Dear Friends,

I want to thank everybody who helped make our First Night and First Day celebrations such a success. It’s always heartwarming to see so many families who want to be in Ocean City to start the new year and to see the streets and Boardwalk filled as if it’s summer.

I thank all of the volunteers and sponsors who pull together each year to put on these exceptional events. I also want to thank the committee members who started First Night and First Day and the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce for helping to sustain it over the years. The events wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the city team, which works long hours to make sure everything goes smoothly. I’m glad to see so many local businesses stay open to serve our guests through the holidays. And finally, I want to thank all the people who came down to participate. We’re all looking forward to another great year in 2026. 

I want to remind you that Christmas trees can be placed out for collection during regularly scheduled trash and recycling days throughout the month of January. Please make sure to remove all ornaments and decorations first. Because of the holiday on Thursday, trash and recycling pickup normally scheduled for today (Friday) will be pushed back to tomorrow.

I’m sad to report on the loss of four people with close ties to our community. 

William Livingston Jr. worked for and owned many businesses in Ocean City and retired as a toll collector with the Bridge Commission.

Jody Sutton-Davis was a classmate of mine at Ocean City High School and track star for the Red Raiders, and she was a highly regarded professional in the hospitality industry.

In addition to a successful career, Thomas Weber was a co-president of the Ocean City Married Couples Club and a volunteer for the local library and Food Cupboard, along with his wife, Barbara.

John Trofa was the son of former mayor Nicholas “Chick” Trofa, and though his career as a public finance attorney was outside Ocean City, he always maintained close ties to our community. 

Each of these fine citizens left extended families and many friends in Ocean City. Michele and I would like to extend deepest condolences to everyone who knew them. 

Stay warm, have a great weekend and remember to shop local. We take a look back at another great year in the newest “Inside City Hall” video. You can watch it below. As always, the city team is hard at work on new services and improvements for 2026. 

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor 

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