Local News @theJerseyShore

PRESS RELEASE Wildwood, NJ – Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron today announced that the Commissioners have decided to keep Rio Grande Avenue as its entrance name to the city.”After announcing last week that the street name was being changed to Beach Ball Boulevard, we have heard from a large number of residents expressing their views that we should keep it Rio Grande Avenue,” Byron said.The name change was first proposed by the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority (GWTIDA) in recognition and celebration of the new gateway into the city. Funded by the county and state, the new gateway focused on alleviating flooding and improving traffic flow.The project also included land and streetscape improvements, attractive lighting and other special features complimenting the city’s splendor and appeal.GWTIDA and the Commissioners looked at improvements as an opportunity to rebrand the gateway with a new name. After an extensive survey of over 5,000 responses predominantly reached with social media and advertised in local newspapers, Beach Ball Boulevard was the recommended choice.”Although we are sincerely grateful for all the work GWTIDA put into the process of the renaming initiative, too many of our constituents have voiced their objections to a new name for the entrance,” said Commissioner […]

PRESS RELEASE Beach Ball Boulevard is now a fun and functional, clearly recognizable part of the sensory overload of lights and Doo Wop design that is distinctly the Wildwoods… Wildwoods municipal officials, businesses and residents are excited to announce that Rio Grande Avenue from the new Grand Gateway at the George Redding Bridge and east to Ocean Avenue to the famous Wildwoods sign has been renamed Beach Ball Boulevard. Along with City officials, the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) announced the completion of the all-new $13.7 million, Cape May County led gateway enhancement which commenced in February 2019.  The project included road reconstruction, new streetscapes, and utility project stretches from 1,300 feet west of Susquehanna Avenue (near the existing eastern abutment joint of the George Redding Bridge) to Artic Avenue in the City of Wildwood. City of Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron noted that the extensive improvements that resulted in a brand-new corridor lent themselves to renaming the new gateway into the island. “No disrespect to Rio Grande, but we now have our own identity. The most photographed location on our island arguably is the Wildwoods sign and Beach […]

As we prepare to finally enter the beginning of our summer season, with the 4th of July Holiday weekend, and celebrate our Nation’s Independence, we wanted to take a moment to provide our residents and visitors with some additional information regarding planned enhancements to public safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wildwood’s lifeblood – tourism – has been greatly and adversely impacted. This, coupled with the increased acceptance of social disorder across the Nation has challenged the “Family” environment we’ve come to love and enjoy every summer. Therefore, I have implemented several additional enforcement measures in an effort to enhance public safety within our community. The City of Wildwood Commissioners have recently relaxed the restrictions of our “Open Display” Ordinance. This was done in an effort to help our licensed liquor establishments by providing them the ability to permit the consumption of alcohol in the area immediately adjacent to their buildings. However, anyone found consuming alcoholic beverages separated from these establishments, will be found to be in violation of our Ordinance and a local ordinance summons will be issued. If you intend to partake in the consumption of alcoholic beverages at one of our many establishments, please do not drink and drive. […]

PRESS RELEASE You won’t believe your eyes as New Jersey’s first and only Outdoor Theater of Magic comes to Downtown Wildwood! Guests who previewed the spectacular new “Belmont Evening of Fun & Magic” show declared it, “The Best Family Show in Wildwood!” The show stars award-winning Magicians, Al & Sue Belmont, who have headlined aboard cruise ships, at state fairs and at major theme parks across the USA. The show also features guest artists John Bundy and Morgan who have dazzled audiences throughout Europe and Asia. It’s one-hour of fast moving family fun featuring big TV style illusions, a potpourri of smaller effects, thrilling escapes and the enchanting Circus on a String Marionettes. The unique outdoor setting is especially appropriate at this difficult time. In addition, seating will be limited to only 33 social groups per show. All families will be seated together, socially distanced 6’ from all other guests. All seats will be disinfected before every show and a hands-free Sanitizing Station will be available for all as they enter. Belmont is the recent winner of the prestigious Milbourne Christopher “Master of Magic” Award. The Award recognizes magicians for “excellence in the magical arts.” Previous winners include David Copperfield, Penn […]

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – Families, friends and kids of all ages who love playing in the sand should start making plans to attend the Eighth Annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival on Friday, July 10, from 9 am until 2 pm on the beach next to the Wildwood Crest Beach Pier at Heather Road.Grab your  buckets and shovels and get ready to create works of art. Making sand castles at the beach has been a fun summertime activity since the first shell washed ashore, and now this great American pastime is coming back to Wildwood Crest in a big way.The contest is being organized in conjunction with Can You Dig It Sand Tools and is directed by internationally known sand sculptor Matt Long.Long is a regular competitor at master competitions, including the World Championships of Sand Sculpting, and is an original cast member of the former Travel Channel Show “Sand Masters.” Long’s career in sand sculpting began right here in South Jersey at amateur events like this one.Registration for the contest is FREE and will begin at 9 am on the day of the event. Pre-registration can also be done by emailing michele@sandtools.com.Social distancing measures will be in effect […]

PRESS RELEASE  WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest has canceled all July shows in its Summer Music Series and the Christmas in July Festival scheduled for Saturday, July 25. These cancellations are in response to Executive Order 152 by Governor Phil Murphy that limits the amount of people that can attend an outdoor social gathering. Wildwood Crest had previously canceled the first four shows of its Summer Music Series at Centennial Park.  The remaining canceled shows in July include performances by the Deck Band on Saturday, July 11; Fuse Box on Wednesday, July 15; Roundhouse Band on Saturday, July 18; Sass Band on Wednesday, July 22; Big Bleu on Saturday, July 25; and Barefoot Bobby and the Breakers on Wednesday, July 29. The 2020 Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series is now tentatively scheduled to begin on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Park with a performance by the Legacy Band, if the governor further raises the limits on outdoor social gatherings.    Subsequent shows are scheduled for each Wednesday through Sept. 2 and each Saturday through Sept. 19 at Centennial Park, which is located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue. Executive Order 152 currently limits outdoor […]

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD, NJ – Grab some red, white and blue outfits and head over to the Celebrate Our Independence Barbecue at American Legion Post 184 this weekend. On July 4th, from 3 pm to 7 pm, veterans at Post 184 will host a fundraising event on the lawn.The event is open to the public and encourages people to come out and enjoy the holiday with family and friends while practicing social distancing. For a minimum donation of $8, guests can enjoy burgers, hot dogs, assorted salads, soft drinks and dessert while listening to local duo Brian and Mindy.Guests are encouraged to RSVP online to ensure the proper amount of food is ordered: legion184.org/eventsThe barbecue is a general fundraiser for Post 184 to help restart the organization. Like most organizations and businesses, the pandemic has greatly affected Post 184.Patriotic tee shirts will also be available and will benefit the building fund. Repairs have been a large focus for fundraising over the past year and will continue to be a primary push for 2020 events.Tee shirts include “Land of the Free because of the Brave,” “Freedom Isn’t Free,” and “Proud to be an American” and can be viewed online.For more information […]

PRESS RELEASE Downtown Wildwood – The Downtown Wildwood Arts & Music Series begins on July 17 with an artist-themed Sip, Shop & Stroll event! This will be the first of eight consecutive Friday night events, sponsored by the Wildwood Business Improvement District in Downtown Wildwood at Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenuje. The Downtown Wildwood Sip, Shop & Stroll events will feature 12+ local artists displaying and selling their creations. There will be original pastel and acrylic paintings, handmade jewelry, leather goods, note cards, pottery, driftwood paintings, hand painted apparel and more. Terra Norro Winery will offer tastings of their exceptional quality NJ wine and sell wine by the bottle for your enjoyment while you shop, stroll and listen to our acoustic musician. Mixed in during the 8-week series, there will be four free concerts by the Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra, and the John Walter Community Band. The Arts & Music Series schedule is as follows: July 17 – Sip, Shop & Stroll  (6 – 9 pm) July 24 – Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra  (7 – 9 pm) July 31 – John Walter Community Band  (7 – 9 pm) August 7 – Sip, Shop & Stroll  (6 – 9 pm) August 14 – Sip, Shop […]

Breakfast is aplenty in the Wildwoods, but an up and coming popular breakfast spot has turned out to be North Wildwoods hidden gem Serving breakfast, cocktails, and brunch daily starting at 9 AM, the Inlet on Olde aims to exceedaims to  all expectations for a breakfast eatery. The Inlet is commonly known for their daily entertainment and happy hour alongside their delicious traditional plates with progressive twists.  Upon opening in 2017, the owners set out to provide elevated plates in a casual setting. Now three years later, they’re raising the bar once again and pushing daily brunch What sets the Inlet aside from other restaurants is the full service bar. From a Bloody Mary to a morning mimosa or brunch rosé, the Inlet serves it all. Diners can enjoy a selection of breakfast dishes ranging from healthy to indulgent.  Avocado toast with eggs, bagel and lox, and fresh fruit platters are a few of the lighter options that sit alongside fluffy, berry topped, French toast and omelets with endless add-in options On top of the delicious food, the Inlet on Olde features endless ocean views from their open air deck and now curbside dining.  “We try to create a memorable […]

PRESS RELEASE    WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol has canceled the 37th annual Cape May County Lifeguard Championships competition that was scheduled for Friday, July 10, due to Executive Order 152 by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy that limits the amount of people that can attend an outdoor social gathering. Executive Order 152 currently limits outdoor gatherings to no more than 250 people. The governor has indicated that this limit may be raised to 500 people on July 3.  However, the Cape May County Lifeguard Championships competition regularly draws crowds of well over 500 people, which would have placed the event in violation with the anticipated limit set by the executive order. The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol has also canceled its junior lifeguard program for the 2020 season. For more information, contact the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol at 609-522-3825.  

This afternoon, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, along with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, issued a travel advisory requiring visitors arriving from states with high COVID-19 rates to quarantine for 14 days. Immediately, social media lit up with confusion and misinformation. To be clear, this travel advisory DOES NOT affect states bordering or in close proximity to New Jersey. So, visitors from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC, along with Ohio and Michigan, need not be concerned. Effective Thursday, June 25, the advisory applies to those traveling from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. As noted by Governor Murphy and his constituents, these states currently have “a positive COVID-19 test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average” or have “a 10 percent higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average.”

As expected, Governor Phil Murphy announced another round of re-openings at his daily press briefing this afternoon, including museums, aquariums and indoor recreation. He specifically mentioned boardwalk arcades, which will be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity starting Thursday, July 2. Advisement on specific protocols and rules is forthcoming. Today’s news is particularly welcome to local businesses and tourism officials as the re-opening date precedes the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Yesterday, Murphy announced that amusement parks and water parks would also be able to begin welcoming guests on July 2, at 50 percent capacity.  

A re-opening date for New Jersey’s amusement industry has finally been set. At his daily briefing this afternoon, Governor Phil Murphy announced that amusement parks and water parks can begin welcoming guests on Thursday, July 2. In terms of specific guidelines, Murphy noted that capacity at all parks will be limited to 50 percent to start, and that guests and employees will be required to wear masks. Additional safety protocols are still being finalized. Both Morey’s Piers and Splash Zone Water Park are expected to make announcements with regard to their respective opening plans and operating procedures soon; both have been unable to open this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In late May, with rumors swirling about how Morey’s Piers would approach an eventual re-opening, a representative informed Wildwood 365 that no permanent operations decisions had been made. Yesterday, Morey’s Piers issued a press release, announcing over 500 jobs available for the summer. There is still no official word from Trenton on when arcades will be allowed to open, though various sources tell us that an update could come as early as tomorrow.

