Category: Belmar

Bay Head, Beach Haven, Belmar, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach

Breaking: Search For Missing 24-Year-Old Swimmer In Beach Haven

Update: Person is being transported to local hospital for treatment. The family says the person has passed away and once we have confirmed with Gofundme representatives we will post the Gofundme page for the Beach Haven swimmer. Two swimming tragedies this past weekend Seaside Park and Beach Haven.

Missing Swimmer Recovered In Seaside Park This Morning Identified As Howell Township Man

See updates below for other area incidents including missing swimmer in Seaside Heights

September 3, 2023-Updated September 4, 2023

BEACH HAVEN, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 2:53 p.m. lifeguards, police and EMS were detailed to 5th Street for a submerged swimmer. Two people were pulled from the water but a third a reported 24-year-old male was missing. The fire department was requested as well as NJ State Police Marine Division and the United States Coast Guard to help with the search.

As of 3:17 p.m. the search is still ongoing for the 24-year-old missing swimmer.

3:38 p.m. NJ State Police helicopter on scene assisting in search.

3:45 p.m. U.S. Coast Guard starting vector search with helicopter.

4:08 p.m. there are reports of a body being recovered from the water and CPR in progress.

First Aid and Paramedics treating the victim and preparing for transport to hospital.

Beach Haven First Aid and Paramedics transporting the victim to the local hospital for treatment: (Photos taken just before 5:00 p.m. in Ship Bottom)

Times are approximate

Once official information is released the story will be updated.

Beach Haven First Aid and Paramedics transporting the victim to the local hospital for treatment: (Photos taken just before 5:00 p.m. in Ship Bottom)

Multiple other incidents this afternoon too many to keep up with. Some are listed below:

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP- ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK–In another incident about 5:00 p.m. there are reports of CPR being performed on Island Beach State Park on the beach at Area 23 reports of 70-year-old male in cardiac arrest.

SURF CITY –At 5:20 p.m. a medical helicopter was called to 12 Street Surf City for a traumatic injury. Pulling the person off the beach and victim will be flown to a hospital for treatment.

NJ State Police medical helicopter landed at 5:40 p.m. at EJ Elementary School recreation field commonly used for landing zones on the island.

The person was transported to Atlantic City Medical Center by NJ State Police helicopter.

Numerous other water rescues in Seaside Park, and Belmar late this afternoon.

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK – a young male has been pulled from the water and not breathing around 6:50 p.m.

Landing Zone for helicopter will be at the Governor Mansion on Island Beach State Park. RWJ University Hospital helicopter en route at 7:08 p.m. 7:18 p.m. helicopter canceled for transport.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS— Several swimmers in distress rescued reports of 27 year old male missing.

Calling for Aqua Eyes sonar for missing person search. Still missing as of 8:15 p.m.

Search called off for tonight will resume in morning.

9/4/2023 Update for Seaside from Seaside Park Fire Company:

Yesterday morning at 5:21 a.m. the Seaside Park Fire Department was dispatched with zone 1 for a forest fire assignment, 4531’s crew spent 12 hours on a structural protection assignment. While that assignment was being conducted other crews responded to multiple other emergencies in town and in the State Park. These emergencies included multiple water rescues. When the crew from the forest fire returned they assisted the other 2 crews for a total of 10 emergencies for the day. Unfortunately, the final call of the day was a tragic one and someone did not get to go home with their family. Crews were on the Stockton Ave beach until after 9:00 p.m. on a recovery mission. Some of our members left their homes and did not return for 17 hours yesterday. We cannot stress enough the importance of staying out of the ocean when the lifeguards are off duty, we remind the public that today is the last day of guarded beaches in Seaside Park!

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – 7:30 p.m units responding for a submerged subject. 3 subjects out of water and safe.

BAY HEAD – Reports of 3 swimmers in water in distress all out upon arrival of first responders.

BELMAR — At approximately 6:06pm, the Belmar Police Department received a report of a group swimmers in distress off the 6th Avenue beach. Upon police arrival, multiple Belmar lifeguards/ Water Rescue members had entered the water and were able to rescue five swimmers. Another unresponsive swimmer was rescued from the water at the 5th Avenue beach and transported to Jersey Shore University Hospital. Two other swimmers were also transported to the hospital. There is no further information at this time.

