mvitale

The sight of shirtless beachgoers playing Frisbee isn’t unusual in Ocean City in the summer -- but in February? Yes, unseasonably mild temps in the low 50s brought visitors to the resort Saturday.

A motorist who struck a school bus carrying Ocean City High School students at the intersection of 18th Street and Asbury Avenue on Tuesday was ticketed for running a stop light, authorities confirmed Friday. Two of the 18 students on the bus suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene by the fire department, according to a police report.

A wayward seal pup is recovering at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, two days after he was discovered wandering down West Avenue in Ocean City between 42nd and 43rd Streets. At between four to six weeks old, the grey seal had already survived a journey possibly from Maine or farther north, only to emerge from the bay heading in the direction of the ocean on Wednesday near 5 p.m. in Ocean City.

Ocean City firefighters put their lives on the line when duty calls. And when they are out there battling a blaze or responding to an accident, their equipment has to be in full working order. City Council is expected to approve a contract at Thursday night’s meeting to help firefighters in their duties. The department is seeking new firefighter protective clothing and equipment to ensure that the emergency responders have the best apparatus possible to help keep them safe.

The Atlantis Inn at the corner of Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue has been a landmark in Ocean City since 1905. It was first owned by one of the founders of the island, Rev. James E. Lake. Now, it is under new ownership by South Jersey sisters Alyse and Lexi Scaffidi. They have big plans for the historic hotel, including a name change.

Fourth Ward Councilman Dave Winslow filed his nominating petitions Monday for the Ocean City municipal election in May. Winslow was joined by his supporters, campaign manager, Bart Russell and John Derrickson. The Fourth Ward is an area that stretches from the south side of 26th Street to 59th Street. After turning in his petitions to City Clerk Melissa Rasner, the retired human resources executive, said , “I absolutely love what I’m doing.” “I retired in January and I want to give back to the community that has been so good to me and my family,” he said. Winslow wants to continue his focus on projects to lessen flooding and to beautify the 34th Street gateway into town...

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is no easy task. It takes hard work, sacrifice and perseverance. In fact, only one in every four Boy Scouts has what it takes to make it to the top rank. But Ian Crowley did just that and became part of an elite group looked to for their leadership skills learned through an arduous journey that is scouting. He was recognized for his achievement during a formal ceremony on Saturday.

The Ocean City Board of Realtors (OCBOR) has kicked off its “Food Is Love, Share Some Love” winter food drive that will not only help people in need, but also benefit shelter animals. For a second year in a row, the OCBOR expanded the food drive to include donations to help the animals at the Humane Society of Ocean City (HSOC). Donations through the board’s community services project are being collected now through Feb. 29.

Sand House Kitchen is moving. Not to a new location – but up. The iconic Ocean City beachfront restaurant is being lifted. The restaurant, which has operated under different names over the years, occupies a building that dates back to the 1940s. It is located on the beach at 9 Beach Road. It is believed to be the only restaurant like it the resort.

For years, the tennis courts at Fifth Street in Ocean City have been widely used by the high school for gym class, the school tennis teams, the public and for city-run clinics. But despite the city-owned courts being maintained, over the years they have become weathered from the elements and age. There are five asphalt and five turf courts. There are cracks in some of the asphalt courts and turf is worn at some of the other courts. City Council approved a resolution at its Jan. 25 to hire a contractor to resurface the asphalt and turf courts. In addition, the project will include lighting both the turf and asphalt courts for night play...