Hurricane Sandy

Jersey Shore Summer 2013: Beach Guide

Planning a vacation or just a day trip? Patch has all the information on the Shore's best beaches

More than six months after Superstorm Sandy caused unprecedented damage to the Jersey Shore region, the beaches will be open for Memorial Day Weekend and the summer. While certain access points and facilities might be closed as municipalities continue to work on restoration, for the most part, the beaches will be operational. The only beach that remains off limits to the public is Mantoloking. The borough was home to a breach that split Ocean County's northern barrier island in half and was one of the hardest hit communities in New Jersey during the storm. So as you prepare to stick your toes in the sand, are you wondering what will be accessible after Sandy? Need to know how much it will cost to buy badges to your favorite beach? Curious …

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Hurricane Sandy

Prince Harry Views Destruction, Walks The Boardwalk During Shore Visit

Harry, Christie survey the damage and have some fun

JERSEY SHORE -- Britain's Prince Harry did what most people would do on a sunny, spring day in Seaside Heights—take in the ocean views, then play some boardwalk games. Harry came to Seaside Heights with Gov. Chris Christie Tuesday morning after the two toured destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy in Mantoloking. The pair drove south on Route 35 and entered the boardwalk at Grant Avenue where crowds of people were waiting for their arrival. "Prince Harry, we love you," shouted one small girl who was holding a welcome sign. Standing next to her was an Elvis Presley impersonator, hoping to attract some attention of his own from the prince. Harry and Christie were greeted by local officials, who escorted the pair out to Casino Pier, the site …

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Week in Review: Art of Surfing Festival, Live Beach Cameras

A weekly recap of the past week's news.

This week we heard some debate over roads, drainage and flooding, looked at some sand sculptures and saw a hermit crab beauty contest. Here are some highlights from the past week's news: On Monday, we reported that the new Route 52 causeway is taking its toll on gulls, posted a police activity report, announced that National Night Out is set for Aug. 7, saw Fourth Ward residents invited to a meeting with Councilman Pete Guinosso and posted a letter from a resident about Councilman Keith Hartzell's road plan. On Tuesday, we announced the Miss Crustacean hermit crab beauty pageant, met the art professor whose work will be on display at the Ocean City Arts Center in August and reported that Stenton Place Beach has reopened after a sewage …

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Week in Review: Boardwalk Fire, Tony Mart Reunion

A weekly recap of the past week's news.

This week we met some musicians, did (or, at least, watched people do) some yoga, and checked out the real estate market. Here are some highlights from the past week's news: On Monday, we saw Mayor Jay Gillian honor Joyce Trofa upon retirement, posted a police activity report, met the Ocean City Pops and saw the City of Ocean City schedule an information session about proposed improvements to a marina at Second Street and Bay Avenue. On Tuesday, we looked at a video gallery of Ocean City real estate listings, posted an update from the Ocean City Community Association, saw a yoga event on the Music Pier draw more than 100 people and asked for your nominations. On Wednesday, we heard the story of a boy who's birth was deemed "life-…

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Boardwalk Businesses Busy, Vacationers Return For Memorial Day

The beaches along the boardwalk were still busy on Monday afternoon.

This Memorial Day weekend brought dogs to the boardwalk, an influx of visitors unmatched so far this year and a steady flow of customers for many boardwalk businesses. Joe Del Sordo, the owner of Del's Grill, said that this year's Memorial Day weekend was just as busy as last year, and, considering the economic woes that have impacted the country for years, that is something to be happy about. "I'd say it's good," he said. "Better than going backwards." Dana Keister, the manager of Laura's Fudge Shop, said that Sunday night "was crazy... which was good," but that the rest of the weekend was about average for the Memorial Day weekends that she has worked. For visitors, this Memorial Day weekend was the first chance to drive across the …

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Fred Miller

9:24 am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Summer's here and we're loving it!   more ›

Dogs Invade The Boardwalk For Charity

Proceeds from the Barks on the Boards event went to the Ocean City Human Society.

Barks on the Boards has been one of the Humane Society of Ocean City's biggest annual events for 15 years, and on Sunday the boardwalk was again overrun with dogs from all over New Jersey and neighboring states for the fundraiser. All proceeds from the 5K walk go to the Humane Society's special needs animals, said Executive Director of the Humane Society of Ocean City Bill Hollingsworth. Ocean City's Humane Society is one of 25 in the country that functions not only as a shelter, but also as a state-of-the-art animal hospital, according to Hollingsworth. Ocean City's Humane Society employs one full-time and two part-time veterinarians, and the society is also responsible for animal rescue on the island. Sunday's walk went from the 6th …

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What's Hot in the Stores for Summer 2012?

A photo gallery of items that merchants predict will fly off shelves this season.

Every summer has its trends and fads, and every summer vacation has some time built in for shopping. Check out our photo gallery of hot products for summer 2012. These are the items that Ocean City merchants predict will be the big sellers of the season.

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Kate Kopp

9:02 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012

Great article - some really fun gift ideas - thanks!   more ›

Week in Review: Car Crashes Onto Beach, Former NBA Player Talks Drugs

A weekly recap of the past week's news.

This week we saw a car crash through a boardwalk railing, heard more from both sides of the BYOB debate and asked for your pick for favorite floral shop. Here are some highlights from the past week's news: On Monday, we discussed the Nor'easter that hit past weekend, posted a police activity report, met a former NBA player who spoke about his drug and alcohol problem, announced two pro-BYOB information sessions, saw an Ocean City man indicted in Pennsylvania and met an Eagle Scout who raised money for a new Ocean City sign. On Tuesday, we reported that Ocean City is facing two lawsuits related to police arrests and announced that Somers Point artist Diane Brown will be on exhibit in May at the Ocean City Arts Center. On Wednesday, we heard…

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Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts Opens Music Pier Season

The juried event takes place on March 31 and April 1 in Ocean City.

The 2012 Spring Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1, at the Ocean City Music Pier. The show opens the season at the Music Pier and features the artisans displaying and selling everything from custom jewelry designs, hanging bud vases and original watercolors to garden accessories, wind chimes and floral arrangements. Stained glass artist Chiara Reading, of Mount Laurel, is the featured crafter.  The juried event features some of the finest artisans on the East Coast. Over the past five years, these exhibitions have attracted thousands to Ocean City. Parking at municipal lots near the Music Pier (Ninth Street, Moorlyn Terrace and Eighth Street) is free. A $3 contribution …

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A Taste of Summer in the Last Week of Winter

Kessel's Korner opens, the beach and Boardwalk draw crowds and work crews get busy on a gorgeous winter Wednesday.

The air temperature reached the mid-70s in Ocean City on Wednesday, and the crowds and "open" signs increased along with the temperature. The south-end favorite Kessel's Korner opened for the season at 28th Street and Asbury Avenue. Boardwalk shops like Litterer's, Custom T's and Kohr Bros. reacted quickly to open for the crowds that strolled the Boardwalk and sat on the beach. Work crews throughout the city took advantage of the weather to continue preparations for spring openings. Painters worked on the facade of the Stainton's: A Gallery of Shops, which is on target for a May opening on Asbury Avenue. Crews working on the Route 52 causeway project continued to take advantage of the mild weather. And elsewhere in town, more signs of good…

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