AGP Executive Report

Shark-Safety Updates: Maine officials are urging caution as great white sightings keep popping up, including reports that Wells beaches were closed to swimming after another sighting and lifeguards were reportedly dragged underwater—so plan beach days with extra checks before you go. Tourism Spotlight (Events): The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is back next week (Aug. 21–23) with a free public lineup of 14 balloons, plus skydiving and a special “Freedom Flyer” tied to the 250th anniversary theme. Outdoor & Adventure: Bald Mountain in Oquossoc is getting new ski glades this winter and next after volunteer clearing work, with routes starting and ending at nearby snowmobile trails. Local Community Fun: South Portland’s “Cars and Coffee” returns as a long-running charity meet-up, with proceeds supporting Midcoast Humane. Travel-Friendly Health Access: Maine expanded its universal immunization program for adults up to age 64, making it easier for travelers to stay up to date on vaccines. Maine Cabin Masters: Chase and Sarah Morrill are pushing major renovations on “All Inn,” aiming to expand their Waters Run Bed & Breakfast with new ADA and duplex-style units.

Community & Charity: South Portland’s “Cars and Coffee” keeps rolling monthly in season, raising money for Midcoast Humane with a raffle and donations—next and final event is Sept. 20. Road Safety: Maine State Police say a New Hampshire man was charged after 14+ 911 calls reported a driver topping 100 mph and acting erratically on I-295; he was stopped in Waterville and faces Criminal OUI and Criminal Speed. Family Fun & Local Culture: The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is next week—here’s what to know for the free, public event with 14 balloons and added thrills like a professional parachute team. Outdoor Recreation: Bald Mountain in Oquossoc is getting new ski glades this winter and next after volunteer clearing work tied to local backcountry groups. Historic Day Trips: The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway in Alna offers a classic steam-rail experience through the Sheepscot Valley, with different ride options depending on the day. Wildlife Watch: Maine officials are urging caution as great white shark sightings continue, including reports tied to beach closures and enhanced safety measures.

Shark Safety: Maine officials are urging beachgoers to use extra caution as white shark sightings increase, with guidance like avoiding dawn/dusk swims, staying close to shore, and steering clear of areas with fishing activity or schools of fish. Local Travel Disruption: MaineDOT is investigating the partial collapse of the Llewellen Estes Bridge in Old Town; the temporary Stillwater Ave bridge remains open, but inspections and a fact-finding review are underway. Rail for Visitors: Portland’s Amtrak Downeaster station is set to move closer to the CSX main line after a $48M federal grant, aiming to cut travel time and improve reliability. Family Fun on the Calendar: LifeFlight of Maine is adding a community Family-Fun 5K at Portland’s Back Cove Trail as part of its Cross for LifeFlight fundraiser. Outdoor Adventure: Bald Mountain in Oquossoc is getting new ski glades this winter and next year after volunteer clearing work, with routes tied into local snowmobile trails. Community Spotlight: Lewiston-Auburn’s Balloon Festival returns Aug. 21-23, and organizers say it’s bigger than ever for the 250th anniversary theme. Roadside Update: A New Hampshire man was arrested after 14 callers reported a car traveling over 100 mph and driving erratically on a Maine highway.

Historic Rail Day Trip: Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway is offering a fresh way to explore Maine’s Sheepscot Valley by steam train from Alna, with rotating experiences like open-air cars, a restored livestock boxcar, farm stops, and even a Trout Brook Preserve hike. Shark Safety on the Coast: Maine DMR is urging beachgoers to use caution as white shark sightings rise, recommending swimmers avoid dawn/dusk, skip shiny jewelry and excessive splashing, stay near shore/lifeguards, and report sightings via the Sharktivity app. Scarborough Beach Incident: A veteran Scarborough lifeguard was dragged several feet underwater after a great white bit a rescue torpedo; the park closed briefly while officials assessed the situation. Old Town Bridge Update: MaineDOT says it’s conducting a thorough fact-finding review after a partial collapse of the Llewellen Estes Bridge under construction, with inspections planned for spans and the temporary detour bridge. Downeaster Boost: Portland’s Amtrak Downeaster station is set to get $48M in federal funding to relocate closer to the CSX main line, aiming to cut reverse moves and improve reliability. White Shark Research: Maine researchers tagged their first juvenile white shark in the Gulf of Maine as part of new DMR, UMaine, and UMass Dartmouth projects to better understand young shark habitat use. Back-to-School Help: In Presque Isle, Community Action’s back-to-school event handed out about 900 backpacks and supplies to families ahead of the new school year. Family-Friendly Fundraiser: LifeFlight of Maine is adding a Family-Fun 5K at Portland’s Back Cove Trail to its Cross for LifeFlight fundraiser.

