AGP Executive Report

Historic Attractions: East Point Lighthouse, dating to 1849, is set to reopen Oct. 16 with limited visiting hours and free admission. Cumberland County and Maurice River Township will help run tours and programs. Coastal Update: State inspections found major beach or dune damage in 10 New Jersey towns after the nor’easter, including Bay Head, where erosion reached five feet in places. Getting Here: Breeze Airways has added flights from Florida’s Vero Beach to Trenton-Mercer and Atlantic City, expanding links to New Jersey. Newark Airport is also slated for its largest Centurion Lounge, with American Express announcing plans to open and expand lounges. South Jersey Tourism: A new Visit South Jersey campaign aims to help farmers recover from late-frost losses, while Mercer County is promoting tourism with a new website and airport upgrades. Food Trail: Locale in Little Silver’s viral fried lobster cutlet is drawing diners from well beyond Monmouth County.

Farm & Wine Country: After spring frost caused an estimated $300 million in statewide crop damage, Visit South Jersey is urging visitors to support local wineries and farm stands through its “Keep it Growin” campaign. Shore Attractions: Margate’s Lucy the Elephant will receive a New Jersey historical marker on Oct. 14, followed by beach hayrides, a pumpkin patch and more at Trunktoberfest on Oct. 17. Airport Updates: American Express says its Newark Centurion Lounge is expanding to more than 30,000 square feet, with a 2027 opening planned. Breeze Airways has also added Vero Beach flights to Trenton and Atlantic City, creating new links for New Jersey travelers. County Tourism: Mercer County is looking to draw more visitors with a new tourism website and airport upgrades.

Newark Airport: American Express has delayed its new Centurion Lounge until 2027, but expanded it to more than 30,000 square feet, making it the largest in the network. Mercer County Tourism: A new countywide tourism website promotes dining, shopping, history and events beyond Princeton. State grant funding will also support marketing and festivals, as the county plans upgrades to Trenton-Mercer Airport. Jersey Shore: A recent nor’easter caused major beach and dune erosion at 10 New Jersey beaches, a setback for coastal communities heading into the off-season. Cape May and Ocean Conservation: Historic Congress Hall has started its search for a 2026 Christmas tree, while a Lincoln Park auction of nearly 300 items from “Jaws” author Peter Benchley’s collection will raise money for ocean conservation.

Shoreline Watch: A recent nor’easter caused major beach and dune erosion at 10 New Jersey beaches. In Holgate, officials saw steep sand cliffs, but said restored dunes helped keep storm surge away from roads, utilities and homes. Fall Outings: Cape May’s birding trails and a scenic coastal route through wetlands and Victorian villages offer reasons to explore the state this season. Seasonal Stays: The Reeds at Shelter Haven is welcoming autumn on the coast, while historic Congress Hall in Cape May has begun its search for this year’s Christmas tree.

Shore Conditions: A recent nor’easter brought flooding, road closures and power outages to the Jersey Shore; state findings also report major beach and dune erosion at 10 New Jersey beaches. Check local conditions before coastal trips. Air Travel: The FAA approved JetBlue’s purchase of 22 LaGuardia slots, clearing the way for the airline to put them back into use. Breeze Airways is also adding routes that include New Jersey, offering travelers more flight options. Fall Outings: Clinton Road in West Milford is drawing attention as a Halloween-season destination, with ghost stories adding to its eerie reputation. Coming to MetLife: The 2027 Supercross schedule brings a race back to East Rutherford, giving fans an early reason to plan a trip. Food Stop: Denville’s The Pasta Shop made Yelp’s 2026 list of the country’s top pasta restaurants, putting a local Italian-American favorite on the map for food-minded travelers.

South Jersey Youth Sports: A registration rule tied to the National 1 (N1) soccer league could keep hundreds of girls from playing in the South Jersey Girls Soccer League, with families waiting on decisions for spring and beyond. Road Trip Safety & Local Travel: Six teens were injured in a crash in Lindenwold when an SUV left the roadway and hit them near Emerson Avenue and Gibbsboro Road; the driver and another passenger were detained as police investigate. Haunted-Drive Tourism: Clinton Road in West Milford is being promoted as America’s most haunted road, drawing visitors with legends and “spooky adventure” vibes for October. Arts & Night Out: Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach hosts Chris Kattan (Oct. 9-10), while HACPAC in Hackensack offers a free opening reception for “Towards the Future” (Oct. 8). Jersey Shore Dining Update: Fratello’s Restaurant in Sea Girt is closing after 20 years, with live bands planned during its final week (last day Oct. 14). Family Travel Planning Caution: A new report says AI vacation planning can produce wrong details, including itinerary problems—so travelers should double-check key info before booking.

