BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–Save LBI.org held an event last night called “Promises and Realities -Wind Turbine Projects Off LBI Shores” at the Bay Breeze Park Pavilion in Barnegat Light. Speakers at the event were: Kirk Larson Mayor of Barnegat Light, Craig Osten, SaveBLI, Jim Gutowski, A Fisherman’s Perspective, Chris Placitella, Attorney, Thomas Stavola, Attorney, Bob Stern, Ph.D., President Save Long Beach Island, Inc.
Save LBI is “a group of citizens working together to save Long Beach Island and the ocean from the destructive impact of the proposed wind project, and offer sensible renewable energy alternatives. We are a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization and do not endorse any candidates or politicians, but we do aggressively pursue programs, policies, and actions to protect the Island.“
The post above was created by Denise Barclay Boccia. Save LBI took the turbine photo from developer’s DEIS – added the Washington DC Monument, Barnegat Lighthouse, and a 6 ft man standing at the shoreline. 357 Turbines Across Long Beach Island 1,047 Total Height for each Turbine **starting 8-12 miles offshore, will be the largest and most visible wind turbine project in the entire world!
Simulation above of Holyoke Ave. in Beach Haven provided by project developer in BOEM (DEIS).
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 8, 2022, John Madden, 43, of Little Egg Harbor Township, pled guilty to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1, as well as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, in connection with an incident that occurred in Long Beach Township on April 8, 2020. Madden also pled guilty to an unrelated charge of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(5)(a), in connection with an incident that occurred in Little Egg Harbor on April 4, 2020. At the time of his sentencing on September 30, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of three years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with respect to the Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident charge, and 18 months NJSP as to the charge of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On April 8, 2020, Officers from the Long Beach Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Long Beach Boulevard for a report of a hit-and-run involving serious injuries to a bicyclist. An investigation by the Long Beach Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Daniel Bogacz, 63, of Beach Haven, was riding his bicycle northbound on Long Beach Boulevard when he was struck by a 2020 Jeep Liberty, also traveling northbound. The Jeep Liberty did not stop to render aid, but instead made a U-turn and accelerated past the injured victim. Mr. Boaz was air-lifted to Atlantic City Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
Further investigation revealed that Madden was, in fact, the driver of the Jeep Liberty. Madden was arrested at his residence in Little Egg Harbor on April 8, 2020 without incident. He was initially transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township where a blood draw was taken from Madden pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. He was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Laboratory results of Madden’s blood draw – received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in the course of the investigation – revealed his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to be .245 percent. In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where his/her BAC is .08 or greater.
On April 4, 2020, Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Police Department were summoned to a convenience store on Mathis town Road for a report of a shoplifter. Responding Officers determined that the manager of the store witnessed Madden shoplifting and confronted him. The manager of the store asked an off-duty New Jersey State Park Police Officer – who happened to be at the convenience store and was in uniform at the time – for assistance. As the off-duty officer attempted to detain Madden, he pushed the officer in an attempt to get away. The officer was able to detain Madden until Little Egg Harbor Police arrived. Madden was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Long Beach Township Police Department, Harvey Cedars Police Department, Surf City Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Police Department, Ship Bottom Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their efforts and assistance in connection with these investigations leading to Madden’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 8, 2022, Michael Klimowicz, 32, of North Brunswick, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P, to seven years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Possession of Marijuana in a Quantity Greater than Five Pounds but Less than Twenty-Five Pounds with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(10), in connection with an arrest that occurred in Long Beach Township on January 27, 2019. Klimowicz pled guilty to the charge before Judge Ryan on April 12, 2022.
An investigation by the Long Beach Township Police Department revealed that a residence in the Holgate section of Long Beach Township was being utilized by Klimowicz to store and distribute narcotics. In furtherance of the investigation, Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence on January 27, 2019. As a result, Detectives seized roughly 11.5 pounds of Marijuana, additional quantities of other illegal narcotics, and approximately $9,300 in United States currency. Klimowicz was arrested at the residence without incident; he was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Long Beach Township Police Department Patrol Division, Long Beach Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Long Beach Township Police Department K-9 Unit, and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Klimowicz’s apprehension and now his state prison sentence.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard rescued two people Friday night after their 33-foot sailing vessel, Free Bird, grounded and overturned near Little Egg Inlet.
A person aboard Free Bird used a VHF-FM marine radio Friday at about 8 p.m. to hail Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders and report that they grounded in shoals and began heeling over while heading south toward Atlantic City.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, along with rescue boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Atlantic City and Barnegat Light, responded to the call for help.
When Coast Guard responders arrived on the scene, they quickly located the Free Bird hard aground and on its side in breaking surf with both people aboard. Due to the shallow waters surrounding the vessel, the aircrew initiated hoisting the people.
