June 12, 2026

Dear Friends,

The Army Corps of Engineers held a pre-construction meeting for our north-end beach replenishment project this morning, and the contractor hopes to begin pumping sand as soon as early July.

I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding as this important work is completed. More than 91 percent of this $19.5 million project will be funded by the federal Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Environmental Protection. We will receive 1.6 million cubic yards of sand to help protect property by restoring our beaches and dunes.

We are often asked why this needs to be done at this time of year. With only a few companies in the country capable of performing work of this nature and with most funding coming from our partners, we must take the projects when they become available. While we would prefer the work to be done immediately prior to the summer season, that is not always possible. We have completed summertime beach replenishment as recently as 2020, and disruptions have proven minimal.

More information and updates will always be available at ocnj.us/beachupdate. 

Our twice-a-week trash and recycling pickup schedule begins tomorrow (Saturday, June 13), and it will continue through Sept. 5. Regular pickup will take place on the Fourth of July. The only interruptions to the schedule each year fall on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. As always, you can call 609-399-6111, ext. 9710 to report any issues with your regularly scheduled trash and recycling pickup. 

Michele and I would like to extend deepest condolences to the Juliano family, who recently lost their matriarch, Margaret Anne Juliano. Peggy raised seven children with ties to our community and was a faithful member of St. Damien Parish. She will be missed by her many friends and family in Ocean City. 

Paving work in Merion Park and at the Boardwalk end of Fifth Street was completed this week, wrapping up the last of the major road projects in time for summer.

The Emergency Responder 5K Race is set for Saturday morning. Registration at the Civic Center starts at 7 a.m. More information is available here. Our annual Health and Wellness Expo is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Music Pier, and more information is here.

I’m also excited for the return of the Miss New Jersey Competition to the Music Pier from June 18 to June 20. Everyone can get a glimpse of all the contestants during the Miss New Jersey Parade at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 on the Boardwalk. This is a free family event that also includes band, entertainers, floats and more.

I hope you have a great weekend with family and friends.

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor