DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, May 31, 2020
New video shows George Floyd being dragged out of his car without resisting arrest, handcuffed and manhandled on the sidewalk before he was 'murdered' by cop who kneeled on his neck
New video footage shows the moment George Floyd was pulled from his car by police officers moments before a white officer pinned him to the ground by his neck in an altercation that led to his death and sparked national calls for justice in Minneapolis.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was filmed passing out on the ground on Monday after a police officer knelt on his neck as he arrested him for allegedly trying to use forged documents at a local deli.
He later died in hospital following the altercation that is now under investigation by the FBI and prompted thousands of protesters to take to the streets.
The Minneapolis Police Department had confirmed Floyd, a father of two, died on Monday night after suffering 'medical distress' after officers responded to a call of a 'forgery in progress.'
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Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was filmed passing out on the ground on Monday after a police officer knelt on his neck as he arrested him for allegedly trying to use forged documents at a local deli.
He later died in hospital following the altercation that is now under investigation by the FBI and prompted thousands of protesters to take to the streets.
The Minneapolis Police Department had confirmed Floyd, a father of two, died on Monday night after suffering 'medical distress' after officers responded to a call of a 'forgery in progress.'
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Hypocrisy On Display
A Viewer Writes: Salisbury Maryland Mayor Jake Day
Caribbean Joe's Will Reopen This Saturday At Noon
So come join us at noon for $1.00 drafts. At 1 PM, $1.50 drafts. 2 PM, $2.00 drafts. 3 PM, $2.50 drafts. 4 PM, $3.00 drafts. 5 PM $3.50 drafts. 6 PM and beyond, $4.00 drafts. We'll have our 80" outdoor flat screen going as well as ALL of our surround sound speakers. Heck, we might even have a band show up this weekend.
Based On These Restrictions Caribbean Joe's Will NOT reopen This Weekend
The mere fact that we feel it will overwhelm so many different departments to approve or even disapprove these requirements and so many businesses in need of inspections we have chosen to hold out till phase II and see where things go from there. In order to make outdoor seating for a simple weekend, (financially) makes no sense at this time. One week just isn't worth it. On Thursday we went out, (once again for three weeks now) and purchased everything necessary to restock for opening Saturday and ultimately we received the requirements below helping me to make this decision. I'm growing tired of expenditures only to get shot down once again.
As you will read below I'm confident all of you will understand why it is just impossible to meet all these requirements. Trust me, we want more than anything to stop this roller coaster ride to end and get back to work but how can we do so within just hours to make it happen and each and everyone to enjoy what "used to be". We will see what phase II brings and go from there but I have to admit, we're very disappointed and we're sorry we cannot deliver.
I had in depth conversations with my entire staff and they firmly agreed with this final decision. ALL of us want to go back to work but the conditions are NOT what bars and restaurants are here for. We wish the very best to those who do choose to open and hopefully in the very near future we can all go back to business as usual. Thanks for understanding.
Must follow current MARYLAND STRONG: ROADMAP TO RECOVERY and all CDC Guidelines General Guidelines for Outdoor Seating
• Must adhere to all conditions of the Governor’s most current executive order as it pertains to physical distancing, face coverings and hygiene for retail and food service establishments.
• Outdoor seating space, tents and barriers shall not block fire department access for emergency apparatus, sprinkler fire department connections, fire hydrants or knox box accessibility.
• The outdoor dining area shall be clearly delineated by railings, stanchions, or other suitable barriers and shown on the plan. No service shall be permitted outside the delineated area.
• Handicap access to and from seating to the building, restrooms and parking areas shall be shown. Must maintain a clear, marked path for pedestrians, a minimum of six feet.
• Outdoor seating or new use areas may not be located within a required yard setback, stormwater management facility, drainage area or closer than ten feet to any well.
• Outdoor seating will be limited by state restrictions on restaurant capacity, but in no instance can previously permitted seating levels for the food service facility be exceeded.
• Seating that is not used due to state capacity restrictions must be removed or roped off and restricted for public use with appropriate signage.
• Customers shall be served only when seated at tables. No standees.
• Must maintain six feet between tables as measured from the closest chair to closest chair as measured when occupied.
• Adequate on-site parking must be provided as required by the Zoning Ordinance for the size of the use area as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
• No outdoor food or beverage prep shall be permitted, nor shall a bar structure be permitted.
• No outside music or sound system shall be permitted in the temporary outdoor seating area.
• Social distancing must be maintained. No waiting queues are permitted; patrons required to make reservations or have a mobile device notification.
