calvert,” said Calvert County Administrator Linda Turner. “She brings
to Calvert County Government decades of financial management acumen, skill and expertise.”
“It is a privilege to join the Calvert County team, and I look forward to working collaboratively with leadership and staff to serve our residents,” Brookshire said. “I am committed to maintaining our county’s strong fiscal health through efficient resource management while investing in the future of our community.”
Calvert County Government announces the results of the latest community survey, reflecting the opinions and insights of 861 residents. The results provide residents’ perspectives and opinions, which will assist Calvert County leaders make decisions and provide services that align with community needs.
The survey, conducted from July through September, showed 71% of respondents said Calvert County has a good overall quality of life, and many (61%) said they would recommend the county as a place to live. Another 63% said they would likely be living in Calvert five years from now.
The survey also highlighted key areas respondents felt were strengths in Calvert County:
Library System: The quality of Calvert County’s library system continues to excel, according to respondents with an 83% satisfaction score. That was an increase of 4% since the last community survey. Calvert County has four public libraries – the main branch in Prince Frederick; the Fairview Branch in Owings; the Twin Beaches Branch in North Beach and the Southern Branch in Solomons. The Twin Beaches Library was recently adorned with a new mural celebrating the Chesapeake Bay.
Public Safety: The sense of overall safety in Calvert County had a satisfaction score of 75%, an increase of 2% since the last survey. Calvert County State’s Attorney Robert Harvey announced that Calvert County experienced the lowest crime rate of any Maryland county in 2024. In that year, Calvert County recorded 1,634 incidents per 100,000 population, while the state average was 3,771 incidents per 100,000 people.
Parks and Recreation: The quality of parks and recreational amenities in Calvert County had a satisfaction score of 74%, an increase of 7% since the last survey. The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation recently brought new tennis and pickleball courts to Dunkirk District Park, field upgrades at Hallowing Point Park and court replacements at Cove Point Park. Visitation to recreation facilities and programs exceeded 230,000 people across 2,400 programs in Fiscal Year 2025.
Arts: The availability of arts and cultural events in Calvert County had a satisfaction score of 45% in this survey, an increase of 6%. Calvert County is home to several murals, which can be viewed at www.VisitCalvert.com/Murals.
Public Transportation: The survey determined that 25% of respondents agreed on the ease of using public transportation in Calvert County, an increase of 9% since the last survey. Calvert County, through the Public Transportation Division of the Department of Community Resources has eight fixed routes and four demand-response/paratransit routes to link residents to shopping, medical and employment services. In July 2024, the Calvert County Commissioners implemented free fare for riders.
Permits and Zoning: Of respondents, 31% agreed that the permit and zoning process is easy, an increase of 7%. In FY25, a new Calvert County approved an updated zoning ordinance after public input, and the comprehensive flood mitigation plan was updated.
Public Input: The ease of sharing input with Calvert County Government saw an increase of 5% since the previous survey. In 2025, Calvert County Government held a series of informational and input sessions regarding data centers and the master plan of town centers for Owings, Huntingtown and St. Leonard. Calvert County Government also ran dozens of surveys seeking resident input on parks, town centers, data centers, digital user experiences, customer service, farmers market preferences, public art input, accessibility, grant funding, school safety and more. When respondents were asked to identify one thing that Calvert County Government does well, community engagement ranked second, following public safety.
Overall, 55% of respondents were satisfied with and highly value the overall quality of services provided by Calvert County Government, an increase of 9%.
This survey also included a section on traffic safety, conducted in collaboration with the newly formed Calvert County Traffic Safety Council. According to the results, 51% of respondents identified traffic congestion as the top issue needing improvement on Calvert County roadways. When asked which roadway safety issues were of concern, the top three issues identified were aggressive driving, distracted driving and speeding. Survey results will help guide the council as it updates its strategic plan beginning in 2026 and coordinates future initiatives.
The survey also asked respondents what comes to mind when they think of the Department of Public Safety. Many respondents (74%) said law enforcement and traffic enforcement. Others named fire and medical emergency services and emergency management in planning and recovery following natural disasters.
The Calvert County Department of Public Safety serves as the county’s central resource for emergency guidance, resources and assistance, overseeing the Animal Control Division, the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, Emergency Communications, Career EMS, Hazardous Materials Response Team, Division of Emergency Management, False Alarm Reduction Unit and the Fire, Rescue and EMS Division. Learn more at about the department at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/PublicSafety.
The survey is conducted by a third-party and uses a representative sample by matching respondent data to the U.S. Census Bureau’s race, ethnicity, age and gender distributions in Calvert County. Rake weighting was applied as a statistical safeguard to balance out any remaining discrepancies in distribution, ensuring no demographic group is overrepresented or underrepresented in the final score.
The Calvert County Department of Community Resources, Office on Aging, announces renovations to the Calvert Pines Senior Center will begin this week. The center is scheduled to remain open during the renovation process, which is anticipated to take six months.
Congregate and Home Delivered Meals are scheduled to continue as normal. Some classes and programs may be impacted. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Calvert County Office on Aging Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyOfficeonAging or call Calvert Pines Senior Center at 410-535-4606. Calvert Pines Senior Center is located at 450 W. Dares Beach Rd. in Prince Frederick.
We thank residents for their patience while the facility is updated to better serve the community.