I want to again thank our Public Works team for doing an exceptional job clearing our streets and downtown sidewalks, our Police and Fire first responders for their work in keeping everybody safe, our entire city team for their assistance, and all of our residents for their patience and cooperation during last weekend’s winter storm.
The team at the Ocean City Municipal Airport should be commended for their work in clearing runways, taxiways and the apron. It was a massive job, and they were done by Monday afternoon. Their work helped save a life. Paramedics and EMS crews responded to a trauma case in Upper Township yesterday and called for helicopter transport, but the landing zone there was covered in ice. The patient was transported by ambulance to our airport, and safely transferred by helicopter to Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
I also want to thank the Dead End Bakehouse at 11th Street and Bay Avenue for their generous offer to provide free breakfast sandwiches and drinks this week to the Public Works, Police, Fire/EMS and other workers who put in long hours during and after the storm. It’s part of their job, but it’s always nice for our team members to be acknowledged for their dedication.
As the icy temperatures continue, it looks like another coastal storm is headed our way this weekend. The latest forecast calls for only an inch or so of snow. But a full moon and strong northeast winds will combine to cause minor tidal flooding on Sunday morning. With temperatures still below freezing, that could create hazardous road conditions. Again, the city team will be ready to respond.
The first chance of a thaw from sub-freezing temps will be on Tuesday. Anybody who finds an unoccupied home with water flowing from burst pipes is asked to call our non-emergency dispatch number at 609-399-9111. Our Fire Department personnel can help cut off the water supply from the service line.
All of our departments are hard at work finalizing the 2026 municipal budget. The tentative schedule calls for our capital plan presentation on Feb. 19, the State of the City and delivery of mayor’s budget on March 12, budget presentation on March 26, City Council budget introduction on April 9, and potential budget adoption on May 7. I want to encourage anybody interested in this process to participate. All documents are shared publicly, and each of these dates includes the opportunity for public comment.
United Methodist Communities, The Shores hosted our Community Policing Unit and other officers on Wednesday for an educational event/ to help them better understand dementia and learn new techniques to help when encountering someone who suffers from this or other cognitive ailments. It’s great to have such wonderful partners in the community, and I want to thank The Shores for sharing this valuable information with our team.
It’s hard to believe it’s been that long already, but it’s been two years since the city began managing the Senior Center. It was fun to stop by for an anniversary celebration yesterday. It’s great to see the camaraderie among all the people who gather there each day, and this is one of the new city services that I’m most proud of. We all shared cake and also celebrated everyone with a January birthday. Check out this week’s edition of “Inside City Hall” below to get a look at the event.
Have a great weekend. I will provide further updates on the storm forecast, if necessary.
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.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!