• Outdoor area must close the earlier of 10:00 P.M. (Sunday – Thursday) / 11:00 P.M. (Friday and Saturday) unless required to close earlier by the Board of License Commissioners.
• The plan should identify any lighting or other safety measures to be utilized during the evening hours of operation.
• Signage of customer requirements shall also be posted at each buffet table and for restrooms. Directional signage, ropes or stanchions will be required to manage the flow of customers through the buffet lines and back and forth to the restrooms to ensure proper physical distancing.
• Must contact Environmental Health Department for operational procedures, including cleaning and sanitizing.
• No portable restrooms shall be permitted.
NOTE: A separate permit will be required to be obtained from the Worcester County Health Department.
THERE SHALL BE NO FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS REQUEST.
'When the looting starts, the shooting starts': Trump outraged by Minnesota protests
President Trump reacted with shock and anger to the third night of protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul over the death of George Floyd.
Just before 1 a.m. ET, after the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct was set on fire, Trump shot off a series of tweets that decried a "lack of leadership" from Minneapolis officials and compared the protesters to "thugs."
"I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right," Trump said in one tweet.
"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen," Trump said in another tweet. "Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you."
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Just before 1 a.m. ET, after the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct was set on fire, Trump shot off a series of tweets that decried a "lack of leadership" from Minneapolis officials and compared the protesters to "thugs."
"I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right," Trump said in one tweet.
"These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen," Trump said in another tweet. "Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you."
MORE
A Comment Worthy Of A Post: Caribbean Joe's
Police in Minneapolis withdraw from locations in the city as looters take over during protest
The police chief says it's too dangerous for his officers
The Minneapolis Police Department has pulled its officers away from several locations in the city after protests over the death of George Floyd erupted in violence, looting, and vandalism on Wednesday night.
What are the details?
As a Target store, a liquor store, and an AutoZone were all overcome by looters, a KARE-TV reporter noted to Police Chief Medaria Arradondo that there was no police presence at the locations during an evening interview. Arradondo explained, "Our main priority for our officers there are the safety of those who are out there."
The chief noted that there were peaceful protesters who were "in the mix of those who are causing destruction" and said the MPD wanted to make sure they had the resources in place to protect the peaceful protesters and to preserve "life and safety."
The KARE reported then asked, while showing footage of the looting at Target, "I want to make sure I'm understanding you correctly. So, what you're saying is it's too dangerous for police to directly confront the looters, so, you've made the decision to maybe let that site go for now and focus on keeping the rest of the neighborhood as safe as possible?"
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The Minneapolis Police Department has pulled its officers away from several locations in the city after protests over the death of George Floyd erupted in violence, looting, and vandalism on Wednesday night.
What are the details?
As a Target store, a liquor store, and an AutoZone were all overcome by looters, a KARE-TV reporter noted to Police Chief Medaria Arradondo that there was no police presence at the locations during an evening interview. Arradondo explained, "Our main priority for our officers there are the safety of those who are out there."
The chief noted that there were peaceful protesters who were "in the mix of those who are causing destruction" and said the MPD wanted to make sure they had the resources in place to protect the peaceful protesters and to preserve "life and safety."
The KARE reported then asked, while showing footage of the looting at Target, "I want to make sure I'm understanding you correctly. So, what you're saying is it's too dangerous for police to directly confront the looters, so, you've made the decision to maybe let that site go for now and focus on keeping the rest of the neighborhood as safe as possible?"
