Yesterday, during a Graduation Parade that meandered throughout our community, we had the pleasure of celebrating the accomplishments of many graduates who call Sea Isle City “home” and “home away from home.”
The parade was a wonderful success, and we thoroughly enjoyed visiting over forty residences to honor students who recently completed their studies on the grammar school, high school and university level.
My congratulations and best wishes go to all of the graduates in Sea Isle City, and I remind each graduate that an education is a blessing that can never be taken from you, however, the wisest people on earth are those who realize that there’s always more to learn.
Obviously, we were extremely happy to be able to organize and host yesterday’s Graduation Parade, because we take our mission of “providing necessary and desired public services” very seriously. That’s why my Administration is greatly disappointed that we must make some rather dramatic changes to this summer’s entertainment lineup in an effort to keep everyone safe and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
That being said, it is with heavy hearts that we are officially canceling this year’s July Fourth Weekend activities, including the All-American Family Night at Excursion Park on July 3, the Junior Olympics competition at Dealy Field on the morning of July 4, and our annual Independence Day Fireworks Show later that night.
We are also canceling all of our Saturday Night Concerts at the Band Shell, as well as our Family Fun Nights on Monday evenings, and the Baby Parade on July 14. Additionally, we are postponing the 2020 Sara the Turtle Festival in the hopes that we can host that event at a later date.
I realize this is not happy news for the countless people who enjoy our concerts and the other activities we are canceling, but due to the extremely large crowds that those events attract, we don’t feel that we can safely allow them to take place and practice social distancing at the same time – which is very important for everyone’s safety.
We do hope, however, that the Governor’s restrictions will be lessened in the not too distant future so we will be able to host our weekly Family Movies Under the Stars at Excursion Park, which tend to attract smaller crowds.
In the meantime, please know that we are constantly monitoring this situation and we’re doing all we can to help everyone make the most of the summer season. But we still need your help! So, please continue to show your respect for others by wearing a face mask when shopping, using public restrooms, or anytime you are within 6-feet of non-household members in public – and always practice social distancing.
Also, don’t forget to wash your hands frequently, and, as always, stay safe, stay well, remain optimistic, and remember that we are all one Sea Isle City – and together we will be stronger than ever.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to Sea Isle City’s Construction Official and Certified Floodplain Manager Neil Byrne, who was recently declared the “Local Floodplain Manager of the Year” by the Association of State Floodplain Managers. Over the years, Neil has done an excellent job helping us improve our floodplain standards, which, in turn, has helped us maintain our impressive status with FEMA’s Community Rating System and our enviable flood insurance discounts. Congratulations, Neil. Please keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