Cape May Zoo Bomb Threat: Cape May County Park and Zoo evacuated visitors and staff after a bomb threat call Monday afternoon; sheriff’s and K-9 teams cleared the grounds and officials said the zoo should reopen normally after an added morning sweep. Airport Travel Headache: A new report ranks Newark Liberty among the worst U.S. airports for making connecting flights, a reminder to build extra buffer time if you’re routing through NJ. Passport Rules Change: U.S. Customs and Border Protection ended the routine practice of stamping passports at entry, with a process still available for travelers who want stamps. Maritime Tech Test: Ocean Power Technologies said it successfully demonstrated offshore deployment of Greensea IQ’s Bayonet 150 underwater vehicle from a modified WAM-V 16—an update with potential for littoral missions tied to NJ-area coastal interests. NJ Sports on Ice: The Utah Mammoth visit the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center in Newark Tuesday night.

Air Travel & Commuting: Newark Liberty is flagged as one of the worst U.S. airports for making connecting flights, with long walks and security-to-gate distances adding stress for NJ travelers. Road & Construction: Route 208 bridge work in Fair Lawn/Glen Rock brings overnight left-lane closures (9 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday) and a traffic shift expected to last through the end of 2026. Weekend Ideas (Cape May): A birder’s guide to Cape May highlights when to visit for fall migration and offers stay-and-do suggestions for a classic NJ getaway. Holiday Planning (Cape May): Congress Hall in Cape May is searching for a large evergreen (within a two-hour drive) to be cut and transported for its 2026 Christmas tree lighting. Local Safety: A Vineland man died after an e-scooter crash involving a vehicle; no criminal charges were filed. Family Travel & Fun: Breeze Airways adds new routes from Vero Beach, including Atlantic City and Trenton, with some nonstop options.

Shore Update: The NJ DEP released findings on nor’easter beach and dune erosion, flagging 81 problem areas across more than 200 sites—ranging from minor impacts in Asbury Park and Lavallette to major erosion in Sea Bright, Bay Head, and parts of Long Beach Island. Travel & Lodging: Travel + Leisure Co. is expanding Sports Illustrated Resorts with Wyndham, laying out a plan to build and scale hotels under the Sports Illustrated Resorts brand. Air Travel: A United Airlines Boeing 757 flight from Dublin to Newark returned to Dublin after reports of a strong fuel smell; passengers needed medical assistance on arrival. Food & Travel Safety: PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade bottles in 37 states due to missing label info for certain yellow dyes. Local Tourism Watch: Chip City abruptly shut down all stores in New York, New Jersey, and Texas, leaving many employees out of work. Road Safety: A wrong-way crash on Route 29 in Trenton left one driver critically hurt, with the cause under investigation. Family Travel Prep: A Brick plumbing company urged Jersey Shore homeowners to winterize early—before freezing weather hits—to prevent frozen pipes and hose bib damage.

Nor’easter Shore Recovery: Brigantine and other Jersey Shore towns are assessing major flooding and beach erosion after last week’s nor’easter, with reports of sliced dunes, flooded ground floors, and electrical fires—though 14 years of Sandy-era flood resilience helped prevent worse damage. Tourism Helicopter Lawsuit: Kearny is suing to stop NYC-area tourist helicopter flights, arguing they weren’t authorized and pushing for limits on takeoff/landing hours. Local Safety & Transit: A wrong-way crash on Route 29 in Trenton left one driver critically hurt, adding to a string of serious early-morning wrong-way incidents. Rideshare Safety Concern: A woman says an Uber driver missed an exit and asked to stop for EV charging in a parking garage; Uber says it investigated and took action. NJ Travel & Events: USWNT coach Emma Hayes made a New Jersey road-trip stop to watch Gotham FC at home; plus, NASA Student Launch selected Montville’s Troop 74 Rocketeers for an April 2027 Huntsville launch. Food & Travel Stops: Gourmet cookie chain Chip City closed all NJ locations.

Shore Recovery Watch: After last week’s nor’easter, Brigantine and other Jersey Shore towns are still dealing with major flooding, erosion, and storm-damaged homes and businesses—though flood-pump and elevation upgrades since Hurricane Sandy helped prevent worse outcomes. Public Health & Travel: CDC data shows dengue fever cases rising in at least 15 states following Florida’s outbreak, a reminder for travelers to take mosquito precautions. Weather-Driven Travel Planning: Forecasters say a potentially record-breaking El Niño could bring stormier, wetter conditions to the South during Thanksgiving/Christmas while the Northeast—including New Jersey—may see comparatively drier, smoother travel. Transit Update: Amtrak says it expects to open ticket sales this month for a second daily Pittsburgh–NYC round trip starting mid-November, boosting rail options for travelers heading to New York. Local Events: Asbury Park’s 18th annual Zombie Walk drew big crowds along the boardwalk, keeping the fall tourism energy going. Safety Alert: A fatal head-on crash closed the spotlight on Route 613 in Pittsgrove, underscoring road-risk during early-morning travel.