More
Maryland COVID-19 Data 5-24-2020
COVID-19 Statistics in Maryland
Number of confirmed cases : 46,313
Number of negative test results : 194,049
Number of confirmed deaths : 2,162
Number of probable deaths : 115
Currently hospitalized : 1,290
Acute care : 787
Intensive care : 503
Ever hospitalized : 7,939
Released from isolation : 3,319
Number of negative test results : 194,049
Number of confirmed deaths : 2,162
Number of probable deaths : 115
Currently hospitalized : 1,290
Acute care : 787
Intensive care : 503
Ever hospitalized : 7,939
Released from isolation : 3,319
Cases and Deaths Data Breakdown:
Parenthesis = Confirmed death, laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test result
Asterisk = Probable death, death certificate lists COVID-19 as the cause of death but not yet confirmed by a laboratory test
NH = Non-Hispanic
Parenthesis = Confirmed death, laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test result
Asterisk = Probable death, death certificate lists COVID-19 as the cause of death but not yet confirmed by a laboratory test
NH = Non-Hispanic
By County
| County | Cases | Deaths | |
| Allegany | 170 | (14) | |
| Anne Arundel | 3,307 | (145) | 8* |
| Baltimore City | 4,782 | (222) | 9* |
| Baltimore County | 5,373 | (285) | 15* |
| Calvert | 304 | (14) | 1* |
| Caroline | 240 | ||
| Carroll | 783 | (74) | 2* |
| Cecil | 345 | (21) | |
| Charles | 989 | (67) | 2* |
| Dorchester | 127 | (2) | |
| Frederick | 1,696 | (91) | 7* |
| Garrett | 7 | ||
| Harford | 780 | (45) | 3* |
| Howard | 1,667 | (48) | 4* |
| Kent | 152 | (14) | |
| Montgomery | 9,922 | (522) | 36* |
| Prince George's | 13,521 | (468) | 22* |
| Queen Anne's | 146 | (12) | |
| St. Mary's | 393 | (14) | |
| Somerset | 72 | (1) | |
| Talbot | 79 | (1) | |
| Washington | 408 | (11) | |
| Wicomico | 867 | (22) | |
| Worcester | 183 | (9) | 1* |
| Data not available | (60) | 5* |
By Age Range and Gender
| Age/Gender | Cases | Deaths | |
| 0-9 | 1,018 | ||
| 10-19 | 1,899 | (1) | |
| 20-29 | 6,270 | (12) | 1* |
| 30-39 | 8,587 | (28) | 4* |
| 40-49 | 8,411 | (58) | 4* |
| 50-59 | 7,667 | (148) | 10* |
| 60-69 | 5,511 | (338) | 11* |
| 70-79 | 3,596 | (534) | 15* |
| 80+ | 3,354 | (984) | 65* |
| Data not available | (59) | 5* | |
| Female | 24,075 | (1,068) | 69* |
| Male | 22,238 | (1,094) | 46* |
By Race and Ethnicity
| Race/Ethnicity | Cases | Deaths | |
| African-American (NH) | 13,762 | (899) | 37* |
| Asian (NH) | 889 | (81) | 6* |
| White (NH) | 9,232 | (898) | 59* |
| Hispanic | 11,383 | (191) | 7* |
| Other (NH) | 2,272 | (28) | |
| Data not available | 8,775 | (65) | 6* |
****A new, interactive map of COVID-19 testing sites is now available. Users can find nearby testing locations and learn more about their hours and appointment policies. More sites will be added in the weeks to come.
https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/symptoms-testing?
THREE ASYMPTOMATIC CITY EMPLOYEES TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
Salisbury– Mayor Jake Day has announced that three additional City of Salisbury employees have tested positive in relation to last week’s positive case within the Salisbury Fire Department, bringing the total of City employees who have contracted the virus to five.
As a precautionary measure, all members who may have been in direct contact with last week’s COVID-19 positive member are being tested. These tests revealed three more positive cases contained within the Salisbury Fire Department, bringing the total to five positive cases. Two of the three additional Salisbury Fire Department employees who tested positive are currently asymptomatic and are not experiencing any problems at this time. The third employee has lost their sense of taste.
“As a precaution and based on CDC guidelines, these members will not return to work for 10 days post positive testing. Should these members begin to experience any symptoms, their leave time will be extended,” noted Salisbury Fire Chief, John Tull.
Mitigation of the virus is as important as ever and the City of Salisbury and its administration continue to take proper precautions in order to keep employees and citizens safe and healthy. Essential City employees have their temperatures checked throughout the day, wear cloth and medical-grade masks while on duty, practice social distancing, avoiding those who are sick, and stay home and self-isolate if it is suspected that they are sick.
City Administrator, Julia Glanz added “This is a reminder of how important ample testing is for all communities to get back to normal. If these employees were not testing they could have unknowingly spread COVID-19 to those around them. By getting these employees tested they can quarantine at home and reduce the growth of COVID-19. I appreciate Chief Tull for taking all the appropriate measures to keep his team and our community healthy.”
As a precautionary measure, all members who may have been in direct contact with last week’s COVID-19 positive member are being tested. These tests revealed three more positive cases contained within the Salisbury Fire Department, bringing the total to five positive cases. Two of the three additional Salisbury Fire Department employees who tested positive are currently asymptomatic and are not experiencing any problems at this time. The third employee has lost their sense of taste.
“As a precaution and based on CDC guidelines, these members will not return to work for 10 days post positive testing. Should these members begin to experience any symptoms, their leave time will be extended,” noted Salisbury Fire Chief, John Tull.