Now hiring for the 2020 season Earn $12/HR, FREE rides, good credits and  MORE! PRESS RELEASE  The Wildwoods, NJ – Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks, located on the boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ is NOW hiring for seasonal staff with more than 500 positions available.   As New Jersey begins to reopen and tourists return to this premier Jersey Shore destination, Morey’s Piers is ramping up its seasonal hiring in an effort to provide guests with the level of service they have come to expect when visiting the seaside amusement park.  “For the last couple of months there were many unknowns related to our upcoming season due to the COVID-19 pandemic”, said Denise Beckson, Vice President of Human Resources. “But we believe now is the right time to significantly increase our hiring efforts as we hope to receive approval from the Governor to open additional amenities throughout our parks.” Morey’s Piers is seeking enthusiastic, outgoing, and responsible team players to fill seasonal jobs for this upcoming summer season. Employment opportunities are available in various departments, including Ride Operations, Park Services, Lifeguards, Food & Beverage, Game Operations, and much more.  Seasonal positions begin at $12.00 per hour and associates will receive additional perks […]

PRESS RELEASE Wildwood, NJ –  In anticipation of Governor Murphy’s Phase II re-openings, Mayor Pete Byron used his executive power to close Pacific Avenue to traffic to help businesses be able to use the Right-of-Way in front of their stores for dining tables, retail racks and to otherwise expand their business footprint to help them maintain state-mandated social distancing measures.  East and West crossroads will be open to all traffic. Beginning 9 am June 19, 2020, through midnight September 7, 2020, Pacific Avenue, between Spicer Avenue to Schellenger Avenue, shall be closed to all vehicular traffic for the purposes of creating a pedestrian “Pacific Avenue Mall.” • Pacific Avenue businesses seeking to temporarily expand outdoors into the sidewalk and street must apply to the Zoning Official. • All applications will be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Official, in consultation with the City Administrator and Chief of Police. Any denied applications may be appealed within 5 days. Approvals can be revoked by due process. • All businesses shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Wildwood et. al. • Businesses must complete indemnification forms located in the City Clerk’s office naming the City of Wildwood as an additional insured for a […]

PRESS RELEASE  WILDWOOD CREST – The Joseph Von Savage Memorial Pool in Wildwood Crest will remain closed until further notice as per Executive Order 153 released by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy earlier this month. The executive order allows for the opening of outdoor swimming pool facilities only on Monday, June 22. Indoor pool facilities must remain closed at this time. An interior improvement project is also scheduled to commence this week. Work includes renovations of the common restroom located between the men’s and women’s locker rooms through a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Small Cities Program grant. This work will make the restroom compliant to Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Improvements consist of replacing the restroom sink, toilet, wall tile, lighting and flooring. In addition, the borough is also replacing the floor surface of both the men’s and women’s locker rooms through an alternate bid. The project is expected to take four to seven weeks to complete, with much of the work planned for during the current shutdown of the pool facility due to Executive Order 153. Work is not expected to interfere with day-to-day pool operations if the facility is permitted to open prior to the […]

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest has canceled the first four shows of its 2020 Summer Music Series at Centennial Park due to Executive Order 152 by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy that limits the amount of people that can attend an outdoor social gathering. The canceled shows include performances by Parrotbeach on Saturday, June 27; Fuse Box on Wednesday, July 1; Don’t Call Me Francis on Saturday, July 4; and Mystical Majesty Band on Wednesday, July 8. Executive Order 152 currently limits outdoor gatherings to no more than 100 people. The governor has indicated that these limits may be raised to 250 people on June 22 and 500 people on July 3. Those limits are not high enough for the Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series to function, however, as the performances regularly draw crowds of more than 500 people on Wednesday evenings and more than 1,000 people on Saturday evenings. The 2020 Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series is now tentatively scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Park with a performance by the Deck Band, if the governor further raises the limits on outdoor social gatherings. Subsequent shows are scheduled for each Wednesday through Sept. 2 […]

The popular spray paint artist has announced that he is setting up for the summer at Boardwalk & Schellenger Avenue, outside of Splash Zone Water Park. Moonshine told Wildwood 365 that he expects to paint and perform every night, unless rain or high winds interfere. A fixture on the Boardwalk for several years, Moonshine has been missing from the Wildwood scene since he disappeared from his base at Sportland Pier toward the end of the 2015 season. His highest-profile location was Douglass Pavilion, across from Douglass Fudge at Wildwood Avenue, where his interactive performances drew big crowds nightly and earned him a cult-like following. In the past, Moonshine has a adapted to his surroundings, his energy-fueled shows featuring trap music (a sub-genre of hip hop) and sometimes even fire and lasers. It will be interesting to see what he has in store at his new base.  For additional updates, follow Joshua Moonshine on Facebook.

PRESS RELEASE Wildwood, NJ – On April 13, 2020, a severe windstorm uplifted and overturned timber sections of the Wildwood Boardwalk, leaving substantial damage between Rio Grande and Burk avenues.  City commissioners and engineers rushed out the same day to assess the damage, followed the next day by insurance agents. The insurance carrier agreed to pay for the repairs in full. DeBlasio & Associates, P.C. was selected to assist the City of Wildwood in providing engineering services to help fix the damage with a completion due date of June 12, 2020, and finished on time once again allowing pedestrian traffic along the full course of the historic Wildwood Boardwalk. According to Marc DiBlasio, “We’re honored and privileged to work with the City of Wildwood and recognize the importance of the Boardwalk to the vitality of not only the businesses located on it but also to the entire county. Our team quickly responded to make the repairs. The Wildwood Boardwalk is officially open!” Mayor Pete Byron confirmed that the repairs were at zero cost to taxpayers: “Addressing long-standing infrastructure issues without burdening taxpayers is at the top of our agenda, and we are pleased that our constituents will not be unnecessarily […]

PRESS RELEASE All swimming pools at hotels and other facilities throughout the Wildwoods, NJ are permitted to open to guests beginning Monday, June 22. “We are excited to see our hotels safely open their swimming pools to guests as another enhancement to Wildwoods visitors’ return to our destination,” said Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director/CFO John Siciliano. “It’s yet another way to have fun in the sun in the Wildwoods this summer.” Hotels and other facilities with a public swimming pool are required to develop a COVID-19 Pool Operation Prevention Plan that complies with New Jersey Department of Health guidelines, including: Staff screenings for fever and symptoms on entering the swimming pool area Social distancing of six feet while in the water, as well as on the pool deck, and non-sharing of pool furniture and equipment with the exception of immediate family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners Maintaining a sign-in sheet for staff and guests to facilitate potential contact tracing efforts Cleaning and disinfecting furniture and equipment after each use Facilities are urged to stagger access to entry and exit points to avoid congregation, and reduce capacity to 50 percent for the facility and […]

At a special meeting this morning, the Wildwood Board of Commissioners relaxed current restrictions, allowing Right-of-Way consumption of alcohol in “clearly marked” public areas. The decision is another move aimed at assisting the local business community, in advance of the next phase of Governor Phil Murphy’s reopening measures. PRESS RELEASE  Restaurants/bars must comply with any and all other federal, state, county, and local laws and regulations, including any and all general ordinances governing the operation of bars/restaurants. • The “Right-of-Way” may be used for the consumption of alcohol that has been purchased via take-out service  • The “Right-of-Way” must be clearly marked by the restaurant/bar, and must leave appropriate room for pedestrian foot traffic.  • No tables or chairs may be placed in the Right-of-Way for use until June 15, 2020, and upon approval by the Wildwood Zoning Official.  • Restaurants/bars must place trash receptacles in the Right-of-Way and must manage the accumulation of trash/recycling. • DO NOT carry or transport alcoholic beverages to any other area for consumption, except goods purchased for home consumption on the purchaser’s private property. • Restaurants/bars allowing consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Right-of-Way shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Wildwood, its employees, agents, […]

The City of Wildwood has officially extended bicycle hours on the Boardwalk to 1 pm, effective immediately.This includes: tricycles, surreys, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades and non-motorized scooters.An official release states that “Wildwood City Commissioners recognize cycling as a primary tourist recreational activity as well as a practical mode of transportation throughout the city. They have asked the City Engineer to look into the possibility of creating a bike path through Wildwood to create a year-round safe space for riders.”Additional resources for biking through the Wildwoods can be found here:wildwoodsnj.com/attraction/bike-path-through-the-wildwoods/Cyclists can enjoy a FREE scenic bike route that runs nearly the entire length of the 5-mile island, beginning at the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge in Wildwood Crest. The beach side bicycle path runs north, continuing on the world famous Wildwoods Boardwalk at Cresse Avenue via the bike ramp connector.The Boardwalk stretches 1.85 miles north to a connecting ramp between 15th and 16th Avenues in North Wildwood. From there, cyclists can continue along a path parallel to the beach along JFK Blvd. A special “bikes only” lane is also dedicated throughout the length of North Wildwood, from 1st to 26th Avenues along Surf Avenue. Bicycles are allowed on the Boardwalk […]

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – The Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Wildwood Crest has passed a pair of resolutions urging New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to further open the tourism industry for the benefit of both businesses and the community at large in Wildwood Crest. The resolutions were passed unanimously by Mayor/Commissioner Don Cabrera, Commissioner Joyce Gould and Commissioner David Thompson at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, June 3. The resolutions call for the governor to allow small businesses and swimming pools to open under proper safety protocols, including all appropriate social-distancing measures. “The tourism industry is an absolutely vital component to the economy here in Wildwood Crest,” Cabrera said. “Our economy is driven by the ability to attract guests to our wonderful shore community during what is a very short season. The further reopening of small businesses and swimming pools needs to occur, in order to bring income to small businesses and provide jobs to the good people in our community. “The State of New Jersey and, in particular, Cape May County have seen a flattening of the curve in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is past time to further reopen small businesses and […]

The campaign to “Save Wildwood Catholic” has succeeded! The good news was announced this afternoon by Notre Dame de la Mer Parish, which shared a recent letter from Camden Diocese Bishop Dennis Sullivan to Rev. Joseph Wallace, president of Wildwood Catholic High School. In the letter, Sullivan praised and outlined the “impressive efforts” made to support the Wildwood Catholic Academy initiative after the announced closings of Wildwood Catholic and Cape Trinity Catholic back in March. The newly-branded academy, now a Pre-K-12 institution, will open this fall and operate out of the current, longstanding school building at 1500 Central Avenue in North Wildwood.  Sullivan further noted the substantial fundraising effort of the campaign – in excess of $1 million cash-in-hand – and struck a positive, hopeful tone with regard to the academy’s long-term success. “We are incredibly grateful to the families, friends and organizers of the Save Wildwood Catholic campaign,” said WCA administrator Kevin Quinn. “The organizers, the business and organizations, everyone who came together and contributed to this cause.  “Because of your spirit and generosity, Wildwood Catholic Academy has become a reality and will open this coming school, allowing us to continue our mission of providing Catholic education to the children of this region.” More to come…

