Category: Belmar

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.

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

Chartered Fishing And Watercraft Rentals To Resume Tomorrow

May 16, 2020 UPDATED AT 7:20 PM to include executive order and additional information provided by the Governor’s Office

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Murphy is expected to sign an executive order today to allow reopening of fishing charters and other chartered boating serviced, this will also include watercraft rentals. The executive order will take effect May 17, 2020 at 6 am. Once we receive the executive order will will post it here.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Reopen Charter Fishing and Watercraft Rental Businesses

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 146, which allows charter fishing services and for-hire vessel activities, as well as watercraft rental businesses, to open with required social distancing measures. These businesses can open on Sunday, May 17 at 6 am.“Reopening charter fishing services and watercraft rental businesses restores an extremely important component of our Shore economy.” said Governor Murphy. “The social distancing measures that we are putting in place will ensure that these businesses can sustain themselves while still adhering to public health guidance.”Charter fishing services and for-hire vessels will be allowed to reopen to the public so long as they adopt policies that include:

  • reduced capacity to no more than 10 people on a vessel at any one time;
  • electronic or telephone reservation and payment systems;
  • no make-up or open boat trips;
  • social distancing measures on the vessels and in waiting and boarding areas, including demarcation and signage;
  • prohibiting sharing of fishing equipment, bait, and gear;
  • limiting the use of nets or gaffs to the crew;
  • infection control and hygiene practices;
  • providing sanitization materials to passengers and crew;
  • frequent sanitization of vessel and high-touch areas;
  • The crew and passengers must wear a mask while aboard the vessel;
  • prohibiting food and beverage service; and
  • briefing all passengers prior to embarking on social distancing, capacity limits, and hygiene requirements.

Watercraft rental businesses will be allowed to reopen so long as they adopt policies consistent with the “curb-side pickup” restrictions that apply to retail establishments pursuant to Executive Order No. 142.
Copy of Executive Order No. 146

” I will sign an EO allowing for the resumption of:
🎣Fishing charters and other chartered-boat services
🛶Watercraft rentals

This Order will take effect tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM.

We will require specific social distancing and sanitation measures to be followed.”

File photos from Point Plesant, NJ by: Dennis Symons, Jr.

Belmar, Editorial, Monmouth County, Opinion

Belmar Beach Is Open And Busy: So Far So Good, Don’t Screw It Up

May 16, 2020 Updated at 7:00 pm to change “beach access” to “beach badges” clarification on what the line that extended a couple of blocks was for. Remember photos and accounts at 1:30 pm is a “snapshot in time” and could be more or less crowded as the day progressed.

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A few moments ago (1:30 pm) a MidJersey.news corespondent has sent in photos from Belmar, NJ and the area appears to be very busy but manageable. The line to get “beach badges” was very long and extended a couple of blocks.

A couple of popular stores lines could be seen that were long but, for the most part it seemed that people were keeping social distancing as much as they could. Once on the beach it appeared people kept a far enough distance between beach blankets to maintain the six foot rule for social distancing.

From photos provided and on scene reports beach is pretty much at capacity and pushing the envelope for social distancing so I would avoid going to that location until things settle down.

Reminder that Governor Murphy has stated this past week if the virus numbers go back up he would take measures again to close beaches. So it is up to you to keep distancing to keep down the spread of the virus. New Jersey, this is yours to screw up if you don’t maintain distancing, hand washing, and take other precautions so play by the rules.

  • Lines for certain stores are long as of 1:30 pm.
  • The line for “beach badges” extends for blocks at 1:30 pm.
The line to get “beach badges” extended a few blocks at 1:30 pm. For some of the popular stores the lines seem long but for most part social distancing so far. On the beach most people were spread out, but it is approaching capacity for social distancing.
Allentown, Belmar, Brick, Englishtown, Freehold, Hamilton, Hamilton, Holmdel, Howell, Jackson, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Manalapan, Mercer County, Middletown, Millstone, Millstone, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Plumsted, Robbinsville, Rumson, Upper Freehold, Wall

Rep. Chris Smith’s Annual High School Art Competition Opens ‘Virtually’

April 24, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – For the first time ever, the annual Congressional Art Competition held by Rep. Chris Smith as part of a national competition for his district’s high school students, will be a “virtual” online show to ensure the safety of students, parents, teachers and the interested public.

    In response to the coronavirus national emergency, the artwork, which is normally displayed for a month at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Lakefront Gallery, will be posted on Smith’s congressional website ensuring that the students who have worked for many months can still take part in the national competition.

    “For these young student artists whose school year has been turned upside down by coronavirus, I am happy we found a way forward and I am grateful to the parents, judges and teachers for making needed adjustments,” Smith said.

    “We received strong support for a virtual art competition rather than cancel the show outright due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Smith said. “Safety is paramount, and a virtual gallery enables us to proceed safely not only for the students and parents, but for the patients and workers at RWJ-Hamilton, which has in the past, graciously hosted the show,” he said.

“I am delighted that this year’s show wasn’t canceled, but continued as an online competition,” said Wall High School art teacher, Jill Alexander, who has been preparing her students to enter the show every year for the past six years. “Students in the 4th district are thankful for the great show that Congressman Chris Smith puts on each year, but especially this year because of the challenges everyone is facing.”

“We love going to Robert Wood Johnson’s impressive gallery, and unfortunately that just wasn’t possible this year. My students start working in September preparing their best artwork to submit, and this show is the highlight of the year for us. 

“High school students across the country will miss the opportunity to participate in many events this year, including proms, sporting events and even graduation,” Alexander said. “We are really pleased the art competition survives.” 

             The 2020 show will be exhibited in a virtual art gallery, will use online judging, with winners to be announced in May. Smith’s three-member team of professional judges, whose works are also normally displayed at the show, will also have artwork posted in an online gallery.

     This year, students who place in the competition—as best-of-show, and first, second and third runners-up and honorable mentions—will receive ribbons and all participants will be mailed Congressional Certificates, instead of being presented them in person.

   The best-in-show winner will be displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington along the busy public corridor/tunnel between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol Building for one year with other winners from across the nation. All the artwork entered into Smith’s competition this year will be displayed in his online gallery for one year.

   Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office. Currently, the Institute plans to accept the top winning artwork from every congressional show in America by June 18 and hold a reception in Washington on July 22.

     For information about the 2020 NJ-04 show or to view the 2019 and prior year winners visit Congressman Smith’s Congressional Art Competition web page.

“American Graffiti,” by Jordan Heine of Wall High School won Best in Show in 2018.
Allentown, Allentown, Belmar, Eatontown, Englishtown, Freehold, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Manalapan, Matawan, Middletown, Millstone, Monmouth County, Rumson, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

County Freeholders: About Park Closings, COVID-19 and TakeoutInMonmouth.com

April 9, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley held a press conference today to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation and additional support that the County will supply the business community.

“Since the start of the Take Out in Monmouth initiative last week, we have complied well over 750 businesses, which can be found at www.takeoutinmonmouth.com,” said Freeholder Director Arnone, liaison to the Divisions of Economic Development and Tourism. “Today, we are now adding breweries and wineries to this online list to further boost the local economy. These business owners are our friends, neighbors and community leaders and we owe our support to these individuals and their employees during this difficult time.”

Visit http://takeoutinmounmouth.com https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=5029 for further local listings.

Visit the Screaming Hill Brewery page for barnside pickup. Orders placed the day before will be ready the next day for pickup. Try the “Blood Orange” a midjersey.news favorite.

Visit Screamin Hill our local farm fresh brewery for barn side pickup. Remember to place order the day before for pickup the next day.

Heavenly Havens Has Ice Cream Takeout Window:

LaPiazza Delivers now, you might be lucky enough to have DJ Nebbs deliver for you:

Together, Monmouth County municipalities, local chambers as well as the County Divisions of Economic Development and Tourism continue to research and identify all food grocers, breweries, wineries and restaurants open. While the County works to maintain an updated list, email TakeOutInMonmouth@visitmonmouth.com to be listed or request a change in listing.

“As a result of mounting cases and more and more residents becoming increasingly frightened to leave their own home, the Monmouth County Aging Disability Resource Center has prepared the COVID-19 Resource Guide to assist seniors and residents with disabilities who may be struggling to acquire basic needs during this health pandemic,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley, liaison to the Department of Human Services. “The County has been extensively collaborating with local officials and the guide will be frequently updated to reflect the most current services and resources offered by municipality.”

In addition to Monmouth County ADRC (Aging Disability Resource Center), Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Communities Through Services) has been directing residents to Monmouth Resource Net, an online directory of community and health resources and services, information about residential mortgage relief as well as mental health support.

The Freeholders also discussed the Executive Order signed on Thursday, April 7 by the Governor, closing all Monmouth County parks indefinitely.

“I would like to publicly state that I do not support the indefinite closure of all county parks in New Jersey. I also find it unacceptable that we have no input as to when they will reopen. There are a number of options that could have been considered as an alternative to completely closing county parks, including limiting hours, days, et cetera,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has felt, throughout this entire pandemic, that our County parks are essential for our residents’ mental health and a great choice for passive recreation. I promise that we will open our parks immediately as soon as the Executive Order is lifted.”

All public is restricted from parks and golf courses. Park and golf course entrances and parking lots are gated or barricaded and visitors who gain park access by foot or bike will be directed to leave, as the parks will still be patrolled. Marina services are suspended but owners will have access to their boats.

Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.

All State and County Parks are closed in NJ. Some local parks are closed and some local parks are open, check with each town because status changes daily.