Category: Seaside Park

Ocean County, Seaside Park, State of NJ

Dead Whale Removed From Beach In Seaside Park; Cause Of Death Under Investigation

March 2, 2023

SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–The Marine Mammal Stranding Center NOAA was assisted by Seaside Park Fire Department, Seaside Park Police Department and Seaside Park Public Works, Tri-Boro EMS, Seaside Heights Fire Department, New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, NJ Parks, with the removal of a dead wale from the M Street Beach this morning. The whale was spotted yesterday and washed ashore earlier today. A necropsy will be conducted in order to determine the cause of death. 

Seaside Park Police Department are saddened to see the death of such a beautiful creature. Police ask that you please keep your distance and not disturb the whale so that the necropsy team can conduct their investigation.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement in response to another dead whale that washed ashore in Seaside Park in his congressional district earlier this morning:

            “At least 18 dead whales and dolphins have washed ashore or been sighted in our area in the past three months.

Anyone who lives at the Jersey Shore knows that these alarming deaths are unprecedented and likely indicative of a larger environmental problem.

            How much longer will the Biden Administration and Governor Murphy continue to play politics and ignore the extensive calls from me, local residents, fishermen and other stakeholders for a thorough and transparent investigation into this blatant environmental crisis?

            The letters I wrote to the Biden Administration weeks ago urging an immediate pause to all offshore wind activity until ecological safety can be assured continue to remain unanswered.

I will not let up until my constituents get the answers they deserve.”

Smith noted that he is speaking with his colleagues in Congress to advance his bill requiring an investigation into the environmental review process for the offshore wind projects.

“I have already spoken with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodger,” said Smith. “Congress must pass my legislation—HR 1056—to require an independent investigation into the approval process and environmental impacts of these projects before it’s too late.”

“The scale and speed of these fast-tracked offshore wind developments—with thousands of turbines slated to be installed—calls into question whether due diligence was done to investigate their effect on the environment, fisheries, tourism, and other critical factors that make our Jersey Shore the unique treasure that it is,” said Smith, who spoke at the Save the Whales rally in Point Pleasant Beach last Sunday.

“The fact that these whale deaths are occurring concurrently with the ongoing sound surveys and the underwater noise generated by acoustic vessels—even before construction and pile driving begin—cannot be ignored,” Smith said.

Smith Vows To Not Let Up Until New Jersey Residents Get The Answers They Deserve Regarding Whale Deaths

Photos by: Ryan Mack Jersey Shore Fire Response

Another Dead Whale This Time Off Seaside Park, New Jersey
Another Dead Whale Washes Up On Beach In Manasquan, New Jersey; As Concern Grows Over Offshore Wind Projects
https://midjersey.news/2023/02/19/save-our-whales-rally-on-world-whale-day-in-point-plesant-over-concerns-of-recent-whale-deaths/
Ocean County, Seaside Park, State of NJ

Smith Vows To Not Let Up Until New Jersey Residents Get The Answers They Deserve Regarding Whale Deaths

March 2, 2023

TOMS RIVER—Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement in response to another dead whale that washed ashore in Seaside Park in his congressional district earlier this morning:

            “At least 18 dead whales and dolphins have washed ashore or been sighted in our area in the past three months.

Anyone who lives at the Jersey Shore knows that these alarming deaths are unprecedented and likely indicative of a larger environmental problem.

            How much longer will the Biden Administration and Governor Murphy continue to play politics and ignore the extensive calls from me, local residents, fishermen and other stakeholders for a thorough and transparent investigation into this blatant environmental crisis?

            The letters I wrote to the Biden Administration weeks ago urging an immediate pause to all offshore wind activity until ecological safety can be assured continue to remain unanswered.

I will not let up until my constituents get the answers they deserve.”

Smith noted that he is speaking with his colleagues in Congress to advance his bill requiring an investigation into the environmental review process for the offshore wind projects.

“I have already spoken with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodger,” said Smith. “Congress must pass my legislation—HR 1056—to require an independent investigation into the approval process and environmental impacts of these projects before it’s too late.”

“The scale and speed of these fast-tracked offshore wind developments—with thousands of turbines slated to be installed—calls into question whether due diligence was done to investigate their effect on the environment, fisheries, tourism, and other critical factors that make our Jersey Shore the unique treasure that it is,” said Smith, who spoke at the Save the Whales rally in Point Pleasant Beach last Sunday.

“The fact that these whale deaths are occurring concurrently with the ongoing sound surveys and the underwater noise generated by acoustic vessels—even before construction and pile driving begin—cannot be ignored,” Smith said.

Another Dead Whale This Time Off Seaside Park, New Jersey

Photos from the dead whale off Seaside Park yesterday from Ryan Mack Jersey Shore Fire Response

Ocean County, Seaside Park

Another Dead Whale This Time Off Seaside Park, New Jersey

March 1, 2023

SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Around noon today another dead whale was spotted floating off Seaside Park near L Street. Ryan Mack of Jersey Shore Fire Response was on scene and provided a photograph of the dead whale one March 1, 2023.

Calls On Biden Administration To Suspend Offshore Wind Projects Over Whale Deaths have so far gone unanswered.

This is a developing story please check back for further details.

“Save Our Whales” Rally On “World Whale Day” In Point Plesant Over Concerns Of Recent Whale Deaths

Dead whale March 1, 2023 off Seaside Park, NJ:

The whale above is floating just off Seaside Park New Jersey on March 1, 2023

Another Dead Whale Washes Up On Beach In Manasquan, New Jersey; As Concern Grows Over Offshore Wind Projects

30-nj-coastal-mayors-call-for-moratorium-on-all-offshore-wind-activity-feb21-2023Download
gao_whale_study_for_introductionDownload
Berkeley, Ocean County, Seaside Park

Two Rescued From Sailboat That Ran Aground In South Seaside Park

September 25, 2021

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 6:45 p.m., Seaside Park along with Seaside Heights were dispatched to 14th Avenue Beach for a boater in distress, the vessel was located in South Seaside Park-Berkley Township off 5th Lane Midway Beach. First reports from PD were that the boat was 100 yards offshore doing circles with the 3-4 swell it was slowly pushed in. Seaside Park & Seaside Heights deployed their rescues swimmers into the ocean as there were two victims onboard the vessel. Batting the surf the water rescue team was quickly able to get them off the vessel and to safely. Two victims were removed and checked by Toms River EMS. It is unknown what caused the power failure at this time.

Just after 11:00 p.m. the Seaside Park Fire Department was dispatched back to the beach for a “boat fire” No boat fire was found but it was reported that the sailboat was out of the water and on the beach.

Photos, video and story by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

Berkeley, Ocean County, Seaside Park

Lighting Strike Kills Lifeguard Injures 7 Others In Berkley Township

August 30, 2021

Update: Tragic Loss At The Jersey Shore As Lightning Claims Lifeguard And Injures 7 Others

BERKLEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 4:35 p.m. thunderstorm moving though the area approximately 4 miles to the north of Berkley Township in the Lavallette area generated a lighting bolt that hit the beach in the area of 21st Avenue. This area of Berkley Township is also known as South Seaside Park. The lighting bolt hit a Berkley Township lifeguard who was later pronounced dead and the bolt also injured at least seven more people. Rescue efforts were made and a helicopter was called, other victims of the lighting strike were transported to Community Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas Health in Toms River. The victims were transported by multiple EMS agencies operating at the scene.

Governor Phil Murphy released a statement this evening: “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured. I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.”

This is the second fatal lifeguard accident at the Jersey Shore this year only 10 days ago on August 20, 2021 a 16 year old lifeguard in Cape May died from injuries from a lifeboat accident.

The last lighting death in NJ was on June 9 when 70 year old golfer was killed at Burlington Country Club in Westampton, NJ. 2021 Lightning Fatalities by State

Ocean County, Seaside Park

Seaside Park Teen Sentenced To Juvenile Probation For Seaside Park Shooting

August 24, 2021

SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 23, 2021, Michael Jedziniak, 18, of Seaside Park, was sentenced by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., to a four-year suspended sentence to the custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC), as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Armed Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(1), and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a.  In lieu of incarceration at a facility operated by the JJC as requested by the State, Judge Rahill imposed a term of 18 months probation under the supervision of the Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program (JISP); as a condition of his JISP probation, Jedziniak must attend and successfully complete a Residential Program operated by the JJC.  Upon successful completion of his JISP probation, Jedziniak will remain on probation for an additional 18 months and be supervised by the Ocean County Probation Department. 

The State was seeking a seven year sentence of incarceration to the custody of the JJC.  Jedziniak, who was 17 years-old when the crimes occurred, pled guilty to both charges before Judge Rahill on June 8, 2021.

On October 27, 2020, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the Seaside Park Police Department responded to the area of I Street in response to a 911 call for a reported shooting in conjunction with a Robbery.  Responding Officers were met by witnesses to the incident; a short time later, a white BMW pulled up to a marked Seaside Heights Police vehicle in the Borough of Seaside Heights and advised that one of the passengers was the victim of a robbery and shooting.  The victim was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, treated for injuries, and released.  Following a thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Seaside Park Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Jedziniak was identified as the perpetrator.  A warrant for Jedziniak’s arrest was executed by the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and he was taken into custody without incident. Jedziniak was processed at Seaside Park Police Headquarters, and has been lodged at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center since his arrest.

Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, Seaside Park Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for the collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation and disposition.

Related MidJersey.News coverage:

Arrest Made In Seaside Park Shooting

Ocean County, Seaside Park

Seaside Park Man Charged With Failure To Register As A Sex Offender

April 28, 2021

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 27, 2021, Thomas Lockhart, 61, of Seaside Park, was arrested and charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2d(1), also known as Megan’s Law.