PRESS RELEASEWildwood, NJ – Who wants to work out?  Downtown Wildwood Fitness in the Plaza begins on June 22nd. These outdoor classes will be held from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on weekday mornings in Byrne Plaza, at 3400 Pacific Avenue. Byrne Plaza’s 45,000 square feet of open space will allow plenty of room for social distancing, however classes will be limited to the first 25 to sign in, in compliance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people.  Both the Boot Camp and Yoga Instructor will offer prepaid discounted punch cards to allow a contactless pay option. The schedule is as follows: ?Monday, Wednesday & Friday Boot Camp Interval Training with Dion Cooley for $10 per class o Discounted multi class punch cards will be available Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to sign in ? Tuesday & Thursday Yoga with Claudia Gentzow for $5 per class Bring your own mat Discounted multi class punch cards will be available o Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to sign in Exercising is great for your body and your mind. Exercising outdoors is even better! We look forward to working out with you at Fitness in the […]

According to a report by NJ.com, outdoor dining and indoor shopping will be allowable as of June 15. Governor Phil Murphy will detail rules for allowable outdoor dining at a 2:30 pm press conference. The report states that indoor retail at non-essential businesses will initially be allowed at 50 percent capacity. Stay tuned for more info…

The grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony was not to be. There was no kick-off party, no balloons, no revelry; the spring car show street fair that would have tied into the festivities so perfectly was scuttled, as was the on-site wedding, the coffee with cops events and just about everything else on the planning board. After six months of intensively creative and physical work to bring his vision to life, Jason Kramer has had no choice but to adjust to the current reality. And remain patient. “No one could have seen this coming,” the lifelong Wildwood resident said of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and its crippling repercussions for small businesses at the Jersey Shore. “But we will get through this. In the end, we will still be here and we’ll be ready. “In the immortal words of King Solomon: ‘This too shall pass.’” Working out the kinks Starting this weekend, Kramer’s sparkling, retro-fueled Doo Wop Drive-In will be open seven days a week, serving breakfast and lunch – but limited, of course, to takeout service for the time being. In addition to the disappointment of not being able to welcome guests into his new digs, the personable restaurantuer began working through […]

PRESS RELEASE The Wildwoods, NJ – The Wildwoods’ dog friendly-designated beach on Glenwood Avenue is now open!From May through October, every four-legged friend has this special, designated place to call their own. Just to be safe, all dogs have to be licensed, must always be leashed, except inside the dog park, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends. Social distancing must also be practiced by owners.The Wildwoods Dog Beach has been named one of the Top 10 ‘Best Dog Friendly Beaches’ in the 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA TODAY.USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with BringFido.com to nominate the 20 most dog-friendly beachees in the nation. The Wildwoods Dog Beach received the second highest number of votes, ranking it #2 overall in the nation.Tails have been wagging as dogs make their way across the Boardwalk, and onto the sand as they approach the 25-foot-tall Fire Hydrant Sculpture at the Dog Park – right at the entrance to the Dog Beach. The Dog Park is completely fenced-in, so your furry friend has enough room to run and stretch their legs, and is also separated into two sections – one for large breed dogs, and […]

Not one, but two beloved institutions will be reborn at 17th & Boardwalk in the weeks to come. Back in February, fans of Little Nicky’s Pizza rejoiced after new owner Elaina Galdo announced that the corner pizzeria was planning a reopening (with original recipes and new menu items), after sitting empty last summer. At the time, Galdo told us that there were no immediate plans for neighboring Pompeo’s Restaurant, which was available for lease after being closed for most of the past three years. Enter Rich Merlino. Earlier this week, Merlino confirmed to Wildwood 365 that he has taken over as the new owner of Pompeo’s and is actively planning its relaunch. He is aiming for a Fourth of July grand opening – contingent, of course, on current COVID-19 restrictions. The reopening will come with an expanded menu. The new Pompeo’s will continue serving up the “Best Breakfast on the Boardwalk,” along with lunch and dinner options. A definitive reopening date for Little Nicky’s has not yet been set.  Both establishments are still looking for help; those interested can inquire at the addresses here: Little Nicky’s – looking for experienced pizza makers  Pompeo’s – hiring experienced line cooks The additions […]

With New Jersey’s amusement industry in a holding pattern while waiting for directives from Governor Phil Murphy on when it can begin reopening, questions and confusion continue to mount. Yesterday, Morey’s Piers sent an email to guests who had previously booked cabana rentals at Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters water parks, informing of an updated refund policy. In the message, it was noted that the current plan calls for Ocean Oasis to remain closed this season, while Raging Waters would eventually open. The key phrase here is current plan. As of now, no permanent decisions as it relates to Summer 2020 operations have been made, Morey’s representative Maggie Warner confirmed. We reached out to Morey’s Piers to gain further clarification on this matter and received the following statement: “At this time, we are planning for several scenarios; the most likely is to have 2 piers and 1 water park open along with limited concessions, games, and restaurants. As it currently stands, the water park that would open first, when safe to do so, will be Raging Waters Water Park.   “A recent email went out to guests that booked cabana rentals at both Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters Water Parks informing […]

PRESS RELEASE  WILDWOOD CREST – In conjunction with an amended resolution by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, short-term rentals in the Borough of Wildwood Crest can commence immediately. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, short-term rentals in the borough had been banned through May 31 in conjunction with the original county resolution.  The resolution was amended by the county freeholders on Tuesday, May 26. The amendment now permits short-term rentals for hotels, motels and private homes and condominiums in Wildwood Crest, which has been following the county’s guidance on the matter. For further information, contact the Borough of Wildwood Crest at (609) 522-5176.

PRESS RELEASE The Wildwoods, NJ – “Watch the Tram Car, Please” will once again be heard along the Wildwoods Boardwalk as the Sightseer Tram Cars resume operations for the 2020 season today, Tuesday, May 26.”The Wildwoods Sightseer Tram Cars, and the passangers riding them, will be a welcomed sight and sound on our Boardwalk this summer, especially after a long dormant winter and spring,” said Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director/CFO John Siciliano. “This is yet another exciting step toward the opening of a fun-filled summer season in the Wildwoods.”The tram cars, like all aspects of reopening in the Wildwoods for the summer, will meet social distancing guidelines and enhanced sanitizing protocols. Modifications include being fitted with plexiglass dividers and plastic shields between seating areas; and a full sanitizing regimen with quick-drying disinfectant every half-hour. Tram employees will also wear masks while interacting with visitors and passengers.In addition, a new Tram Car App is being developed that will allow for cashless payments. App users can purchase and redeem tram car tickets, and track the location of the trams along the boards. App-exclusive discoutns for the tram car as well as partnering businesses will also be available.First […]

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – These are challenging times, and this will certainly be a different Memorial Day weekend than most of us have ever experienced. The Borough of Wildwood Crest is doing all it can to allow its residents and visitors to enjoy the many amenities the borough has to offer, while also following guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey and the County of Cape May with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is an update on the Borough of Wildwood Crest as Memorial Day weekend approaches: BASKETBALL COURTS/TENNIS COURTS: Public basketball courts and tennis/pickleball courts are currently open to the public. The usage of basketball courts is limited to individuals and small groups, with no organized games. The usage of tennis/pickleball courts is limited to small groups. Social distancing should be practiced at all times. BEACHES: All beaches will be open and protected by lifeguards, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 23-25, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31. Beginning Saturday, June 6, all beaches will be open and protected daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.  The […]

As reliable as the ever-rolling tides, each new season at the shore brings change.On this page, we will keep a running list of new businesses and developments in the communities of the Wildwoods, updated whenever new information becomes available. To avoid confusion, we have created a separate page for the Boardwalk: Please note that many of the businesses listed here are not yet open (or, at least, fully open) due to current COVID-19 restrictions… Middle Township Lazy Bass Bayside Grill 4401 Old North Wildwood Boulevard, Grassy Sound Unique dining coming to Grassy Sound Marina; featuring spacious deck and bar areas, sunset views and boating access North Wildwood Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge – New patio 109 W. 1st. Avenue #5 Five Girls Sandwich Shop 2010 New Jersey Avenue Specialty sandwich shop at the former location of Blitz’s Market Coastal Prime 3001 Pacific Avenue Seafood and steakhouse at the former location of Mia Mia ACJokes Wildwood Comedy Club 3700 Pacific Avenue Comedy room at Amnesia, by ACJokes; plans to be open year round The Deck at Holly Beach – New enclosed second level 3401 Pacific Avenue Wildwood Crest Doo Wop Drive-In 6200 New Jersey Avenue New, expanded upgrade of the Doo Wop […]

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol has announced its coverage schedule for the 2020summer season. All beaches will be open and protected by lifeguards, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 23-25, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31. Lifeguards will be placed on stands for the weekends of May 23-25 and May 30-31 at the following locations:  Cresse-Morning Glory, Buttercup-Lavender, Crocus-Aster (surfing beach), Cardinal-Sweetbriar (surfing beach), Columbine-Rosemary, Fern-Palm, Myrtle-Primrose (surfing beach), Rambler-Orchid (surfing beach), Stockton-Stanton, Atlanta-Nashville, Miami-Monterey, Toledo-Denver, Hollywood-Preston, Pittsburgh-Charleston, Trenton-Newark, Washington-Jefferson. Beginning Saturday, June 6, all beaches will be open and protected daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol strongly advises all bathers to swim at lifeguard protected beaches only during the hours of operation. Transport service for the handicapped with be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. whenever lifeguards are on duty.  Call Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol headquarters at (609) 522-3825 for transport service or for further information.

The circumstances may not be ideal, but a date has been set for one of the island’s most anticipated debuts in recent memory. This Friday, May 22, the Doo Wop Drive-In will open for takeout and curbside pickup at 6200 New Jersey Avenue in Wildwood Crest. Breakfast and lunch will be served from 7 am to 2 pm daily, with hours increasing over the coming weeks. (Full menu available HERE; guests can place orders at 609-305-4807.) Owners Jason Kramer and Bryan Grant took over the former home of Tony Luke’s earlier this year, after operating the Doo Wop Coffee Shop at the Tangiers Motel since 2005. A dramatic, months-long transformation produced the desired result: a sleek, modern entity with the authentic feel of a 1950’s diner, inside and out.  “The time had come for something bigger and better,” Kramer told Wildwood 365 back in March. “We found the perfect location and the perfect building, with parking, for everything we envisioned.” When the Doo Wop Drive-In is able to welcome dine-in guests, it will comfortably seat approximately 100 people – double the capacity of the Doo Wop Coffee Shop. The spacious dining and kitchen areas will allow for an expanded menu […]

Family owned and operated for nearly a half-century, Suncrest Market is in many ways the quintessential “corner store down-the shore.”With emphasis on community, service and value, the Thompson family welcomed generations of locals and vacationers to the corner of New Jersey & Preston, deep in the heart of Wildwood Crest. When the market opens for the new season, on Friday, May 22 (soft opening) it will do so under new ownership for the very first time, with the Vassallo-Jones family taking the reins. And so, the tradition continues… “The Vassallo-Jones family has a long history of being affiliated with the market as customers and friends of the Thompson family,” the new owners told Wildwood 365 in a collective statement. “Members of our family even worked there in the summers of their youth. “Much will remain the same at the Suncrest. Many of the employees are returning, including the most recent cook. Many of our vendors and menu items will remain the same as well, so customers can count on their favorite Italian hoagie or cheesesteak. But we are adding some upgrades as well.” Changes will include a new layout, “allowing for a more spacious shopping experience.” In addition, the Suncrest […]

Two years ago – almost to the day – Capt’n Jack’s Island Grill opened its expanded second level at Poplar Avenue, featuring a large dining room and bar area with unparalleled views of the Boardwalk and beach. Today, “CJ’s” not only opens for the season, it debuts its second location, on the second level of the Boardwalk Mall!Of course, both locations will be able to offer takeout service only at this time, with the opening of New Jersey’s bars and restaurants awaiting Governor Phil Murphy’s approval.Menus include food items and a variety of drinks, too – check out the menu for both locations HERE.Call 609-554-3183 to place orders. Pickups at 2701 Boardwalk (Poplar Avenue) and Boardwalk Mall (Garfield Avenue).(No Fishbowls yet, unfortunately; yes, this has been one of our most-asked questions over the past week. However, you can get your photo in front of a giant one at the new ‘Insta-Wall’ at the mall – see above.)Check out the latest updates of the on the progress of the second level bar/restaurant area at the Boardwalk Mall HERE.For more information, photos and updates, follow Capt’n Jack’s on Facebook.

