AGP Executive Report

Shore Safety Crackdown: Jersey Shore police are stepping up enforcement of crosswalk rules and new e-bike requirements, using decoy pedestrians in Harvey Cedars to ticket drivers who don’t stop. Wildlife Watch: Nearly 30 dead juvenile sharks washed ashore in Sea Isle City, with experts pointing to likely fishing bycatch as the most plausible cause. Family Tragedy on the Water: A Berkeley Township man was arrested and charged after a Barnegat Bay crash allegedly killed his two grandchildren; prosecutors say he was impaired. New Jersey Travel & Stay: K. Hovnanian broke ground on Terraces at Absecon Inlet, a waterfront Atlantic City project with 38 homes near the boardwalk. Food Tourism: Oishii, the NJ-grown “luxury” strawberry brand, opens its first retail spot at Chelsea Market Aug. 20. Weekend Fun: Asbury Park’s 18th annual Zombie Walk returns Oct. 3 on the boardwalk. Outdoor Access: Burlington County’s Willingboro Lakes park is set to get $1M in Green Acres funding for Phase II upgrades.

World Cup Watch (NJ): New Jersey is weighing a possible 2031 Women’s World Cup bid, but a new report flags big questions about costs, transparency, and whether the last MetLife-era mega-event will ever pay off. Shore Safety & Wildlife: Nearly 30 dead sharks washed up on Sea Isle City’s beach, sparking fears of “something in the water,” while experts say the cause is still unclear. Local Travel Disruption: The Lovelandtown Bridge in Point Pleasant reopened after a fourth 2026 heat-related marine closure, with NJDOT citing components expanding in hot weather. Family Fun Outdoors: A guide to where and when to find NJ wild berries is making the rounds—plus tips for picking them without turning the outing into a snack-fest. Community Back-to-School: HopeWin’s Back to School Drive is set for Aug. 22–23 in Point Pleasant and Brick, collecting essentials for Ocean County students. Tech & Privacy (Brick): Brick police confirmed Flock license-plate cameras are in use, as residents continue to raise privacy concerns. Weather: Friday looks dry and sunny; Sunday brings scattered showers.

Retirement & Travel Budgeting: An Investopedia analysis says retiring at 62 instead of 65 can require $300,000+ more in savings for a single person, mainly because of smaller Social Security checks and the extra years before Medicare—useful for anyone planning a Shore or road-trip “forever” schedule. Maritime Jobs: The U.S. DOT’s Maritime Administration awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards, including New Jersey, for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training. Shore Safety & Crowds: Cape May approved a new juvenile curfew (under 18 barred from being out without a parent/guardian 10:30 p.m.–6 a.m., and no beach access after 8 p.m.) after unruly incidents. Wildlife Watch: Nearly 30 dead juvenile dogfish washed ashore in Sea Isle City; officials say it’s rare to see so many at once, but dogfish can strand in schools. Road Trip Planning: Two lanes on the Delaware Memorial Bridge (NJ-bound) will close Sept. 7–Nov. 24 for joint replacements, with the crossing staying open but traffic patterns changing. Local Events: Manasquan’s Thursday beach concert series continues in August, plus Lavallette’s 41st annual Mid-Summer Mile Ocean Swim on Aug. 15.

Shore Safety Mystery: Sea Isle City is investigating nearly 30 dead dogfish sharks found scattered along about 10 blocks of beach, with officials weighing whether tides trapped them or fishermen accidentally discarded them. Local Travel Disruption: The George Washington Bridge’s Center Avenue bridge rehab starts Aug. 14, with lane and sidewalk closures and detours expected through December 2026. Beach Rules Watch: Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis is warning that “chumming” with bait (including from kayaks and drones) could lure sharks closer to swimmers. Scam Alert for Visitors: Newark tied for the most BBB Scam Tracker reports in New Jersey in July, with 11 reports and $792.71 in losses—mostly online purchase scams. Coastal Flooding Forecast: A Rutgers study warns Bergen County could see more flooded roads and travel disruptions over the next 75 years as sea levels rise. Historic Stay Spotlight: Cape May’s Congress Hall was named the 4th best historic hotel in America by USA Today 10Best readers. Family Planning: RWJBarnabas Health shared tips for managing celiac disease during late-summer travel and the school transition.

Jersey Shore Safety Watch: A viral shark-feeding trend has Bay Head officials warning that fishermen are luring bull sharks toward shore for photos, raising fears of “Jaws”-style attacks as more predators are spotted near swimmers. Shore Wildlife Mystery: Nearly 30 small sharks washed ashore in Sea Isle City, with experts pointing to possible stranding from tides or accidental bycatch rather than toxins. Family Fun & Local Culture: The LBI Artist Studio Tour returned for its 20th year, with dozens of artists opening their studios to visitors and boosting the island’s creative economy. Back-to-School in NJ: Goya is donating snacks for News 12 backpack giveaways, while a new “Before the Bell Rings” vaccine campaign in Camden schools aims to push prevention as measles concerns rise. Travel Infrastructure: Newark Liberty International Airport is getting new Surface Movement Radar to improve runway tracking and reduce close-call risk. Community Spotlight: Atlantic County named Cedar Creek High’s Kimberley Briles as Teacher of the Year, and Monforton dedicated an ADA-accessible playground honoring Layton Smith. Sports & Travel: The 2026 BEAT tour includes a Prudential Hall stop in Newark on Nov. 9.

