BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Contractors and property owners report that homes reportedly occupied by squatters are left in devastating conditions once they regain control of their properties, claiming extensive damage that costs thousands in repairs.

Leo, a general contractor who requested to be identified only by his nickname due to safety concerns, told Spotlight on Maryland that the suspected squatting he has encountered has skyrocketed over the past few months.

When the client reached out to us, they had given us a date to come in, but then shortly after, the client had advised us we weren’t able to go in,” Leo said. “Unfortunately, the client had advised us that the premise was being occupied by squatters.”

During his interview on Friday with Spotlight on Maryland, the contractor inspected the property to confirm that the safety mechanisms he installed on the East Baltimore City property were still operating correctly.

After he and the property owner regained access to the row house following a months-long eviction court battle that cost thousands, Leo installed advanced locks and plywood over the home’s entryways. The contractor said fixing a property after an alleged squatter vacates or is evicted is “thousands of dollars easily.”

“If I had to put a number on it, you’re at least $5,000 starting, in legal fees, opportunity costs, time lost, stress, different resources you’re going to have to pull in to regain your property and secure it,” Leo said.

Leo’s experience is not isolated.

Spotlight on Maryland reported one week ago about Mike Haskell, a Baltimore County homeowner, who received a call from the contracted buyer of his Windsor Mill home, informing him that an unknown moving truck was in the property’s driveway. Haskell and the prospective buyer were scheduled to meet at the closing table the next morning.

“The person who was in the house said they had been there for about a week,” Haskell said. “They said they had a lease, and the officer basically walked away.”

Haskell negotiated with the occupant on the home’s front porch for a prompt move-out to ensure the property’s sale did not fall through. The male occupant told Haskell and Spotlight on Maryland that he, his female partner, and two children were connected to the property through online social media accounts advertising a one-time fee for keys.

The homeowner paid $3,000 for the family to move out of his house last Wednesday. The male and female occupants confirmed payment via phone to Spotlight on Maryland, saying they had successfully vacated the property.

Haskell sent Spotlight on Maryland a video of his property after the previous occupants moved out. The video showed trash scattered throughout the two-story home, which was listed for over $400,000. During the video tour, Haskell pointed out remnants of pet urine and feces allegedly left by the previous occupants.

They banged out one of the screen panels,” Haskell said in the video. “Trash, food, all over the house. They couldn’t even bother putting it in the trash can?”

Baltimore County police officials said they were unable to provide body-worn camera footage of an incident in Middle River, which occurred hours before Haskell called police after discovering occupants inside his home. The police department cited an active investigation as the basis for the current denial of public records.

Spotlight on Maryland was notified on Sunday about another property reportedly occupied by squatters in the Franklin Square neighborhood of Baltimore City.

After officers from the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) responded two hours later to initial emergency calls regarding an active burglary, they made contact with the property’s occupants.

“I believe you when you say you didn’t break in,” a BPD officer told an alleged female squatter. “But let’s be honest: It doesn’t sound right.”

Responding BPD officers removed two females from the property, whom the property owner told Spotlight on Maryland were unknown and never authorized to access the home. None of the occupants could provide a copy of a lease or validate their presence to the satisfaction of the BPD.

As officers made contact with the female occupants at the back of the property, a male occupant fled through the front door, which the police were not monitoring while clearing the home.

The homeowner claimed that the property sustained over $20,000 in interior damage, including the cost to remove drug paraphernalia allegedly left behind by the previous occupants. Trash and broken glass were visible in the backyard, with the occupants asserting they were not responsible.

Meanwhile, Leo said these incidents share several similarities that necessitate prompt legal and legislative action.

“It affects everybody,” Leo said. “Really, the people it affects the most, I think, tend to get forgotten, are the community and the residents that live in these neighborhoods.”

Follow Gary Collins with Spotlight on Maryland on X. Do you have news tips on this story or others? Send news tips to gmcollins@sbgtv.com.

Spotlight on Maryland is a collaboration between FOX45 News, WJLA in Washington, D.C., and The Baltimore Sun.

• Locations include Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.
• Several amusement parks and water parks offer a variety of attractions for families and thrill-seekers.
• Ticket prices and hours vary depending on the park and time of year.

This fast-moving year has brought its share of highs and lows. And you know what that means, right?

Maybe it’s a sign you’re overdue for a roller coaster ride?

