Gas prices top $5.00 in Bethesda, as low as $4.25 in Rockville as drivers get pounded at the pumps in Maryland

Montgomery County gas prices are now higher than they were at the worst inflationary period in March 2022. Prices had dropped after Maryland instituted a temporary gas tax holiday, but have come roaring back since it expired on April 17, picking up steam in recent weeks.

The Exxon at 7975 Old Georgetown Road in downtown Bethesda, where there are few gas stations left, was at $4.99 and 9/10 cents Saturday in Bethesda. As of noon today, Google is giving the station's price for regular as $5.00 even. Liberty stations at the edge of downtown Bethesda were also at $4.99 as Sunday began. According to Gas Buddy, regular is $4.69 at Sunoco at 5201 River Road in Bethesda, where prices are usually significantly cheaper than downtown.

Gas is already over $5.00 at some stations. Exxon in Brookmont, a "last gas" stop before you hit the D.C. line out of Montgomery County, is charging $5.39, according to Gas Buddy. 

Drivers are faring much better than that elsewhere in Montgomery County. Regular is "only" $4.25 at Carroll Motor Fuels at 12600 Twinbrook Parkway in Rockville as of two hours ago. It's $4.28 at Fast Fuels on the main drag in Damascus, at 9871 Main Street. In Kensington, Econoway is charging $4.29, as is the Sunoco at 18001 Mateny Road in Germantown. Yet it is 10 cents more at the other Germantown Sunoco at 19738 Germantown Road, according to Gas Buddy.

Aggravated assault reported in Regents Square neighborhood of Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault outside of a residence in the Regents Square community of Rockville early Friday morning, May 13, 2022. The assault, which involved a weapon that was not identified as a firearm, was reported in the 700 block of Azalea Drive, according to crime data. That is right next to I-270.

Assault at Rockville shopping center

Rockville City police were called to a shopping center to investigate a report of an assault Wednesday afternoon, May 11, 2022. An individual told officers they had been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault in the parking lot of the Fallsgrove Village Center at 1:28 PM, according to crime data.

Several injured in Rockville collision on Maryland Avenue

A traffic accident in Rockville sent several people to local hospitals this afternoon. The collision occurred on Maryland Avenue near the intersection with W. Argyle Street at 5:45 PM, according to Rockville City police. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening, RCPD said. Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed for rescue operations and accident investigation.

Photo courtesy RCPD

Hello Betty boat bar opens for summer in Rockville

The boat bar has opened for summer at Hello Betty, the new seafood restaurant at Pike & Rose. It is located inside the Canopy by Hilton hotel at 940 Rose Avenue. But you can take a short cut right to the bar through the blue and yellow door on the Grand Park Avenue side of the hotel. A christening ceremony will be held for the boat bar - and, yes, it is a real boat - on May 26, 2022 at 7:00 PM, and will include a complimentary champagne toast.

Photos by Alison Tremblay

Rockville bank-to-Dunkin' Donuts conversion advancing (Photos)

A vacant drive-thru bank branch at 16268 Frederick Road in Rockville is rapidly becoming a new Dunkin' Donuts store. As you can see in these photos, the drive-thru's canopy and parts of the bank building itself are now sporting Dunkin' colors. The current Dunkin' Donuts shop at 16220 Frederick will relocate into this building when the conversion is complete. Almost "time to make the donuts" at this new store, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg.

Lazzaro's Authentic Italian Deli, A Beautiful Closet, De Clichy open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Three new businesses have opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Lazzaro's Authentic Italian Deli has replaced the recently-closed Big Al's Subs and Soups in the Dining Terrace food court. This was an overnight conversion of the Big Al's stall without any additonal construction. Lazzaro's has no website, no Facebook page, or any other social media presence that I can find.

On the fashion front, two new boutiques have opened. A Beautiful Closet is on Level 2 next to California Pizza Kitchen. De Clichy menswear is also on Level 2, next to LensCrafters.

A Beautiful Closet

A Beautiful Closet

De Clichy menswear