Sea Isle Residents Delight in “Locals Summer”

By ADRIANA ALFARO For the past 10 years, Tony Ieradi has owned his summer residence in Sea Isle City. He recalls spending every weekend by the shore way before moving onto the island. He is accustomed to the tens of thousands of visitors that the seaside town experiences throughout the summer, but always looks forward to the opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet. "It's perfect right after Labor Day,” Ierardi said Thursday. “The weather is still beautiful and you can catch up on things you couldn't do during the summer." He spent his Thursday afternoon completing house chores. In the winter months, when he’s not visiting grandchildren in Pennsylvania or traveling to Florida, he enjoys catching up with friends at the Commodore Club or watching a game at the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At the height of the tourist season, Sea Isle may witness a summer population increase of about 75,000 people. When the island is so populated, traffic jams, restaurant lines, parking problems, and a lack of space on the beaches are inevitable. Locals recognize the significance of tourists to the economy, but they also admit that the post-Labor Day lull allows them to enjoy the beaches, the Promenade, and other attractions without having to struggle with large crowds. Despite the wind and clouds, many people were seen strolling along the Promenade, cozying up on a beach chair, or shopping along the strip this particular Thursday afternoon. A local restaurant leaves a handwritten sign announcing their closure for the season. Those who work in the city are the first to know when the bustling season comes to a close. The operations manager of Boardwalk Casino Arcade, Ryan Kiska, observes that as the days pass, the summer visitors disappear and the locals emerge. A few regulars were present in the quiet arcade that afternoon. They may be heard joking and conversing with Kiska. "Once we close our doors for the season, that's when my real work starts," chuckled Kiska. Throughout the summer, Kiska works seven days a week. Once he closes the arcade door for the season, he works five days a week. That's when he begins his long list of maintenance tasks, such as ordering new equipment, reorganizing machinery, and cleaning up in preparation for the following season. "There is definitely a growing offseason community," said Kiska. Jacklyn Romano, a Sea Isle resident, shares that her winters in Sea Isle are centered on being with her family, especially as an active business owner. "The solitude is very nice, especially after a hectic summer. I have a lot more time to relax at home, attend events and try new restaurants,” said Romano. Romano is no stranger to the congested crowds, having grown up in Sea Isle. The owner of Jacklyn.fit Studios can be found holding training sessions and supporting local businesses. She celebrated two years in business this past May. Although many restaurants close for the season, a handful remain open all or most of the year, such as Mike's Seafood, Marie's Seafood Market & Lobster House, Giovanni's Delicatessen, and Andrea Trattoria Italiana II at KIX. Shops such as Heritage Surf Shop, Approach Clothing Co., and Kiwi Boutique also intend to remain open throughout the off-season. Despite the dwindling crowd and dropping temperatures, the liveliness of the city has kept Sea Isle City true to its slogan: “A City for all Seasons.”