By MADDY VITALE
Packed beaches, filled parking lots and a bustling Promenade can pretty much sum up the scene on nearly every weekend in Sea Isle City this summer.
“We had a terrific year in Sea Isle City,” Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said Sunday.
Complementing Sea Isle’s beaches, the city’s bars, restaurants and its array of family-friendly activities and recreation programs also proved to be immensely popular with visitors.
But there was also something else definitely on this seaside town’s side this summer — Mother Nature.
“When the weather is as good as it’s been this summer, people simply want to be at the shore,” Custer noted. “Throughout the season, everywhere I turned I saw folks enjoying themselves.”
Custer added, “That’s really no surprise when you consider that Sea Isle has beautiful beaches, fantastic entertainment, great restaurants and shopping, and the friendliest people at the Jersey Shore.”
Visually, it certainly appeared busier than even last year, which ended on a very good note, beach tag-sales wise.
And the city has the numbers prove it.
Through Aug. 12, the city had $1,325,425 in beach tag sales, up $11,880 over the same period in the summer of 2018. Officials say good weather is definitely bringing beachgoers to Sea Isle.
Like Custer, Paula Doll, Sea Isle’s chief financial officer, told SeaIsleNews.com earlier this month, “I do think we’ve had the best weather in years. Weather is a strong driver.”
While there are still a few more weeks left of summer to take in the attractions of Sea Isle, beach tags are only required until Labor Day.
Year after year, beach tag sales are a key barometer of the strength of the summer tourism season.
Sea Isle conservatively estimated nearly $1.3 million in beach tag revenue for 2019 as part of its municipal budget projections. It has already eclipsed that number for the year.
The total each year is about $1.4 million in beach tag revenue.
While many of Sea Isle’s beaches remain open, others are closed or are closing with lifeguards returning to their full-time jobs and school.
Check the Sea Isle Beach Patrol’s website at www.sicbp.com for the latest list of beach openings and closings.
Some beaches may reopen Saturday, Aug. 31. (Dates may be earlier or later dependent upon availability of lifeguards). Some of the beaches will be guarded up until Labor Day.