If you think it’s the latter, here’s a look at seven can’t-miss amusements parks in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey you and your kids might want to hit up this summer. These parks offer go-karting, crazy roller coasters and water slides, and so much more.

Great Wolf Lodge: Perryville, Maryland 

Your pack can soak up the fun at Great Wolf Lodge’s 126,000-square-feet indoor water park where the temperature stays a perfect 84 degrees all year long. Guests can enjoy slides like the monster Twister Slide, which stretches 275 feet and features 360 loops, plus families/groups can go rafting. 

Additionally, folks can kick back and float in the Lazy River. The “Otter Springs” offers a play pool for younger children that has several kid-friendly slides with tiny dips. 

Great Wolf Lodge has a lot of non-water attractions such as an arcade, mini golf, bowling and a mining-themed mirror maze where you must find the exit. There’s an obstacle course that looks like something inspired by “America Ninja Warrior,” but on a smaller scale, and other cool attractions. Bear in mind, each attraction listed above are paid add-ons. 

Amenities: There are several restaurants and food shops like Hungry As A Wolf, Dunkin’, Campfire Kitchen (breakfast food like waffles), Wood’s End Creamery, Barnwood and Timbers. Folks can buy grab-and-go sandwiches and drinks at the Freshwoods Market. The Pretzelmaker dishes up fresh pretzels. Adults will find alcoholic drinks at The Watering Hole. 

Hours: Times vary, but the water park is normally open daily during the summer.  

Admission/Tickets: The price for full-day and half-day passes vary throughout June to September (before Labor Day), ranging from around $48 to $100 per person. Half-day passes are cheaper and are typically available for weekdays, allowing guests to hang out from 4 p.m. to close. Kids aged 2 or younger get in free. 

Lodging: Folks who want to stay the night can do so in one of the lodge suites. When you lodge at Great Wolf Lodge, your water park passes are included for each registered guest, according to the website. 

The standard family suite includes two queen beds, full bath a TV and mini fridge. While the prices vary, the amount for a one-night stay for two adult guests and two kids (each over age 2) might start at around $369. There also are options for themed family suites that accommodate up to six to seven people, plus a premium option that accommodates up to 13 people.  Address: Great Wolf Lodge (1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, Maryland).  

Visit greatwolf.com/maryland or call (888) 983-9653. 

Six Flags Great Adventure: Jackson, New Jersey 

For decades, Six Flags has been a summer staple for adrenaline junkies; and the party hasn’t stopped. The amusement park boasts dozens of rides, games and activities, including your favorite hero and villain rides like The Flash: Vertical Velocity, The Joker, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, The Dark Knight Coaster and Super Man: Ultimate Flight.  

Other notable experiences include the Wild Safari where guests cruise around in an open-air vehicle and discover epic animals, while learning about conservation efforts.  Amenities: There’s over a dozen restaurants, bars and food spots for patrons include the Ale House, Best of the West, Primo’s Pizzeria on Main Street, Boardwalk Steak and Fries, Totally Kickin’ Chicken Sports Bar, Sugar Shack and Rita’s Italian Ice. 

Hours: The park is usually open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 1, though hours vary.  

Tickets: $39, one-day pass starts as low as that price. $75, season pass starts as low as that price. 

Address: Six Flags Great Adventures (Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, New Jersey).  

Visit sixflags.com/greatadventure or call (732) 928-2000.  

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Funland, Rehoboth Beach  

This is an emotional year for some longtime Funland fans because owner Allen “Al” Fasnacht passed away in March. Yet, his legacy lives on in every smile and fun memory at Funland.  

The iconic amusement park in Rehoboth Beach offers 20 rides and 11 games. Funland has entertained multiple generations of families since 1962. 

Amenities: Snack bar and gift shop. 

Hours: Open daily in the summer: 

From June 7 to Aug. 23: Games open at 10 a.m., and Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m.  

Aug. 24 to 28: Games and rides open at 1p.m. Ticket booth Closes at 9:15 p.m. 

Aug. 29: Games and rides open at 1p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. 

Aug. 30 to 31: Games open at 10 a.m. Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m.  

Sept. 1: Games open at 10 a.m. Rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 8:15 p.m. 

Sept. 2 to 4: Park closed.  

Sept. 5: Games and rides open at 6 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 9:15 p.m. 

Sept. 6: Games and rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 10:15 p.m. 

Sept. 7, last day of 2025 season: Games and rides open at 1 p.m. Ticket booth closes at 8:15 p.m. 

Tickets: Single ticket is $0.75; 25 ticket book is $18.75; $50 ticket book is $33 and $100 ticket book is $55. The Unlimited Ride Wristband (1-4:30 p.m.) is $26.00. Unless you have the Unlimited Ride Wristband, the price of rides vary. Some are 1 ticket, others reach up to 6 tickets per ride.  Address: Funland (6 Delaware Ave., Rehoboth Beach). 

Visit funlandrehoboth.com or call (302) 227-1921 

Jungle Jim’s, Rehoboth Beach  

Delaware’s largest water park is where kids and parents will find a bunch of activities including giant water slides, a wave pool, kiddie pool, lazy river, activity pool, kid’s spray ground, and more. 

But there’s more than just water here. There’s also a state-of-the-art batting cage system and two mini-golf courses with 18 holes each. 

Amenities: River Safari Café and gift shop 

Hours: Water park opens daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with twilight from 3 to 6 p.m. 

Tickets: $50, all-day water park pass for people over 3½ feet; $35, all-day water park pass for people under 3½ feet; $250, water park season pass for people over 3½ feet; $175, water park season pass for people under 3½ feet. 

Address: Jungle Jim’s (36944 Country Club Road, Rehoboth Beach) 

Visit funatjunglejims.com or call (302) 227-8444. 

Killens Pond State Park, Felton 

For decades, kids have loved getting their feet wet at Killens Pond Water Park, a place that offers fun for all ages. The park features two speed slides and two spiral slides, a tot lot for little ones, and more.  

Hours: The park is open through Labor Day, weekends only through mid-June, and weekends only mid-August through Labor Day. The park is open two sessions per day: 9 a.m. To 1:30 p.m., and 2 to 6 p.m. 

Tickets: $8, people under 4 feet; $10 for people 4 feet and over. Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and holiday rates are $10 for those under 4 feet tall; and $12 for people 4 feet or taller.  

Address: Killens Pond (5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton).  

Visit destateparks.com/waterpark or call (302) 284-4526. 

Midway Speedway Park, Rehoboth Beach

Midway Speedway Park is a Rehoboth gem that offers four tracks across eight styles of go-kart racing. There’s also the White Water Mountain Water Park and Fire Mountain miniature golf. Not to mention, cool attractions on tap include Zip Zone Bumper Boats, or you can go on the water and play Splashing Bumper Boat Action. 

Hours: Open daily, Go-karts and mini golf from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Water park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Tickets: $59.99, includes one all-day water park and one round of mini golf, and four choice tickets to be used on any attraction; $200 for a water park season pass. A Single Ride ticket is $12. 1 game of mini golf is $15. For more prices, see website below. 

Address: Midway Speed Waterpark (8645 Coastal Highway. Rehoboth Beach).  

Visit midwayspeedwaypark.com or call (302) 644-2042. 

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Six Flags America: Bowie, Maryland  

Folks have to make the most of their time at Six Flags America in Bowie this year, since the park is set to close permanently in November. The park boasts dozens of rides and games. 

This year marks the return of SteamTown, the new steampunk-themed section of the park that launched in 2024, offering cool attractions like the QuantumCanyon Rapids, Professor Screamore’s SkyWinder roller coaster, Fillament’s SteamPub and more fun. There’s also the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, which is an additional fee. 

Other notable rides and experiences include Harley Quinn Spinsanity roller coaster, the Halfpipe and Batwing Coaster. 

Amenities: Over two dozen amenities are on tap like the Gotham City Funnel Cakes, Macho Nacho, Hurricane Hotdog, Heritage House Food Court, Calypso’s Bar and much more. 

Hours: Daily hours are usually 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary. 

Tickets: One-day ticket starts at $29. Silver Pass is $59; Gold Pass is $69. 

Address: Six Flags America (13710 Central Ave, Bowie, Maryland).  

Visit sixflags.com/america or call (301) 249-1500. 

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters. 

Congratulations to Clarksburg’s Bryanna Williams on being voted High School on SI Maryland Softball Player of the Year for the 2025 season.

Williams, a sophomore pitcher on Clarksburg’s team, had an incredible season in the circle, finishing with 137 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched along with a 0.84 ERA.

Williams dominated the poll with 73.17% of votes, while Kennedy Woodruff, a senior on Oxon Hill, finished second with 20.65%, and Mia Forseter, a junior on Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, was third with 5.13%.