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The Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp in Ocean City gives boaters and other watersport enthusiasts a prime location to access the picturesque back bays, while being affordable. But the docks at the city-owned site are weather-beaten and narrow and the ramps need to be improved to make the facility better and safer, city officials said. During its July 6 meeting, City Council authorized going out to bid to have the facility improved and to also perform bulkhead work. Officials say the project will completely transform the facility.

They’ve done it again. Ocean City continues to reign supreme when it comes to having the favorite beach. Beachgoers selected the resort's beaches as No. 1 in a statewide poll for "New Jersey's Favorite Beaches" for the 10th year in a row.

E. Marie Hayes has spent her entire career helping people, whether in Cape May County law enforcement or as a Cape May County elected official. She will continue helping people, but in a new capacity. Hayes will now serve the public as Cape May County surrogate.

The Fourth of July holiday and the weekend leading up to it were busy in Ocean City, to say the least. Visitors flocked to the beaches and the Boardwalk, did lots of shopping and dining and attended everything from parades to concerts to a fireworks display. “The Fourth of July weekend was good for the business community of Ocean City. We saw record numbers of guests enjoying the beach, Boardwalk and bay, while also visiting their favorite attractions and great places to eat,” said Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

There’s nothing like a parade to lift the spirits and start the Fourth of July holiday off in celebratory fashion. And when it came to patriotism, Ocean City’s north and south end parades showcased an abundance of red, white and blue clothing, bikes, floats, streamers, sunglasses and even socks with lots of stars and stripes.

Lifeguards in Ocean City were busy rescuing bathers and watching over countless others who splashed in the surf over the Fourth of July weekend. Mayor Jay Gillian praised all of the lifeguards and first responders for working together to keep the residents and visitors safe.

Whether lounging on the beach, strolling along the Boardwalk or flying a kite, tourists and residents in Ocean City had one thing in mind – relaxing and enjoying the Fourth of July weekend.

They may be dueling Fourth of July bike parades, but there isn’t much competition between the two. It's just the north and south end neighbors and tourists having a great time, decking themselves and their bicycles out in patriotic displays to celebrate and relish the holiday. “It is a kickoff for July 4. Families get together for the parades. It is so neat seeing all the different generations attending the parades. It is an honor to be the mayor when I see these parades and all of the people who come out to enjoy them,” Mayor Jay Gillian said.

Turtle nesting season coincides with the busiest time at the Jersey Shore, when traffic is at its heaviest. Environmentalists want motorists to know that they need to share the road with wildlife. Diamondback terrapin season begins in May and typically goes to August. Residents and tourists will often see the female turtles as they leave the marshlands in search of sandy soil to lay their eggs.

Get ready to be wowed at a family-friendly event, courtesy of the Ocean City Pops orchestra, with two free outdoor concerts in celebration of the Fourth of July. Concerts will begin at 8 p.m. on both July 3 and July 4 on the field at Carey Stadium, which is behind Ocean City High School on the beach block of Fifth Street and Sixth Street. Bring a beach chair or blanket and get comfortable. There will also be seating in the bleachers.