Mayor
July 2, 2025
Dear Friends,
At last night’s City Council reorganization meeting, Terry Crowley Jr. was unanimously elected as council president and Pete Madden as vice president. I want to congratulate Terry on the honor and thank Pete for his service during his term as president. I’m sure we’ll work great together on behalf of all residents and taxpayers.
We’re anticipating peak summer crowds, and once again I want to remind everyone to slow down, be courteous and follow all the laws that keep everybody safe.
Launching private fireworks displays is illegal and a danger to public safety. Please refrain from doing this.
Our streets are already busy with cars, bicycles, pedestrians, e-bikes, scooters, and golf carts. In New Jersey, low-speed vehicles (golf carts) must be licensed and be driven only by licensed drivers.
We’re starting to see an increasing number of electric dirt bikes and other high-speed vehicles on the road operating as e-bikes. Street-legal e-bikes are limited in power and speed (25 mph and below).
I’m asking parents to be aware of these laws. The operators of these vehicles can be a danger not only to others but to themselves. Our police department will be fully staffed this weekend and enforcing the law regarding all vehicles. Reminders of the traffic safety laws are here: ocnj.us/trafficsafety.
Our daily jitney service will provide transportation to the Boardwalk zone every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. More information on the service is available at ocnj.us/jitney
The Ocean City Beach Patrol is now fully staffed, and all guarded beaches are open. Extended hours to 7:30 p.m. are in place at 8th Street, 9th Street, 12th Street and 34th Street. You can always check ocnj.us/ocbp_guarded_beaches to see which beaches are guarded.
The forecast looks great for the Fourth of July weekend, and the city is busy getting ready to host a series of great family events.
The Ocean City Pops will perform three outdoor concerts at Carey Stadium between 5th and 6th Street at 8 p.m. tonight, Thursday and Friday. Tonight’s show is “Star Wars” themed. Characters will join the fun, and kids 12-and-under can enter a costume contest. Face-painting will also be available. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers. Tickets are available at the gate and at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
The Pops will perform a pair of free outdoor concerts at Carey Stadium on July 3 and July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. The Pops will play patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday, and free face-painting for kids will be available at both shows.
Our annual Freckle Contest is at 6 p.m. this evening outside the Music Pier, followed by Family Night entertainment along the Boardwalk from 7 to 9 p.m. Mummers Night on the Boardwalk is tomorrow night 7 to 9 p.m. A friendly Sand Sculpting Contest will be held on the beach at Sixth Street tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Market Days entertainment will be on downtown Asbury Avenue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Fourth of July in Ocean City always starts with our daily flag-raising ceremony at the Ocean City Music Pier at 9 a.m. On Friday, we will honor 100-year-old World War II veteran Alan Shapiro during the event.
The holiday celebration continues with family bike parades. The South Ocean City parade starts at 10 a.m. at 40th Street and Asbury Avenue with registration opening at 9 a.m. The Gardens parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Longport Bridge parking lot (also with 9 a.m. registration). The Riviera Neighborhood parade starts at noon at the Rosemar Lane Park (with 11 a.m. registration).
A kite-flying competition will start at 7 p.m. July 4 on the beach near the Ocean City Music Pier.
The fireworks will be launched from a barge in the ocean near the Music Pier at 9 p.m. Friday. A musical simulcast will be broadcast over the boardwalk PA system.
I hope you all have a great holiday with family and friends. Be safe and have fun.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
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Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
Jay Gillian, Mayor
Phone: 609-525-9333
Email: mayor@ocnj.us