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest has announced it will lift many of its beach restrictions as of 6 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Wildwood Crest emergency management coordinator Ron Harwood has signed a proclamation that allows the public to sit and sunbathe on the beach beginning May 15. Swimming will also be permitted when lifeguards are on duty beginning Saturday, May 23.  Previously, only exercise such as running, jogging, walking, fishing and metal detecting had been permissible on Wildwood Crest beaches in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social-distancing measures are still in effect and should be utilized efficiently considering the relatively vast width of the Wildwood Crest. Beach visitors must remain at least six feet apart, excluding family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners. Groups should be limited to 10 or less people. Masks are recommended but not required when safe social-distancing measures can be followed. Masks are required when coming into close contact with others or when social distancing is not practicable. Organized beach games, contact activities and water play equipment are still prohibited at this time. Portable toilets will be available to the public at various points along the beach. They will […]

PRESS RELEASE  WILDWOOD CREST – Permit tags for the 2020 season for the Wildwood Crest Department’s Trash and Recycling Center will be available for pickup by Wildwood Crest residents and homeowners beginning Friday, May 15. The free permit tags will be available for pickup at the Tourism Information Center, located near the beach entrance at Rambler Road.  The information center will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through mid June.  Additional summer hours will be added in late June. 2019 permit tags will be good only through Sunday, June 14. Beginning Monday, June 15, only 2020 permit tags will be accepted at the trash and recycling center. The trash and recycling center is available for use by Wildwood Crest residents and homeowners only. It is designed for residential household trash and recyclables drop-off only.  Large bulk items will not be accepted for drop-off. Instead, residents and homeowners should call Public Works at (609) 522-7446 to schedule a separate bulk pick-up. Those using the Recycling Center must present their permit tag to the employee at the entrance gate. The […]

American Legion Post 184 in Wildwood, NJ wants to make sure children know the true meaning of the weekend by offering a house decorating contest and educational resources…PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD, NJ – Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching which means another year of annual events from American Legion Post 184. Traditionally, the Post organizes a parade on Atlantic Avenue to honor the fallen.  This year, the parade will be looped through town led by Wildwood’s Police and Fire departments. A new addition to the event will be a house decorating contest with $100 prize, and a focus on education for children. The annual parade will begin at 6 PM and will pass by every home in Wildwood.  The community is encouraged to watch out front of their homes only, while practicing social distancing. While the parade goes by, Post 184 suggests taking a moment of silence to remember the fallen.  In an effort to provide a fun activity for families and educate children, a house decorating contest has been created. Houses that register online and display a patriotic scene or a scene remembering the fallen will be considered to win a $100 Visa gift card.  Post 184 hopes parents will […]

Slowly, but surely, we’re beginning to get a sense of what Summer 2020 in the Wildwoods is going to look like. Late last week, several restrictions on access to the Boardwalk and beaches were lifted, and more “essential” businesses opened for takeout and delivery services. The majority of Boardwalk shops remain in limbo, however, pending Governor Phil Murphy’s decision on when to allow retail stores, restaurant dining rooms, etc. to reopen. Another very noticeable absense has prompting the much-asked question: Will we hear “Watch the Tram Car, Please” on the Boardwalk this summer? The answer is YES, but details surrounding the implementation of new protocols for the famous Sightseer Tram Cars are still being finalized. “We are looking to restart the Tram Cars on Tuesday, May 26 with some common sense, innovative mitigation protocols in place,” said Patrick Rosenello, Executive Director of the Boardwalk SID, and also Mayor of North Wildwood.  “These measures will preserve the authentic nature of the Tram Cars while also providing significantly-enhanced safety measures for customers and staff.” Perhaps the Wildwoods’ most iconic and enduring icon, the Sightseer trams celebrated their 71st summer of operation on the Boardwalk in 2019. Service generally begins in April or […]

Businesses and others urged to begin preparing for implementation of important virus mitigation protocols… PRESS RELEASE  The County of Cape May’s continuing efforts to pursue a safe opening of the County consistent with the Governor’s directives and advice from health care professionals is in a very active phase. The Cape May County-Wide Recovery Initiative is very pleased with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s prompt response to the recently submitted Proposal for the Safe, Smart and Progressive Reopening of Cape May County. The Recovery Initiative, led by Cape May County Freeholder Vice-Director Len Desiderio and Freeholder Will Morey, with the support of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the active engagement of the Mayors of all sixteen Cape May County Municipalities as well as volunteers from the business community and health care sector, submitted the proposal to the Governor through his Chief of Staff on the morning of May 5, 2020.  The Governor’s Office responded almost immediately, and a conference call was conducted that same evening with the Governor’s Chief of Staff, his administrative team, and the Freeholder Board. A follow-up conference call is scheduled for this Tuesday, May 12, 2020. “We are very appreciative of the Governor’s immediate response. The spirit […]

In the 10+ years we have been running the Wildwood 365 blog and social media accounts, we had never received more questions over a 24-hour period than we did following the announcement of the reopening of the Boardwalk. After North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello put out the official word on Tuesday night, the emails and messages came, fast and furious. And, quite frankly, many of the queries mirrored our own curiosities and concerns. With the weekend almost upon us (and with Memorial Day Weekend looming a mere two weeks away), we reached out to local officials to gain clarity on matters pertaining not just to the Boardwalk, but the Wildwoods’ beaches and visiting the island. What follows is a question/answer format providing the most up-to-date information available. Two quick notes before we dive into things:As with so many aspects of our lives affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the topics discussed here are fluid in nature, and subject to change daily. Perhaps it should go without saying at this point, but every official we talked to stressed the continued importance of social distancing and “common sense” practices (including wearing a mask) when in public, and especially when near other people. The […]

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest has announced that its borough hall and its trash and recycling center will reopen to the public on Monday, May 11. Those facilities had been closed since mid March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to borough hall and the trash and recycling center will be required to wear masks and practice social-distancing measures by remaining six feet apart from other visitors and borough staff.  There will be a limit of one visitor per floor at a time to borough hall. There will be a limit of one visitor at a time to the trash and recycling center. Wildwood Crest Borough Hall, located at 6101 Pacific Avenue, will be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Wildwood Crest Trash and Recycling Center, located along Bayview Drive between Newark and Jefferson avenues, will be open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.  Those using the trash and recycling center must have a borough-issued trash and recycling center tag. Tags from 2019 are still valid. New tags will be available in the coming weeks. For further information, contact Wildwood Crest […]

PRESS RELEASE CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ – A consensus-driven coalition of Cape May County Freeholders, Mayors and Business Community leaders today made a submission to Governor Phil Murphy entitled “A Proposal for the Safe, Thoughtful and Progressive Reopening of Cape May County During the Time of COVID-19.”  The proposal details a potential path for reopening Cape May County that is focused on safety first. On April 14, 2020, the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders created a Business Recovery Task Force, Co-Chaired by Freeholder Vice-Director Len Desiderio and Freeholder Will Morey.  Over a dozen members of the business community volunteered their time and talents and all sixteen of Cape May County’s Mayors were made a part of what has become the Cape May County-Wide Recovery Initiative.  The Recovery Initiative, in consultation with health care professionals and with respect for the orders and directives of the Governor, crafted a proposal that is focused on four main topics for the Governor’s consideration: 1. Cape May County is a close-knit community and the loss of life we have suffered hits us particularly hard. In the broader picture, Cape May County has suffered a mild outbreak and a downward trend appears to be […]

A Disney favorite is coming to the Wildwoods Boardwalk for the first time, as the revamped Boardwalk Mall continues to take shape.The Chillin Pineapple will be located at the front of the mall, under Capt’n Jack’s Island Grill. It will offer a variety of dessert options, including soft serve ice cream, 12 different flavors of lemonade and Dole Whips.Dole Whips are soft serve dairy-free treats created by the Dole Food Company in 1986. They are best associated with the original pineapple flavor, but can be prepared with other fruit variations.These treats have achieved something of a cult-like following among Disney park-goers over the years, and are not widely sold elsewhere.At this time, the Chillin Pineapple is aiming to be open for Memorial Day Weekend, though a soft opening could come sooner.Give them a LIKE on Facebook for more info, photos and updates.

Wildwood Crest’s annual Summer Kickoff Concert has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming holiday weekend. As of now, however, the borough is moving ahead with plans for its Summer Music Series, with concerts scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday evenings at Centennial Park, beginning Saturday, June 27. The announcements were made this morning on the Crest’s official Facebook page The Summer Kickoff Concert, one of the staples of Memorial Day Weekend in the Wildwoods, was set to feature the Chatterband on Sunday, May 24. The Wildwoods International Kite Festival (May 22-25) and the Regional Gymnastics Championship (May 22-24) have also been cancelled. Meanwhile, the Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market has announced that it WILL open as scheduled on Saturday morning, May 23. We will update on the status of additional Memorial Day Weekend and summer events as they become available.

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD CREST – The Borough of Wildwood Crest will lift some restrictions previously placed on the usage of outdoor public facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic this weekend. The Wildwood Crest beach will reopen for recreational activities only beginning at sunrise on Saturday, May 2. These include walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and metal detecting.  The beach will remain closed for sunbathing, sitting, organized sports and any forms of social gatherings. All public parks and the bike path from Cresse Avenue to Rambler Road will reopen to the public beginning at sunrise on Saturday, May 2. Public basketball courts and tennis courts will also reopen but large gatherings are prohibited. Public playgrounds and the Wildwood Crest Beach Pier at Rambler Road will remain closed to the public. Those using any public facilities in Wildwood Crest are strongly urged to practice safe social-distancing measures. The public is also reminded that the stay-at-home order put forth by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is still in place.  In addition, as per a resolution put forth by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, all short-term rentals in Wildwood Crest are currently prohibited. For further information, contact the Wildwood Crest Recreation […]

Led by County Freeholders, the Initiative includes Business Representatives, Municipalities & More… PRESS RELEASE  CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ – Cape May County’s Recovery Initiative is making progress toward a plan to re-open the County. The Initiative began on April 14, 2020, when the Board of Chosen Freeholders created a Business Recovery Task Force co-chaired by Freeholder Vice Director Len Desiderio and Freeholder Will Morey.  The Task Force set to work organizing leaders of various sectors of the business community, bringing in the Mayors of Cape May County’s sixteen municipalities, health sector professionals, state and federal elected officials and others. The Task Force has quickly evolved into the Cape May County-Wide Recovery Initiative.   The mission of the Recovery Initiative is to optimize and support economic recovery and the safe and thoughtful reopening of public places. “As we are now seeing with many States across the Country engaging in the reopening process, businesses are quickly learning to innovate in order to successfully operate in the present environment,” commented Freeholder Will Morey. “That’s what businesses do to survive.  Fact is, we can protect our most vulnerable population while adapting sufficiently to restore economic function to our communities.” The commitment of the Cape May County […]

