Mayor

June 27, 2025

Dear Friends,

The Fourth of July is only a week away, and we’re getting ready to welcome all of our family, friends and guests for a week of family fun.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol is finishing up training its new members, and all beaches will be fully staffed as of Monday.

We installed signs at beach entrances Wednesday that warn people of the dangers of unsecured beach umbrellas. We ordered the signs after Ed Quigley visited City Council last month with a warning about the injuries that flying umbrellas can cause.   I want to encourage everybody who brings an umbrella or canopy to the beach to make sure they’re properly anchored.

We recently completed installation of a new outdoor fitness area adjacent to the Ocean City Civic Center, just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. We’re planning a ribbon-cutting in the near future, once all signage and amenities are in place. But the equipment is open for anybody to use. Feel free to stop by and check it out. You can download the Kompan Outdoor Fitness app for free workouts specific to the equipment. We’ve had great feedback on this new facility so far. 

Work on the replacement of the colored bridge lights on the Route 52 causeway is ongoing and anticipated to be complete before August. We had a conference call with the state Department of Transportation this week, and they indicated that they hope to be done with daily lane closures by Wednesday. They assured us that there will be no lane closures from Thursday (July 3) through Monday (July 7). Please use caution in these work areas.

I had the honor of attending a sustainable energy workshop Wednesday hosted by the Atlantic/Cape May Hub of Sustainable Jersey. I want to thank Ralph Cooper, Joe Clark, Rick Bernardini and all the others who helped put this event together. I also want to thank Joe for his leadership over the years in our Green Team initiatives.

Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences the family and many friends of Joseph Berenato Jr., who passed away this week. The Berenato family has owned and operated Berenato’s Corner Deli at the corner of First Street and Atlantic Avenue for many years. Neighborhood establishments like Berenato’s are the foundation of our community, and Joe will be greatly missed. His son Joe is a former Public Works director in Ocean City, and I want to offer special condolences to him. 

The Ocean City Pops will be hosting three outdoor concerts at Carey Stadium between 5th and 6th Street on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The concerts start at 8 p.m. Wednesday’s show is “Star Wars” themed, and tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/box-office. Thursday and Friday’s shows are free and patriotic themed.

The annual north and south end bike parades are set for 10 a.m. Friday, and the Riviera neighborhood bike parade starts at noon. Our fireworks show will go off at 9 p.m. Friday with the best viewing from the downtown blocks of our beach and Boardwalk.

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