Air Travel & Safety: NORAD intercepted a civilian plane over Geneva, Ohio after it entered restricted airspace tied to a Trump visit; jets used flares and the aircraft was safely escorted. Solar & Beach Alerts: A partial solar eclipse will clip New Jersey’s sky today (best viewing roughly 1:50–1:56 p.m.); meanwhile, a shark washed ashore with a hook still in its mouth, and beachgoers are watching for more “Jaws”-style risks. Local Travel Ideas: New Hope gets a “24 hours” day-trip guide, and a separate roundup highlights charming NJ town squares. Community & Planning: Manchester Township residents packed a meeting to push for a data center ban near the Pinelands, citing water limits and power concerns. Transit & Getting Around: News 12 compared PATH vs Hudson-Bergen Light Rail vs biking for the Hoboken-to-Jersey City commute. Tech & Legal: NJ judges ruled on Uber/Lyft liability for accidents, and a separate piece explains how insurers must handle pedestrian PIP benefits when a rideshare vehicle is involved. Invasive Species: Officials urge NJ residents to watch for Asian longhorned beetle signs during Tree Check Month.

Airport Safety Upgrade: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a new surface movement radar at Newark Liberty International Airport to help controllers track runways in bad weather and reduce collision risk. Travel Disruption: Severe thunderstorms are causing major travel delays, with the biggest backlogs reported around New York and Newark. Beach Safety Watch: Bay Head’s mayor is warning about a social media trend that lures sharks closer to shore for photos, raising concerns for swimmers. Health & Environment: NJ DEP will collect soil, gas and groundwater samples in Keyport and Union Beach as it investigates a possible cancer cluster tied to the former Aeromarine Landfill. Family Travel Story: A New Jersey animal welfare worker couple’s road trip to Colorado turned into a 21-day search for their lost dog. Cruise News: Celebrity Cruises released its biggest Europe-heavy 2028/29 deployment, including new ports and longer stays. Local Hospitality: Showboat Resort in Atlantic City promoted Maritza Martinez to general manager. Food Safety: CDC is still investigating a hepatitis A outbreak linked to imported frozen clams, with 30 cases across three states.

Women’s World Cup Bid: New Jersey is exploring hosting matches for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, with a signed MOU pointing to stadium readiness, training sites, hotels, and an “international airport connect” for visiting teams and fans. Jersey Shore Travel Watch: Ocean City community groups have filed a lawsuit to challenge the city’s June vote to designate Gillian’s Wonderland Pier as “in need of rehabilitation,” a move tied to a proposed 7-story, 242-room hotel plan. Food & Dining Etiquette: A viral birthday-cake dispute at a Point Pleasant Beach pizzeria is reigniting the question of whether outside desserts are allowed, with the restaurant citing food-safety and liability policies. Local Summer Plans: NJ’s heat wave is easing, but expect hit-or-miss showers and thunderstorms through the week, with seasonable temps trending toward the weekend. Travel Tech/Health: Cleveland Clinic is launching prescription drone delivery with Zipline in and around Beachwood, aiming to cut down the hassle of pharmacy trips. Road Trip Savings: OnePay is offering at least $1 off per gallon on Wednesdays through Sept. 15—built for summer fill-ups.

Shore Spotlight: Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park is getting major love for its “pristine” white sand—plus it’s a rare Jersey option where you can walk, fish, swim, and hike without feeling boxed in by hotels. Beach Safety Watch: Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis is warning about “Jaws”-like shark risks tied to fishermen chumming off the Jersey Shore, urging beachgoers to stay alert as warmer waters pull sharks closer. Transit for NJ Travelers: Amtrak says a second daily Pittsburgh-to-New York train is coming in 2026, with the route already set to stop in Trenton and Newark. Family Fun Nostalgia: New Jersey’s “Free Blockbuster” sharing boxes are bringing back the 90s movie-rental vibe—look for the boxes in Monmouth County and Pitman. Cruise Planning: Celebrity Cruises unveiled 2028-2029 deployments, including expanded Europe sailings and new Edge-class options. Travel Disruption Alert: Delaware Memorial Bridge work starting Sept. 7 will mean around-the-clock lane closures on the NJ-bound span, with a new traffic pattern.

Wedding & lineage culture: A look at how modern “manufactured aristocracy” turns weddings into curated status symbols, from rented castles in Scotland to invented family crests. Shore gardening: Cape May gardeners are increasingly planting native species to support local wildlife, with experts sharing what works for Jersey Shore yards. Sleep & neighborhoods: A New Jersey nutritionist says your surroundings—noise, pets, and even neighborhood visuals—can disrupt rest, with practical fixes like white-noise machines and blackout curtains. Extreme heat: Heat warnings stretch across the East, including Northern New Jersey, with humidity making it feel hotter and advisories in place. Shipping watch: US container port imports are still running above 2.2 million TEUs in August, then easing gradually through late 2026—useful for travelers planning peak-season logistics. Local pilgrimage: Pontian Greeks will hold the Panagia Soumela pilgrimage and paniyiri in West Milford Aug. 15–16. Food tourism buzz: A Point Pleasant pizzeria responds after a viral birthday-cake dispute, reigniting debate over restaurant policies and customer expectations. Health staffing: NJ hospitals keep negotiating union contracts amid ongoing nursing shortages projected through 2037. Brewery rules: New Jersey liquor law reforms aim to make it easier for breweries and craft beverage makers to operate and redevelop.

Air Travel & Safety: NORAD scrambled F-16s after two civilian aircraft briefly entered restricted airspace near President Trump’s Bedminster golf club, escorting them out after the incident was tied to temporary flight restrictions. Harbor Tourism Safety: A boat capsized near Liberty Island, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old baby; the captain was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment as investigators examine whether it was an illegal charter. Local Tech & Public Safety: A Tennessee man wanted for a child rape charge was arrested in New Jersey after being flagged by a Flock camera system. Shoreline Fun: Smokey Bear celebrated his 82nd birthday with a helicopter flight along the Jersey Shore, with commemorative beach badges available at multiple state parks. Family Travel & Health: NJ is reminding families to get required school vaccines before the school year ramps up. