A Delaware bill creating a film production tax credit cleared its first hurdle May 6, advancing out of the House Revenue & Finance Committee.

Several states offer film and television production tax credits and other incentives to lure projects, often to boost jobs, tourism and visibility.

Delaware does not – at least for now.

The proposal mirrors a recommendation in Delaware’s 5% operational spending growth and accompanying revenue plan, released alongside Gov. Matt Meyer’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, and would put the state in line with most of the country.

ICYMI: Delaware looks at $10M film tax credit. Will it bring Hollywood money?

What does the bill do? 

Backed by House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris, this House bill would create a new film production tax credit for the First State.  

Delaware remains one of a few states that does not already have a film tax credit or a similar incentive in place, according to the Dover Democrat.  

This means that spending in these sectors – from hotel stays to equipment rentals – is going to other states.  

And while other revenue streams have served and continue to serve Delaware well, Harris said, it is also crucial to ensure the state is positioned “for the next generation of economic growth.” 

The bill would offer eligible productions – including films, TV shows and video games — a nonrefundable tax credit equal to 30% of qualified expenses, usable against personal income and corporate taxes.

A 34-year-old Newark motorcyclist has died following an evening crash May 5 in Ogletown, Delaware State Police said.

The motorcyclist’s name was withheld by police on May 6 until his family could be notified.

The Ogletown crash is one of six fatalities that have plagued officials across the state since May 4, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation. Officials added that between the night of May 5 into the morning of May 6, was the deadliest 12 hours on Delaware roads in nearly six years.  

“It’s certainly alarming to have more than 15% of our total fatalities to date this year happen over the past four days,” C.R. McLeod, a DelDOT spokesman, told Delaware Online/The News Journal.

Other fatal crashes that occurred in that 12-hour span include:

• A motorcycle crash in Stanton that left a 29-year-old Wilmington man dead when he ran a red light and his Harley-Davidson Sportster struck a Nissan Rogue at the Churchmans Road intersection with Center Pointe Plaza about 7:20 p.m. May 5, Delaware State Police said.
• A crash in Dover that killed a 26-year-old woman who struck a tree about 1 a.m. May 6, Dover police said.
• A 23-year-old Millsboro woman was killed when she failed to navigate a curve on Coastal Highway north of Lewes about 1:30 a.m. May 6, Delaware State Police said.

Late spring is prime strawberry season in Delaware, and we’ve gathered all you need to know to embark on a strawberry-picking adventure.  

With clear skies and plenty of sunshine, picking a bucket of Delaware’s official fruit is a great family outing or something fun to do with friends, while also supporting local farmers. 

Before you go, make sure you check the weather forecast, pack a water bottle and apply sunscreen. It is also recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes when picking produce on the farms.  

For anyone who is new to the world of strawberry picking, all you have to do is pinch the green stem between your thumb and index finger, then lightly pull and twist at the same time. 

A few more key tips for a successful berry bounty include picking only strawberries that are fully red, looking through plant beds that are less picked over and not picking any berries with white tips, green berries or strawberry flowers.  

To help your strawberries last longer, refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking them and only wash them right before you plan to eat them. If you won’t be using them soon after picking them, wash them, remove the stems and freeze them. 

Now that we’ve gone through the basics, here are several local farms ready to provide a day full of strawberry picking: 

Fifer Orchards, Camden

Recognized as a Delaware century family farm, having opened in 1919,  Fifer Orchards in Camden offers strawberry picking Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the U-Pick experience. U-Play admission features yard games perfect for families, with picnic tables and restrooms for public use. Saturday admission requires an all-inclusive Spring Fest ticket.   

You also can stop by the Farm Store to purchase local goodies and a selection of the orchard’s fresh fruits and vegetables.   

If you find yourself getting hungry after picking strawberries, the Farm Kitchen building sells lunch and dessert items including cider doughnuts, strawberry ice cream, apple cider slushies and homemade strawberry shortcakes.    

Looking for another u-pick offering? Fifer Orchards Provides u-pick blueberries in June and July from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and u-pick peaches on Fridays and Saturdays in July and early August from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. U-pick flowers are available from July to mid-August Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The farm uses its Facebook page to keep guests updated on daily picking conditions and orchard offerings.  

1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden, (302) 697-2141; fiferorchards.com/.  

Hundred Acre Farms, Smyrna  

Hundred Acre Farms in Smyrna is located on about three acres of land and focuses on fruits, vegetables, bees, small batch jams and Christmas trees. Purchased in 1938, the farm is nearly a century old.