Dear Friends,
I’m happy to report that Ocean City broke a record for preseason beach tag sales this year. The final numbers for sales through May 31 are in, and they came in at $2,242,000. That’s $121,000 more than the previous record from 2019.
These fees are dedicated exclusively to the maintenance and protection of our beaches, and they help keep our local taxes low. They’re also an indicator of what could be a great summer ahead.
All reports from local merchants and businesses have been extremely positive so far this season. With the return of a full schedule of special events and concerts, it’s shaping up to be an especially fun summer for everybody. The weekend forecast looks good, so I hope you all get a chance to enjoy everything Ocean City has to offer.
One new event I can announce is a free Ocean City Pops concert at 7:30 p.m. on July 3 at Carey Stadium. Our legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday.
The concert at Carey Stadium is a first for the Ocean City Pops, and it will give people of all ages a chance to hear what a true local resource we have here in town. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers. This will be a great addition to a holiday weekend that will include fireworks and all our usual festivities on July 4.
I had the pleasure of joining Francis McCormac last night as he threw out the first pitch for our local Little League. Francis recently celebrated his 100th birthday, and he is a decorated veteran who fought in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
We drove home from the event together and had a great conversation. He’s a true gentleman and it’s an honor to know him. I’m proud that Ocean City is home to so many who have served our country so bravely.
I want to let our growing legion of pickleball players know that the city is looking at opportunities to create additional courts at various locations in town. We will be able to announce some plans in our capital plan presentation at the next City Council meeting on June 24. The sport has become extremely popular in Ocean City, and we’re looking to make sure everybody has a chance to play.
The changeover to the twice-a-week trash and recycling pickup schedule starts on Monday, June 14, and will continue through Sept. 11. Please read our “Recycling Do’s and Don’ts,” and remember not to place your recycling in plastic trash bags. Place recyclables directly into containers at curbside.
Finally, I want to pay tribute once more to Mark Soifer, our long-time public relations director who passed away last weekend at age 89. Everybody who has invested in Ocean City owes a debt of gratitude to Mark for all he did in shaping “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” and the list of his wacky and wonderful accomplishments is by now well-known. But beyond all that, Mark was a truly nice, compassionate and caring human being. We will miss him dearly.
I hope you all have a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
