Even though this is the off season, we have had enjoyable events happening almost every weekend in Sea Isle City – ranging from school fundraisers to charity gatherings that champion children’s health issues. On Friday, my family hosted a special fundraiser benefitting Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is a wonderful organization that helps kids with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, severe burns and other medical challenges regardless of the patients' ability to pay. My thanks go to everyone who participated in that event. Even though it was a rather chilly day, I hope you were able to be in Sea Isle City on Saturday for this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade along Landis Avenue. As is the case each March, we had many well-attired participants in the parade, including the Cape-Atlantic Police and Fire Irish Pipe Brigade, the members of “Nolan Nation,” local scout troops, Jim “Pop” Welsh, and other revelers. Afterwards, the fun continued during this year’s Irish Celebration at Kix-McNutley’s, where the Irish Pipe Brigade offered an additional performance for all to enjoy. It truly was a great day for the Irish! Believe it or not, spring officially begins on Monday, which means “beach season” is just around the corner. I am happy to report that our shoreline is strong, wide and ready to welcome beach-goers who are looking forward to some time on the sand. In anticipation of summer’s arrival, our municipal employees are planning a variety of terrific events and activities that will ensure that 2017 will be a memorable year – and there will be no shortage of good times to be had for the entire family.
And speaking of “what’s to come,” Sea Isle City’s Tourism Office will soon be distributing their 2017 Visitors Guide, which will be filled with information about upcoming events, beach regulations and many other important details that will help you make the most of your time in Sea Isle. In the meantime, don’t forget to check-out our visitor website, www.VISITSICNJ.com, which has already been updated with 2017 event information. As a reminder, Sea Isle City’s 2017 Seasonal Beach Tags are on sale now at the pre-season rate of $20 each. The pre-season beach tag rate only lasts until May 15, so be sure to purchase your tags before the rates go up to $25. Beach tags can be purchased seven days a week at the Welcome Center and Monday through Friday at the Tax Office on the second floor of City Hall. You can also purchase beach tags 24/7 from our new Beach Tag Vending Machine, located on the first floor lobby of City Hall. And, if you can’t be here to buy your tags in person, you can use our Beach Tag Mobile App, which will allow you to buy your tags from wherever you are. For more details, please visit the Beach Tag page on our municipal website, www.seaislecitynj.us . This week’s “Shout Out” goes to Sea Isle City Construction Official Neil Byrne, who has been declared the NJ Building Official Association’s “2017 Building Inspector of the Year.” Neil will be honored by the NJ Department of Community Affairs during this year’s Building Safety Conference in Atlantic City on May 4. Congratulations and thank you for all of your hard work, Neil! Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio