Donald Wittkowski | Stories

Stories by Donald Wittkowski

June 25, 2025

Ocean City to revisit occupancy tax for online vacation booking services

A plan to implement an occupancy tax last year went through two different iterations before ultimately failing.

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June 23, 2025

Jason Kelce Returns to Sea Isle for Guest Bartender Role

For the fifth year in a row, he will help to raise money for autism awareness during an appearance Wednesday.

June 23, 2025

Dangerous Heat Wave Begins

Scorching temperatures will flirt with 100 degrees.

June 20, 2025

Philadelphia man charged with hiding cameras in Ocean City Boardwalk bathrooms

The suspect remains in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition proceedings.

June 19, 2025

For Sea Isle's Mayor, It's Time to Make the Donuts

Mayor Desiderio uses his donut-making skills to raise money for the VFW in Sea Isle and an Ocean City church.

June 18, 2025

OCHS Graduates Celebrate the Past, Look to the Future

"Know that OCHS will always be a part of you," Principal Wendy O'Neal tells the 285 graduates.

June 17, 2025

Community Group Proposes "A Better Idea" for Wonderland Site

Plans will be unveiled during a community presentation on Saturday at the Ocean City Library.

June 13, 2025

New Businesses Adding Life to Former Wonderland Pier Site on Boardwalk

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are held to celebrate the grand opening of a pizzeria and a bike rental shop.

June 13, 2025

Hidden Cameras Found in Public Restrooms on Ocean City Boardwalk

The mayor is vowing that police will use "every available resource" to solve the crime.

June 12, 2025

Ocean City Plans to Salute Military Heroes with Honorary Banners

Details are still being worked out, but Mayor Jay Gillian is expected to announce the program in about a month.

June 11, 2025

Ocean City Police Department Showcases New Way of Saving Lives

The department’s advanced drones can swoop in to help rescue distressed swimmers.

June 9, 2025

Music Pier Getting Some TLC -- Underneath the Building

A $1.2 million construction contract includes repairs to the historic building's substructure.

June 8, 2025

Landmark Pier Set to Reopen After $3 Million Overhaul

The Grassy Sound Fishing Pier has been a popular fishing and crabbing destination for generations.

June 6, 2025

Ocean City Launches New Parking Spot Finder System

The system directs motorists to open spaces at the municipal parking lots.

June 4, 2025

A Little Bit of Country Comes to Ocean City at the Farmers Market

The popular attraction featuring food and crafts opens for the 2025 summer season.

June 3, 2025

Ocean City Hotel Opponents Call it a “Big Mistake”

A grassroots campaign by a coalition of community groups is fighting the proposed Boardwalk hotel.

May 31, 2025

An Old Seashore Bridge May Get a New Classification

Currently, bridge tenders are assigned to the Corson's Inlet drawbridge for a job that's not needed.

May 30, 2025

Tornado Watch in Effect for Shore Region

The forecast includes the possibility of tornadoes, hail, heavy rain and gusty winds.

May 29, 2025

Upscale Boutique Hotel Still Planned for Empty Site in Sea Isle City

Construction may begin this fall or in spring 2026 and would take about 24 months to complete.

May 28, 2025

Wildwoods Grab "Best Beach" in N.J. Honors

Other beach towns in Cape May and Atlantic counties make the top 10 in the USA Today contest.

May 27, 2025

Dog Kennels Banned in Ocean City

A new ordinance closes off any possible legal pathway for developers to build kennels.

May 24, 2025

Not Quite Summer Yet at the Shore, But Beachgoers Still Enjoy the Holiday

Sweatshirts are the preferred beach outfit in Sea Isle City during a chilly Memorial Day weekend.

May 23, 2025

Ocean City "Plunges" Into Summer in Grand Style

The madcap Business Persons Plunge ushers in the summer season at the start of the Memorial Day weekend.

May 22, 2025

Chamber of Commerce Backs Plans for Luxury Hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk

However, the Chamber also makes a series of recommendations it wants hotel developer Eustace Mita to follow.

May 20, 2025

Ocean City, Sea Isle Warn Troublemakers to Stay Away

The mayors of both towns stressed that they will have "zero tolerance" for lawbreakers this summer.

May 17, 2025

Ocean City Gateway Getting a Makeover

The idea is to make 34th Street an inviting corridor for motorists arriving in the south end of town.

May 16, 2025

Former Wonderland Pier site to reopen in scaled-down version

A new arcade and pizzeria will be there for the summer while the owner develops plans for a luxury hotel.

May 15, 2025

Ocean City Music Pier Gets a New Sign for the Times

The marquee has full digital capability to display welcome messages, images and promotional content.

May 14, 2025

Ocean City Awarded $119,000 State Grant for Litter Cleanup

Municipalities may use the grants for litter cleanups on public land and to clear trash from stormwater systems.

May 13, 2025

Wildwood Outlines Strategy to Prevent Trouble on Memorial Day Weekend

A 10 p.m. curfew, a backpack ban and a heavier police presence will be in effect.

May 10, 2025

Ocean City to Spend $1 Million for Property Facelift

Improvements to the site will include new curbs, sidewalks, sod and parking.

May 9, 2025

Ocean City Takes First Step to Ban Dog Kennels

A proposed ordinance would prohibit the issuance of mercantile licenses for "anything that constitutes a kennel."

May 9, 2025

Five Jersey Shore Toll Bridges Go Cashless Starting Saturday

Payments will only be accepted using the E-ZPass automated toll system.

May 8, 2025

Ocean City Hiring Freeze Clears Way for Budget Approval

The 2025 budget calls for a 3.7-cent increase in the local property tax rate.

May 7, 2025

Ocean City Develops Strategy to Deter Troublemaking Teens This Summer

A curfew and backpack ban will be among the measures used by police to prevent crime.

May 6, 2025

Night in Venice boat parade to feature championship theme

The “70 Years of Champions” theme was inspired by the Eagles' Super Bowl title.

May 5, 2025

Black Bear Dies at Cape May County Zoo

Cody had lived at the zoo since 2005.

May 3, 2025

Spring Block Party Draws Thousands to Ocean City

A mile-long stretch of Asbury Avenue was transformed into a sprawling, downtown pedestrian mall for the crowds.

May 2, 2025

Martin Z. Mollusk "Sees" His Shadow, Heralding Summer's Early Arrival at Shore

Ocean City's hermit crab mascot has been the perfect weather forecaster for 52 straight years.

April 30, 2025

Ocean City Focuses on Mental Health in New Communitywide Alliance

The program will be officially rolled out to the public on May 4 with a Community Wellness Day.

April 28, 2025

Shore Medical Center Opens “Sensory-Friendly” Testing Facility for Autistic Children

Children can get their bloodwork and other essential testing done in a quiet setting.

April 27, 2025

New $6.2 Million Bond Ordinance Will Fund Ocean City Projects

Road, drainage and flood-mitigation projects will receive the biggest chunk of the funding.

April 26, 2025

Neighbors Voice Opposition to Proposed Dog Kennel in Ocean City

Opponents of the project call on City Council to ban dog kennels throughout town.

April 25, 2025

Mayor's Beautification Plan for Ocean City Property Put on Hold

City Council wants assurances that most of the proposed improvements won't go to waste on a short-term project.

April 23, 2025

Ahoy, Mateys: Iconic Pirate Ship Returns at Playland’s Castaway Cove

A modern version of the Boardwalk amusement park's landmark attraction replaces the one destroyed by a 2021 fire.

April 22, 2025

Ocean City Land to Get $1 Million Makeover

The improvements will spruce up the property for the summer while much grander, long-term plans are discussed.

April 19, 2025

Easter weekend is a big hit at the shore

Great weather helps to draw crowds to the beach.

April 18, 2025

Fight Over Doggie Hotel May Not Be Over

The developer says he might appeal a zoning board decision that fell one vote short of approving the project.

April 17, 2025

State Funding Approved for Ocean City Affordable Housing Project

It is not yet clear when construction will begin on the housing development.

April 16, 2025

Wildwoods Boardwalk Named No. 1 in Nation

Atlantic City and Ocean City's boardwalks also score high in the contest.

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