AGP Executive Report

Shore Safety Alert: Manasquan Beach reopened after a cleanup found about 60 syringes and other debris; officials say it was safe after two high-tide cycles, but some residents worry it may have been reopened too soon. Flood-Resilience Planning: NJDEP’s acting commissioner toured the Shark River basin and backed “living shorelines” as nuisance flooding grows, including nature-based fixes near Belmar and Neptune. Trail Expansion: Burlington County is seeking public input on a $30M, boardwalk-style Rancocas Creek Greenway extension that would cross Route 130 and connect parks from Delanco toward Delran. Arts & Tourism: Asbury Park Convention Hall’s renovation got NJEDA CAFE Program support, aiming to modernize the historic boardwalk venue and boost performances for visitors. Travel Disruption Watch: United Airlines Flight 169 from Venice to Newark declared an emergency over the UK and diverted to Heathrow due to a mechanical issue. Community Events: “Sound of Harvest 2026” returns Sept. 12 at Rutgers and Sept. 13 at Montclair State, bringing cross-cultural music to New Jersey campuses.

Shore Safety Alert: Manasquan Beach in New Jersey briefly closed to swimmers after more than 60 syringes washed ashore; officials swept the southern end and reopened the water after monitoring. Beach Rules for Travelers: New Jersey law bans taking sand from Jersey Shore beaches without a license, but seashells can be brought home. Local Food Access: Camden residents got free door-to-door rides to ShopRite through a FEED NJ-funded program after the city lost its last full-service supermarket in 2013. Cape May Travel Pick: Cape May is being highlighted as a “charming American town” worth a visit, with Victorian streets, porch culture, and standout beaches. Wildlife Watch: A new look at the piping plover explains why spotting the threatened bird on NJ beaches is tough—and why protecting its habitat matters. Cycling Basics: A reminder for NJ riders: bicycles must have a bell or other audible device heard from 100 feet away. Health Tech in NJ: Cooper and other NJ systems are expanding remote cardiac monitoring to catch silent AFib earlier and reduce stroke risk.

Beach Safety Update: Manasquan Beach temporarily closed to swimmers after more than 60 syringes washed ashore; officials swept the southern end, coordinated with Monmouth County Health and NJDEP, then reopened after two high-tide checks. Shoreline Health Alert: Waters off Manasquan Beach were also reported closed to swimmers after dozens of syringes turned up, keeping summer visitors on notice. Weather & Travel Disruption: The National Weather Service confirmed multiple tornadoes across the region, including impacts tied to New Jersey, as the East Coast braces for more storms and possible flash-flood delays. Local Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data put Jersey City and Newark at the top in July scam reports, with travel/vacation/timeshare scams among the biggest losses. Aviation for NJ Travelers: NJDOT hosted a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstration at Bader Field in Millville, a “glimpse of the future” for connecting smaller airports to major hubs. Wildlife & Fishing Rules: Bay Head is cracking down on chumming near shorelines after anglers allegedly baited sharks into swimming areas, with potential fines and jail under state law.

Jersey Shore Health Alert: Manasquan Beach waters were closed to swimmers after reports that more than 60 syringes washed ashore; officials will reassess after two high-tide cycles while cleanup and investigation continue. Shore Fishing Crackdown: Bay Head is banning shoreline anglers from “chumming”/bait-dropping near swimming areas, including drone use, citing safety risks from attracting sharks. Travel Safety on the Road: A juvenile was seriously injured in a New Jersey Turnpike crash involving a state police vehicle and two other cars in Burlington County. Local Tourism & Culture: Visit Atlantic City funded a new Fannie Lou Hamer Digital Driving Tour video tying the civil-rights icon’s 1964 Boardwalk Hall appearance to the city’s heritage. Community & Faith Travel: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited BAPS Akshardham in Robbinsville during a U.S.-Canada trip aimed at strengthening partnerships and investment ahead of Vibrant Gujarat 2027. Family Travel Inspiration: A viral father-daughter trip highlights a first-time U.S. visit that included stops in New Jersey. Weather Disruptions: Tornadoes were confirmed across the region, including an Atlantic County, N.J. tornado, after severe storms.

Beach Safety Alert: Waters off Manasquan Beach in New Jersey were closed to swimmers after 60 syringes washed ashore; officials will re-check after two high-tide cycles, though the beach itself remains open. Severe Weather: A tornado touched down in Downingtown, Pennsylvania during Thursday’s storms, and another NJ tornado was reported in Atlantic County near Estell Manor—another reminder to watch forecasts before heading out. Healthcare for Travelers: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a “shield law” protecting people who seek reproductive and transgender care, including limits on out-of-state investigations—important for anyone planning cross-border medical trips. Local Travel/Events: Ocean City’s Music Pier hosts The Outlaws, with Duane Betts and Palmetto Hotel as openers—an easy late-summer boardwalk plan. Road Trip Planning: If you’re driving through the region this weekend, expect major Washington, D.C. road closures for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix (plan detours early). Family & Childcare: Union’s Gateway Family YMCA Five Points Branch Child Development Center earned a three-star Grow NJ Kids rating.

Pre-Trip Weather Watch: A cold front could bring strong thunderstorms and localized flash flooding risk late Saturday night into early Sunday, with the best chance for severe storms north and west of Philadelphia into northern New Jersey; conditions should improve Sunday afternoon. Shoreline Summer Rules: Ocean City is cracking down on beach canopy etiquette, pushing visitors to move canopies immediately so lifeguards and first responders aren’t blocked. Family & Community: The Gateway Family YMCA in Union County’s Five Points Branch Child Development Center earned a three-star Grow NJ Kids rating. Civil Rights Travel: A revamped Fannie Lou Hamer driving tour adds new videos and archival materials, plus a Jackson stop tied to the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. NJ Travel Finds: A father and son in Sea Isle City discovered a fossilized megalodon tooth lodged in a jetty crevice—only a handful like this have been found in New Jersey. Weekend Road Disruptions (DC): Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings major Washington, D.C. road closures and parking restrictions through Aug. 26—plan extra travel time or use transit.

Reproductive & Gender-Affirming Care Protections: NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a bill expanding the state’s “shield” laws to cover gender-affirming care, making it a crime to injure, threaten, intimidate, or physically block patients or providers trying to access protected care. Barnegat Bay Boating Tragedy: A 59-year-old NJ mother, Jennifer L. Pearson, was charged after an alleged drunk crash into a channel marker on Memorial Day killed her 28-year-old son; she turned herself in after tests showed a blood-alcohol level just above the legal limit. Paterson Back-to-School Push: News 12 and partners held a backpack giveaway at the Paterson Boys & Girls Club, providing 200 kids with supplies plus books and services like free haircuts. Travel & Tourism Spotlight (Cape May): USA Today’s 10Best named The Brown Room at Congress Hall in Cape May #1 among hotel bars in the U.S. Weather Watch: The NWS warns more rounds of heavy rain and possible flash flooding this weekend across parts of eastern Pennsylvania and northern NJ, with storms also threatening the I-95 corridor.

Shoreline Safety & Fishing Rules: Mantoloking pulled two proposed beach-safety ordinances after debate over whether shark-fishing rules go far enough—officials say the goal isn’t stopping fishing, but reducing baiting practices that can bring larger sharks into swim zones. Local Enforcement Transparency: Point Pleasant council said it had “no information” before an ICE-related incident near the train station led to a pedestrian being struck while fleeing agents. Weekend Plans (Ocean County): Beachwood’s Community Luau, Barnegat Summer Concerts, Jackson Day Celebration, and a movie under the stars are all free this weekend—great low-cost Jersey Shore options. New Flights for Winter Travel: BermudAir will launch nonstop Newark–South Caicos service for winter 26–27, adding a direct link from the New York/New Jersey region to South Caicos. Weather Watch: After Thursday’s storm mess, Friday looks calmer, but another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected Saturday and Sunday with localized flash-flood risk. Tourism Spotlight: Cape May’s Congress Hall bar, The Brown Room, was voted America’s #1 hotel bar by USA TODAY 10Best readers.

Severe Weather & Travel Disruptions: A tornado watch and flash-flood threat are in place across the Philly region and much of New Jersey, with heavy downpours and damaging winds possible through Thursday night—expect flooded roads and commute delays. Health & Outdoors: New Jersey park visitors are being reminded to watch for ticks as tick-borne illness hotspots get attention, with guidance to take precautions in wooded areas. Shoreline Safety: Sea Isle City-area boaters are warning about worsening conditions at Townsends Inlet, where shifting sand is making the channel under the drawbridge more dangerous. Tourism & Culture: Adam Sandler’s Netflix movie is filming in Colonia, giving New Jersey a rare “on-location” spotlight. Community & Family Travel: A father and son found a rare megalodon tooth at the Jersey Shore, a fun reminder of what beach walks can turn up. Policy for Visitors: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a bill protecting access to gender-affirming care, including for people traveling into NJ for treatment. Local Arts: Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton is launching a new exhibition spotlighting New Jersey Black women printmakers. Environment: NJ’s landmark PFAS settlement (about $2.5B) could reshape how the state pursues environmental enforcement nationwide.

Shore Safety & Travel Disruptions: New Jersey is dealing with a messy weather and water-quality stretch. A storm system is trending wetter and stormier, with a Flood Watch for most counties Thursday and heavy rain risks that could slow commutes and weekend plans. Separately, dozens of NJ beaches are under fecal bacteria advisories after rain runoff—meaning some popular swimming spots may close or restrict access. Jersey Shore Day Plans: If you’re heading to the coast anyway, Wildwood is getting the “go-to” treatment with a full 24-hour day trip guide, plus a weekend events roundup (Aug. 21–23) with nearly 100 happenings across all 21 counties. Local Culture & Tourism Buzz: Cape May is even in the mix for Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town contest, and the list also includes other major East Coast beach draws—good news for fall and holiday travel planning. New Jersey Business for Visitors: Infinity Aviation Group is expanding its private jet FBO network into the NYC metro area by acquiring FlightServ at Trenton-Mercer Airport. Quick NJ Win: Hard Rock Bet says a New Jersey online casino player turned a $2 spin into a record $2.95M payout—plus it’s planning more promotions.

Jersey Shore Water Safety: Atlantic City issued swimming advisories for 10 beaches after fecal bacteria levels spiked, with daily testing to determine when warnings lift. Shore Construction Disruption: Ocean City’s beach replenishment project is blocking access points and adding noise and smells, with the Army Corps saying the final stage runs from 1st Street north to Seaview Road. Family Fun Spotlight: Bayonne’s 12U Little League team advanced in the Little League World Series, beating Bridgewater, MA 2-1, and will play Friday vs. West Chester, PA. Outdoor Travel Caution: New Jersey hikers are being billed after a rescue in New Hampshire for “lack of preparation,” a reminder to start early and pack essentials. Local Scam Watch: Helmetta logged one BBB Scam Tracker report in July, tying for 120th among NJ cities. New Jersey Dining: Kura Sushi is opening its 8th NJ location in Parsippany on Aug. 21. Travel-Planning Reality Check: U.S. Open ticket prices are soaring, adding to the already-expensive summer sports travel trend.

Public Art & Events: Asbury Park’s Wooden Walls Public Art Project is rolling out “PlusOne,” a three-weekend public art party with major activations and guided tours, including a return appearance by Shepard Fairey for the opening weekend. Travel & Culture: Burlington City Arts hosts “Everything Is Everything: Will Kasso Condry” through Sept. 12, pairing studio paintings with a Juniper Creative Arts workshop mural created with local teens. Historic Homes for Visitors: Ho-Ho-Kus’ Ackerman-Demarest House—an early Dutch Colonial landmark tied to Revolutionary War-era lore—is now listed for sale, offering a rare heritage stop for history-minded travelers. Shoreline Safety: New Jersey DEP issued swimming advisories for 10 Atlantic City beaches after high fecal bacteria levels were found; swimming isn’t banned, but risk is higher. Getting Around: NJ expands REAL ID appointment locations, adding Wallington, Hazlet, and Turnersville to cut wait times for travelers. Local Eats: Princeton’s Small World Coffee is getting buzz as a longtime local favorite worth adding to your NJ coffee tour list. Family Travel Caution: A New Jersey family is suing a badminton racket maker after a vacation accident in Maine killed a 6-year-old.

