In spring 2017, it moved to its new home in Havre de Grace. Town officials say, the boat comes just in time for summer. The first job on the list, Pollitt said, will be to identify someone in the boating industry to establish the riverboats value. Our river is our ticket for that, we need to utilize this river go back to history just a little bit, says Lisa Outten-Harrison, Council Member for the town of Snow Hill. Pollitt said that the town is aware of two interested parties, one of which is Pocomoke-based and wants to raise money to purchase and restore the boat. Pollitt said Wednesday a press release from the town with more information would be forthcoming. The Black-Eyed Susan has been docked in Pocomoke City getting ready for its maiden voyage to Snow Hill. He says the boat has attracted a mix of tourists and locals so far. If we dont make a decision today we are going to lose this opportunity and if we lose it we may never get it again. They painted it and got the floors done.. or anything. There was a problem saving your notification. Jewell said she anticipates customers coming from nearby towns to see Snow Hill and the boat. Bunting also referenced the repairs the boat needed and the fact that its kitchen would have to be approved by the health department. Growing as annuals or short-lived perennials, black-eyed Susans are native to prairies and open woodlands and are attractive to both birds and butterflies. The Worcester County Commissioners last week told Worcester County Public Schools leadership that they wanted more details regarding the school systems $131 million budget. Here we are. How important this is for Snow Hill. Don't Threaten. He acknowledged that there had been some minor snafus, such as difficulty finding certain light switches, but that overall things were running smoothly. - Submit news tips BOAT'S TROUBLES: Black-Eyed Susan riverboat: Partial repairs OK'd to make it Snow Hill 'tourist attraction' The boat was first purchased in 2020 using a combination of grant money and loans from. After spending some time in Salisbury for upgrades and repairs, the boat is almost ready for a cruise. 2023 www.delmarvanow.com. We are a tourist attraction, he said. I think we can spend $250,000 on internet, magazines, TV and radio and certainly not get the bang for the buck we will if this paddlewheel boat goes up and down the Pocomoke River, he said. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Gary Weber, Snow Hill town manager, said the final cost for the used vessel was $324,900, and that new boats run up to $4 million. Sign Up for the Daily Buzz E-News to receive the latest news around the area delivered to your inbox. Snow Hill purchased the Black-Eyed Susan in 2020 with the help of a loan from Worcester County. Update on the Black-Eyed Susan, March 2023 MAYOR & TOWN COUNCIL AGREE TO PART WITH THE BLACK-EYED SUSAN After a promising start providing quality dinner cruises along the scenic Pocomoke River, the Black-Eyed Susan has run aground due to the tremendous cost of restoring the paddlewheel to U. S. Coast Guard standards. IN THE GARDEN: Evening primrose, black-eyed Susan ready and willing to Share with Us. Mayor Pruitt said there are already interested parties. I have no doubt in my mind this boat will pay for itself, he said. Troubled Black-Eyed Susan riverboat to be sold by Snow Hill The town of Snow Hill will have to wait for its famed riverboat, the Black-Eyed Susan, to return to its home port as it will undergo much-needed repairs. With all due respect youre asking us for money without corresponding comprehensive information, he said. The boat handles very well, said Jim Washington, the riverboats operator. Dont get me wrong. He stressed that while the repairs werent anticipated, the entire riverboat project had been undertaken to help the town. Sign Up for the Daily Buzz E-News to receive the latest news around the area delivered to your inbox. The boat was first purchased in 2020 using a combination of grant money and loans fromthe county and state. into Baltimore`s Inner Harbor. Even after the boat is repaired, it would cost a good chunk of change to maintain. Hello, adventurers! Jim Washington, a longtime Snow Hill resident and restaurant manager, will be in charge of the boat including hiring captains and staff. Despite all the troubles that have befallen the town since purchasing the riverboat in 2020 the latest was a $600,000 price tag for repairs ordered last spring by the US Coast Guard there is still hope that someone can turn the vessel into an attraction for the lower Eastern Shore. OCEAN CITY Officials say the formation of a task force could address concerns relating to a proposed sports complex. Itll be nice to take a ride on the boat myself. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The town purchased the riverboat in 2020 using a combination of grant money and loans fromthe county and state. Todd Ferrante, president of the Worcester County Board of Education, said this, OCEAN CITY Officials in Ocean City this week agreed to proceed with a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. "The. The Black Eyed Susan 5 reviews Unclaimed Boat Charters Closed See hours See all 21 photos Write a review Add photo Location & Hours Suggest an edit 2600 Boston St Baltimore, MD 21224 Canton Get directions You Might Also Consider Sponsored South River Boat Rentals 32 22.3 miles away from The Black Eyed Susan Michael O. said "It's perfect! (Oct. 16, 2020) Snow Hill is officially the owner of the Black Eyed Susan, a 111-foot paddle wheel boat. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism A few days prior to the start of Baltimore`s commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, which was to include visits by quite a few "Tall Ships" from all over the world, I spotted an advertisement for the Black Eyed Susan`s dinner cruise (crab cakes!) That would be their option.. Find more here and have fun! On Thursday, the Mayor and Council hosted the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to review a market and economic analysis update for a proposed sports complex next to Stephen, OCEAN CITY Resort officials this week approved a request for two new fire engines totaling more than $1.9 million. Its not right that a county employee will benefit from this, he said. field59.ipo = { With the arrival of spring, people on the Lower Eastern Shore are asking about the status of the Black-Eyed Susan, the 149-passenger paddlewheel-driven boat with a Victorian-style interior, built in 1986 and acquired by the Town of Snow Hill last year to provide catered luncheon and dinner cruises up and down the scenic Pocomoke River. If that's the case, Pruitt said he'd like to have an idea of who's buying the boat within the next few months. The Dispatch - Riverboat Planning Weekly Trips This Summer - Facebook or anything. Though most cruises currently on the calendar are booked, Washington said trips were being added in November and that the boat would offer Christmas parties in December. Were never going to have this opportunity again. Doctor Explains, Golf event celebrates Macky's bartender, 'the JUTT'. Weve got an election coming up, were going to have a mayor, two council people, then we might have a whole different slate of people. I dont know if anything will come of it but thats the sort of thing Id like love to see take place to save the boat, Pollitt said. - Create your own user profile 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6,Ocean City,MD, Black eye: Riverboat drama continues to dog Snow Hill, Ocean City Council denies Deja Vu adult store name change, Ocean City Council advances fare increases, Boardwalk bike rule change, more, Driver in Ocean City rollover wreck could be charged with DUI, Request for air rights over Ocean Citys Majestic Hotel headed to first reading, Ocean City breaks ground on Downtown Recreation Complex renovation, Worcester County licensing board roasts Toasts requests, New study: Stop drinking sugary drinks in Baltimore. Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said he could answer some of Bertinos questions. The Black-Eyed Susan, a riverboat purchased by Snow Hill Township, was scheduled to make its maiden voyage along the Pocomoke River on Tuesday. When Bertino said that sort of information should have been in the commissioners packets, Higgins said hed gotten it last minute. As the town explored its options, Washington's Inc. was released from the lease agreement because the boat was not sea-worthy as the contract required. Snow Hill, for the first time in probably 15 years, the mayor, the council, every department head, love respect and nurture each other every day. When Bertino asked how many trips the boat would take to make money, Weber said the ticket cost would depend on what type of trip was offered. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. I think itll be a failure.. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat, pictured here on its maiden voyage two years ago, will be sold after the Town of Snow Hill determined it could not afford the hefty $600,000 price tag to get the 111-foot paddlewheel boat seaworthy, FILE PHOTO Right now we plan to resume May 1, Washington said. We added things that didnt get completed (earlier in the process), former Snow Hill Town Manager Gary Weber said. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. person will not be tolerated. Earlier this month, the town's mayor and three-person council unanimously moved to sell the boat that was originally slated to provide tours of the Pocomoke River and offer a dining option for visitors to the town. But as I just said to Mr. Elder nothing ventured nothing gained. The paddlewheel is not fixed. Though the boat seats 150 people, Washington said cruises have been reduced to 75 passengers to allow for more freedom of movement. More:Shrimp are migrating to Maryland waters. State and county officials attended a celebratory ribbon-cutting for the river boat Aug. 12. Washington also adds, the cruises will be about two and a half hours long. } } There was a problem saving your notification. Right now theres no set date on when it will be open to the public, but officials say it could be close to four to six weeks before its fully operational. I implore everyone up here to understand that. Jim Washington, the riverboat's. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Its all aligned.. Weber also dispelled some rumors about why boat ---repairs were taking so long and that the project was doomed claims from the boat being too tall to pass under fixed bridges and an inability to turn in the open water among them. They love our food, said Washington, who also operates a catering business. This story appears in the Jan. 20, 2023 print edition of the OC Today. Bertino pointed out that neither did the commissioners yet they were being asked to make a decision now. - Save your favorite articles Washington is leasing the riverboat from Snow Hill, which took a loan from Worcester County to purchase it. On Tuesday, the council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to approve a request for two new replacement engines. Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. With the addition of the Black Eyed Susan our river will become the destination that it deserves to be, he said. Shrimp are migrating to Maryland waters. - Save your favorite articles Each trip along Pocomoke River on the Black-Eyed Susan lasts about two and a half hours. Its just not something that the taxpayers of Snow Hill can afford to carry.. Thats my point , Bertino said. Snow Hill's Black-Eyed Susan riverboat will undergopartial repairs. Be Truthful. This unique excursion is like taking a step (or paddle) back in time. Were looking at a right away time frame (for selling the boat), said Town Manager Rick Pollitt last week. - Submit calendar events States Sports Complex Study Reviewed; Potential Task Force Eyed To Move Forward, Ocean City Council Approves $1.9M Fire Engine Purchase, Worcester BOE Working With County On Budget, OC Council Approves Property Tax Credit For Vol. Chance of rain 80%. I dont have the optimism you do, he told Weber. . The recent purchase of the Black Eyed Susan Riverboat aims to bring a lot of business and revenue to the town. Soon people will be able to cruise along the Pocomoke River enjoying food, entertainment, happy hour cruises and even guest chef evenings. Hes adding more dates, however, as soon as he confirms hes got a captain lined up. I think this is a venture thats going to be a big gain for the county.. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. 1 Crash Leaves One Dead, Another in Critical Condition, Maryland Gov. Will they find balance in blue crab domain? It could also provide educational opportunities for local students. The flowers can be used in bouquets. Worcester County to purchase steamboat replica to sail the Pocomoke River On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a proposal to implement a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. Itll be a shining jewel in the crown of our county seat.. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he felt the county needed to take the chance on the boat. A new attraction recently arrived in the Snow Hill Township, and the mayor said she hopes it will draw visitors from nearby towns. Doctor Explains, Golf event celebrates Macky's bartender, 'the JUTT'. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The mayor and council have been truly wonderful, both administrations, Washington said. On Thursday, the Mayor and Council hosted the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to review a market and economic analysis update for a proposed sports complex next to Stephen, OCEAN CITY Resort officials this week approved a request for two new fire engines totaling more than $1.9 million. If the decision is made to sell the boat, the hope is a private entity steps up and takes ownership of the boat, taking the costs off the backs of Snow Hill taxpayers. Pollitt, who traveled to a Norfolk shipyard last week to see the boat and reported back to the council Tuesday, said updated estimates pegged the cost of the minimal repairs at $193,000. Charlene Sharpe has been with The Dispatch since 2014. We want this to be what you want to do for a birthday party or what you want to do for a special occasion, Washington said. After spending the weekend in Pocomoke City, the riverboat will pull into Snow Hill after spending the last few months in Salisbury at the Murtech Marine to undergo various upgrades and repairs. Washington said he is grateful for the opportunity afforded by the town government. Washington said he hopes the Black-Eyed Susan experience entices customers to plan additional cruises later. He said while hed like to find a way to help the southern end of the county he didnt think this was it. Feedback has been positive, particularly regarding the food, he said. The rear of the Black Eyed Susan. Shots fired investigation leads to police pursuit in Sussex Co. Salisbury Mayoral Candidate charged with reckless endangerment, MSP searching for Salisbury man wanted on attempted murder charges, Easton woman charged with neglecting minors. There was a problem saving your notification. Sign Up for the Daily Buzz E-News to receive the latest news around the area delivered to your inbox. Its a nice little cruise.. Doing it on the fly I think leads to mistakes. The boat offers capacity to seat 100 passengers, seating on the second level and a bar where passengers can purchase beverages. "It's out that we want to do something different with the boat and I have a lot of public support behind me saying that we should probably get this boat off our balance sheet and into a private persons hands," said Pruitt. Impending Decision on the Black Eyed Susan Riverboat, Rt. Riverboat in Worcester County Has Uncertain Future Come this spring, that boat will be a new addition to the Pocomoke River. The Black-Eyed Susan (Havre de Grace) - Tripadvisor Snow Hill discusses bringing boat contractors to assess damage and give estimates on repairing the Black Eyed Susan Riverboat, which remains docked in Snow Hill. "global": { "So I assume the council will probably give the mayor the authority to look into disposing the boat.". Becoming partly cloudy after some morning light rain. Low near 50F. Last spring, the 149-passenger, 111-foot vessel tallied a more than $300,000 bill for repairs ordered by the U.S. Coast Guard as part of a five-year routine inspection. Commissioner Bud Church acknowledged that he had a few concerns about the riverboat but wanted to move forward with it. Im glad to see its coming back, he said. - Comment on articles High 61F. Chance of rain 70%. "We found that it's just going to be an astronomical number, that is far beyond the means of our small town to pay and to expect our taxpayers to pay," said Pollitt. He pointed out it had the support of various towns as well as the Harrison Group in Ocean City. The boat is staffed by a captain, two mates, three servers, two bartenders and Washington and his daughter. Register today to take advantage of these benefits and more! A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and the University of Richmond, she spent seven years with the Delmarva Media Group before joining the team at The Dispatch. Those interested can get cruise tickets online at bes-snowhill.com. It may pass the legal test to take the $250,000 in advertising from the CARES Act but it doesnt pass the smell test, he said. Threats of harming another The "Black-Eyed Susan" riverboat has gone through $300,000 dollars of repairs. It wouldnt even have to leave the dock.. Low 52F. Over the winter of 2021-22 . Voyages started in August. He said the plan was for Snow Hill and Pocomoke to purchase the boat through funding from the county. If you want to learn more about what the boat has to offer, or how to start making reservations, just contact the town of Snow Hill 410-632-2080. The Black Eyed Susan riverboats long and arduous journey to Snow Hill will conclude on Monday. Less than eight months after the much-anticipated 111-foot paddlewheel took its maiden voyage as the Town of Snow Hill's new marquee attraction, the United States Coast Guard has thrown a bucket of cold water on the town's 2022 ambitions. Wes Moore Says he Plans to Sign Gun-Control Bills, Man Accused of Murder Brought Back to Delaware, Stabbing Incident Leads to Arrest in Laurel, Transparency Requirements for Group Health Plans. Its separated, just like a regular boat with twin screws, Weber said. And for a small town like Snow Hill, Pollitt said it's simply too expensive. That price tag is why at tonight's meeting, the towns mayor, Michael Pruitt, is going to seek permission to sell it. Firefighters. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Prospective customers can email info@bes-snowhill.com with questions and comments. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Though the boat had a successful season in 2021, when the BES went to Norfolk early this year for a Coast Guard inspection thats required every five years, officials learned major repairs were needed. - It costs you nothing! As Snow Hill's new riverboat gets 'extensive delays,' town issues voyage deposit refunds. In the weeks since, the boat has stayed busy with between one and three trips a week. The Black-Eyed Susan, the Town of Snow Hill's riverboat, hosted its first guests in mid-August. We hope that it is does exactly what our anticipation is, and were just so excited to bring people here and ride our beautiful Black Eyed Susan, says Outten-Harrison. Cruises on the Black Eyed Susan riverboat are right around the corner. Gary Weber It was a very nice cruise. Theres a little learning curve, he said. Bertino said it was hard to support the project when there was no business plan. 05/20/2021 | Riverboat Planning Weekly Trips This Summer | News Ocean So for us here in Snow Hill to be the hub of that sort of entertainment, I think is wonderful, says Jim Washington, Operator and Caterer for the Black Eyed Susan. All rights reserved. Any new owner will have to restore it to Coast Guard (passenger vessel) standards, Pollitt said. The boat seems to be in good running order.. He echoed Bertinos concern about Scarlatos involvement. A bevy of costly repairs and delays made it a financial boondoggle for Snow Hill. The Black-Eyed Susan will be available for charter for private events including wait staff and catering. The boat received Coast Guard approval to carry passengers Monday, according to Washington. Todd Ferrante, president of the Worcester County Board of Education, said this, OCEAN CITY Officials in Ocean City this week agreed to proceed with a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. Search, Shop & Compare low rates guaranteed. Weber left his position with the town this week. Tuesday's meeting was to discuss the idea of the Mayor bringing in contractors to assess damages. "I'm going to ask the council tonight to allow the town manager and our attorneys to put together a bid package," said Pruitt. Im kind of able to speak with everybody which is nice.. Be Truthful. The Worcester County Commissioners last week told Worcester County Public Schools leadership that they wanted more details regarding the school systems $131 million budget. How long these towns have been depressed economically. Keep it Clean. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. This was a revised number based on our visit with the shipyard last week, he said. This will help us build that. As far as tickets, he said prices ranged from $40 to $95 a person. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat is again out of commission. SNOW HILL Town of Snow Hill officials voted this week to proceed with repairs to the Black-Eyed Susan. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. PLUS get FREE stuff! The company was later released from the lease agreement because the boat was not sea-worthy, as the contract required. Though Snow Hill Town Manager Gary Weber initially hoped to have the boat fixed up and docked in Snow Hill by mid-February, the extensive to-do list associated with bringing . "We're just entering our budget season, we'll start meeting with the department heads and various people in town about our upcoming budget, that will be finalized by the end of March," said Pruitt. On Tuesday, the council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to approve a request for two new replacement engines. The Snow Hill Town Council voted 2-1 Tuesday to proceed with the repairs needed to get the municipalitys riverboat back to Snow Hill. 05/11/2022 | Snow Hill To Repair Riverboat | News Ocean City MD Seeing this vessel docked in our little town evokes momentous emotion and provides hope that Snow Hill will continue to prosper. People with good intentions were blindsided by this whole mess, he said. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Open House Provides Close Look At Snow Hill's New Riverboat The town has gained a major attraction, the famous Black Eyed Susan Riverboat. At a town hall meeting earlier this month, Snow Hill Mayor Mike Pruitt and the Town Council unanimously voted to authorize Pruitt to look into selling the 149-passenger, 111-foot paddlewheel boat. We'd love to hear eyewitness I have my concerns. I see it as a win-win not only for Snow Hill and Pocomoke but all of Worcester County, he said. Its an asset, its an economic draw.. The Black Eyed Susan Is An Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Ride In Maryland