The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 7 - No. 48
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Barnegat Students Have A Banner Day Tourism Industry Adapting To 2020 Challenges
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News! Pages 8-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Pages 14
Inside The Law Page 17
May 23, 2020
−Photo courtesy Melvin Roberts
This banner plane was seen over the township. By Chris Lundy BARNEGAT – School officials had a message for their students: the sky is the limit. A plane carrying a banner saying “Miss & love our students – One Barnegat” was seen f lying over the township recently. It had been coordinated by the school district. Superintendent Brian Latwis said members of the administration were brainstor ming
ways to connect with students when Business Administrator Stephen Brennan made the suggestion. The feedback has been really great. “It’s all over social media,” Latwis said, adding he got tons of positive emails about it. It cost $600 for the hour, he said. It came from a budget line that rewards student activity. “We have such a great community – such a
tight-knit community,” that they really responded well to the statement. With social distancing regulations, it’s important to reach out and show you care, he said. High school seniors are missing out on some important bookends to their school career, and the district is trying to find ways to still have events that have meaning to them. Staff have even counted how
many people could be on a field at once, while still following social distancing guidelines. As of right now, graduation is planned for June 17, he said. The district is cur rently planning a drive-in style graduation with movie theater screens. The transportation department delivered caps and gowns to the graduates, who were encouraged to decorate (Students - See Page 4)
Morris Boulevard Bridge Replacement Complete
−Photo courtesy Ocean County The bridge work is now completed.
By Bob Vosseller STAFFORD – Township residents and officials were pleased to note the completion of work to replace the Morris Boulevard Bridge, over Fox Island Creek. County officials noted that this important Stafford project has been completed and the bridge is open to traffic. “Our goal was to get this done before Memorial Day weekend and it has been completed ahead of schedule,”
Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly said. The work included the complete replacement of an existing 3-span concrete and steel bridge built in 1955 and its timber substructure. The design of the new bridge was modified to match the Marsha Drive Bridge. “These bridges are located in the lagoon areas of the Beach Haven West section of Stafford Township. It made sense to have both bridges at the same (Bridge - See Page 4)
By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – Last year, there was a 4 percent increase in tourism in Ocean County. Local businesses are hoping that the COVID-19 pandemic won’t hurt this year’s numbers. By way of comparison, the 2019 tourism season saw a 4.1 percent increase, bringing in $4.98 billion, according to county figures. This amounted to an estimated 9 million visits. “Tourism continues to be a key economic engine here in Ocean County,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to tourism. “We appreciate all those that visit us. The revenue from tourism supports hundreds of small businesses while providing employment opportunities for thousands of people from high school students to our seniors.” Ocean County ranks third among the 21 counties in New Jersey for tourism revenue, bringing in 11 percent of the state’s total tourism dollars, he said. “We are doing all we can to make the upcoming summer season a good experience for everyone,” Vicari said. “We want to make sure it is a family friendly experience and most importantly a safe experience for everyone.” Some beaches and boardwalks are opening up, but most not for swimming or playing games of chance as of press time. Social distancing has required that these locations be open only to passive recreation, like walking or jogging. “It will be different,” Vicari said of this year. “But that doesn’t mean it will not be a positive experience. We still have the most beautiful beaches, Barnegat Bay, recreational boating opportunities and so much more to offer.” Lori A. Pepenella, Chief Executive Officer, of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce agreed that 2019 had great momentum, and now it’s just a matter of trying to keep that momentum going. “We had an extremely strong 2019 since we had new Hotel LBI adding more hotel rooms, additional attractions like Fantasy Island opening new rides and places like the LBI Escape Room opening,” she said. “The weather was fantastic and a successful summer lead to a strong fall with special events and festivals.” (Tourism - See Page 4)
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