This is a rendering of one the homes planned for Franklin Avenue in Long Branch.   Several structures were demolished on Franklin Avenue, Long Branch to make way for new homes.     Cross Custom Builders is reshaping the residential landscape of Franklin Avenue in Long Branch with a new development of nine custom-built homes, each spanning three stories. The first one is scheduled to be completed in the fall. These residences boast an array of  features, including private garage, elevators, rooftop decks, and full basements. The listing agent described the homes as sett ..read more

Members of the Bradley Beach Shade Tree Commission planting a tree last year.   This is  National Volunteer Week and Bradley Beach  recognizes the extraordinary spirit of volunteerism flourishing within its community. In this small seaside town, covering just over half a square mile, volunteerism isn’t just a gesture; it’s a cornerstone of civic engagement and community solidarity. With approximately 600 adults, representing 20 percent of the town’s adult population, dedicating their time and talents to various non-profit organizations, Bradley Beach exemplifies a model of activ ..read more

     Coaster Photo Asbury Park Police Lt.  Lorenzo Pettway cuts the ribbon at the Asbury Park Boxing Club facility on Main Street Fri. April 12.   By ERIC MEIER In September of last year there were five members in the Asbury Park boxing program. Today there are more than 65 and still growing. “I’ve been amazed and so impressed by what’s been going on here,” Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul told the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony Fri., April 12. “I’m happy to give any support that I can to this great organization and the new facility that they’ve helped create right ..read more

The Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its new location on Main Avenue.  By DENISE HERSCHEL The Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its new location at 39 Pilgrim Pathway in the historic district. It was previously located at 81 Main Ave. The ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location was  attended by approximately 150 people including Neptune Mayor Tassie York and Neptune Deputy Mayor Rob Lane as well as members from community groups such as the Ocean Grove Home Owners Association,  Ocean Grove United and the Historical Society of Ocean Gr ..read more

The Ocean Township High School Spartans celebrate their Rocket Relays championship. Photo credit: Karyn Baggs      By CHRIS CHRISTOPHER Chad King is back in Big Red Country. The former Ocean Township High School football standout has been named the Spartans’ head coach for the 2024 season. The 2000 graduate was appointed by a 7-0 vote of the Ocean Township Board of Education. One board member was absent from the meeting. Another abstained. King said he learned of his selection during his final interview with Kelly Weldon, superintendent of the Ocean Township Schoo ..read more

  By PETE WALTON The Bradley Beach Borough Council has again initiated disciplinary action against Chief of Police Leonard Guida. By a 3-0 vote after a lengthy meeting and closed session, the council approved a resolution to start the proceedings against Guida, who has applied for retirement as chief. A state Superior Court judge ruled that the council did not comply with state law when it held a rare Sunday special meeting on March 3 and approved the disciplinary action for the first time. Guida sued the council, saying it acted improperly. Judge Owen McCarthy invalidated the March vote ..read more

  The Angels softball team, sponsored by Mercy Center, gets ready to make local history at the inaugural Little League softball season.       Asbury Park is gearing up for a first as girls take the mound Sat., April 13 to play Little League softball for the first time in the city’s history. While girls have long been welcomed to participate in Little League baseball, the introduction of girls’ softball teams marks a significant milestone for this shore town. Amidst this groundbreaking moment, the nonprofit Mercy Center stands at the forefront, sponsoring one of the lea ..read more

Photo by the Ocean Grove Historical Society Dave McEwan from the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association  uses the fork lift to carry urns to the truck for transportation to Alabama.  The Historical Society of Ocean Grove said two of the district’s   Victorian urns have been  shipped to Alabama for restoration.  Robinson Iron of Alabama – specialists in cast iron restoration and architectural preservation –  arrived in Ocean Grove last week with a flatbed truck to collect and transport the urns. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association contributed labor and a f ..read more

By PETE WALTON Environmental evaluations have been completed on waterfront property in Neptune City which is being considered for open space preservation. Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone told the Borough Council that title searches are underway, clearing the path for the county to purchase the properties along the Shark River at 35 and 37 Riverview Ave., including the Campbell’s Boatyard site. Arnone, a borough resident and former mayor, called the lots “a hidden jewel” and said he was “very confident” that the county would decide to use open space funds to purchase the ..read more

A job fair was held last week in Asbury Park for high school students.     In a proactive step toward preparing students for the world beyond academia, Asbury Park High School joined forces with the City Council to host a job fair exclusively for high school students. Now in its second year, the aim is to bridge the gap between education and employment. Held last week, the job fair was an  opportunity for Asbury Park’s students to explore various career paths, interact with professionals from diverse industries, and gain insights into the real-world job market. By partnerin ..read more