Wilmington's St. Paddy's Loop Is Back

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. The bar crawl is this weekend, so pace yourself, charge your phone, and maybe do not trust Kevin with the plans.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

There is always something to respond to. Floating is one of the few places where you do not have to. You rest in warm, buoyant water in a private suite, with control over the lights and music. When outside stimulation drops, your brain activity slows and stress hormones decrease.

That shift out of constant alert mode gives your mind a chance to reset. No conversation. No notifications. Just quiet.

If you are ready for an hour that is actually yours, visit firststatefloats.com and schedule your float.

Longtime locals may get this one fast. If you ever dressed up for a night out in Pike Creek, this name probably rings a bell.

The Delaware Department of Insurance has clarified that recent property reassessments won't lead to higher homeowners insurance premiums. This comes after some residents expressed concerns about potential increases. The department emphasized that insurance companies determine premiums based on the cost to rebuild a home, not on county tax assessments.

Officials have surveyed insurance carriers and confirmed that no companies are adjusting rates solely due to the reassessment. Homeowners are encouraged to review their insurance policies annually to ensure adequate coverage. The department also advises asking about how replacement costs are calculated and maintaining home safety features.

Homeowners might find savings by bundling insurance policies, increasing deductibles, or enhancing home security. Regularly reviewing coverage and shopping around can also help manage premiums effectively.

Delaware's Class of 2025 is making strides in Advanced Placement (AP) exams, with students earning over 11,000 qualifying scores of 3 or higher. This achievement, highlighted by the Delaware Department of Education, is set to save families around $18.4 million in college tuition, thanks to college credits earned while still in high school.

A new law, House Bill 116, ensures these AP scores translate into college credits at Delaware's public colleges and universities. This move is part of a broader strategy by state education leaders to boost access to challenging courses and create better pathways to college and careers.

These efforts are outlined in the Delaware Department of Education's 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which focuses on expanding academic opportunities and preparing students for future educational and career endeavors.

The Polly Drummond Hill yard waste site in Newark is set to reopen on March 14. It will be available for northern New Castle County residents to drop off their yard waste on weekends, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until the fall. This site is strictly for residential use, so commercial haulers will need to look elsewhere.

Delaware has banned yard waste from landfills since 2007, encouraging residents to mulch or compost instead. For those not handling it at home, several businesses across the state accept yard waste for recycling. Additionally, many waste haulers offer curbside pickup, and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority accepts yard waste for a fee.

DNREC also provides resources like their "What to Do With Yard Waste in Delaware" brochure and an annual Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale running through April 16. These efforts are part of a broader push to enhance Delaware's lawns and gardens while keeping waste out of landfills.

Ocean State Job Lot has officially opened its new New Castle store at Penn Mart Center, taking over the former Big Lots space and marking the discount chain's first location in New Castle County. The nearly 43,000-square-foot store is the company's third in Delaware and adds another major discount retailer to a shopping center many locals already know well.

The grand opening also included donations to Friendship House, the New Castle Boys & Girls Club, and Rose Hill Community Center, giving the opening a community piece beyond just the retail expansion. Ocean State Job Lot says the new store also brings additional jobs to the area as the company continues to grow its Delaware footprint.

Qnity Electronics, a spinoff from DuPont, is expanding its presence in the Newark area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly expanded site. This move comes as part of their strategic growth, supported by a grant from the State of Delaware based on employment and other benchmarks.

The expansion in Newark is complemented by Qnity's acquisition of a new $61.5 million semiconductor facility in Taiwan, aimed at meeting increased customer demand. The new site will bolster production capabilities for advanced chip manufacturing, featuring state-of-the-art clean rooms and research labs.

Qnity, which has roots in Newark through its predecessor Rodel, continues to grow its footprint. The company is set to begin operations at the new Taiwan facility in 2027, further enhancing its global supply chain and supporting next-generation technologies.

Wilmington City Council is debating a change to its charter that would prevent council members from switching political parties during their term. This proposal will be reviewed at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting. The current charter limits the number of at-large candidates from a single party, ensuring representation from minority parties.

This discussion follows an incident involving Councilman James Spadola, who switched from the Republican to the Democratic party after his election. Council President Trippi Congo sent Spadola a letter threatening to vacate his seat if he didn't revert to his original party by a specified date. Spadola has publicly criticized the move, calling it a threat to democracy and questioning the motives behind it.

The outcome of this proposed charter change could impact future council dynamics and party representation in Wilmington. It's a situation worth keeping an eye on as it unfolds.

New Castle County Council has passed new regulations for the data center industry after months of heated debate. The ordinance introduces rules like buffer zones and energy-efficient backup generators for new data center projects. However, these regulations won't apply to the contentious Project Washington near Delaware City, which remains in the pipeline.

Sources told Spotlight Delaware that the ordinance was a result of compromises made by Councilman Dave Carter, who adjusted the bill to address concerns about noise and other issues. The proposal passed with a 12-0 vote, with one council member absent.

The ordinance now awaits action from County Executive Marcus Henry, who is expected to sign it into law. Meanwhile, some union members worry these regulations might deter future data center projects, affecting job opportunities and tax revenue in the area.

Newark's city council has rolled out a new financial stability rule for its members. This comes after a former councilwoman reportedly filed for bankruptcy and later resigned. The rule requires council members and the mayor to not fall behind on their taxes or fees for more than two months. If they do, they have 60 days to get back on track or face removal, although being on a payment plan counts as good standing.

The decision sparked a lively discussion among council members. Councilman Jason Lawhorn voiced concerns that financial struggles could affect impartial decision-making. He highlighted the risk of council members being influenced if they're in debt. Mayor Travis McDermott echoed this sentiment, noting that financial delinquency might cloud judgment during budget votes. The new rule aligns with similar regulations in other Delaware cities, according to the city solicitor.

Delaware state employees using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy will see their copays rise to $200 for a 30-day supply starting July 1. Previously, they paid just $32. In a report from Spotlight Delaware, this change affects over 100,000 people covered by the Delaware General Health Insurance Plan. The increased copays are part of the state's effort to manage the rising costs of these medications, which have become a significant expense.

The State Employee Benefits Committee approved the new copay despite initial opposition from some members, including Jeff Taschner of the Delaware State Education Association. Taschner proposed a lower copay of $132, but his motion was rejected. The decision also comes with a 2.2% increase in monthly insurance premiums starting in Fiscal Year 2027.

Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay supported the copay hike but expressed a desire for future cost reductions. Meanwhile, Delaware has filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies over alleged price inflation of these drugs.

The Home Owners Expo at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Meet dozens of home improvement experts, attend practical seminars, and gather ideas for your next project at this two-day expo featuring contractors, designers, and local service providers. Saturday from 10 AM–6 PM and Sunday from 11 AM–4 PM; $8 adults, $7 seniors and active/retired military.

The 2026 Kennett Flash Jazz Jam at Kennett Flash welcomes jazz enthusiasts for an evening of spontaneous musical collaboration. Bring your instrument or just your love for jazz and enjoy the improvisational talents of local musicians. Thursday at 7 PM.

Stanley Jordan w/ Special Guest E. Shawn Qaissaunee at Elkton Music Hall presents a night of jazz mastery and fusion on stage. Renowned for his innovative guitar techniques, Stanley Jordan will be joined by the talented E. Shawn Qaissaunee, adding a rich layer of world music influences. Thursday at 8 PM.

The Grand Presents Tony Trischka's Earljam - Featuring Michael Daves at The Baby Grand showcases banjoist Tony Trischka's masterful mix of bluegrass, jazz, and more, drawing from his 54-year career. Attendees will enjoy both rapid-fire bluegrass instrumentals and poignant original compositions, including new arrangements by Earl Scruggs. Friday at 8 PM.

WXPN Welcomes Patterson Hood + John Moreland at Elkton Music Hall features two acclaimed singer-songwriters on stage for an intimate evening of storytelling and music. Expect heartfelt lyrics and soulful performances that explore themes of life and love. Friday at 8 PM.

Bank to Bend at Winterthur welcomes early spring with a day of garden walks, a plant sale, and a chance to catch the first blooms along the March Bank and Magnolia Bend. Saturday from 10 AM-3 PM. Admission includes guided and self-guided tours, with an optional lecture by landscape expert Rick Darke available for an additional $10.

Maple Sugar Festival at Ashland Nature Center invites you to savor a cozy pancake breakfast with live tunes from The Sugar Maples. Explore maple-themed crafts and vendors, and try your hand at tapping a maple tree to taste fresh sap. Perfect for families and syrup enthusiasts, this sweet event is a must-visit. Saturday at 9 AM-1 PM.

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Pub Crawl at Pell Gardens. Celebrate Irish spirit along the waterfront with Chesapeake City’s festive parade, followed by a lively pub crawl through local bars. Saturday at 12 PM. Vendors open in Pell Gardens starting at 9 AM, with plenty of green-themed fun before and after the parade. 🍀

St. Paddy's Loop at participating Wilmington venues brings one of Wilmington's biggest St. Patrick's Day traditions back with a citywide bar crawl, costume energy, and one cover for access to multiple stops throughout the afternoon and evening. Saturday at 2 PM. The fun starts even earlier with the St. Patrick's Parade through downtown from 12-2 PM, making it easy to roll right from the parade into the Loop.

The Forgetful Squirrels: PI(E) Day Show at Chapel Street Players invites you to an evening that swaps quick-fire jokes for a deeper dive into character and life. From a single spark of inspiration, watch as they weave interconnected scenes, finding humor and drama in everyday moments. Saturday at 7:30-9 PM.

Fearless Improv Monthly Show at The Delaware Contemporary. City Theater Company’s house improv team delivers a fast-paced night of unscripted comedy where audience suggestions help shape every scene, so no two performances are ever the same. Saturday at 8 PM. $20 in advance ($22.50 with fees) or $25 at the door.

The Grand Presents the Irish Tenors at Copeland Hall presents a night of enchanting Irish repertoire and sweeping secular selections by the acknowledged Celtic music kings. With ten best-selling CDs, they're famous for performances that bring full houses and standing ovations worldwide. Saturday at 8 PM.

Sue Foley - One Guitar Woman at Elkton Music Hall showcases the award-winning blues guitarist on stage for an evening of soulful tunes and storytelling. Experience the raw power of her music, featuring her signature guitar work and heartfelt lyrics. Saturday at 8 PM.

Superunknown (Acoustic): Solo Tribute to Chris Cornell at Kennett Flash offers an intimate acoustic experience celebrating the legendary voice of Chris Cornell. With a focus on his solo work and Soundgarden hits, this tribute captures the essence of his powerful storytelling and soulful sound. Saturday at 8 PM.

Belfast Connection | St. Paddy’s Celebration at Kennett Flash. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a lively night of Irish folk as Belfast Connection brings classic drinking songs, Celtic standards, and energetic jigs to the stage. Sunday at 8 PM. Tickets are $20, with doors opening at 7 PM and BYOB available for $5. 🍀

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

57 🌡️ 28 | 🌧️ Rain/Snow Showers | 98% | 💨 NW 18 mph

51 🌡️ 41 | ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | 7% | 💨 S 20 mph

54 🌡️ 38 | 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | 1% | 💨 WNW 15 mph

55 🌡️ 49 | ☁️ Cloudy | 24% | 💨 ESE 15 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 40ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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