Surf City New Jersey State Police medical helicopter lands for reported trauma victim.
Belmar, Monmouth County

Belmar Man Indicted For Manslaughter And Numerous Drug Charges

July 14, 2023

  FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned a 37-count indictment against a man charged with being responsible for a fatal overdose that took place in 2021, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Belmar Police Department Chief Tina Scott announced in a joint statement on Friday.

Robert M. Clayton, 39, was indicted on one count of second-degree Manslaughter, along with two counts of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute, twelve counts of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute while on or within 500 feet of a Public Park, twelve counts of third-degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, and ten counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.

On January 2, 2021 at 1:21 p.m., Belmar Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of Third and River Avenues for a caller reporting an overdose in progress in the front seat of his car.  The car was located on Fifth Avenue with the passenger-side door ajar and a male subject crawling out of the vehicle face-first.  Upon contact with the Belmar Police officers, the individual crawling out of the car yelled, “Narcan him!”

One of the responding Belmar officers immediately retrieved his first-aid equipment and administered two doses of Narcan to an adult male, later identified as Jonathan Amato, who was seated in the front passenger seat in a reclined position, unconscious and not breathing.  Amato was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.

An investigation involving members of the Belmar Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Amato overdosed and died as a result of controlled dangerous substances that he ingested at the residence of Robert Clayton.

A subsequent search of Clayton’s home by the Belmar Police Department recovered the following narcotics: 919 Xanax pills, 101 Carisoprodel pills, 26 wax folds of heroin, 2 bags of powder heroin, 3 bags of MDMA (“Ecstasy”), 97 doses of LSD, 1 bag of Crystal Meth, 2 bags of Ketamine, 111 Methadone pills, 51 Adderall pills, 62 Tramadol pills, 2 vials of liquid Xanax, 11 Oxycodone pills and numerous other small amounts of pills, in addition to used hypodermic needles, vacuum-sealed packaging bags, hundreds of unused wax folds, 4 scales with CDS residue, 2 whipped-cream-dispensers, and 200 whippet canisters. In addition, 34 thumb memory drives were recovered, along with a computer and seven cellular phones.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Director of Investigations/Assistant Prosecutor Hoda Soliman.

Robert Clayton is being represented by Sarah H. Surgent, Esq. with an office location in Woodbridge.

A conviction for Manslaughter carries a period of up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act (N.E.R.A.), meaning that he would have to serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.  The additional second-degree charges also carry up to 10 years in prison; the third-degree charges carry up to 5 years in prison.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Belmar, Monmouth County

One Swimmer Pronounced Dead After Group Of Swimmers Rescued From Ocean In Belmar, NJ

June 13, 2022

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Belmar Police say, that at approximately 12:29 p.m. The Belmar Police Department received a report of swimmers in distress off the 8th Avenue beach jetty area. When patrols arrived on scene, multiple unaffiliated bystanders were attempting to make the rescue, however their attempts were unsuccessful. Shortly after multiple Belmar Lifeguards/ Water Rescue members entered the water and were able to rescue a group of swimmers in destress. One of these swimmers was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for additional treatment.


The remaining rescued swimmers were brought back to the beach safely. After speaking with these swimmers, it was then discovered there may be an unaccounted male swimmer still in the ocean. The missing swimmer was said to be in his twenties.


Additional emergency personnel arrived to expand the search of the last known location of this male swimmer. At approximately 1:22 p.m., lifeguards located a body in the ocean and immediately placed him in an ambulance which was already on location. This male was then transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he was later pronounced as deceased. A full investigation into the nature of the incident is ongoing.


The Belmar Police Department, Belmar Lifeguards, Belmar Water Rescue Team Belmar EMS, Neptune Answer Team, Neptune Drone Unit and Marine Unit, Manasquan Fire Department Marine Unit, Sea Girt Lifeguards, Monmouth County Fire Marshal Office, New Jersey State Police and U.S. Coast Guard all assisted in this investigation.

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Belmar, Freehold, Monmouth County

Trip For Eight Never Materialized To 2019 Masters Tournament; Two Indicted For Six-Figure Theft

October 7, 2021

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – Two men have been charged via direct indictment for a six-figure theft connected to a contracted trip for eight people to attend the 2019 Masters Tournament that never materialized, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Thursday.

John Donadio, 56, of Belmar and Michael Moyer, 56, of New Orleans, Louisiana, is each charged with second-degree Theft.

An investigation by the Belmar Police Department that grew to also involve investigators with the Prosecutor’s Office determined that the primary victim in the case had entered into a contract with Eclipse Global Events, a Belmar-based company controlled by the defendants, for the trip to the annual golf tournament held in Augusta, Georgia. The contracted charge for the trip was more than $126,000, to include lodging, tickets (both practice rounds and tournament rounds), hospitality events, and local transportation for all eight travelers.

Yet shortly after the contracted amount was paid in full and immediately prior to the event, the victim was advised that their payment was “late,” and that he would not be receiving the trip – nor a refund.

The victims missed a good one – Tiger Woods won his first major tournament title in more than a decade at the 2019 Masters, coming from behind in the final round in one of the most significant moments in the recent history of the sport.

A Monmouth County Grand Jury returned the indictment late last month, and Donadio turned himself in on Friday, October 1. Moyer did the same five days later.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos. Donadio is being represented by Thomas Huth, Esq., with an office in Red Bank, while attorney information for Moyer was not immediately available.

Anyone with additional information about the activities of defendants Donadio or Moyer is being asked to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Michael Acquaviva at 1-800-533-7443.

Convictions on these charges are commonly punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.  

Belmar, Monmouth County

NJ State Police Checkpoint In Belmar Borough This Weekend

June 25, 2021

BELMAR BOROUGH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The NJ State Police will be setting up at sobriety checkpoint this weekend in Belmar Borough. See NJSP information below:

In an effort to make our roads safer and reduce crashes attributed to driving while under the influence, the New Jersey State Police will set up a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, June 26, in the Belmar Borough, Monmouth County area. If you see someone you believe is posing a hazard because of poor driving behaviors, please dial #77 from a hands-free mobile device to contact the aggressive driver tip line and make a report. Be ready to give a description of the vehicle and occupants, a location and direction, and a license plate if possible.Troopers will be looking for signs of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. If you plan on drinking, have a designated driver, arrange for transportation, or stay where you are. It is not worth the risk of hurting or killing yourself, a friend, a loved one, or innocent motorist.

Belmar, Monmouth County, State of NJ

Partial Solar Eclipse This Morning At Sunrise As Seen From Belmar, NJ

June 10, 2021

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A partial solar eclipse was seen in the area this morning at sunrise. The sun appeared to emerge from the ocean looking like “devils horns” as the sun continued to rise it looked more like a glowing crescent moon.

The partial eclipse is caused by the Earth’s moon passing in front of the sun.

According to NASA, A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth, fully or partially blocking the Sun’s light in some areas. During an annular eclipse, the Moon is far enough away from Earth that the Moon appears smaller than the Sun in the sky. Since the Moon does not block the entire view of the Sun, it will look like a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk. This creates what looks like a ring of fire around the Moon. People in parts of Canada, Greenland, and northern Russia will experience the annular eclipse.

Photos taken near the Belmar Fishing Club Pier, 100 Ocean Avenue near 1st Avenue, Belmar, NJ

Photos taken near the Belmar Fishing Club Pier, 100 Ocean Avenue near 1st Avenue, Belmar, NJ
Belmar, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Trenton

Trenton man who tried to evade DWI arrested, found with firearm

May 6, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

BELMAR BOROUGH (MONMOUTH)– A Trenton resident has been arrested after avoiding a DWI checkpoint while under the influence.

The New Jersey State Police have arrested Christopher Gosley, 33, of Trenton, N.J. after he attempted to evade a DWI checkpoint in Belmar Borough, Monmouth County.

On Sunday, May 2, at 1:28 a.m., troopers observed a Chevrolet Equinox allegedly attempt to avoid a DWI checkpoint by travelling outside of the orange traffic-coned lanes and travel southbound in the northbound lanes of State Highway 35. Trooper Ryker Toscano was able to stop the vehicle shortly after the incident.

