St. Mary’s News

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Returns Saturday, March 21, 2026 to Lexington Manor Passive Park, Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities Available!

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Returns Saturday, March 21, 2026 to Lexington Manor Passive Park, Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities Available!

The St. Mary’s County Government Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) will host Southern Maryland’s very own Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from noon – 4 p.m. at Lexington Manor Passive Park in Lexington Park, MD Celebrate the start of spring at this free family event held at St. Mary’s County’s premiere arts park, featuring a...
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Annual Appraiser Fair Taking a One-Year Break in 2026, Set to Return in 2027 at St. Clement’s Island Museum’s New Facility

Annual Appraiser Fair Taking a One-Year Break in 2026, Set to Return in 2027 at St. Clement’s Island Museum’s New Facility

St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division will not hold the popular Appraiser Fair in 2026 due to construction of a brand-new museum facility at St. Clement’s Island Museum. The long-running event will return in January 2027, in the new modern museum building. The Appraiser Fair provides an opportunity for the public to learn the value of...
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Governor Moore Announces $73.7 Million for Community Revitalization and Economic Development Projects in Proposed FY 2027 Budget

Governor Moore Announces $73.7 Million for Community Revitalization and Economic Development Projects in Proposed FY 2027 Budget

Governor Wes Moore announced $73.7 million in his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget to fund 252 projects through the six state revitalization programs administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The investments in county and municipal governments, community development organizations, and other community institutions and partners will support projects and activities...
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UPDATE: Noise Advisory – Inshore Weapons Testing, Potential Supersonic Flights Jan. 21-23, 2026

UPDATE: Noise Advisory – Inshore Weapons Testing, Potential Supersonic Flights Jan. 21-23, 2026

UPDATE 1/20/2026: Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, Smith Island, Maryland and residents of the Northern Neck of Virginia are advised of an inshore weapons separation testing event Wednesday, Jan. 21 to Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. This test flight has the potential to generate a sonic boom that could be...
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Leonardtown Business Association Seeks Vendors for Vintage Vibes Weekend

Leonardtown Business Association Seeks Vendors for Vintage Vibes Weekend

Leonardtown Business Association is now accepting vendor applications for its upcoming Vintage Vibes Weekend, taking place May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vendors specializing in antiques, collectibles, vintage goods, retro décor, apparel, records, and other unique finds are encouraged to apply. This event celebrates timeless style, nostalgia, and the charm of...
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Health Department Now Offering No-Cost Vaccines Through Maryland’s Free Adult Vaccine Program

Health Department Now Offering No-Cost Vaccines Through Maryland’s Free Adult Vaccine Program

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is now offering recommended adult vaccines at no cost to eligible Maryland residents through the Maryland Free Adult Vaccine Program. This statewide initiative expands access to immunizations for uninsured and underinsured adults ages 19 and older by reducing financial barriers to preventive care. The program is designed to give adults...
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No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Fire in Great Mills

No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Fire in Great Mills

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, At approximately 10:14 a.m., police and firefighters responded to the area of the Dyson Building Center on Point Lookout Road in Great Mills, for the reported vehicle on fire with possible entrapment. Early reports suggested the possibility of an individual still inside the vehicle. Due to multiple calls reporting...
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Early Morning Green House Fire in Mechanicsville Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported

Early Morning Green House Fire in Mechanicsville Under Investigation, No Injuries Reported

On Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, Hollywood, Bay District, and Second District were dispatched to the 41100 block of Bishop Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported structure on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a greenhouse complex fully engulfed and quickly spreading to two nearby...
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United States Secret Service’s New Trainer Courtesy of Presidential Helicopters Program Office

United States Secret Service’s New Trainer Courtesy of Presidential Helicopters Program Office

In June 2025, the Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) delivered and installed a retired and refurbished VH-3D helicopter, bureau number 159351 (BUNO 351), to the United States Secret Service (USSS). The agency received the aircraft at the James J. Rowley Training Center (JJRTC) in South Laurel, Maryland, fulfilling its need for a new training...
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Volunteer Fire Departments in 17 Maryland Counties Get $167,314 for Rural Wildfire Protection

Volunteer Fire Departments in 17 Maryland Counties Get $167,314 for Rural Wildfire Protection

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service is providing Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments in 17 counties across the state. The funded projects help volunteer fire companies enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities. For the 2025 grant cycle, finalized in December, the Maryland Forest Service is providing $167,314...
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February 2026 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

February 2026 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

Birding events, special activities for members, and live music highlight February at the Calvert Marine Museum. The month’s lineup also includes family-friendly programs, educational tours, and seasonal celebrations for visitors of all ages.  For the full calendar of February events, visit our website www.calvertmarinemuseum.com CMM Celebrates the Year of the Horse – According to the Chinese...
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Second District Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad Announce Passing of Life Member John G. Guy

Second District Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad Announce Passing of Life Member John G. Guy

The Second District Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad announces with great sadness the passing of Life Member John G. Guy on Sunday, January 18, 2026. John joined the department in 1994 and served the citizens of St. Mary’s County for more than 28 years. During his tenure, he held the positions of Chief...
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Governor Moore Announces Legislative Action to Safeguard Vaccine Access for Marylanders with Vax Act of 2026