Memphis Rank (Supplied Photo) Since the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting the area last month, Chris Barlow has been at the forefront in donating free meals to various police departments. But the owner of Big Barlow’s BBQ and Catering in Barnegat Township is now involved in a campaign to help the seriously injured child of a close friend. Barlow said that Memphis Rank,  the 2-year-old son of Mike Rank, was recently injured in a lawnmower accident at home. He is at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he has undergone numerous procedures and awaits more surgeries. “Mike has given to this community so much and never asks for anything back,” said Barlow. “He also has made a large donation to feed frontline workers and has also done roof work free of charge to area veterans. But now he and his family need help, and I hope people can help out during this difficult time. They’ve been great customers, and Memphis and his twin sister, Mikenna, are big fans of our pulled pork.” On Saturday, May 2, Big Barlow’s will hold a fundraiser for Rank at the eatery, located 21 South Main St., Suite 6, at the corner of Georgetown Boulevard. “We’re going […]

The number of patients with the coronavirus currently at Southern Ocean Medical Center is less than half what it was at its peak, according to the Manahawkin hospital’s chief executive officer, Michele Morrison. “Where we are today at Southern Ocean Medical Center is our numbers are starting to decline, which is a really great thing to see. Currently, today, as I sit here, we have 23 inpatient positive COVIDs, in house. That’s a signficant decline from what we did see; we had upwards of 49 inpatients at one time, with many patients under investigation,” Morrison said in a video posted on Long Beach Township’s Facebook page on Saturday, April 25. Morrison was joined by township Commissioner Joseph Lattanzi and wife Kim Hogan, both of whom are local physicians, as well as township Mayor Joseph Mancini in the video that aims to inform residents about municipal decisions and the overall situation as it pertains to COVID-19 in the area. “As we prepared for this pandemic back in March,” Morrison explained, “we did a lot of things, including creating a surge capacity plan, which gave us the ability to care for more than double the amount of patients that we would historically have beds […]

(Photo by Ryan Morrill) Beginning at 6 p.m., April 24, Ship Bottom beaches are open to property owners and residents in possession of a disaster re-entry placard, officials announced late Friday afternoon. Surf fishing will be permitted on the beaches from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m., according to the emergency order, which rescinds a previous one closing beaches.   Digital and reproduction of placards will not be accepted as proof of an official disaster re-entry pass, according to the emergency order.  Beach buggy permits will not be issued under the measure signed by Mayor William Huelsenbeck and Joe Valyo, borough emergency management coordinator and a councilman in town.   The re-entry passes were distributed following Superstorm Sandy, with an updated version, valid through 2025, mailed out to replace the expired ones earlier this year. The use of placards for access to beaches was implemented earlier this month in Beach Haven, Long Beach Township and Harvey Cedars. Barnegat Light and Surf City beaches remain open to everyone.   Since Ship Bottom officials completely closed borough beaches April 4, the only Island town to do so, the number of COVID-19 cases in the borough has increased by only one and that case had nothing to do with virus exposure in Ship Bottom, Huelsenbeck said Friday […]

While having a meal on the beach isn’t part of Long Beach Township’s new executive order, the measure does aim to make it easier for township restaurants to offer outside dining. (Photo by Ryan Morrill) Long Beach Township restaurants will have more opportunities for outdoor dining at their establishments this summer under a new township ruling that seeks to further accommodate social distancing guidelines. All in-person dining restaurants, including those previously approved for outdoor seating, are eligible to create or expand their outdoor seating, under an executive order that becomes effective once Gov. Phil Murphy reopens restaurants for in-person dining. The order, which can be found on the township’s website, is subject to the terms of the state’s regulations. Under the measure, establishments that offer solely takeout food are not permitted to seek outdoor eating areas. Mayor Joseph Mancini said approval for the creation or expansion of outdoor dining will be done on a case-by-case basis, and social distancing must be taken into consideration when owners submit a “casual plan” to township officials. For approval to be granted, an outdoor seating plan must be approved by the mayor, police chief, construction office and the Long Beach Island Health Department. Temporary […]

Unprecedented times come with unprecedented challenges, often requiring creative, “outside the box” solutions. Teamwork, cohesion and communication are equally important. “In the situation we presently find ourselves in, with this pandemic, we are trying to be proactive, not reactive,” said Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron. “We have a long road ahead of us but we’re trying to stay ahead of the curve. “And when I say ‘we,’ I’m not just talking about Wildwood. I’m talking about the entire island, coming together as one big community, working together for the good of all.” Byron noted that he has been working particularly close with North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello, attempting to create a framework for recovery as businesses look toward a summer of great uncertainty. Recently, Governor Phil Murphy floated the idea of a ‘50 percent’ capacity’ mandate once eat-in establishments are allowed to reopen, with tables spread apart to continue the practice of social distancing. With this in mind, Byron said that he and Rosenello are working on introducing a resolution that would allow some bars and restaurants to “extend” onto other portions of their properties. “The idea is, if you have an establishment and you have adjacent parking lot, we will […]

Three carts’ worth of food items were dropped off to the St. Francis Community Center’s food pantry on April 16, thanks to the efforts of the Barnegat High School swimming program. (Photo courtesy Emily Cherry) Emily Cherry is the kind of coach who’s always in touch with the athletes on her squad, even during the offseason. And several weeks back, when most of the Barnegat High School swimmers were expressing their desire to do something to benefit the community as everybody continued to battle the effects of  COVID-19, she gave them an idea. “Because I work at St. Francis Community Center, I get all the messages about what’s going on there,” said Cherry, who during the summer coaches the St. Francis swim team. “Right at the beginning of the pandemic, I knew St. Francis had a lot of donations, but a couple of weeks later I was seeing a lot more notices about the need for donations. “I was talking to a lot of our swimmers, and they wanted to help in some way, so I suggested a food drive for St. Francis. They jumped on board pretty quick.” Cherry gave those who wanted to help two options – obtain […]

PRESS RELEASE Wildwood and North Wildwood – Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron and North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello announced today updates to the previously enacted restrictions that have been placed on Short Term Rentals, Beaches, Boardwalks, Bike Paths and Seawalls in the Wildwoods. In an April 6th Order, the municipalities closed their respective Boardwalks, Beaches, Bike Paths and Seawall as well as placed limits on Short Term Rentals.  At this time the Cities of Wildwood and North Wildwood are announcing modifications to these orders.   These new orders replace and supersede the previous orders and will be in place beginning April 23, 2020. It is the intent of the governing bodies of Wildwood and North Wildwood to institute restrictions and orders in conjunction with COVID-19 in two-week increments moving forward.   These two-week increments coincide with the regularly scheduled meetings of the respective governing bodies and provide flexible planning in a fluid and rapidly changing situation. The updated restrictions and updates are as follows: SHORT TERM RENTALS:  Continuing through May 7, 2020, no short-term rentals are permitted. A short-term rental for the purpose of this order is any rental for less than 30 days. SHORT TERM RENTAL EXCEPTIONS: 1. Any exception listed in NJOEM […]

Developer Christopher Vernon’s plan to build a 102-room hotel on the vacant site of Morrison’s Restaurant in Beach Haven appears to be on shaky ground, according to borough officials. Vernon has proposed a three-story structure. It would have a height limit of 44 feet to the top of the hotel roof, with an elevator tower not to exceed a maximum height of 45 feet, 9 inches. He has said the three-story design would enable the site to aintain the Ship’s Store building on the site, plus add gardens and other amenities. “I  have been made aware that CAFRA (Coastal Area Facilities Review Act) is now prohibiting the location of the hotel, as proposed, on Second Street,” said Borough Manager Sherry Mason. “Mr. Vernon is meeting with CAFRA to determine what changes will need to be made to satisfy them. If they are substantial, he will have to come back to the borough council to amend his redevelopment plan as well as his redevelopment agreement. Then he would have to start with a fresh site plan with the land use board.” Mayor Nancy Taggart Davis said she had talked to Vernon a month ago, and he told her the state had issues with the Second Street location. She related that information to borough […]

(Photo by Jack Reynolds) Feel like a (virtual) road trip to the greater Long Beach Island region? Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has moved this spring’s 12th annual Wedding Road Show & Party Planning Tour online due to COVID-19 restrictions, and has just announced the lineup for the remote event, which will showcase the area’s venues and professionals. “We are all looking forward to planning our next celebration when we gather with the special people in our lives,” chamber Chief Executive Officer Lori A. Pepenella noted. “Everyone is invited to this complimentary tour, beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 26. By registering online, attendees will receive a link to tune in through Zoom to watch, tweet and take notes from dozens of vendors.” This year’s venues and lodging options include: The Mainland in Manahawkin; Daddy O Restaurant, Bar and Hotel in Brant Beach; the Brant Beach Yacht Club; Drifting Sands Hotel in Ship Bottom; Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom; the Surf City Yacht Club; Surf City Hotel; Sea Spray Motel in Beach Haven Inlet; Black Whale Bar & Fish House in Beach Haven; Tuckers Tavern in Beach Haven; and Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club in Beach Haven, […]

The Beach Haven Taxpayers Association board has unanimously supported a program for Hackensack Meridian Health at Southern Ocean Medical Center to get food and donations to local heroes – the frontline doctors and nurses who are risking their lives to fight the COVID-19 virus. Board President John Hailperin said that working with the SOMC Foundation, the group is donating money to local Beach Haven restaurants for meal deliveries to healthcare workers at the medical center’s Emergency Department and the COVID-19 floor. He said the association will also ask its membership to consider making a personal contribution to SOMC. A COVID-19 SOMC link will be established on the BHTA website for that purpose. “The association will maintain a separate account to allow for tracking of all funds raised and distributed,” said Hailperin. “Funds and meals will be distributed and earmarked for the greatest area of need  during the pandemic. The BHTA board also voted to support the Beach Haven First Aid Squad in its need for masks for its EMTs and drivers.” He said depending on the severity of the economic situation that has resulted from the virus, the association may consider future donations. “This should be a win-win-win for LBI and Beach Haven,” said Hailperin. “We are supporting our overburdened and at-risk medical community at their […]

Olivia Lattanzi donating tip money to the St. Francis Food Pantry. (Photo by Kim Hogan) Last month, Long Beach Township gathered a group of volunteers and initiated a program to allow any Long Beach Island seniors 65 years of age and older, and individuals with compromised immunity, to place an order for groceries to be acquired at the local Acme and delivered to their doorstep. The service has been vital for many Island residents. And now, even more members of the community are benefiting from the program, as volunteer Olivia Lattanzi is donating tip money to the St. Francis Food Pantry in the form of Acme gift cards. Last week, Lattanzi – whose father, Joseph Lattanzi, a township commissioner, conceived the service – turned $500 in tips into $25 gift cards for the food bank, which has seen need surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. She plans to do the same with future tips. “They were really excited about the gift cards,” she said of the food bank. Olivia has been involved with the delivery program since its start, when, in that first week, she and her parents had about seven requests for grocery drop-offs. Numbers of requests have since multiplied, […]

The ongoing coronavirus crisis has forced the cancellation of another popular event. The Wildwood Beer Festival, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 13, is now officially off. Organizers announced today that full refunds for pre-purchased tickets will be sent out shortly. This would have been the 6th annual version of the beer-tasting event and celebration of local craft brews, which has been held at Fox Park since 2015. “Safety for our family and yours is of our utmost concern, read a statement on the festival’s official Facebook page. “During these uncertain times, we want to wish everyone and their families our best wishes. Please stay safe.” “With understanding of these complicated times, ALL TICKETS that have been purchased will be refunded within the next 5-7 business days. “We will be back in 2021, better than ever! We look forward to seeing everyone in the brighter days ahead. “Cheers!” For more information, questions or concerns, email info@wildwoodbeerfest.com.

