Ocean City residents and visitors react to “takeover” events
Ocean City, Md. – A social media trend known as “takeovers” are spreading nationwide and its hitting Delmarva.
“Takeover” events are when massive groups of people come to meet, usually in resort towns all over the country. On Delmarva, two takover-style events, one in Rehoboth Beach and another in Ocean City, have led to arrests. Some say they shouldn’t be allowed at all.
“Whoever’s doing the takeover should be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Rehoboth Beach resident Denise Vilkas said. She also said she thought residents and visitors should not have to feel unsafe due to the takeovers.
Michael Jason McDonald lives in Frederick, Md. but also has a condo in Ocean City and has the takeovers are “disrespectful”and “annoying.” He said while they have not “deterred” him and his loved ones from enjoying their time in Ocean City, the takeovers are something that he is cognizant of.
“You know, they can pop up and, you know, it’s annoying,” McDonald said.
Julio Johnson is a 21-year-old Ocean City resident and says the trends have been getting “crazier and crazier.”
“If it’s getting to that point where it’s drugs and all that, I mean, it has to stop. No maybes, no ifs, no buts, no coconuts,” he said.
Others said the takeovers are all in good fun, but there needs to be some moderation and consideration for everyone else.
“I think since it’s a public place, I feel like people should be able to go where they want on the boardwalk, even if they’re gathering in groups,” 17-year-old Skyler Koontz said. “But also if they’re being loud or destructive, I get that part also.”
15-year-old Floridian Anthony Almeida said he thinks people should be able to have them, so long as they let the city know if there will be a large group.
But age has little to do with being on board with the events. 14-year-old Charisma Joyce Pulou said she knows about one that might happen for the Fourth of July, but says she won’t be attending.
“I just find it really irresponsible,” Charisma said. “And these cops should know and like, everybody should know not to ruin their state and their property because they’re ruining the areas that they get to hang out with.”
