O.C. Wins “Favorite Beach” Contest -- Again

By Maddy Vitale How many times could you say Ocean City has done it again? Apparently as many times as “America’s Greatest Family Resort” wins New Jersey’s “Favorite Beaches” poll. The contest is through the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium. The results of the 2019 survey were announced on the Boardwalk at the Ocean City Music Pier Friday. Ocean City dignitaries, including the mayor, city administration and City Council members and officials from the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, attended the event. “Ocean City, America’s Greatest Family Resort, is so honored to be named the number one beach in New Jersey,” Mayor Jay Gillian said after the ceremony. "It really shows that we have a quality of life, second to none, that so many guests, second homeowners and year-round residents enjoy.” Ocean City beaches are popular among families. Michele Gillian, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce said, “We are honored to be voted New Jersey’s best beach again this year.” She added that in addition to the pristine beaches, the resort offers a lot more. “From our beaches, to our Boardwalk, to the downtown and our back bays, we offer something for everyone,” Gillian noted. Debuting in 2008 as New Jersey’s “Top Ten Beaches,” the consortium survey was initially designed to encourage friendly competition and camaraderie among popular Jersey Shore communities along the coast, according to a press release. Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce said Ocean City has taken top honors in the poll for 11 years. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the contest was rebranded “Favorite Beaches” to diversify results so that all areas of the state’s oceanfront would be recognized to create a sense of unity and support, officials said. Sunbathers get a jumpstart on their weekend Friday morning in Ocean City. Danica Bellini, communications specialist for the consortium, called the contest a lot of fun. “When I began two years ago, the first job I had was to work on this," she pointed out. "Our organization is about protecting and sustaining the beaches. This contest is a fun way for everyone to showcase their beaches.” Here is the list of favorite beach winners provided by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium: 2019 Overall Winners:

1. Ocean City
2. Margate

 ATLANTIC COUNTY: Top Favorite Beaches

1. Margate
2. Brigantine
3. Atlantic City
4. Longport
5. Ventnor

CAPE MAY COUNTY:  Top Favorite Beaches

1. Ocean City
2. Wildwood Crest
3. Sea Isle City
4. Cape May
5. Wildwood

MONMOUTH COUNTY:  Top Favorite Beaches

1. Asbury Park
2. Spring Lake
3. Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area
4. Belmar
5. Ocean Grove

OCEAN COUNTY:  Top Favorite Beaches

1. Seaside Heights
2. Point Pleasant Beach
3. Beach Haven
4. Island Beach State Park
5. Barnegat Light

For more information about the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium visit www.njseagrant.org. For information about Ocean City visit www.oceancityvacation.com. The Boardwalk is a popular attraction in Ocean City, in addition to its clean beaches.