Shark safety update: Maine officials are urging beachgoers to use extra caution as white shark sightings rise, especially near Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach, with guidance to avoid splashing, shiny jewelry, dawn/dusk swims, and areas with fish or seals. On-the-ground incident: A veteran Scarborough lifeguard was bitten and dragged several feet underwater by a great white while using a rescue torpedo, prompting a short beach closure and renewed attention on swimmer safety. Research for answers: Maine DMR, UMaine, and UMass Dartmouth tagged their first juvenile white shark in Maine waters (“Bug”) to better understand young shark habitat use in the Gulf of Maine. Travel infrastructure: MaineDOT is investigating the partial collapse of the Llewellen Estes Bridge under construction in Old Town; no motorists were affected, and officials say no significant environmental impacts have been identified. Rail boost: Portland’s Amtrak Downeaster station relocation won $48M in federal funding to move it closer to the CSX main line, aiming to cut travel times and improve reliability. Community tourism-adjacent event: LifeFlight of Maine adds a Family-Fun 5K at Portland’s Back Cove Trail as part of its Cross for LifeFlight fundraiser.

Bridge & Construction Updates: MaineDOT is still investigating Thursday’s partial collapse of the Llewellyn Estes Bridge in Old Town, saying workers were injured but not seriously and that it’s collecting details on design, fabrication, and construction while coordinating with environmental officials; inspections of bridge spans and the temporary detour bridge are underway. Rail & Getting Around: A $48M federal grant was awarded to relocate Portland’s Amtrak Downeaster station closer to the CSX main line to cut travel time and improve reliability, though no construction timeline is set. Sharks & Beach Safety: Maine’s white-shark research is ramping up, with DMR tagging its first juvenile white shark in the Gulf of Maine (“Bug”) and more sightings prompting continued attention to coastal conditions and closures. Local Food & Travel Ideas: A new Asian-fusion spot, Sakura Harbor in Searsport, opened in July, adding another dining stop for midcoast visitors. Community & Visitor-Friendly Events: The Maine Sports Commission is awarding $25K+ in marketing grants to nine events, including IRONMAN 70.3 Maine, pond hockey, trail races, and skijor—good news for four-season tourism. Safety Reminder for Families: Kennebunk Fire Rescue is urging “phones down, eyes up” after a beach incident where a child wandered away from a caregiver.

Shark Safety & Beach Closures: Maine’s summer season gets another jolt as officials report enhanced safety measures and multiple great white shark sightings, including beach closures in Wells and at state parks after swimmers were kept out. Health Alert for Travelers: The FDA says Maine is now among 17 states tied to the largest cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, with the CDC reporting thousands of cases nationwide. Bridge Disruption in Old Town: A construction collapse of the Llewellyn Estes Bridge injured three people and shut down Stillwater Avenue between College Avenue and Bennoch Road, with drivers urged to avoid the area while cleanup continues. Local Travel Planning: Ellsworth lifted a boil-water order for the Bridge Hill area after a water main break, but visitors should still watch for any lingering road or utility impacts. Family Fun: Sail, Power & Steam Museum in Rockland hosts a free open house Aug. 22 for Capt. Jim Sharp’s birthday, a good midcoast stop for families and maritime fans. Food & Dining Buzz: Katherine Heigl visited Mabel’s Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport, adding another celebrity stop to a classic Maine lobster-roll destination. Weekend Picks: Dover, NH’s “Revel in the Meadow” (Aug. 15) brings live music, food, art, and onsite camping with proceeds supporting young artists across Southern Maine and the Seacoast.

Shark Safety & Beach Closures: Great white sightings are keeping Maine beaches on alert, with multiple reports prompting swimmer restrictions and closures as officials ramp up safety measures for visitors. Bridge Disruptions: Old Town’s Stillwater Avenue bridge work hit a scare when a construction portion collapsed into the river, injuring three people and triggering a local traffic avoidance advisory. Bridge Risk Watch: In Kingfield, the deteriorating Iron Bridge is back under the microscope at a planning board meeting, with questions about ownership, repair responsibility, and whether a two-lane replacement is needed. Outdoor Caution: Franklin County responders faced three tough rescue calls in a week, including a fatality at Tumbledown Pond—another reminder that Maine hikes and ponds can turn serious fast. Local Flavor & Celebrity Stop: Kennebunkport’s Mabel’s Lobster Claw drew national buzz after Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl visited. Family Fun Calendar: Belfast’s Hospice Flexible 5K on Sept. 12 invites walkers, strollers, and bikes along the rail trail, plus a Maine Book Festival Aug. 22 at Thomaston Public Library.

Shark alerts for beachgoers: Wells closed to swimming after a great white was spotted within 500 yards, and Scarborough/Higgins Beach sightings are driving more safety measures and purple-flag warnings. Wildlife on the water: A Hampton Harbor whale-watching and deep-sea fishing expedition highlights Maine’s long-running coastal tourism draw. Outdoor safety reminder: A Westbrook teen drowned in Tumbledown Pond after hiking Tumbledown Mountain, underscoring how quickly conditions can turn. Fishing culture: A York-area fly shop story shares why striped bass fishing matters—and why anglers should protect the fishery. Local travel notes: Holy Donut is permanently closing its Brunswick location (last day Aug. 23), while Bangor’s Furniture Gallery and 207 Wellness host a free Back-to-School Bash Aug. 16. Family-friendly access: An Ohio visitor who’s legally blind is touring national parks with her guide dog, including a sunrise at Acadia. Coastal conditions: Reports say Gulf of Maine waters feel colder this season, tied to a pulse of subarctic water.

Shark Alerts at the Beach: Wells closed to swimming after a reported 10-foot juvenile great white near shore, joining Scarborough and Reid State Park closures as sightings keep piling up and towns add drones, rescue dogs, and more patrols. Coastal Safety Upgrades: Scarborough says it’s boosting monitoring at Scarborough Beach State Park after a lifeguard was pulled underwater, with lifeguards, Jet Ski response, and expanded surveillance. Tourism & Travel Planning Moment: Acadia National Park is getting a $1.5M grant to share real-time congestion and wait-time info (plus weather) for key areas like Jordan Pond and Sand Beach. Camping & Glamping Update: Kennebunkport’s Sandy Pines Campground has been sold to Streamside RV Resorts, with Atlantic Hospitality managing through the end of 2026. Local Flavor: Holy Donut is permanently closing its Brunswick location (final day Aug. 23) while keeping its other Maine shops running. Family Fun on the Calendar: Bangor’s Furniture Gallery and 207 Wellness host a free Back-to-School Bash Aug. 16, and Waterville Elks Lodge #905 runs “Tools to Thrive” backpack distribution Aug. 16. History Stop for Visitors: A rare Declaration of Independence copy will be on display at UMPI in Presque Isle Sept. 11–12 as part of a statewide tour.

Shark Safety at Scarborough Beach: A 71-year-old veteran lifeguard, Greg Wilfert, says a great white grabbed his rescue torpedo and pulled him about 5–6 feet underwater at Scarborough Beach State Park; the beach was temporarily closed while officials monitored activity. More Maine Wildlife Buzz: Humpback whales have been spotted in Penobscot Bay, drawing attention from tourists and locals as sightings appear more inshore this summer. Family Beach Reminder: Kennebunkport officials issued a stern warning after a child briefly went missing at Mother’s Beach when a parent was distracted by a phone; the child was found in another beach area and reunited. Trails Funding Demand: Maine’s Trails Program is seeing heavy interest again, with the second round drawing more applications than available grant money. Getting There: Bangor International Airport is set to receive $5.5M in federal funds to improve runways, supporting safer travel for visitors and cargo. Local Getaways: A guide highlights a quiet weekend near Acadia, pointing visitors toward Northeast Harbor for easy access to top hikes with fewer crowds.

Wildlife Watch: Humpback whales are drawing attention in Penobscot Bay, with researchers noting more inshore sightings tied to fish concentrations. Ocean Safety: A 71-year-old Scarborough Beach State Park lifeguard, Greg Wilfert, says a great white shark dragged him about 5–6 feet underwater after grabbing his rescue device; the beach was closed about an hour and officials report unusually high shark activity. Family Travel Caution: Kennebunk Fire-Rescue warned after a child briefly went missing at Mother’s Beach when a parent was distracted by a phone—authorities found the youngster in a different beach area. Accessible Adventure: An Ohio woman who is legally blind visited Acadia with her guide dog as part of a mission to see all national parks. Trails & Funding: Demand remains high for Maine Trails Program grants, with the second round drawing more applications than available money. Road Notes: Overnight I-95 bridge lane reductions are planned in Hampden and Plymouth (8 p.m.–6 a.m.). Aviation: Bangor International Airport received $5.5M for runway/taxiway improvements. Sky Events: Maine can view a partial solar eclipse Wednesday; safe glasses are required. Local Events: Maine Sports Commission awarded $26,138 to nine sporting events to boost marketing and visitor spending.

Shark Safety at Scarborough Beach: A 71-year-old Scarborough lifeguard, Greg Wilfert, says a great white grabbed his rescue torpedo and dragged him about 5–6 feet underwater before he freed himself and swam back to shore; the beach was closed for about an hour and officials warn of ongoing nearshore shark activity. Beach Rules for Visitors: With multiple sightings near Scarborough Beach State Park and Higgins Beach, officials urge swimmers to follow lifeguards, avoid going in alone, and exit the water when directed. Travel Disruption (Road): Maine Turnpike Authority plans temporary fuel outages Tuesday at several service plazas (West Gardiner, Gray, Cumberland, and both Kennebunk locations), with about two hours of no fuel at each stop—drivers should plan ahead. Food Recall (Maine on the List): Taylor Farms recalled certain taco dip and pico de gallo products tied to a multistate salmonella outbreak; Maine is included, with “Best If Used By” dates of Aug. 16, 2026 or earlier. Celestial Tourism: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across northern Maine (up to 28% coverage) on Aug. 12, followed by the Perseids meteor peak—great for late-summer road trips.

Shark Safety on the Coast: Scarborough Beach State Park reopened after a white shark dragged a lifeguard underwater Saturday; the lifeguard freed himself and was uninjured, but the beach was closed about an hour and officials warn of significant nearshore shark activity. Road & Travel Disruption: A diesel spill after an axle failure shut the right southbound lane on the Maine Turnpike in Cumberland near mile marker 58 while crews clean up, with delays expected for hours. Local Tourism Pressure: Eastport residents rallied against an underwater data center proposal, saying it could harm lobsters, fishing, and tourism in Passamaquoddy Bay. Maine Summer Culture: Travel + Leisure named Maine one of America’s most beautiful states, while a local beach-read spotlight features Lincoln County author Ellen Baker’s “Summerland Cove.” Family Fun & Community Events: Ellsworth’s candlepin bowling alley fundraiser topped nearly $250,000 after CBS Sunday Morning coverage, and Dexter’s Red Hot Dog Festival kicked off with a 5K benefiting the Heart of Maine Resource Center. Plan Ahead for Skies: The Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug. 12–13 under new-moon conditions, making it a great late-summer road trip add-on.

Shark-Smart Beach Closures: Reid State Park in Georgetown shut down Mile, Half Mile and East beaches after multiple shark sightings and a heavy presence of seals and baitfish, urging visitors to follow lifeguard signs and stay close to shore. Tiny-Home Staycation Idea: Near Acadia National Park, the 301-square-foot Luna Nook is turning heads with a full freestanding bathtub, big windows, an outdoor shower, and a deck—proof Maine can do “small” without feeling cramped. Local Housing Watch: Surry is exploring connecting to Ellsworth’s water and sewer to support more housing near Acadia, while Bangor’s planned 55-room co-living dorm project still hasn’t broken ground. Community & Culture: A Kennebunk Beach group is seeking zoning changes to rebuild the historic Smith House to expand summer programs. Family-Friendly Learning: UMaine Extension launched a self-paced online Tractor Safety: Foundations course for safer equipment operation. On the Water: Captain Red is racing the Great Loop (6,000 miles up to Maine) to raise $1 million for pediatric cancer, sleeping aboard the boat for the full trip. Arts on the Hill: The Paul Winter Consort brings a free sunset concert to Rockport’s Beech Hill Preserve on Aug. 28.

Beach Safety: Reid State Park in Georgetown closed Mile, Half Mile and East beaches after two shark sightings over the weekend, with officials urging visitors to be “shark smart” and follow lifeguard signs. Coastal Alerts: Scarborough officials also reported nearly a dozen shark sightings near Pine Point Beach, using drones to monitor activity and asking people to stay alert (no swimming closures reported). Arts & Culture: Coastal Mountains Land Trust will host the Paul Winter Consort’s free sunset concert “This Glorious Earth” on Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport Aug. 28. Local Food & Tourism: Smoke Shack Southern Barbecue in Boscawen is planning a grand reopening after a late-June fire destroyed its kitchen, dining room and ice cream room. Family Travel & Community: Calais, Maine and St. Stephen, New Brunswick kick off the 53rd International Homecoming Festival, running Aug. 5-9 with events on both sides of the St. Croix River. Outdoor Recreation: Maine wild blueberry industry pioneer Dell Emerson, 91, is still welcoming visitors at Wescogus Wild Blueberry in Addison during harvest.