During the stop, Trooper Toscanini determined that Gosley was under the influence of drugs and arrested him without incident. Further investigation revealed that Gosley was in possession of a handgun, a high capacity magazine, and drug paraphernalia.

Christopher Gosley was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of paraphernalia, certain persons not to have weapons, hindering, refusal to submit fingerprints, and obstruction. He was lodged in Monmouth County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Belmar, Monmouth County

Gov. Murphy Promotes: “Summer 2021, It’s Just A Shot Away!” Vaccination Event At D’Jais Belmar, Those 21+ Summer 2021 VIP Card

May 4, 2021

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Yesterday Governor Phil Murphy promoted “Shot and a Beer” program where people in NJ who show their vaccination card showing their first vaccination in May would be eligible for a free beer at participating breweries. Today Governor Phil Murphy is promoting D’Jais Belmar “Summer 2021, It’s Just A Shot Away!” event on May 12, 2021 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Attendees who are 21+ and getting vaccinated a D’Jais Belmar are also eligible for a free Sumer 2021 D’Jais VIP Card. The event is held in partnership with Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc. (OHI) and you can preregister at the link below:

Pre-register: my-ohi.org/djais#OperationJerseySummer

Governor Phil Murphy:

Sign up for the May 12th vaccination clinic at the legendary D’Jais Belmar, operated in partnership with OHI – Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc., for a free Summer 2021 D’Jais VIP Card (for those 21+)! 🍻Pre-register: my-ohi.org/djais#OperationJerseySummer

https://www.facebook.com/events/1261950374244036/

Summer 2021 It’s Just a Shot away!
Pfizer Vaccination Event
Wednesday May 12, 2021
9am-3pm
1801 Ocean Ave, Belmar, NJ 07719To Pre-Register visit my-ohi.org/djais All attendees 21+ will receive a Summer 2021 D’Jais VIP Card. More Giveaways TBA Walk Ups are also available.
First Come First Served.
ALL New Jerseyans age 16+ are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

From D’Jais Official YouTube Channel of summer’s past pre-pandemic

1801 Ocean Ave, Belmar, NJ 07719 Photo provided by: NJ Governor’s Office
From D’Jais Official YouTube Channel of summer’s past, pre-pandemic

Aberdeen, Allentown, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Deal, Eatontown, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lincroft, Little Silver, Long Branch, Manalapan, Marlboro, Matawan, Middletown, Millstone, Monmouth County, Neptune, Ocean, Oceanport, Red Bank, Roosevelt, Rumson, Union Beach, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold, Wall

Monmouth County Voting Information And Video Tutorial

October 8, 2020

Visit: https://www.monmouthcountyvotes.com/ for the latest voting information in Monmouth County

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–As you may be aware, this year’s November General Election in New Jersey is being conducted primarily by mail-in ballots, per State mandate. On November 3, 2020, Election Day, limited polling locations will be open for voting on paper provisional ballots only, except for disabled voters. 

Voters across Monmouth County are receiving their mail-in ballots this week and are encouraged to contact the County Clerk’s Election Office at 732-431-7790, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with any questions about the delivery of their ballots. 

Due to this unprecedented change in our election process, Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon has provided a comprehensive webpage on MonmouthCountyVotes.com, explaining this year’s election process.

In addition, our office has provided video tutorials, including an animated step-by-step video informing Monmouth County voters of how to properly complete and return their mail-in ballots. The tutorial also explains how the paper ballots are reviewed and verified by the Monmouth County Board of Elections.

The video can be viewed on our Facebook and YouTube pages. We encourage you to share this important information with your friends and neighbors.

Election Hotline Established to Secure Election Integrity

To help ensure free and fair elections in Monmouth County, the County Election Offices and Prosecutor’s Office have established an election hotline. To report any issues of voter fraud or misconduct in Monmouth County, residents can call the County Prosecutor’s Office hotline at 855-786-5878.

“Our democratic system of government depends on free and fair elections and, as such, election integrity and security is important to all of us,” said County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni and County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon. “For these reasons, our offices are working together to further safeguard the electoral process.”

