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 8^th Street, 9^th Street, 12^th Street and 34^th 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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