An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit and Seaside Park Police Department revealed that Lockhart – a previously convicted sex offender – had been living at the Desert Palm Motel in Seaside Park, and then allegedly moved without registering or notifying the appropriate local law enforcement agencies. On April 19, 2021, a warrant was issued for Lockhart’s arrest. As a result, on April 27, 2021, Officers of the Manchester Township Police Department performed a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Lockhart. Lockhart was taken into custody without incident, and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

“Since 1994, Megan’s Law requires certain sex offenders to register with their local police departments whenever they move and/or change their residential address. Failure to comply with this obligation is a third degree crime,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, working in conjunction with our local police departments, will be vigilant in making sure that individuals required to register under Megan’s Law are in compliance with their obligations,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

Anyone in possession of information concerning this case, or others allegedly violating Megan’s Law requirements, are encouraged to contact Sergeant John Argento of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929 2027, extension 2903. The information may be provided anonymously. For further information, please visit the State Police Sex Offender Internet Registry at http://www.njsp.org/sex-offender-registry/index.shtml.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit, Seaside Park Police Department, and Manchester Township Police Department, for their cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Thomas Lockhart, 61, of Seaside Park
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 27, 2021, Thomas Lockhart, 61, of Seaside Park, was arrested and charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2d(1), also known as Megan’s Law.
Ocean County, Seaside Park

Arrest Made In Seaside Park Shooting

October 28, 2020

SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that a 17 year-old juvenile was taken into custody last night in connection with a shooting that occurred on October 27, 2020, in Seaside Park. The juvenile has been charged with Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 and N.J.S.A. 2C11-3; Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(3); Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1; Possession of a Weapon For an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1).

On October 27, 2020, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the Seaside Park Police Department responded to the area of I Street in response to a 911 call for a reported shooting. Responding Officers were met by witnesses to the shooting; a short time later, a white BMW pulled up to a marked Seaside Heights Police vehicle in the Borough of Seaside Heights and advised that one of the passengers was the victim of the shooting. The victim was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, treated for injuries, and released. Following a thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Seaside Park Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the subject juvenile was identified as the shooter. A warrant for the juvenile’s arrest was executed by the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and the juvenile was taken into custody without incident. The juvenile was processed at Seaside Park Police Headquarters, and is currently lodged at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

Prosecutor Billhimer is grateful for the hard work and collaborative efforts of all law enforcement personnel involved in this comprehensive investigation leading to the juvenile’s apprehension, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, Seaside Park Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. “All the officers involved in this investigation worked at breakneck speed to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this senseless act of violence, for which I am extremely grateful. As I have stated on numerous occasions, this unbridled lawlessness – whether perpetrated by an adult or a juvenile – will not be tolerated in Ocean County,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Ocean County, Seaside Park

BREAKING: 2nd Alarm In Seaside Park

BREAKING NEWS REPORT: From radio, witness and on scene reporting. Once official information becomes available story will be updated and any additions or corrections made.

September 30, 2020

11:20 pm update, command reports they have the main body of the fire knocked down and checking for extension.

SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Just before 11 pm the Seaside Park Fire Department responded to a fire in the 1st block of Stockton Avenue. Upon arrival a 2nd alarm was called for. Command was reporting a fire in a 2 1/2 story with exposure issues. Witness on scene said block was being evacuated and sent the photo in prior to being pushed back.

This is an active fire and firefighters are working at the scene at this time.

When updates become available they will be added to the story.

At 22:51 hours on 9/30/20 Station 45 responded to Stockton Ave for the working structure fire. Stations 27, 44, 53, 26, Tri-Boro EMS and SPPD responded to the scene. Station 28 handled the cover assignment. No civilian or first responder injuries were reported.

2nd Alarm in Seaside Park, NJ send in from bystander prior to the area being evacuated.
Photos from Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Company
Bay Head, Beachwood, Berkeley, Brick, Manahawkin, Ocean County, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, Toms River

Trump Boat Parade Draws Thousands

September 6, 2020

SHIP BOTTOM, NJ (OCEAN)–Estimates of 2,500 boats participated in a Trump Boat Parade that was also supporting Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans yesterday.

Boaters are congregated at the mouth of Tom’s River in Barnegat Bay and split into two major groups north bound and south bound.

The northbound parade started at the mouth of Toms River and past the Mantoloking Bridge, F-Cove and Bay Head.

The southbound parade started from the mouth of the Toms River and went past the Manahawkin Bridge all the way down to Beach Haven. A large group of boaters anchored in Ship Bottom after the parade.

Rep Smith joined the Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans Supporters of Trump Boat Parade in Barnegat Bay in Ocean County today in a boat captained by Ocean County GOP chairman Frank Holman. One report estimates that 2,500 boats participated in the show of support.
Some of the many Trump Boat Parade participants in the Ship Bottom area and Manahawkin Bridge
Ocean County, Seaside Park

Whale Off Seaside Park Breached Surface And Lands On Boat, Boat Now Beached

June 8, 2020

SEASIDE PARK, NJ (0CEAN)–From Friends Of Seaside Park:

Happening now: a whale breached the surface and landed on a boat only a few dozen yards off D Street. The boat is now beached on the shores. We saw the whole thing unfold.

Update:
For those asking, both occupants are okay they were both thrown from the boat. The 🐋 whale kept swimming and breaching. From our view, the whale is totally fine. Appeared to be a humpback.

For those asking for a time frame, it happened around 11:50 am and it was on the trailer at around 3:30pm.

Also it’s World Oceans Day!!!