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There is some major competition up at the Ocean City Music Pier for who should become “Pet of the Year” in the Humane Society of Ocean City’s contest. A photo collage of dogs and one cat has been prominently displayed since August for animal lovers to make their selection and drop a donation in for their favorite contestant. People have until Sept. 24 to cast their vote. The contest is more than just who will become top dog -- or cat. It will help animals who have yet to be adopted.

Ocean City sold fewer beach tags this summer, but revenue jumped more than 50 percent overall due to a price increase, according to figures released Thursday. Beach tag sales often serve as a major factor when determining how strong a summer season is for a shore town. Over the past few years, Ocean City’s beach tag sales have remained strong. The summer of 2023 was robust in terms of revenue, officials said, due to an increase in fees.

After three straight years of rising prices for vacation rentals that began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market is beginning to stabilize. What that translated to for Ocean City property owners was that not all renters were willing to pay higher rental costs, resulting in some properties not being rented out during certain weeks. Overall, local realtors called it a good season, but a more normal one than the inflated pandemic-priced days.

Ocean City students in the primary, intermediate and high schools were definitely ready for the first day of school Tuesday, judging by the smiles, conversations and just the upbeat mood of the kids and the faculty. In the morning, students were greeted to celebrations unique to each of their schools. There was music. There were balloons. There were welcoming committees made up of faculty.

Visitors to Ocean City knew how to beat the heat when temps and humidity climbed on Labor Day, the traditional end of summer. They splashed in the surf, lounged on the beaches under big umbrellas and strolled along the boards, stopping for icy drinks and ice cream to keep cool. For some, it was just a beautiful Monday with sun-splashed skies and warm temps. For others, it was a day before reality hit and it is back to school and work.

Richard “Dick” Grimes gave so much to the children in the Ocean City community. He created youth sports programs, and the residents and visitors have benefited from his important contributions for more than 60 years. But over the years, both residents and city officials have had concerns over muddy conditions when it rains at the low-lying sports complex named in Grimes’ honor, "Richard S. Grimes Athletic Fields." They have wanted to do something about it. In total, the city hopes to give the sports facility, known as a hub for recreation in town, a $4.2 million facelift as part of the city’s budget for capital expenses.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol is working with a limited number of lifeguards due to many of them going back to school or returning to their full-time jobs this time of year. To add to the difficulty, Hurricanes Idalia and Franklin have been creating rip currents and dangerous surf. But Ocean City Beach Patrol Director Allan Karas and the lifeguards have been working hard to keep beachgoers safe.

Marie Hayes is excited for the next chapter in her storied career. She’s worked in law enforcement and politics and her newest endeavor is working as the Cape May County Surrogate. While she has only been in the position for weeks, she already feels at home, she said in an interview Tuesday. The Surrogate’s Office helps families with wills, adoptions and guardianships, among other matters. Hayes, of Ocean City, said in an interview that she is enjoying her new job and learning about it while bringing her strengths to the position that she has honed over the years. “My extensive knowledge of being in the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office for 29 years and working in the court system, both criminal and civil, will serve me well representing Cape May County as the Surrogate,” she said...

An Ocean City resident is calling for city officials, the police department and community representatives to create a task force to develop regulations for bicycles, e-bikes and other motorized vehicles. Susan Cracovaner is speaking out about speeding e-bikes and other electric vehicles operating recklessly in town.

Former Ocean City Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Friedman left the district more than six weeks ago. But his yearlong tenure continues to be brought up by a local watchdog group, Fairness in Taxes. Dave Breeden, president of FIT, maintained that through documents obtained through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), he found issues with Friedman’s attendance. In an interview Sunday, Friedman defended his attendance and tenure at the school district.