Shore Dining: Sinners Steakhouse in Point Pleasant Beach is expanding north. Owners plan a second location in Kenilworth off the Garden State Parkway, with doors opening Sept. 26 and an official Sept. 29 launch. Shark Fishing Rules: Bay Head is using an existing NJ law to stop drone bait drops tied to land-based shark fishing charters, aiming to reduce potential swimmer risk. Family-Friendly Events: Bradley Beach is gearing up for Pirate Day plus an inaugural Reggae Festival on Aug. 22, with free admission and music across two stages. Coastal Conservation: Delaware DNREC sank the 180-foot Calcasieu Pass to expand the Del-Jersey-Land Reef, adding habitat and new angling/diving opportunities. Local Parks: Montclair’s Nishuane Pool closed early for the season to replace a nearby “completely inclusive” playground as part of a $1.63M project funded by a Green Acres grant. Safety Watch: A Barnegat Bay boat crash that killed two grandchildren is tied to allegations the operator drank beers before the collision; he faces reckless vessel homicide charges. Travel & Tourism Calendar: New Jersey Stage published this week’s events roundup for Aug. 18-24, including theatre, music, and community picks.

Shore Travel Spotlight: Travel & Leisure named the Jersey Shore a top September destination, highlighting Atlantic City, Wildwood and Cape May for warm weather, boardwalk fun and late-summer events like the Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Air Show. Beach Safety: A dead, heavily decomposed fin whale is breaking apart in the surf off Long Beach Island, with officials urging beachgoers not to touch or collect pieces and to call the Marine Mammal Stranding Center hotline if they find debris. Local Nightlife Watch: Avalon approved an extra hour of live music for a new Cape May County bar, reigniting the classic Shore debate over business hours versus neighborhood quiet. Family Fun (and Caution): A father and son found a massive megalodon tooth fossil while searching for seashells in Sea Isle City—another reminder that NJ beach “treasure hunts” can turn into real museum moments. Pine Barrens Ongoing Mystery: More than two years after Danielle Lopez vanished while camping in the Pine Barrens, her mother says the search continues with no answers yet.

E-Bike Rules & Safety: New Jersey’s new statewide e-bike registration and licensing rules (with a strict under-15 ban) are reshaping how families ride—and how injuries are handled—especially as kids cross state lines into different systems. Shoreline Fossil Finds: Sea Isle City visitors struck prehistoric gold: a father and son found a megalodon tooth on the Jersey Shore, later confirmed by museum and research experts—another reminder that NJ beaches can turn vacations into real-life science stories. Family-Friendly Arts: Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel is staging the Tony-winning musical “Come From Away” from Sept. 11 to Oct. 4, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Back-to-School Health: RWJBarnabas Health and the NJ Department of Health launched “Stay Well. Learn Well” clinics and mobile pediatric services for vaccinations and school physicals. Workforce Training: NJ awarded nearly $7.5M for construction and digital skills training, aiming to connect residents to jobs and apprenticeships. Local Travel Caution: A new review-based study ranks NJ beaches by litter complaints, spotlighting where cleanliness issues are most often mentioned. Tourism Spotlight: Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding Bermuda cruises with new departures from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia starting in 2028. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data show several NJ cities tied for July scam reports, with losses continuing nationwide.

Drowning Alerts: A 41-year-old man died after an apparent drowning at Hopatcong State Park in Roxbury, the second Morris County drowning reported over the weekend; investigators say he was paddleboarding in an unsupervised area and the Medical Examiner will determine cause. Public Health & Travel: New Jersey confirmed its first Zika case since 2020—a Middlesex County resident who contracted the virus while traveling, with officials stressing the risk to residents is extremely low. Beach Fossil Find: Sea Isle City vacationers found a massive 3.6-million-year-old megalodon tooth on the beach, later confirmed by the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center—another reason to keep an eye on Jersey Shore “souvenirs.” Summer Safety & Weather: NJ’s forecast calls for showers to start Monday, then a couple of nicer summer days, plus ongoing storm risk with lightning. Theme Park Fright Fest: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut a new “Final Destination” haunted maze this Halloween, bringing the franchise’s chain-reaction horror to New Jersey. Local Tourism Boost: NY Waterway announced “Shades of Autumn” Hudson River fall foliage tours from Midtown/West 39th Street and Port Imperial/Weehawken, with ticket sales now open.