Mayor
July 2, 2026
Dear Friends,
At Wednesday’s City Council reorganization meeting, Sean Barnes, Jim Kelly and Tony Polcini were sworn-in for their terms as At-Large City Council representatives. Terry Crowley Jr. was re-elected as council president and Dave Winslow as vice president. I want to congratulate Sean, Jim, Tony, Terry and Dave, and I look forward to working together with all of Council on behalf of all residents and taxpayers.
With the hot weather in the forecast on the mainland, 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. Reminders of the traffic safety laws are here: ocnj.us/trafficsafety.
Launching private fireworks displays is illegal and a danger to public safety. Please refrain from doing this.
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 fully staffed, and all guarded beaches will be open for the holiday. 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.
As part of Ocean City’s Fourth of July celebrations, the Ocean City Pops will perform two free outdoor concerts at Carey Stadium (just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street). The first show at 8 p.m. tonight, will be followed by a patriotic drone light show. The second show at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4, will be followed by Ocean City’s spectacular fireworks display.
In both shows, the Pops will perform patriotic classics in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers. Face-painters will be on hand for the kids. Both shows provide a great opportunity to be introduced to Ocean City’s legendary local orchestra. Tickets and information on a special Friday-night concert and the entire 2026 Pops season are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
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. 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 Leyte Lane Park (with 11:30 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. Saturday. A musical simulcast will be broadcast over the boardwalk PA system.
Michele and I would like to extend deepest condolences to the family of William McCardell, who passed away last weekend at age 93. Bill was an Ocean City High School graduate and long-time Garden State Parkway employee, and the McCardell family has always been an important part of our community.
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