“With high winds, driving rain and thunderstorms in the area, our aircrew worked to quickly lower the rescue swimmer to help the couple,” said Lt. Humberto Hernandez, a pilot who flew on the rescue. “Our swimmer was able to walk in the shallow breaking surf to the Free Bird and assist the people away from the vessel to facilitate a safer hosting situation, away from the overturned vessel’s mast.”
With each survivor safely hoisted into the aircraft, they returned to the air station and transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel. Both people are reportedly in good condition and will coordinate salvage plans for their vessel.
The Coast Guard reminds all mariners that having reliable communication aboard your vessel can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. A VHF-FM marine radio is the best way to alert the Coast Guard to an emergency, especially on the water, where cell phone connectivity and weather are often unpredictable.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, stands with two survivors May 6, 2022, after the aircrew rescued the couple. The two people were aboard a 33-foot sailing vessel when it grounded and overturned in heavy weather offshore from Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey. (U.S. Coast Guard photo.)
September 19, 2021 — 10:55 a.m. update see USCG press release below. Also see updated information from the New Jersey State Police below the USCG press release.
BEACH HAVEN, N.J. – The Coast Guard, and the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department rescued six boaters after their 30-foot white pleasure craft struck a fixed aid to navigation in the vicinity of Ham Island, Sunday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call from a good Samaritan at 12:18 a.m., stating he overheard a large crash and several calls for help in the vicinity of Ham Island.
A 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Beach Haven was launched to the scene at approximately 12:20 a.m., along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Atlantic City, and a jet ski crew from Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department. Beach Haven Police Department shore crews were also launched.
Once on scene at approximately 12:32 a.m, the Station Beach Haven boatcrew, and the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department jet ski crews were able to successfully rescue all six boaters from the water. They had all sustained several injuries from the crash.
The boaters were safely taken back to shore where local emergency medical services personnel transported them to various local hospitals.
Sector Delaware Bay issued a safety marine information broadcast to mariners to be aware of potential debris in the area from the crash.
Coast Guard crews will be actively working to fix the aid to navigation.
Updated information from the New Jersey State Police:
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The crash occurred last evening at approximately 11:58 p.m. in the Little Egg Harbor in Long Beach Township, Ocean County. Preliminary information indicates that a 25-foot Bertram Vessel struck Intercoastal Waterway marker 92. The vessel sustained disabling damage and all six occupants were ejected into the harbor. Two occupants were airlifted to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center and the remaining four occupants were transported by ambulance to Southern Ocean Medical Center. One occupant is in critical but stable condition, and the other five occupants are in stable condition. The crash remains under investigation.
The Coast Guard, and the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department rescued six boaters after their 30-foot white pleasure craft struck a fixed aid to navigation in the vicinity of Ham Island, Sept. 19, 2021. The boaters were safely recovered and taken back to shore where local emergency medical services personnel transported them to various local hospitals. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released)
USCG photo
Early morning Breaking News report here:
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–MidJersey.News is following reports of a serious boat crash that happened around 12:30 a.m. off of Hideaway Drive in Long Beach Township. Numerous fire and EMS departments were sent to the scene.
Two medical helicopters were called to the scene along with the U.S. Coast Guard. Initial reports are that one boat was involved and unconfirmed reports of six patients, and two were missing. A Ocean County Fire Coordinator was called and a command post was set up at the Beach Haven Park Yacht Club. Around 1:23 a.m. all persons were accounted for. The NJ State Police accident investigation team was notified.
Medivac from Hackensack Meridian Health AirMed landed at 1:38 a.m. at landing zone in Ship Bottom/Surf City at the park behind Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School
The park behind the Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School is one of the landing zones for medical helicopters on LBI. This file photo was taken earlier this month.
Avoid the area traffic is still a mess and backed up 1 to 2 miles in all directions.
Updated Information from Stafford Township Police:
Today, at approximately 10:20 AM, the Stafford Township Police Department received a call for a suspicious bag under the RT. 72 East Causeway Bridge, near Morris Boulevard. Out of an abundance of caution, the bridge was closed in both directions. With the assistance of the New Jersey State Police, the bag was deemed safe, and non-threatening. Afterwards, the bridge traffic was opened in both directions. We would like to thank all of the assisting agencies: NJSP, OCSD, Stafford Fire and EMS, and Ship Bottom Police and Fire.
September 12, 2021
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police report that the Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge, Route 72 Causeway Bridges to and from Long Beach Island is closed due to an ongoing investigation.
Sources tell MidJersey.news that there is a suspicious package on one of the bridges.
SHIP BOTTOM, NJ (OCEAN)–The Long Beach Island Health Department (LBIHD) received the first report of a positive Covid-19 case on July 19th that cited attending teen nights in Beach Haven on Sunday July 11th and Tuesday July 13th. LBIHD was then notified on July 26th of an additional positive teenager who attended a teen night on Sunday, 7/18. LBIHD was again notified on August 2nd of (2) laboratory confirmed positive teens that attended Teen Night on Sunday, 7/25 and (1) positive teen that attended a teen night on Tuesday, 7/27.
We received communication from our local urgent care clinicians over this past weekend citing a significant uptick in testing and positive outcome of teenagers that referenced attending teen nights the week prior. We also received several calls of parents of teenagers testing positive all having recent local teen night club attendance. Based on laboratory confirmed and office reporting as of August 3, (11) positive teens all with a common attendance at teen nights.
The State Health Department has been notified of this community cluster. It can be challenging to identify the full scope of this cluster due to under reporting, cases can be dispersed over the state and region during the height of the summer season. However, we will be actively associating any reported cases to our jurisdiction that share this common element.
If you have attended these venues within the last 14 days and are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, regardless of immunization status, we would advise testing. The recommended time to seek testing in no sooner than 5 days after an exposure to ensure if transmission and infection from the virus occurred it will be captured.
We would advise both parents and teenagers that events that bring teenagers together in large numbers and social atmospheres pose significant risk of Covid-19 transmission. Unlike more structured and regulated organizations that host youth, teens night often do not require health screening, immunization status, social distance, masking or negative covid-19 tests. The latest immunization coverage updated by CDC on 7/29/21 for those 12-15 yrs of age is 27% and for those 16-24 yrs. of age is 41%. Immunizations are widely available for 12 and older and we strongly encourage receiving the vaccine.
Please feel free to contact our local health Department at 609-492-1212 or the local health department in the respective jurisdiction you reside.
On July 29, at 9:22 pm the Long Beach Township Police Department received three 9-1-1 emergency calls for medical assistance in the High Bar Harbor section of Long Beach Township. Officers responding advised that there were four utility poles damaged and multiple houses roofs blown off in the area. It was suspected at the time that a tornado had caused the damages on Antioch Rd., Arnold Blvd, Collier Avenue and Sunset Blvd. Three residents in the area were treated on scene for lacerations. Several residents were evacuated and taken to the Barnegat Light Firehouse for shelter. Thirty-five plus houses in addition to multiple boats were damaged from the suspected tornado. Harvey Cedars, Ship Bottom and Surf City Police Departments all responded to assist as well as the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and New Jersey State Marine Police. There was also assistance provided from Stafford Township Fire and First Aid Squads in addition to each Fire and First Aid Squad on Long Beach Island. Berkeley Hazmat, the Long Beach Township Transportation Department shuttle buses and Long Beach Township Department of Public Works also assisted. NJ Natural Gas, Verizon, Atlantic City Electric and Comcast all responded and at least five utility poles were replaced. As of 6:00 am July 30th power had been restored to High Bar Harbor with the exception of approximately fifteen houses that sustained extensive damage. As of 7:30 am the National Weather Service had not made an official determination on the category of the weather system.
July 30, 2021
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP-BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–Last night July 29, 2021, around 9:00 p.m. severe thunderstorms moved though the area along with reported tornados. There were several reports of storm damage possibly from a tornado that hit the area of Long Beach Township and Barnegat Light sections of Long Beach Island as severe thunderstorms moved though the region. There were reports of damage to 8 houses in the High Bar Harbor Section near Arnold Lane and other areas. There were reports of two capsized boats in the Barnegat Bay. This is from preliminary information and once we get official information the story will be updated.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard suspended its search for a possible downed aircraft off Long Island Beach, New Jersey, Thursday afternoon.
“After careful consideration, we have suspended the search for the reported aircraft,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Walsh, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “Swift action from our Coast Guard crews and local partners and extensive coverage of the search area allowed us to come to this decision, pending further developments.”
The Coast Guard received a report at 11:52 a.m. that a plane had potentially entered the water one mile offshore. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay diverted an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Barnegat Light also responded to the search area.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The United States Coast Guard, NJ State Police, multiple fire and police units are operating off of Long Beach Township in the area of 26th Street for a reported glider type plane in the water. So far nothing has been found and some units are still actively searching.
Coast Guard units are responding to reports of a downed aircraft off Long Beach Island, New Jersey, Thursday.
The type of aircraft and number of people involved remains unknown.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City was diverted to respond to the area. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Atlantic City and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat—Small crew from Station Barnegat Light launched to assist with search efforts.
The Coast Guard will release more information as it becomes available.
Photo by: Marie Lazore
#BREAKING We have received a report of a plane crash off Long Beach Island, NJ. Coast Guard has diverted a helo from Air Station Atlantic City and crews from Station Atlantic City and Station Barnegat Light. Updates to follow.
— USCG Mid-Atlantic (@uscgmidatlantic) June 17, 2021
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