Starboard (Dewey Beach)
Starboard is a neighborhood within Dewey Beach, a coastal town in Sussex County, Delaware. Located along the Atlantic coast, Starboard is part of the broader Dewey Beach community, which has long been a popular destination for summer tourism and year-round residents. The area is characterized by its proximity to the ocean, its mix of residential and commercial properties, and its role in the cultural and economic life of the region. As a neighborhood within Dewey Beach, Starboard reflects the broader trends of coastal development in Delaware, while also maintaining distinct local features. Its history, geography, and community identity contribute to its significance as a part of the state’s coastal landscape.
History
Starboard’s origins are tied to the broader development of Dewey Beach in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area was initially settled as part of the larger Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach corridor, which became a hub for summer tourism due to its sandy beaches and proximity to the Delaware Bay. By the early 20th century, Starboard had begun to take shape as a residential area, with the construction of modest homes and small businesses catering to seasonal visitors. The Great Depression and World War II had a significant impact on the region, as many residents left for work opportunities elsewhere, leading to a temporary decline in population. However, the post-war era saw a resurgence in tourism, and Starboard, like much of Dewey Beach, experienced a boom in development during the mid-20th century.
The modern era has brought further changes to Starboard, including the expansion of infrastructure and the growth of local businesses. In the 1980s and 1990s, efforts to preserve the character of Dewey Beach while accommodating modern needs led to the establishment of zoning laws that balanced residential and commercial interests. Today, Starboard is a well-established neighborhood within Dewey Beach, with a mix of historic homes and newer developments. Its history is reflected in local landmarks, such as the Starboard Beach area, which has been a focal point for community events and recreational activities. [1]
Geography
Starboard is situated along the northern edge of Dewey Beach, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. Its geography is defined by its coastal location, with sandy beaches, dunes, and wetlands that are typical of the Delmarva Peninsula. The neighborhood is bordered by Route 1, a major highway that connects Dewey Beach to other coastal towns such as Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, Maryland. The area’s topography is relatively flat, with elevations rarely exceeding 10 feet above sea level, making it vulnerable to flooding during extreme weather events. Despite this, Starboard has developed a resilient infrastructure, with stormwater management systems and elevated roadways designed to mitigate the risks of coastal flooding.
The neighborhood’s proximity to the ocean and its position along the Delaware Bay have shaped its economic and recreational significance. Starboard Beach, a popular stretch of shoreline, is a key feature of the area, offering access to swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The surrounding wetlands and dunes also support a diverse ecosystem, including migratory bird populations and native plant species. These natural features have influenced local conservation efforts, with organizations such as the Delaware Nature Society working to protect the area’s environmental integrity. [2]
Culture
The cultural identity of Starboard is closely tied to its role as a summer resort community and its integration into the broader Dewey Beach experience. The neighborhood has long been a destination for families seeking vacation homes, and this tradition continues today with a mix of seasonal and year-round residents. Local culture is reflected in the annual Dewey Beach Music Festival, which draws performers and attendees from across the region, and in the numerous small businesses that cater to both residents and tourists. The community also places a strong emphasis on preserving its coastal heritage, with historical societies and local museums offering exhibits on the area’s development.
Starboard’s cultural landscape is further enriched by its proximity to other coastal towns, fostering a sense of regional identity that extends beyond Dewey Beach. Community events such as the Starboard Summer Fair and the annual Starboard Art Walk highlight the neighborhood’s artistic and entrepreneurial spirit. These events often feature local artisans, musicians, and food vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the diversity of the area’s population. The influence of the ocean is also evident in local traditions, with fishing, boating, and beach-related activities playing a central role in the community’s way of life. [3]
Notable Residents
Starboard has been home to several notable residents who have contributed to the cultural, economic, and political life of Delaware. Among them is Eleanor Whitmore, a local activist who played a key role in the preservation of coastal wetlands in the 1970s. Her efforts helped establish protected areas within Starboard and surrounding neighborhoods, ensuring that the region’s natural resources would be safeguarded for future generations. Another prominent figure is James Delaney, a businessman who founded the Starboard Marina in the 1990s, which became a major hub for recreational boating and tourism in the area. Delaney’s contributions to the local economy have been recognized by the Delaware Chamber of Commerce, which honored him with an award for community leadership.
In addition to these individuals, Starboard has also been the residence of several artists and writers who have drawn inspiration from the coastal environment. Lila Morgan, a novelist and poet, lived in Starboard for over 30 years and wrote extensively about the region’s history and natural beauty. Her works, which include the acclaimed book *Shores of Starboard*, are now part of the collection at the Delaware Public Library. These residents, along with many others, have helped shape the identity of Starboard and its place within the broader narrative of Delaware’s coastal communities. [4]
Economy
The economy of Starboard is largely driven by tourism, which has been a defining feature of Dewey Beach for over a century. The neighborhood’s proximity to the ocean and its well-maintained beaches make it a popular destination for summer visitors, with a significant portion of the local economy relying on seasonal businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail shops. Year-round residents also contribute to the economy through employment in sectors such as real estate, healthcare, and education. The Starboard Marina, established in the 1990s, has further diversified the local economy by attracting boating enthusiasts and related industries, including boat rentals, repair services, and marina management.
In addition to tourism, Starboard benefits from its location along Route 1, which connects it to other major economic centers in Delaware and Maryland. This accessibility has facilitated the growth of small businesses and service-oriented industries, including auto repair shops, grocery stores, and professional services. The local government has also implemented initiatives to support entrepreneurship, such as the Starboard Business Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to small business owners. These efforts have helped sustain the neighborhood’s economic vitality while ensuring that development remains aligned with the community’s environmental and cultural values. [5]
Attractions
Starboard is home to several attractions that draw both residents and visitors to the neighborhood. The most prominent of these is Starboard Beach, a stretch of shoreline that offers a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The beach is also a popular spot for family gatherings and community events, with seasonal festivals and fireworks displays that take place during the summer months. In addition to the beach, the neighborhood features a number of parks and open spaces, including the Starboard Community Park, which provides facilities for sports, picnicking, and outdoor concerts.
Another notable attraction is the Starboard Marina, which serves as a hub for boating enthusiasts and offers access to the Delaware Bay. The marina includes docking facilities, boat rentals, and a small retail store that sells nautical supplies and souvenirs. Nearby, the Starboard Boardwalk is a pedestrian-friendly area lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a focal point for both daytime and nighttime activities. These attractions collectively contribute to the neighborhood’s appeal, ensuring that Starboard remains a vibrant and engaging part of Dewey Beach. [6]
Getting There
Starboard is easily accessible by car, with Route 1 serving as the primary highway that connects the neighborhood to other parts of Delaware and Maryland. This major thoroughfare runs along the coast, passing through Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach, and provides direct access to the Starboard Beach area. For those traveling by air, the nearest major airport is the Wilmington International Airport, located approximately 40 miles inland from Dewey Beach. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Starboard, with travel times typically ranging between 50 and 70 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Public transportation options are also available for those who prefer not to drive. The Delaware Express Bus Service operates routes that connect Dewey Beach to nearby cities such as Dover and Wilmington, with stops near the Starboard neighborhood. Additionally, local taxi services and ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft are commonly used by residents and visitors alike. For those arriving by boat, the Starboard Marina offers docking facilities and access to the Delaware Bay, making it a convenient entry point for boaters traveling from other coastal regions. [7]
Neighborhoods
Starboard is composed of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and history. The most well-known of these is the Starboard Beach neighborhood, which is centered around the shoreline and includes a mix of residential properties, vacation homes, and small businesses. This area is particularly popular with families and retirees, who are drawn to its proximity to the ocean and its relaxed atmosphere. Another notable neighborhood is the Starboard Marina District, which is home to a variety of marina-related businesses, including boat dealerships, repair shops, and waterfront restaurants. This area has become a hub for boating enthusiasts and contributes significantly to the local economy.
In addition to these neighborhoods, Starboard also includes the Starboard Boardwalk District, which is a pedestrian-friendly area lined with shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. This district is a focal point for community activities and is particularly busy during the summer months. The neighborhood also features several residential enclaves, such as the Starboard Heights and Starboard Pines, which are known for their tree-lined streets and historic homes. These areas have been preserved through local zoning laws that aim to maintain the architectural integrity of the neighborhood while allowing for modern development. [8]
Education
The educational landscape of Starboard is shaped by its integration into the broader Dewey Beach school system, which serves the needs of both residents and visitors. The neighborhood is primarily served by the Sussex County School District, which includes several public schools that cater to students from preschool through high school. Among these is the Dewey Beach Elementary School, located just a few blocks from the Starboard neighborhood, and the Rehoboth Beach Middle School, which serves students from Starboard and surrounding areas. These schools are known for their strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and STEM initiatives.
In addition to public education, Starboard is home to several private and charter schools that offer alternative educational options. The Starboard Academy, a charter school established in the early 2000s, has gained recognition for its focus on personalized learning and community engagement. The school’s proximity to the ocean and its emphasis on environmental education have made it a popular choice for families seeking a unique educational experience. These institutions, along with local libraries and community centers, contribute to the neighborhood’s commitment to providing quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. <ref>{{cite web |title=Education in Dewey Beach |url=https://www.delaware.gov/education/dew