The old Getty gas station at the corner of Ninth Street and Bay Avenue is one of the targets of an ordinance that gives the city the option of condemning blighted properties.
By Maddy Vitale
There will be plenty to celebrate in Sea Isle City this July.
In addition to the host of family-friendly activities in the height of the summer season, there will be a weeklong celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, beginning with a parade.
“The alumni and the current beach patrol members came up with a bunch of great ideas of how to celebrate the anniversary,” said Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer. “It will be quite the memorable celebration and summer.”
Officially, the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, which is headquartered at 44
th Street, was born about 10:45 a.m. on July 11, 1919. It began with two lifeguards and three volunteers and grew into what it is today.
The Beach Patrol Centennial Committee, assembled by Mayor Leonard Desiderio, is made up of Custer, Police Chief Tom McQuillen, Diane Merson, the city's tourism representative, longtime Beach Patrol Chief Renny Steele and former lifeguards Mike McHale, Tom McCann and John McCann.
The committee met Tuesday to start planning the weeklong events. They discussed some ideas for a celebration, specifically to honor past and present lifeguards.
Sea Isle Beach Patrol Headquarters was at 43rd Street years ago, but after a series of storms it was moved to its current location at 44th Street.
While the details are still being finalized, Custer said there will be a host of activities.
“The entire week there will be things to do,” she noted.
A parade along the Promenade will kick off the celebrations.
“We hope to make that a really nice event,” Custer said. “There will be lifeguard boats. The details are still being finalized but it will certainly be a very nice way to commemorate the 100-year anniversary.”
A presentation on the Beach Patrol's history will be held in the library to highlight the accomplishments spanning a century.
A special ceremony will also be held with local dignitaries in attendance, along with past and present lifeguards, Custer said.
The Historical Museum will include special displays to honor the Beach Patrol.
Families who attend the events may also purchase commemorative T-shirts and other items to create lasting mementos of the anniversary.
The celebration coincides with a very popular event. The Beach Patrol's Mascot School is that week. Children learn about water and beach safety, have races and sing in harmony.
“Mascot School sells out every year. It will be so much fun. That Saturday there will be the Mascot races,” Custer pointed out.
Custer said the committee members will be meeting again in the near future. They still have a lot of planning to do for a variety of events that they want to bring to the community to make it a memorable week.
She added, “The Centennial Committee, Beach Patrol and alumni are all working together to ensure that this is an exciting celebration.”
A full calendar of activities will be available at a later date at www.visitsic.com. To contact the SICBP 100th Anniversary Committee, phone 609-263-8687, ext. 103.
Children in Sea Isle's annual Captain Thomas McCann Mascot School participate in some friendly competition during races in 2018. It will be among one of the family-friendly events during the celebration week.
