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Mayor’s Message: May 20

2026
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Mayor Jay Gillian

Dear Friends,

The weekend weather forecast looks great. We’ve had a lot of wind, rain and cool temperatures this spring, so it will be a great time to enjoy all that Ocean City has to offer.

We will officially “unlock” the ocean for the season next Friday (May 27) at noon in a brief ceremony on Ninth Street Beach. That will clear the way for the Business Persons Plunge. Everybody is invited to take the first swim of the summer season – business attire required. For more information and advance registration, visit www.ocnj.us/bizplunge.

The daily flag-raising ceremony will begin for the season earlier in the morning on Friday, May 27. A flagpole in front of the Music Pier was dedicated last summer to the memory of three veterans from Ocean City: Joe Caserta, James “JR” Robinson and Bill Cruice.

The ceremony includes the playing of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” and the national anthem. The daily tribute will continue every day through Sept. 11. I am meeting this week with local veterans to set a time for the daily event and to discuss other details, and I will provide further details after we meet.

I want to congratulate Dr. Matthew Friedman on his hiring as the new superintendent of the Ocean City School District. I’m looking forward to meeting Dr. Friedman and continuing a great working partnership between the city and the school district. Exceptional schools have always been one of Ocean City’s greatest assets.

Warm regards,

Mayor Jay A. Gillian