With all the debate about reopening America as the coronavirus curve flattens and heads downward, there are added considerations on LBI, which in normal times would be ramping up for a summer tourist season. “We have to have a contingency plan for when we reopen,” Ship Bottom Mayor William Huelsenbeck said late last week, “and one for if it (the reopening) doesn’t go as planned.” Summer preparation is nothing new for resort communities as the municipal workforce swells, with more police, public works employees and lifeguards. In pre-COVID-19 times, those appointments began a month ago with resolutions naming employees, their pay rates, start and termination dates. There has been some of that already, but planning for summer on Long Beach Island is a little different this year. “Human nature is going to dictate a lot,” Huelsenbeck said, like whether the bulk of restaurant business will be takeout, either curbside or delivery, or in-person, and even parking. “People may not want to dine in restaurants.” He said officials need to be prepared for what the new summer norm on LBI is going to look like, at least to the best of their ability. Huelsenbeck said he has spoken with other Island […]

Very sad news to report today, per the Diocese of Camden: Several schools in the diocese will close for good at the end of the current school year, including Wildwood Catholic High School and Cape Trinity Catholic School. Father Joseph Wallace, pastor of Norte Dame de la Mer Parish, elaborated in a letter to his community… *************** Dear Wildwood Catholic and Cape Trinity Catholic School families: This letter is perhaps one of the most difficult letters for us to write to you. We know you are all aware how hard we have all been working together to combine our two schools into Wildwood Catholic Academy.  The fruit of that work produced a plan and a budget that, while with some further work needed, produced an acceptable budget to give it our best effort for the next academic year. These plans and hopes, unfortunately, have been scuttled due to the devastating realities of the coronavirus pandemic.  Our already tenuous enrollment estimations have diminished, our abundantly hopeful fund-raising expectations look rather bleak, and our growing debt unsurmountable. In conversation with the Diocese of Camden and the Office of Catholic Schools we have come to the mutual conclusion that our beloved schools will […]

Home maintenance services are here for clients throughout an emergency, and home improvement is still a dream reachable for the season when the clouds of coronavirus have passed. Below is a sampling of Southern Ocean County contractors who are reaching out to the community with availability, many through modified, safe-distancing means, to work the shore through this period. Consult the rest of these Homefront pages for more. Casey’s Cleaning “Gov. Murphy has declared cleaning businesses overwhelmingly essential, in his words,” said Cindy Nacca, owner of Casey’s Cleaning, which serves Southern Ocean County from a Forked River base. She answered the phone on a Saturday evening when HomeFront reached her to talk about commerce right now in these trying times. It varied by demographics. But some families who needed cleaning help were calling because of full houses more used than usual, with schools closed and adults working from home. They have gotten peace of mind from knowing their house was clean. “With our senior base, we’re not doing as well as we’d like to because of the fear factor,” Nacca said. The first Monday after the governor’s office declared social distancing a must, 55 seniors called to cancel. But there were […]

Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center (Courtesy of Ocean County) Just under 30 percent of Ocean County residents who were tested for the coronavirus in the past two weeks were confirmed positive after receiving their results, according to county health officials. The testing facility opened March 30 at Ocean County College. Roughly 1,955 tests were performed, and 1,574 results have come back, county health officials said Thursday afternoon. Test appointments are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for those who prequalify and are preregistered. Beginning Monday, April 21, the drive-through COVID-19 testing site for Ocean County will move from Toms River to the Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center in Toms River. Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, who is also county emergency management coordinator, said the move provides “a more secure structure that will be more helpful to the hospital workers and other staff that will be administering the test.” He said the new testing site also has an indoor drive-through area so testing days are not predicated on weather conditions, which resulted in the postponement of scheduled appointments on April 13 and did damage to some tents used for the facility. “This new site […]

LOOK TO THE RAINBOW: Dina and Mike Iovine outside their restaurant at 800 Radio Road. The owners of Portofino Pizza and Italian Restaurant in Mystic Island are busier than ever during the coronavirus crisis, responding to the food needs of their community. When the Little Egg Harbor Food Pantry closed, the Iovine family, Mike and Dina, decided they would open their own food pantry. With help from outside donations, they are making emergency food packages available and also delivering pizzas and dinners to those in need. They recently posted on their Facebook page: MANGIA: Donations of meals and pizza for families in need are prepared by Mike Iovine and Amanda McCallister. “Hello Little Egg Harbor Community members. As you may know, we recently reached out to offer free dinners to families that were facing serious hardships. The response has been overwhelming. There are so many more families who need assistance in our town than you could possibly imagine. We would like to share our offer at this difficult time – as we have seen the need and have already been helping as much as we can. “If you or anyone else are having a hard time and need a meal […]

Ocean County’s elderly residents are being provided a helping hand with their food shopping needs through a partnership of state, county, municipal and community organizations that have come together to assist. “This partnership will allow our seniors to have their food shopping needs met with one phone call without having to leave the safety of your home,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, chairman of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. To access the service, Ocean County seniors can call the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or the Long Beach Island Senior Center and Outreach at 609-978-6220. The program is open to all residents of Ocean County age 60 and older. Food-shopping services will be administered by Jersey Cares, the state Department of Human Services, Division on Aging Services, and St. Francis Senior Center and Outreach on Long Beach Island in conjunction with the county. “Unfortunately our seniors are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to exposure to the coronavirus,” said Vicari. “As this pandemic moves into weeks, our seniors are fearful of heading to supermarkets. While many major food stores have set aside hours for our seniors to shop, panic shopping has left many store […]

Tightened metropolitan restaurants weren’t buying the normal volumes of seafood on what should have been one of the biggest weekends for Viking Village dock demand, Good Friday through Easter. But locals rallied with their own support, lining up to buy fish that was literally fresh off the boat. On April 5, Lighthouse Marina had offered on Facebook that anyone could order and pick up tilefish for Wednesday, April 8, at the Sixth Street dock in Barnegat Light, as soon as the Frances Anne got back in from offshore with the catch. (A few years back, the boat had been filmed in the reality TV show “Swords on the Line.”) On that Wednesday, two days before families’ Good Friday fish dinner, a line of cars and pickup trucks stretched down the road in response. The service was drive-through, and the fish were purchased whole. “We were so humbled to see that so many people were missing fresh seafood, and how happy and appreciative they were to get it,” said Beth Mears Schofield, from the marina. “It was from the ocean, to the boat and into their car! We know that everyone who got a fish enjoyed it, and that makes the […]

Gloves are in short supply? But they’re just lying around everywhere. (Photo by Jon Coen) I don’t know why everyone is making such a big deal about a shortage of gloves. As far as I can see, they are all over. Just go grab a pair off the street, out of the parking lot or off the beach. I mean, there are literally plastic gloves everywhere. Well, here we are, some five weeks since the World Health Organization declared CODIV-19 a global pandemic. I had heard we were supposed to make America Great Again by Easter, but I guess that didn’t happen. And yet, there are the first signs of hope. With any luck, they didn’t get blown out to sea with the brutal west winds all weekend. Before we get into the ins and outs of quarantine-a-palooza, I do have some advice for all of LBI and Beach Haven West’s “new” year-round residents who have decided to ride this thing out at the beach. Now, I’m not going to make this into another locals vs. second-home owners thing. The governor already told us this is no time for a beach party. I think we’ve had enough of the vitriol […]

Wind blew over an outdoor sculpture at MT Burton Gallery in Surf City. (Photo by Ryan Morrill) Turbulent weather brought some unusually high wind gusts through the area, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. Nick Carr, staff meteorologist, said the highest guests were recorded around noon Monday with 82 miles per hour at Island Beach State Park. Across Barnegat Inlet, a gust of 81 mph was recorded at Barnegat Light. On the south end of Long Beach Island, a peak gust of 74 mph was recorded at Beach Haven. (Photo by Ryan Morrill) “There were some in the upper 60s at Ship Bottom and Mystic Islands” (Little Egg Harbor mainland), said Carr. He said the gusts, which came following several hours of on and off rain, were caused by a gravity wave. This is when stronger winds in the upper atmosphere drop to lower levels during periods of weather instability. “We don’t usually get gusts like that around here, even during nor’easters,” he noted. Late in the afternoon, strong winds returned when a line of thunderstorms rolled through. “There were some gusts around 50 or 55, which isn’t too unusual when you have severe storms,” he said. “But they cleared up […]

As many New Jersey residents take shelter in the safety of their homes to protect their families from the relentless outbreak of COVID-19, dedicated healthcare workers continue to soldier on tirelessly. Girl Scout Daisy Troop 50039, having had its cookie season cut short by the pandemic, decided to remotely funnel their efforts into a kind gesture for the hard-working staff […]

(File Photo by Jack Reynolds) Save the date! The 12th Annual LBI Wedding Road Show & Party Planning Tour, showcasing the greater Long Beach Island area’s venues and professionals, is scheduled for Sunday, April 26. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce is taking its award-winning destination marketing event online. “COVID-19 has brought us into uncharted territory in every aspect of life,” said Lori Pepenella, chief executive officer for the chamber. “The response is to evolve to the next level of service and bring the Long Beach Island region businesses to the guests that could not come here.” The Wedding Road Show will be hosted online, at no cost, from 10 a.m. to noon on the 26th. Go to visitlbiregion.com/lbi-region-events/wedding-road-show to register. The chamber has spent the past several months developing its five-year strategic plan, which includes consumer connection and enhanced access to local businesses. As the chamber explains, the 2020 Wedding Road Show & Party Planning event will not only showcase members who registered to be part of the event, but help people get more familiar with the area. “Typically, the day of the Wedding Road Show brings together hundreds of out-of-state attendees, […]

Southern Regional seniors joyously toss their caps during graduation in pre-COVID-19 times. (File Photo by Ryan Morrill) This was our time to shine bright like the sun, The moments teachers said would be the most fun. Visiting Mickey, skipping school, and cleaning the beach All seemed way too far out of reach. The first quarter settled, the second flew by, The third then came with a major surprise. But not the kind with candles and cake, Rather, one that started a frenzy, And made our hearts break.   At first it seemed like a storm that would pass. Little did we know, it would start our online class. I’ve spent many moments at home thinking and crying; Can you blame me for being upset that to Disney World we are not flying? Instead of a plane, what is up in the air Is our unknown future and feelings of despair. What happens to our prom? The “night we’ll never forget.” I sit at home and start to regret That I did not treat my last days as the end. But how could I know I’d be saying goodbye to my friends?   Of course we are grateful for the memories […]

Some of the Southern Regional High School crew gather, social distancing style, prior to delivering signs to the homes of some 450 members of the senior class on April 11. (Photo by David Biggy) Southern Regional Class of 2020 President Hayley Whitney is usually on top of the latest news relating to the senior class. Not on April 11. “Typically, I’m in the loop about things, but I was completely caught by surprise Saturday night,” said Hayley, who lives in the Ocean Acres section of Stafford Township. “I had received a bunch of text messages asking me, ‘Who did the signs?’ and I kept responding, ‘What are you talking about?’ So, when I finally looked outside my front door, I managed to get a glimpse of the back of somebody’s head as they left.” When Hayley went outside to inspect what the masked mystery person left behind, she was as shocked as the classmates who had started texting her non-stop. A simple, golden sign, staked in her yard, read: “We love our seniors; Class of 2020; Southern Regional Rams.” The high school has been shuttered to everybody but essential personnel, and the seniors haven’t been in the building since March […]

SEARCH THIS: One of the many groups of ‘virtual Easter eggs’ throughout Stafford Township recently as part of the recreation department’s virtual Easter egg hunt. (Courtesy of Stafford Recreation) If you’ve been out on occasion, driving within the neighborhoods of Stafford Township, you recently may have noticed colorful Easter eggs showcased through windows and on doors of some homes. It’s simply a byproduct of one of the new ways the Stafford Recreation Department has hatched to provide some fun for residents. As part of its Virtual Recreation Center, in lieu of the standard Easter egg hunt, Stafford children during the weeks leading up to Easter were encouraged to download Easter egg pictures, color them and display them in the windows and on the doors of their houses. The purpose was to provide other children in town a means of “hunting” the eggs, either when they walked around with their parents or drove through parts of town. (Courtesy of Stafford Recreation) “It’s been a big hit,” said Recreation Director Betti Anne McVey during the April 9 “Mayor’s Forum” broadcast on the town website. “Of course, we had to postpone our normal event, but we figured out a way to do it […]

Healthcare workers and first responders battling COVID-19 in Atlantic and Cape May Counties can claim a free meal at numerous restaurants thanks to the non-profit organization who also distributed Easter baskets to children of participating families earlier this week…PRESS RELEASE MAYS LANDING, NJ – In an effort to give back to local workers and keep area restaurants in business during the stressful battle against COVID-19, local non-profit organization Earth Angels for Dementia has created a free meal program.  Gratitude to Go provides meals to home health aids, hospital workers, doctors, nurses, EMT’s police and more through restaurants including Cousin Mario’s, Enlightened Cafe, Yogi’s Riverview at Sugarhill Inn, CJ’s, and more.  To claim a free meal at any of the participating restaurants, workers need to mention “Gratitude to Go” when ordering and show ID at pickup. Multiple restaurants are offering additional menu discounts for qualifying workers.  The program provides participating restaurants with a $5 payment per meal, the restaurants in turn provide those meals at no cost to all healthcare workers and first responders.  Sponsors of the program include Angelic Health, the Mays Landing Merchants Association, Touching Hearts at Home, Mays Landing – Egg Harbor Township Rotary, Visiting Angels and Shore […]

Morey’s Piers & Resorts hopes to be able to open for the 2020 season on Memorial Day Weekend, according to a note published on the organization’s official website. Read the full statement HERE. Mariner’s Pier was originally scheduled to open this weekend, but the COVID-19 crisis forced a tentative postponement to Mother’s Day Weekend. The fluidity of the situation has caused the date to be pushed back again. Memorial Day Weekend, generally heralded as the official start of the summer season, begins on Friday, May 22 this year. “Clearly, the level of disruption and uncertainty for all of us is extraordinary, and for Morey’s Piers, this means that our traditional phased opening schedule for each of our piers and waterparks may require adjustment this season,” reads a portion of the statement, which goes on to stress patience in this most uncertain time.

The author is witnessing acts of kindness in Islamorada, Fla., as he waits to return to New Jersey. (Courtesy of Vin Sparano) A couple of years ago, I wrote an essay about what happens when your children become your parents. My daughter Donna got on my case about my sloppy, dangerous slippers and my son Matt said I should be drinking red wine instead of martinis. I also said that I was delighted that my children were so concerned about the health of my wife and me. That hasn’t changed. Along comes the coronovirus and the world has changed! As I write this, Betty and I are stranded in Islamorada in the Florida Keys in an oceanfront condo with no safe way to get home to New Jersey, which we are anxious to do. I am sure I am not the only snowbird in this predicament. My son drove our car to the Keys for us and we flew down, planning to stay in the Keys for six weeks and then fly back. My son would drive our car home to New Jersey. When coronovirus started to spread, we booked the auto train home, but when the virus continued to […]

BACK ON CALL: Dr. Richard Goldstein’s career has been kickstarted at age 82, as he diagnoses patients online from isolation in his assisted-living space. (File Photo Jack Reynolds) There is a chance that if you grew up or raised a child in Southern Ocean County in the last four decades, you saw Dr. Richard Goldstein. For years, he lived in Harvey Cedars, was a favorite at Pediatric Affiliates on Route 72 in Manahawkin and raised a family on LBI. He was known for being a doctor with a social conscience who wouldn’t hesitate to spend extra time with a patient. And today, after just turning 82, “Dr. G” is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing patients online and helping streamline potential cases into treatment, or help keep the pressure off hospital staffs. By 2016, Goldstein was no longer able to keep a regular practice after having a knee replacement, followed by a fractured second cervical vertebra and surgery. That was when he found telemedicine. Working for a healthcare company called Amwell, which is headquartered in Boston, he has been seeing patients online for almost four years. Following the passing of his wife, Mary Beth, Goldstein moved to Atria […]

CANDY LAND: Lois Mullen submitted a bunch of Peep witticisms to cheer her friends at PSAA. Peep if You’re Bored: To brighten up artists in quarantine, PSAA invites all to submit an entry in its “Peepathon” online gallery. Although they may be hard to find at this point, construct dioramas of Peeps in various activities; if you can’t find them or are unable to shop, artistic representations are also welcome. Email submissions to dfmillar@gmail.com. The annual Portrait Show that was scheduled for the gallery in April is now online at pineshoresartassociation.org. Manahawkin artist Victoria Ford is the guest judge. The May Spring Show is still planned. * * * The Kids Are All Right: The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences has launched a daily virtual activity perfect for kids who are learning from home, or for anyone who wants to bring some creativity to their day. The coloring book pages are available on the website, one for every day of the week. The Foundation wants to thank artist and graphic designer Tracey Cameron for illustrating these wonderful pages and bringing a bit of magic into our homes. “It has been very well received by the community and […]

APPRECIATION: Outside the Manahawkin post office is one of many signs that popped up in Stafford Township last week to praise workers in public service despite the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by David Biggy) As social distancing continued to become a larger part of life for most people in Stafford Township last week, random acts of kindness also seemed to increase. From drive-by birthday celebrations to businesses delivering meals to Southern Ocean Medical Center to families making and donating masks to medical personnel, the number of things people are doing for others is on the rise. In times of crisis – and the current COVID-19 pandemic certainly qualifies – many in town have said that’s when the community really comes together to show what it’s about. Mayor Greg Myhre has mentioned it during his “Mayor’s Forum,” and residents all over social media have echoed similar sentiments. But one particular act of kindness that gave so many a reason to smile last week came in the form of something so simple – words of thanks and appreciation for all those on the front lines of service to the community. “This made our day,” the Stafford police department posted to its Facebook page […]

Isabella ‘Bella’ Wyckoff and her sister, Olivia. (Supplied Photo) Making the most of turning 15 during quarantine. (Supplied Photo) This month, teens restricted to the boundaries of their homes mourn the loss of their social lives, extracurricular hobbies, sports and celebrations. Isabella Wyckoff of Manahawkin, who turned 15 last week, had resigned herself to having a quiet birthday with her immediate family members. As she spent the day in her pajamas in true quarantine fashion, her grandmother Phyllis Higgins was busy organizing a surprise “drive by birthday.” Nobody, not even Wyckoff’s parents, knew about the surprise. “I wanted to celebrate her birthday, but obviously, we haven’t had any close contact since the beginning of March,” Higgins lamented. Determined, she got creative and put together what she called a “party in a box.” The ornately decorated box contained everything a birthday party calls for: balloons, horns, hats, plates and napkins for cake eating and, of course, personal gifts. Wyckoff’s grandmother Phyllis Higgins wishes her a happy birthday from a safe distance. (Supplied Photo) In addition to the party box, Higgins organized a festive procession of friends and family members to participate (from the containment of their vehicles) in the drive-by celebration. […]

Ruth Reeder (File Photo by Jack Reynolds) Long Beach Island is a community of six separate and distinct towns on a barrier island with a seasonal population that blooms and shrinks. That singular community of full-time and part-time homeowners is in mourning this spring with the deaths of three longtime Island residents who succumbed after being exposed to coronavirus. Ruth Reeder, 96, of the Loveladies section of Long Beach Township as of last year, and Sandy Medford, 76, of Ship Bottom, were congregants at Zion Lutheran Church in Barnegat Light and attended the same birthday party there where they were exposed to the virus prior to any restrictions on public gatherings issued by Gov. Phil Murphy. Additionally, John Chiselko, 83, of Surf City, whose wife attended the same birthday party and became sick, died March 24 at Southern Ocean Medical Center, according to his obituary. He was the first confirmed COVID-19 case on LBI, a family member has said. Reeder, Medford and Chiselko are the first known COVID-19 deaths locally. Bob Reeder, one of Ruth’s two sons, said he was able to see his mother at SOMC the day before she passed away. “I don’t know if she knew me,” […]

I gave it my best shot – to keep beaches open, that is. But, science and sensibility fell prey to what amounts to shutdown hysteria. The near Island-wide shutdown of “water activities” was admittedly fueled by some folks not displaying proper quarantining etiquette when beaching it. I’ll stand firm – and defeated, momentarily – by persisting that there is absolutely no science proving any infectious/communicability danger from surf fishing and waveriding in Jersey waters. Please, do not try to roundaboutly usher in recent California findings of communicability in the Golden State. That data is strictly based on dangers within some of the West Coast’s pathogenically suspect ocean areas. Hereabout, it’s downright incomprehensible to overlook thousands upon thousands of people packing into supermarkets, big box marts and liquor stores while simultaneously insinuating a small cross section of people seeking healthy outside air – by riding waves and pursing stripers – present an unacceptable COVID risk. I know I’m beating a dead beach here, but I simply want to go on the record as being among those disgusted with this beach ban syndrome. In the distant future, as generations look back and laugh their asses off at many of the current COVID-19 […]

TURNS  A PAGE: Former Southern Regional and Penn State wrestler Frank Molinaro, who placed fifth in the 2016 Olympics, has stepped away from competition. (Supplied photo) Frank Molinaro has a strong faith in God, and he’s always believed God would show him the way to go during his time as an international and Olympic wrestler, even if it meant it was time to stop pursuing personal goals and focus on others. “God always keeps everything in perspective and He’s always with me, guiding me,” said the Barnegat native and former Southern Regional and Penn State star. “And the thing I always remind myself is that if I stay focused on God, He pours into every aspect of my life. I’m excited to see what He has next for me.” After the International Olympic Committee recently announced the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games, originally scheduled for July, until next year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – thus, rendering this past weekend’s scheduled Olympic Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State useless – Molinaro was left staring at a fork in the road. At 31, he could have continued to train and take another shot […]

Outdoor options for quarantined state residents are continuing to diminish. During a televised press conference, Gov. Phil Murphy enhanced an executive stay-at-home order on April 7 by closing all state parks, state forests and county parks, including Barnegat Light State Park, which had been open to fishing and ambulatory usages. “I do not take this action lightly. Some of my fondest memories with my own children are beautiful spring days in parks playing soccer and enjoying our family,” Murphy said, adding, “but my focus, and my sole mission in life right now, is the health of every New Jersey family.” The shutdown came after state parks apparently became venues where people were “gathering and socializing in groups,” in violation of governor’s orders to end most get-togethers. “It wasn’t somebody throwing a Pink Floyd party,” quipped Murphy, noting, “I don’t think two weeks ago the closure was a step we’d necessarily have to take.” He then pointed out that separate county park closures put pressure on nearby state parks. Ocean County was among counties already closing its parks. On Long Beach Island, most oceanfront beaches are now closed to all but local residents bearing re-entry placards. The governor implied some further […]

The monthly Barnegat Light Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, April 8 will be visible to the public through Zoom, the remote conferencing/online meeting service that is getting more and more use during the COVID-19 mandate of social distancing. The meeting will be held at the usual time, 4:30 p.m. for the caucus discussion and 5 p.m. for the regular meeting. The Zoom application does not have the capability to keep the video on the website for replay later. Minutes of the meeting will be transcribed and available on the borough website at a later date, but not immediately. To join the meeting, first go to the website, barnegatlight.org. Click on the Zoom link shown, then use the meeting ID and password that are listed, the online instructions point out. Borough offices are operating but the building remains closed to foot traffic until further notice. The website contains other up-to-date information on the COVID-19 link on the home page.  —M.S.

PRESS RELEASE WILDWOOD & NORTH WILDWOOD – Per further guidance provided by Federal, State and County Agencies and consistent with current Federal Social Distancing Guidelines, the following additional restrictions and prohibitions will be voted on by the Municipal Governing bodies in North Wildwood and Wildwood on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.I. ALL PUBLIC BEACHES are hereby closed, effective 12:00 midnight Wednesday, April 8, 2020, until 12:00 midnight May 1, 2020.* Sunbathing, sitting in chairs, lying on blankets, organized sports and grouping of people on the beach is hereby prohibited while these restrictions are in place.* Exceptions include:     – In an effort to provide an outlet for physical activity/exercise, the following exceptions are hereby granted on all public beaches: walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and metal detecting.II. The NORTH WILDWOOD and WILDWOOD BOARDWALK, NORTH WILDWOOD BIKE PATH and SEAWALL are hereby closed, effective 12:00 midnight Wednesday, April 8, 2020 until 12:00 midnight May 1, 2020.* Walking, running, biking and gatherings of any kind on the boardwalks, bike paths or seawall are prohibited except as permitted below.* Exceptions include:     – Prior to 8 am each day, persons are permitted to walk, run, or bike on the NORTH WILDWOOD BIKE PATH.     – Prior to […]

Long Beach Township Monday closed its beaches to everyone except property owners and residents in possession of a disaster re-entry placard. These passes were distributed following Superstorm Sandy, with an updated version, valid through 2025, mailed out to replace the expired ones earlier this year. The township is the second municipality on LBI to clamp down on beach activities. Ship Bottom closed its beaches to everyone on Saturday. The township, however, has 12 miles of non-contiguous beaches, by far the most of any town on the 18-mile-long Island. The township’s action, which came in the form of an emergency order, is effective immediately. “Persons issued the placards may access the beach area of the township designated on the placards, and may do so to walk or jog, but shall not engage in any other activities on the beach,” a summary of the order reads. “Two adults, their minor children and leashed dogs may use the placard at any one time.” Fishing, swimming, surfing and any other activities are prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the emergency order. All placards must be prominently displayed and shown to any township police officer or township employee in the vicinity of a beachgoer, […]

Officials in Long Beach Township and the rest of Long Beach Island’s municipalities do not want to shut down beaches or surfing during the COVID-19 pandemic and state of emergency, but this may be coming if surfers and beachgoers don’t act responsibly. As of Friday morning, April 3, the parking lot adjacent to the Forsythe Refuge in Holgate will be closed due to congregating and a lack of social distancing. Island beaches are still open but will be shut down if the public doesn’t act responsibility. (Photo by LJ Hepp) “I went down to the Wooden Jetty today (Thursday) and there were 15 surfers within 30 feet of each other,” said Long Beach Township Mayor Joseph Mancini. Mancini reported a white van, occupied by three men in their 20s, blocking the entrance to the refuge. He said he told them they couldn’t be congregating and was met with a volley of explicit language. Mancini said he did not think they were locals. With many other beaches in the state closed, all of the Ocean County park system shut down and much of New Jersey laid off or working remotely, LBI is a destination for those trying to get outside. LBI locals […]

(Photo by Ryan Morrill) Long Beach Township has closed the parking lot at the south end of Holgate to vehicles effective today, Thursday, April 2. It is, however, accessible to pedestrians. “It has become abundantly clear that people are not acting in accordance with the guidelines and mandates that have been enacted to address the current situation” of the COVID-19 pandemic, reads a notice signed by township Mayor Joseph Mancini and Police Chief and Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Anthony Deely. Mancini said on Thursday afternoon there were approximately 20 to 25 cars in the parking lot, many of them belonging to surfers heading into or back from the ocean, and a number of them were hanging out together in close proximity in the lot. As the mayor remarked, “The governor’s proclamation is to stay home,” except for certain necessary reasons such as a trip to the doctor or grocery store, or to get outside for a walk or run. In addition, congregating in groups is not permitted. Gov. Phil Muphy has also repeatedly asked that second homeowners stay in their primary residences rather than travel to the shore. Mancini pointed out that some coastal towns have closed their beaches, […]

PRESS RELEASE This is an extraordinary time. As members of a community supported by tourism, we have never before made a request of this nature. Our priority is to see the coronavirus brought under control and even eradicated, businesses re-opened and our daily routines resumed as quickly as possible.  The way to teach that goal while protecting the health of those in our community is to listen to the advice of the officials at the CDC and WHO, as well as our government officials, and abide by social distancing and stay-at-home orders as directed. The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce supports the position of Governor Murphy, the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the sixteen Municipalities of Cape May County in asking that second homeowners not visit their properties in Cape May County at this time. Additionally, we ask that owners of properties stop renting to out-of-county residents until the crisis is over. While painful, this “temporarily closed” status is a reality for the majority of businesses across the country.  We’re all in this together, and our efforts must be coordinated to stop the spread of coronavirus.

YESTERYEAR: The 1918 Spanish flu disrupted life, and Americans, like this typist, were quarantined or told to protect themeselves. (National Archives) This is not the first pandemic to hit the Little Egg Harbor/Tuckerton area. In the fall of 1918, the so called “Spanish Flu” arrived in Southern Ocean County, with Tuckerton, a bustling small town, as the epicenter. One of the reasons is the U.S. Marines had taken over the Tuckerton Wireless as a precaution during World War I, and it is generally accepted that soldiers who contracted the disease in training camps, such as Camp Dix in Pemberton, helped spread the disease. By the end of October, this H1N1 flu had killed over 675,000 Americans, according to the CDC’s historical accounts.  The symptoms of the Spanish flu were almost the same as the COVID-19 virus: headache, tiredness, dry hacking cough, excessive sweating and pneumonia. Cause of death was complications from pneumonia, as no antibiotics were available to treat secondary bacterial infections. In contrast to today’s pandemic, the Spanish flu seemed to infect younger people between 20 and 40 years old. The following stories come from the archives of the 1918 Tuckerton Beacon as researched by Tuckerton historian and writer […]

(Photo by Jack Reynolds) The U.S. Constitution requires a census be conducted every 10 years, and one has been taken every decade since 1790. Recessions, even the Great Depression, haven’t brought the census to a halt. Neither have wars or rumors of war or natural disasters. Now, though, the U.S. Census Bureau, like the rest of the country, is facing a unique challenge. “Beginning today,” read a statement released March 18 by U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham, “in support of guidance on what we can all do to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, 2020 Census field operations will be suspended for four weeks until April 15, 2020. The Census Bureau is taking this step to help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees, and everyone going through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions. “During this pause in field operations, the Census Bureau will continue to evaluate all 2020 Census operations. Should any additional adjustments need to be made, the Census Bureau will communicate these changes broadly and promptly.” The Census Bureau still hopes everything will return to normal in a relatively short period of time. “In late May, census takers around […]

Conner Willem, slotted and socially distanced in last week’s swell. (Photo by L.J. Hepp) Have you gotten this email yet?Subject: COVID 19 UPDATE To our valued customer, At -insert name of company- our first priority is caring for you, along with our employees and communities. We understand the worry that can be caused by an unexpected crisis such as Coronavirus (COVID-19), especially when it comes to your family. We are working to provide the same customer service you have come to expect from us. We are here to help. We want you, our valued customer, to know that -insert name of company- is here for you through these troubling times. However, we are experiencing a higher volume of calls and emails. At this juncture, we don’t really know what we can possibly do for you. I mean, we may be able to waive late fees. Well, that’s if the federal government cuts us a big fat check, in which case, you’re good for a couple of weeks. What the hell do I know …  I’m writing this email from my kitchen. I’m glad to have a job. But should the government cut you a check, you should use it to […]

HERE’S LOOKIN’ AT YOU …: A big burl on a little Bass River tree seems to have taken on a look/life of its own. A good and proper quarantine needs plenty of outs, literally. Be it trips out back for a breath of fresh backyard air or a lengthy trip to the outback for a walkabout – and maybe a pickerel hunt or two – staying active can activate a quarantine. And, no, this isn’t a third straight column aimed at going balls out for keeping LBI beaches open for surfing, fishing and ambulatory purposes. The Island is still allowing beaching in a safe distancing manner. Of course, as things heat up temp-wise, further decision making will also heat up. Hopefully police departments aren’t loading up on pepper spray. As to other healthful outs, I read where many folks are grabbing some fresh breaths by planting a garden like never before, harkening back to other wartimes, when “victory gardens” were grown as symbols of resilience. It beats Christmas lights. If you’re squished for space, you can go garden by planting some seeds in a window box before grabbing a beverage, pulling up a chair and staring at the soil. From […]

(Photo by Rick Mellerup) Anne Markel-Crozier, a certified social worker, and Matthew Brasette, an attorney, addressed the crowd at a recent lecture at Stockton University in Manahawkin. They were discussing the use of medical marijuana among older adults in New Jersey. They had plenty to talk about. According to data gathered from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2015 and 2016, about 9 percent of U.S. adults between ages 50 and 64 had used marijuana in the previous year. About 3 percent of people over 65 used pot in that same time period. In 2013, that same survey showed 7 percent of Americans ages 50 to 64 used marijuana, and only 1.4 percent of people 65 years of age or older had indulged. In fact, seniors are the fastest-growing pot demographic in the country. Why? Because marijuana, or even CBD products – which are required to have less than 0.3 percent THC, the cannabinoid (out of more than 100) in marijuana that gets you high – seem to offer a number of health benefits. Marijuana is widely touted as having beneficial effects on pain, and seniors tend to have more aches and pains than younger people. And marijuana, anecdotally […]

Uncertain how the COVID-19 pandemic will be affecting the area in three months, the High Point (Harvey Cedars) Volunteer Fire Co. has canceled its striper shootout for Saturday, June 13. Craig Coddington, fire company lieutenant and vice president, said it was a painful decision since it is the first of two fundraisers scheduled, the second one being the Dog Day Race on Sunday, Aug. 16. “A lot of planning goes into the shootout,” said Coddington. “Around this time we’d start looking for sponsors, and with so many businesses hurting because of the pandemic, we’re not sure what kind of commitment we can get. It’s better to cancel now rather than start the process and then find we’re not able to do it.” The shootout, besides being a fishing tournament, would feature a community fish fry with live entertainment beginning late in the afternoon. “It was a great, fun-filled day,” he said. “We really hated to lose it.” Coddington said the shootout debuted in 2007. In 2013, it was canceled due to Superstorm Sandy at a time when many participants whose boats either had been lost or needed major repairs. He said no decision has been made regarding the Dog Day Race. “We had to dip into our […]