Upcoming Dates and Voter Deadlines

  • Monday, October 12th: All County Offices closed in observance of Columbus Day
  • Tuesday, October 13th: Voter Registration Deadline for the November General Election
  • Friday, October 30th: Application Deadline for General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters 
  • Tuesday, November 3rd: General Election Day!
  • Tuesday, November 3rd at 8 p.m.: Close of the polls; Deadline to deliver mail-in ballot by U.S. Postal Service mail, Drop Box, or in-person to the County Board of Elections at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold or at assigned Polling Place.

Monmouth County Secure Ballot Dropbox Locations:

LocationAddressEntry
1Aberdeen Municipal Building1 Aberdeen Square
Aberdeen, NJ 07747
2Allentown Borough Hall8 North Main Street
Allentown, NJ 08501
3Asbury Park City Hall1 Municipal Plaza
Asbury Park, NJ 07712		City Council Chambers (Bangs Avenue Entrance)
4Borough of Belmar Municipal Building601 Main Street
Belmar, NJ 07719
5Eatontown Borough Municipal Building47 Broad Street
Eatontown, NJ 07724		Rear Entrance
6Board of Elections Office300 Halls Mill Road
Freehold, NJ 07728		Side Entrance
7Hazlet Agency – NJ Motor Vehicle Commission1374 Highway 36
Hazlet, NJ 07730		Airport Plaza
8Howell Township Municipal Building4567 Route 9 North
Howell, NJ 07731		Rear Entrance
9Long Branch City Hall344 Broadway
Long Branch, NJ 07740
10Manalapan Township Municipal Building120 County Road 522
Manalapan, NJ 07726
11Middletown Municipal Building1 Kings Highway
Middletown Township, NJ 07748
12Croydon Hall900 Leonardville Road
Leonardo, NJ 07737
13Neptune Township Municipal Building25 Neptune Boulevard
Neptune, NJ 07753		Library Entrance
14Ocean Township Town Hall399 Monmouth Road
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
15Red Bank Borough Municipal Building90 Monmouth Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
16Rumson Borough Hall80 East River Road
Rumson, NJ 07760
17Wall Township Municipal Building2700 Allaire Road
Wall, NJ 07719
Aberdeen, Allentown, Allentown, Asbury Park, Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Eatontown, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lincroft, Little Silver, Long Branch, Manalapan, Marlboro, Matawan, Middletown, Millstone, Monmouth County, Neptune, Ocean, Oceanport, Red Bank, Roosevelt, Roosevelt, Rumson, Union Beach, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold, Wall

Vote-By-Mail Drop Box Arrives In Allentown

September 22, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Allentown resident told MidJersey.News that around 11 pm last night a delivery crew installed a Vote-By-Mail Drop Box in front of Allentown at Borough Hall on Main Street. There are currently 17 Vote-By-Mail Drop Box locations for Monmouth County, this is the furthest west serving Western Monmouth County.

A current list of Vote-By-Mail Drop Box locations for Monmouth County can be found here.

Vote-By-Mail Drop Box Locations

Pursuant to State law, the November 3, 2020 General Election will be conducted primarily by Mail-In Ballot in New Jersey.

If you wish to place your Mail-In Ballot in a secure drop box, below are the locations throughout the County which will be available starting the week of September 15. Addresses in the list below are clickable and will bring up Google Maps.

Voters can drop their voted Mail-In Ballot into these Board of Elections Drop Boxes anywhere in the County up until 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020. You do not have to be a resident of the town where the drop box is located. Be advised that these drop boxes are under video surveillance and are monitored by the Monmouth County Board of Elections, which can be reached at 732-431-7802.

For more information about the General Election process, click here.

LocationAddressEntry
1Aberdeen Municipal Building1 Aberdeen Square
Aberdeen, NJ 07747
2Allentown Borough Hall8 North Main Street
Allentown, NJ 08501
3Asbury Park City Hall1 Municipal Plaza
Asbury Park, NJ 07712		City Council Chambers (Bangs Avenue Entrance)
4Borough of Belmar Municipal Building601 Main Street
Belmar, NJ 07719
5Eatontown Borough Municipal Building47 Broad Street
Eatontown, NJ 07724		Rear Entrance
6Board of Elections Office300 Halls Mill Road
Freehold, NJ 07728		Side Entrance
7Hazlet Agency – NJ Motor Vehicle Commission1374 Highway 36
Hazlet, NJ 07730		Airport Plaza
8Howell Township Municipal Building4567 Route 9 North
Howell, NJ 07731		Rear Entrance
9Long Branch City Hall344 Broadway
Long Branch, NJ 07740
10Manalapan Township Municipal Building120 County Road 522
Manalapan, NJ 07726
11Middletown Municipal Building1 Kings Highway
Middletown Township, NJ 07748
12Croydon Hall900 Leonardville Road
Leonardo, NJ 07737
13Neptune Township Municipal Building25 Neptune Boulevard
Neptune, NJ 07753		Library Entrance
14Ocean Township Town Hall399 Monmouth Road
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
15Red Bank Borough Municipal Building90 Monmouth Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
16Rumson Borough Hall80 East River Road
Rumson, NJ 07760
17Wall Township Municipal Building2700 Allaire Road
Wall, NJ 07719
Allentown Borough Hall Vote-By-Mail Drop Box arrived at 11 pm last night.
Belmar, Monmouth County

Search for Missing Swimmer Ends With Subject Found On The Beach

July 27, 2020

Breaking News Report from on scene reports and radio traffic. If additional information becomes available additions and corrections will be made.

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)—Around 8:57 pm at the 2nd Avenue Beach there were reports of a missing swimmer. Belmar Police Department, Water Rescue, Fire Department, and First Aid Squad were sent to the area to search for the swimmer. Responders called for additional lighting, NJ State Police Marine Unit as well as the Monmouth County Dive Team. Within about 40 minutes of searching the subject was found ok on the beach. Subject was checked out by EMS and was ok. All units were clear the beach around 9:50 pm.

Belmar, Fishing, Freehold, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Outdoors, Point Pleasant

Rep. Smith: Passenger restrictions on NJ Shore for-hire fishing boats lifted

Six-foot social distancing must be maintained

June 15, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Congressman Chris Smith, whose Fourth Congressional District includes several popular Jersey Shore fishing basins including Belmar, Brielle and Point Pleasant, welcomed the decision, effective today, to lift the COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of anglers permitted on charter and head boats, as long as all anglers adhere to 6’ social distancing protocols.

    “This could not have come a moment too soon.  While overdue, this is still great news,” said Rep. Smith, who has been pushing hard for healthy, safe and economically-sound reopening of the Jersey Shore fishing boat industry.

     “Unfortunately, anglers have missed the beginning of fluke season, but the original relief of 25 passengers and now the unlimited access, gives this critical industry, as well as the related businesses such as bait & tackle shops, a fighting chance to recover more quickly and fully. I want to thank Governor Murphy for lifting these restrictions and re-opening this vital part of the Shore economy.”  

The COVID-19 quarantine has been especially hard for the for-hire fishing boats, many of which operate for only eight to ten months a year. Losing the months of March, April, May and half of June has been financially devastating.

      On May 16, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 146 allowing up to 10 total passengers on party boats.  However, sailing with less than a dozen paying passengers was not economically viable for the party boats, some of which can hold over 100 passengers.  On May 22—the opening day of fluke season—the number of passengers was raised from 10 to 25. 

 “This decision does not allow the boats to run at full capacity due to social distancing requirements, but it will allow those in the fishing industry to earn a living and feed their families,” Smith added.

     According to Smith, in addition to the party boat fleets in Belmar, Brielle and Point Pleasant in his congressional district, there are also party fishing boats in Atlantic Highlands, Barnegat, Sea Isle City, Ocean City, Cape May and Fortesque.

     In addition to advocating for the safe and economically-sound re-opening of the for-hire fishing industry, Smith has also supported federal emergency programs—such as the Paycheck Protection Program—to help the fishing industry, as well as tens of thousands of other small businesses in New Jersey, sustain operations while battling the economic devastation of the coronavirus pandemic.  

Rep. Smith, center, sees off the Dauntless as it casts off May 20 on its first fishing trip of the season from its home port in Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean County. At left are Charter Boat Captain David Goldman of Shore Catch Guide Service, and Recreation Fishing Alliance legal counsel Capt. Ray Bogan at right.
Asbury Park, Belmar, Monmouth County

Monmouth County Beachgoers “Know Before You Go”

May 21, 2020

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ –It’s important to research the new social-distancing regulations and policies in place at your desired beach destination before leaving your home! Some towns may require masks to be worn in restrooms and others may only be selling beach badges online while limiting the number of daily badges being sold. It is information like this that will be vital to know before you go to ensure a smooth trip to the Jersey Shore!

We want your trip to the beach to be enjoyable and safe! Click the link below to see the current regulations and policies.

https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=5082&mode=1
The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders held a press conference on May 18, 2020 to inform residents and visitors to #KnowBeforeYouGo and to research any new beach badge and parking policies in place for their desired destination, before leaving home.
Belmar, Monmouth County

“Fake News” Or Real Overcrowding Photos, Were Lenses And Techniques Used To Distort The Story? You Decide

May 17, 2020

Photos, video and story by: Dennis Symons, Jr.

Photos were taken Sunday Morning, May 17, 2020

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)—After seeing several photos posted online yesterday of massive crowding at the Jersey Shore it seemed that people were all over the place violating Governor Murphy’s “Social Distancing” rules. To an untrained eye it looked as people were on top of each other in large massive crowds. One of the locations was Belmar, New Jersey where a “local” told us that a record of over 3,000 beach badges were sold in a single day. The local also told us that the line was long but most of the day people were obeying social distancing rules. When asked about the photos posted on social media and used in regular news media, they said the photos were incredible.

Looks terrible people are not social distancing? If you think that look below and see how lenses can distort what is actually happening especially if photos are taken from few angles. Not saying that social distancing violations did not happen but some photos posted online seem very suspicious of using a “compression” technique.

Today people were lined up again this morning to purchase beach badges in Belmar. The line was not as long as yesterday but it was a good opportunity to investigate social distancing. Were photographs shared in social media and news media sensationalized, borderline “fake news” using certain photography techniques or were people observing the rules?

For this experiment we will use a Canon 5D Mark IV that has a full frame sensor with lenses in range from 24mm to 600mm in length.  I will take photos from an elevated position looking down boardwalk using a wide angle 24mm to a 600mm telephoto lens.

From the street and beach take another set of photos to show the spacing between people on the boardwalk.  A “normal” lens of what a typical eye sees, with a full framed sensor is between 35mm and 70mm. A variety of focal lengths will be provided to show lens compression.

24mm slightly wider than a “normal” lens.

70mm is slightly more than a “normal” lens.

135mm and 150mm the average telephoto lens.

At 200mm you can start to see higher effects of using the longer focal length lenses.

A 600mm lens makes people appear standing closer together.

Below photographs showing proper social distancing as viewed from the street and beach:

From side view from street and beach showing distancing between people waiting on the boardwalk for beach badges. Same crowd as viewed from the side and then with a 600mm lens pointed straight down the boardwalk. The longer focal length lenses can distort distances especially when trying to judge social distancing rules.

Post by Belmar, NJ showing social distancing Saturday from a drone:

This was Saturday’s line from the street, shows crowd and long line but as shown from the drone photos it appears most people are practicing social distancing. This photo was taken at 1: 30 pm using a cell phone.

How the NY Post played the story:

https://nypost.com/cover/covers-for-sunday-may-17-2020/

https://nypost.com/cover/covers-for-sunday-may-17-2020/?utm_source=url_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons

Belmar, Fishing, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Outdoors, Point Pleasant, Trenton

Charter Fishing And Watercraft Rentals Reopen Today

May 17, 2020

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)– Yesterday Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 146 to reopen charter boat fishing and watercraft rentals. You can view details in yesterday’s story here.

This morning at 7:30 am, one and a half hours after the covid-19 chartered fishing ban was lifted the Golden Eagle heads out of the Shark River Inlet fishing for striped bass and blues. It appears that most everyone had masks on and well spaced on the boat.