SMCPS Purchases Security Equipment
The St. Mary’s County Board of Education unanimously approved a $470,000 budget amendment Aug. 5 to redirect unused federal grant funding toward school security equipment and upgrades.
Sheriff’s Office Pursues Use of Automated License Plate Readers
St. Mary’s County is moving toward installing its first fixed automated license plate reader.
Planning Commission Recommends Comprehensive Plan
The St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan is headed to the County Commissioners after the Planning Commission voted Aug. 3 to recommend approval, marking a major step in a revision process that has been underway for about two years.
Cannabis Funds Public Hearing
St. Mary's County commissioners are expected to make a final decision July 21 on an ordinance that would establish how more than $1.5 million in state cannabis reinvestment funding can be distributed — including allowing some of the money to be spent outside Lexington Park, the county's only state-designated disproportionately impacted area.
Comprehensive Plan - Draft Review
St. Mary's County is preparing for significant change over the next two decades.
County Reviews Zoning on Gas Stations, Dollar Stores
A proposed zoning change that would require new gas stations, small-box discount stores and vape shops to undergo additional public review is advancing to a public hearing after receiving preliminary approval from the St. Mary's County Commissioners.
Callaway Royal Farms (and more?)
Royal Farms is proposing a fourth location in St. Mary's County, with plans for a convenience store and gas station at the intersection of Route 5 and Route 249 in Callaway.
Leonardtown May Restore School Impact Fee
A proposed ordinance that would restore school impact fees on new residential development in Leonardtown remains pending after the Town Council postponed discussion of the measure during its May 11 meeting.
Update: Hollywood Cannabis Growhouse
In January 2026, I wrote about a cannabis growhouse proposed in Hollywood based on an application filed on December 1 with Land Use & Growth Management. The project, located on about 89 acres owned by Hollywood Industrial Partners, LLC, is surrounded by residential properties to the north, and the Center for Life Enrichment to the south.
St. Mary’s Early Learning Academy
The St. Mary's County Commissioners approved a priority enrollment list on April 14 for the new St. Mary’s Early Learning Academy, a county-backed childcare center scheduled to open in August 2026 in Leonardtown.
Commissioner’s FY27 Proposed Budget
After multiple work sessions earlier this year, the St. Mary’s County Commissioners have approved a $682.7 million recommended budget for fiscal year 2027, advancing the proposal to a public hearing scheduled for April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Chopticon High School.
Funding Cuts Put School Social Workers At Risk
The St. Mary’s County Board of Education is weighing potential cuts to student support staff as federal grant funding expires and budget pressures mount ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget.