Governor Moore Announces Legislative Action to Safeguard Vaccine Access for Marylanders with Vax Act of 2026

“Governor Wes Moore announced the Vax Act as part of the governor’s legislative agenda during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. The legislation is a direct response to the Trump-Vance Administration’s efforts to discourage access to vaccines and undermine trust in vaccine science.” “The federal government’s rapid shifts and the unnecessary confusion surrounding vaccine policy...
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Early Morning Crash in California Sends One to Trauma Center

Early Morning Crash in California Sends One to Trauma Center

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, approximately 6:50 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Chancellors Run Road and FDR Boulevard in California, for a motor vehicle accident involving an unresponsive subject. Crews quickly arrived on scene to find a two-vehicle, rear-end style collision with no entrapment, and confirmed one...
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NAS Patuxent River to Participate in Navy Force Protection Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2026

NAS Patuxent River to Participate in Navy Force Protection Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2026

Naval Air Station Patuxent River will participate in the annual force protection exercise, Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain Jan. 26-Feb. 6, 2026. Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2026 (CSSC26) is conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) on all Navy installations in the continental U.S. “Pax River joins Navy bases...
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MDOT SHA Performing Routine Maintenance on Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge This Weekend, January 18th, 2026

MDOT SHA Performing Routine Maintenance on Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge This Weekend, January 18th, 2026

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin routine structural and maintenance work on the MD 4 Bridge over the Patuxent River (Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge) at the Calvert/St. Mary’s County line beginning Sunday, January 18. The nighttime work will continue through late February, weather permitting. Crews will close a single-lane and...
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Large Comercial Fire Reported at Hollywood Used Auto Parts and Maximum Autobody in Hollywood

Large Comercial Fire Reported at Hollywood Used Auto Parts and Maximum Autobody in Hollywood

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 3:48 p.m., fire and rescue crews responded to a large commercial fire at Hollywood Used Auto Parts and Maximum Autobody, located at 43904 Commerce Avenue in Hollywood. Initial reports indicate approximately 30 vehicles were on fire. Multiple fire and rescue units are on the scene actively working...
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Police Arrest Leonardtown Woman After Alleged Public Disturbance and Drug Possession

Police Arrest Leonardtown Woman After Alleged Public Disturbance and Drug Possession

Heather Marie Garner, 37, of Leonardtown, has been formally charged following an incident earlier this month that led to her arrest by the Maryland State Police. According to court documents, Garner faces seven misdemeanor charges stemming from events on January 11, 2026. These include one count of intoxicated public disturbance, three counts of possession...
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Newburg Woman Sentenced for Filing False Sexual Assault Report Against St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy

Newburg Woman Sentenced for Filing False Sexual Assault Report Against St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy

Destiny Jordan Pellegrini, 26, of Newburg, was sentenced to jail time and probation after pleading guilty to filing a false statement with law enforcement, according to court records from the District Court for St. Mary’s County. Pellegrini was charged with one misdemeanor count of making a false statement to a peace officer under Maryland...
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Lexington Park Woman Charged with Felony Theft Scheme Involving Over $21,000

Lexington Park Woman Charged with Felony Theft Scheme Involving Over $21,000

Latoya Nicole Sewell, 43, of Lexington Park has been charged with two felony counts related to an alleged theft scheme involving more than $21,000, according to court documents filed in the District Court for St. Mary’s County. Sewell is facing charges of theft scheme: $1,500 to under $25,000 and theft: $1,500 to under $25,000,...
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Two Arrested in St. Mary’s County for Having Sex in Applebee’s Parking Lot

Two Arrested in St. Mary’s County for Having Sex in Applebee’s Parking Lot

Kaneesha Gross, 35, of Lexington Park, and James Washington, 58, of Capitol Heights, are facing charges after being arrested in connection with an alleged incident of public indecency on January 12, 2026. According to charging documents filed in the District Court for St. Mary’s County, the two were observed by a witness engaging in...
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U.S. Navy Demonstrates AI-Enabled Autonomy for Future Collaborative Combat Aircraft

U.S. Navy Demonstrates AI-Enabled Autonomy for Future Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The U.S. Navy recently completed a second successful demonstration advancing multi-platform coordination of autonomous systems, an essential step toward developing future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The Dec. 11 event at Point Mugu Sea Range in California focused on maturing manned-unmanned teaming capabilities for CCA, which are intended to extend the reach of carrier air wings and deliver scalable, cost-effective platforms capable of operating...
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Olympian Tanya Hughes to Deliver Keynote at 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Olympian Tanya Hughes to Deliver Keynote at 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Celebrate the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration on Monday, Jan.19, at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The celebration takes place in the Great Room of the College’s Campus Center. Breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. and costs $17.85 at the door. The...
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Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt Days Scheduled Feb. 2nd to 4th, 2026

Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt Days Scheduled Feb. 2nd to 4th, 2026

Maryland’s annual Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 2-4 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt antlered and antlerless sika and white-tailed deer during these three days. Primitive hunting devices are defined as long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or...
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St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – January 13, 2026

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – January 13, 2026

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. The CSMC then presented a commendation to Gloria Edwards in recognition of her retirement. During County Administrator Time, the CSMC took the following action: Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. Approved the Metropolitan Commission’s request to submit...
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