Dear Friends,For the sixth straight year, New Jersey residents have picked Ocean City as their “Favorite Beach.” Representatives of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium announced the winners of their annual contest in a ceremony today at the Music Pier. I’d like to thank all of the residents, businesses, organizations and volunteers who help make Ocean City such a great destination.I’m extremely sad to report on the passing of Bill McMahon this week. The McMahon Insurance Agency has delivered local service and expertise to Ocean City property owners for decades. Bill was truly a gentleman and class act in everything he did.When I started to get involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Bill was one of the first people to help me out, and he’s always been an inspiration and mentor. He served church and community in many ways, and one of his greatest contributions is his family, who share his commitment to serving our community.I hope you all join Michele and I in extending our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Sandy, and the entire McMahon family. His funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church. Visitation will start at 9 a.m.
The ocean is finally starting to warm up, and the weekend weather forecast looks good again. I want to remind you all to swim only at guarded beaches. The Ocean City Beach Patrol began its extended hours program on Thursday with lifeguard protection at Brighton Place, Eighth Street, Ninth Street, 12th Street and 34th Street from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For a list of all other guarded beaches, visit www.ocnj.us/ocbp. There are still tickets left for the “Bruce in the USA” concert at the Ocean City Music Pier on Saturday at 7 p.m. I’m told the tribute band puts on a pretty amazing re-creation of a Bruce Springsteen concert. All proceeds benefit the veterans programs of our local Morvay-Miley Post 524, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Legion. Tickets and information are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or at the Music Pier box office.Warm regards,Mayor Jay A. Gillian