Shore Storm Recovery: A nor’easter battered the Jersey Shore with heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and power outages, with Monmouth County reporting thousands without power at the peak and urging residents to avoid contaminated floodwater and downed lines. Jersey City Cannabis Opening: Xena dispensary officially opened its consumption lounge in McGinley Square, positioning it as Jersey City’s first of its kind and promising community events. Travel Watch—Gas Prices: The national average for regular gas fell nearly 7 cents to about $4.41 after a record September, with crude prices easing back toward the $90 range. N.J. Travel & Transit: Amtrak and NJ Transit face five weeks of schedule changes, a heads-up for anyone planning fall trips. Family-Friendly Holiday Plans: Light Opera of New Jersey brings “Amahl and the Night Visitors” to Morristown this holiday season. Election Deadline Reminder: NJ voter registration runs through Oct. 13, with mail-in ballot deadlines also approaching.

Shoreline Weather & Recovery: A nor’easter battered Long Beach Island, flooding roads and homes, breaking loose boats, and even closing the Route 72 causeway at times as officials coordinated rescues and escorts. Wildlife Watch: Ospreys are struggling in saltwater conditions, with a new study pointing to lower breeding success along parts of the Atlantic coast including the Delaware and New Jersey coasts. Family Travel Safety: Monmouth County’s patchy access to fluoridated tap water is raising dental-decay concerns for kids, with only a small share of NJ residents getting fluoridated water statewide. Local Events & Getaways: Wildwood’s Barefoot Country Music Fest is adding Riley Green as a headliner for the 2027 beachside lineup. Transit & Travel Planning: Amtrak and NJ Transit face five weeks of schedule changes, adding more reason to double-check routes before you go. Tourism Business Note: A tourism company is seeking a federal takeover in a heliport lawsuit, a reminder that local aviation rules can shape travel options.

Hudson Tunnel Progress: New Jersey and New York ceremonially kick off tunnel boring for the $16B Hudson Tunnel Project, adding two new Hudson River rail tunnels for Amtrak and NJ Transit, with completion projected for 2035. Nor’easter Travel Disruptions: Long Beach Island residents and officials report major flooding and storm surge, including Route 72 Causeway closures and ongoing shore cleanup after the weekend nor’easter. Shark Spotted on LBI: A New Jersey man captured a smooth dogfish shark swimming through flooded Surf City streets, disappearing into a driveway before heading toward Barnegat Bay. Wildwood Festival News: Riley Green is announced as the third headliner for the 2027 Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, joining Carrie Underwood and Florida Georgia Line. NJ Energy Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill launches a Nuclear Task Force and “Nuclear NJ” website to speed next-generation nuclear power planning and lower energy costs. Road Safety Help Needed: Lodi police seek the driver behind a hit-and-run involving a dark SUV, after a pedestrian was struck early Saturday. Tourism Watch: Burlington, Vt. tourism leaders expect fewer Canadian “leaf peepers” this year, citing tariff-related tensions—good to know for NJ travelers planning fall trips.

Scenic Drive: The Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway is being highlighted as a must-do road trip on New Jersey’s southern tip, looping from Salem through Delaware Bay wetlands and Victorian towns to historic Cape May. Game-Day Transit: SEPTA is adding extra Broad Street Line service for Eagles vs. Rams at Lincoln Financial Field, with express trains from Fern Rock and easy connections from PATCO. Shore Safety & Recovery: A powerful nor’easter is driving flooding, power outages, and beach erosion across the Northeast, with NJ shore towns still assessing damage and issuing safety warnings about flood-exposed powered equipment. Historic Jersey Tourism: The New Jersey Historic Trust is recommending $15.2M in grants to preserve historic sites and boost heritage tourism statewide. Hudson Tunnel Update: The Gateway Development Commission marked the start of tunnel boring for the Hudson Tunnel Project, a major new rail link under the Hudson River. Atlantic City Mystery Solved: Remains found off Atlantic City in 1981 have been identified as a retired Coast Guard officer, closing a 45-year case. Wildwood Summer Music: Riley Green is set to headline the 2027 Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, joining Carrie Underwood and Florida Georgia Line.

Shore Recovery & Safety: After the weekend nor’easter, officials say New Jersey is still assessing erosion and damage, including Long Beach Island beach cliffs and Atlantic City access points, while Wildwood’s fire chief warns residents not to use or charge lithium-ion batteries exposed to floodwater. Tourism Spotlight: New Jersey Film Trails has launched on VisitNJ.org, linking horror and holiday movie locations with local stops, including a Spooky Season Trail built around “Friday the 13th” and other Jersey-shot favorites. Historic Preservation: The New Jersey Historic Trust recommended $15.2M in Preserve New Jersey grants to protect historic sites and boost heritage tourism across the state. Family Fun & Events: The Devils kick off the 2026-27 season in Newark with red-carpet festivities and Fan Fest at Prudential Center, and Lucy the Elephant’s Margate Trunktoberfest is set for fall fun. Travel & Getting Around: OurBus expands weekend routes with new NYC/Long Island stops, and Brightline’s parent entities enter Chapter 11 restructuring in New Jersey—while service is expected to continue. Community Notes: Senior Freeze applications are open with a Nov. 2 deadline, and Newark topped the state for scam reports in August.