Mitigation of the virus is as important as ever and the City of Salisbury and its administration continue to take proper precautions in order to keep employees and citizens safe and healthy. Essential City employees have their temperatures checked throughout the day, wear cloth and medical-grade masks while on duty, practice social distancing, avoiding those who are sick, and stay home and self-isolate if it is suspected that they are sick.
City Administrator, Julia Glanz added “This is a reminder of how important ample testing is for all communities to get back to normal. If these employees were not testing they could have unknowingly spread COVID-19 to those around them. By getting these employees tested they can quarantine at home and reduce the growth of COVID-19. I appreciate Chief Tull for taking all the appropriate measures to keep his team and our community healthy.”
Ocean City Restaurants Calls It Quits For The 2020 Season: Paul Revere Smorgasbord
It is with a very heavy heart and much disappointment to announce to all of our friends and customers that due to new Covid-19 guidelines, It has been decided that the buffet-style Restaurant "Paul Revere Smorgasbord" will not reopen for this 2020 season.
Restaurants in Maryland have yet to receive any inside or outside dining accommodations at this late date which has made it hard to make any business decisions.
Thank you to all for your wonderful words and for checking in over the past few months! we apologize for this late decision as we were working hard and being very hopeful to the last possible moment.
Restaurants in Maryland have yet to receive any inside or outside dining accommodations at this late date which has made it hard to make any business decisions.
Thank you to all for your wonderful words and for checking in over the past few months! we apologize for this late decision as we were working hard and being very hopeful to the last possible moment.
A Viewer Writes: Speed Cameras-School Zones
Joe:
Why hasn’t Salisbury City turned off the speed cameras in school zones? Their justification for the cameras was “student safety”? They even justified leaving them on at night and on weekends because students had sporting events that required them to be on campus. They justified leaving them on during summer due to children attending summer school. However, since school closed on March 15th, there are no students on campus AT ALL. There are no sporting events, there will be no summer school on campus and there is no student foot traffic at all. The argument and justification of “student safety” does not apply. Every speed camera citation that has been issued since March 15th should not be valid since their justification no longer applies. I may be mistaken but, I believe, the law allows it for “student safety”. If so, with the current events, the cameras are outside of the scope of the law. The city should be required to turn them off until students are permitted to return.
Why hasn’t Salisbury City turned off the speed cameras in school zones? Their justification for the cameras was “student safety”? They even justified leaving them on at night and on weekends because students had sporting events that required them to be on campus. They justified leaving them on during summer due to children attending summer school. However, since school closed on March 15th, there are no students on campus AT ALL. There are no sporting events, there will be no summer school on campus and there is no student foot traffic at all. The argument and justification of “student safety” does not apply. Every speed camera citation that has been issued since March 15th should not be valid since their justification no longer applies. I may be mistaken but, I believe, the law allows it for “student safety”. If so, with the current events, the cameras are outside of the scope of the law. The city should be required to turn them off until students are permitted to return.
The Bill Passed For Second Stimulus Check And Hazard Pay For Essential Workers
The House successfully passed a fourth stimulus relief package yesterday. The $3 trillion Heroes Act contains a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks, $200 billion in hazard pay for essential workers, six additional months of COVID-19 unemployment, funding for state, local and tribal governments and food and housing assistance among several other things. Overall, three different stimulus relief packages have so far gone on to become law and are currently being implemented throughout the nation. Though the Republican-led Senate is pushing against injecting more stimulus money into the economy, Friday’s House vote was a huge step towards delivering a fourth stimulus package to America.
Most Americans, including the unemployed, employed, employers, governments, students and families, have an interest in many aspects of the newest stimulus package; however, some aspects stand out more than most for some I have spoken with. Based on these studies and the near daily conversations I have with a cross-section of employers, executives and employees, there is huge interest in two specific core aspects. A bunch of discussion occurs around whether Congress will pass a second round of stimulus checks and whether it will pass hazard pay for essential workers.
Here are the questions we have been getting and howThe Heroes Act that the House passed yesterday advances some answers.
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Most Americans, including the unemployed, employed, employers, governments, students and families, have an interest in many aspects of the newest stimulus package; however, some aspects stand out more than most for some I have spoken with. Based on these studies and the near daily conversations I have with a cross-section of employers, executives and employees, there is huge interest in two specific core aspects. A bunch of discussion occurs around whether Congress will pass a second round of stimulus checks and whether it will pass hazard pay for essential workers.
Here are the questions we have been getting and howThe Heroes Act that the House passed yesterday advances some answers.
More