Weather Alert

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING
TO 5 AM EST MONDAY...

* WHAT...One to two feet of inundation above ground level
expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.

* WHERE...Kent, Inland Sussex and Delaware Beaches.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 5 AM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...At this level, widespread roadway flooding occurs in
coastal and bayside communities and along inland tidal
waterways. Many roads become impassable. Some damage to
vulnerable structures may begin to occur. With any major
flooding, flooding may become severe enough to cause more
significant structural damage and some locations may become
isolated by the flood waters.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread minor to near moderate coastal
flooding likely with the Monday afternoon high tide. Tidal
flooding may also occur with the Monday night high tide.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Coastal Flood Warning means that moderate or major tidal
flooding is occurring or imminent. Be prepared for rising water
levels and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
Follow the recommendations of local emergency management
officials.

Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The water may be
deeper than you think it is. You will be putting yourself in
danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly
repairs.

Visit the National Water Prediction Service at
https://water.noaa.gov/wfo/phi for additional water level and
flood impact information for your local tide gauge.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Murderkill River at Bowers Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.6 ft, Moderate 7.6 ft, Major 8.6 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.9 ft, Moderate 1.9 ft, Major 2.9 ft

Total      Total    Departure
Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Flood
ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft      Impact
--------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
22/01 PM     6.4        0.7        1.9       None
23/01 AM     8.1        2.4        2.7     Moderate
23/01 PM     7.2        1.5        3.1      Minor
24/02 AM     6.8        1.1        1.5      Minor
24/02 PM     4.9       -0.8        1.1       None

Delaware Bay at Lewes
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.0 ft, Moderate 7.0 ft, Major 8.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.3 ft, Moderate 2.3 ft, Major 3.3 ft

Total      Total    Departure
Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Flood
ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft      Impact
--------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------
22/12 PM     5.7        1.0        2.1       None
23/12 AM     8.0        3.3        3.8      Major
23/01 PM     6.7        2.0        3.4      Minor
24/01 AM     6.2        1.5        2.0      Minor
24/02 PM     4.0       -0.7        1.0       None
25/02 AM     4.8        0.2        0.7       None

&&

Closings

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'It was a seamless integration': Panelists share past memories at the old Lewes Community Playground

Drew Bellinger
Drew Bellinger
Reporter

Drew Bellinger recently joined the CoastTV News team in August of 2025 as a video journalist. Before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Towson University in 2024, he completed a General Studies Associate's degree program from the Community College of Baltimore County.

Author email
Feb 21, 2026
Feb 21, 2026 Updated 10 hrs ago

LEWES, Del. - The City of Lewes African American Heritage Commission brought together Lewes community members to present "This Used to Be My Playground" for an afternoon of memories.

Saturday's event, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lewes Elementary School, was designed to remember the memories created at the old Lewes Community Playground.

African American community members called the Lewes Community Playground a safe space during the mid 1900's, despite the state of America at the time. The former playground space, which is now Shipcarpenter Square, provided many in the city with lifelong memories.

"We were allowed to go over there and play," Pat Lee tells CoastTV. "It was special, because back then, a lot of times, we weren't as black people, we were not allowed."

Pat Lee says the event today was like a big Lewes reunion, as she and many others at the event got the chance to reminisce over the experiences they shared at the playground.

"I think it's wonderful to bring back all these memories. I think it's wonderful," Lee says.

Panelists shared memories of playing sports such as football, baseball, and on the playground sets with one another. Some shared memories of eating hot dogs and drinking cold sodas, enjoying the scenes that the playground and Lewes had to offer.

Others on the panel shared that some of those who frequented the playground would go on to play professional sports, such as Chris Short, who had a baseball career with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rob Schroeder, who spoke on the panel, says he felt the connection between the groups of kids was one that formed naturally.

"It was a seamless integration," Schroeder says. "Before there was any school integration, before there was integration in lots of other ways in the greater Lewes community society, this was unique that we came together. These two groups of kids just to have fun playing sports together."

The deep bond between those who showed up was apparent. For some, such as Schroeder, it was the first time they had all connected in a long time.

Drew Bellinger

Reporter

Drew Bellinger recently joined the CoastTV News team in August of 2025 as a video journalist. Before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Towson University in 2024, he completed a General Studies Associate's degree program from the Community College of Baltimore County.