September 11, 2026

Dear Friends,

I want to invite everyone to attend our annual 9/11 ceremony at 6 p.m. this evening (Friday, Sept. 11) outside Fire Department headquarters. It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since the tragedy.

Mayor Bud Knight brought people together for a prayer vigil at the Tabernacle on the night of the attacks in 2001, and each year since then our community has gathered to remember all that we lost on that day, and how our nation pulled together in the aftermath.

The anniversary of 9/11 gives us a chance to reflect on the incredible sacrifices of all who lost their lives that day and all who risked their lives to protect others. It also reminds us of the spirit of community and hope that arose when our nation refused to give in to terror.

At our 9/11 ceremony, we always recognize the heroes who were our firefighters, police officers and EMTs. But I got an email this week asking me to consider some of the other people who were among the very first to respond that day. Kaye Stewart is a long-time Ocean City resident and has worked as a flight attendant for 45 years. She asked that we take a closer look at the bravery and sacrifices of the flight crews who served on 9/11. She had been scheduled to fly that night.

I want to thank Kaye for her email. It got me thinking all week about how many different people from all walks of life — from the Twin Towers to the Pentagon — pulled together to help each other on 9/11. I’m proud to announce that Kaye will be our keynote speaker at this evening’s ceremony.

I hope to see you all there.

The Army Corps of Engineers finished its beachfill operations on Monday night. We now have 1.6 million cubic yards of new sand protecting our shoreline, along with extra stockpiles that we can use before the next replenishment cycle. Crews are removing pipes and equipment, and demobilization should be complete by September 21.

Construction of the new Sandcastle Park at 34th Street is underway. An entire city block of new recreational facilities will be ready in time for next summer. All fence pickets and pavers will be reinstalled.

Construction of the 19th Street to 26th Street flood mitigation project is tentatively scheduled to begin October 8 and be complete before Memorial Day.

The Leon and Elizabeth Grisbaum Airport project is out to bid, and we’ll recommend awarding a contract tentatively on Oct. 8.

Two other fall projects are scheduled to begin after Columbus Day Weekend. Demolition of the old public safety building will begin, and construction of the new building will start early in the new year. Reconstruction of the Boardwalk from 14th Street to 16th Street is also expected to begin.

The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey hosted its 39th annual Beach Day in Ocean City Thursday at 12th Street. I’m proud that Ocean City can provide a great day at the beach for so many families, and our surf chair program helps make the event possible. I want to thank everyone who helps maintain this tradition.

We have a great lineup of weekend events. The Fall Cruisin’ the Boards Car Show is Saturday afternoon on the Boardwalk, and the Corvette Show is Sunday afternoon on the Boardwalk.

The Ocean City Pops will perform the music of Billy Joel with guest vocalist Tony DeSare on Saturday night at the Music Pier.

We’re also bringing a new event coming to Carey Stadium on Saturday. The Shootout for Soldiers will use the game of lacrosse to bring the community together and raise funds and awareness for veterans. 

The event will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include informal lacrosse games of all types, including a Veterans Game and family activities. I’d like to see this event grow and become an annual tradition.

The weekend weather forecast looks beautiful, and the ocean temperature remains warm. Please swim only at guarded beaches. The updated list is always at ocnj.us/ocbp_guarded_beaches.

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor