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Mayor Leonard Desiderio

I begin this message by mentioning what had to be the biggest topic of discussion up-and-down the east coast during the past week: Hurricane Ian.

Obviously, Ian was a very serious storm, and its remnants were felt in Sea Isle City in ways some folks did not expect. That being said, I want to thank everyone for their cooperation while Sea Isle’s Office of Emergency Management was relaying important storm information to the public.

We rely heavily on our systems of communication – especially during times of emergency – so that’s why it’s critical that everyone stays “connected” to us through the City’s E-News system and the Sea Isle City Police Department’s “Nixle” alerts.

Our top goal is always public safety, and staying in contact with the people of our community is an important way to achieve that goal – so thank you for keeping in touch with us, now and in the future!

Unfortunately, the strong surf conditions and tidal flooding that Ian brought to us resulted in some beach erosion here in Sea Isle City.

Because of this – and because we always apply an abundance of caution – we are cancelling the Environmental Commission’s 2022 Autumn Beach Clean-up on Saturday.

We realize this is a popular event for families and other folks who love our beaches, but we hope to see everyone at the Spring Beach Clean-Up in 2023!

People enjoy the month of October for a variety of reasons – be it the cooler temperatures, the autumn foliage, or the abundance of pumpkin flavored food and beverages.

However, for many of us (young and old alike) October is all about celebrating Halloween.

If you are a fan of all things “ghoulish,” please mark your calendars and plan to attend Sea Isle’s annual Halloween Parade, which takes place on Friday, October 21, starting at 7 p.m.

The parade will feature a wide variety of participants – and we are currently looking for additional families, organizations and individuals who would like to appear in our annual “Spooky Strut” down Landis Avenue. So, if you would like to participate, please contact the City’s Recreation Office at 609-263-0050.

As a friendly reminder, please be aware that the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s 2022 season has officially come to a close.

Therefore, our beaches will be unprotected until Memorial Day weekend 2023, which means that everyone should refrain from swimming in the ocean until then.

Don’t forget the Beach Patrol’s “Golden Rule” and never enter the water unless a lifeguard is present.

It seems that every day of the year is dedicated to one good cause or another; and, as it turns out, October 6 is “Knock-Out Opioid Abuse Day” in New Jersey.

As we all know, in recent years the opioid epidemic has been a major issue across this great nation – and it has impacted nearly every community and family in one form or another.

Knowing this, I hope everyone will take this opportunity to clear-out their medicine cabinets of unneeded prescription medications, speak with your children and other loved ones about the seriousness of opioid addiction (from prescribed drugs to heroin and fentanyl), and please seek help immediately if someone you know is showing signs of addiction.

Also, please be aware that we have a prescription drug drop-off box in the lobby of City Hall, where you can safely and anonymously dispose of unneeded medications.

And always remember that there is no shame in seeking help; shame comes when we ignore what is truly important.

If you or someone you know has a problem with opioids, please phone the State of New Jersey’s Addiction Helpline at 1-844-732-2465.

This week’s “Shout Out” goes to our City employees who did not miss a beat during this week’s storm – including our first responders, who are always there when we need them, and our Public Works employees, who completed their curbside trash and recycling collections in the rain this week and who are helping clean up what Ian left behind.

Thank you all!

Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,

Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio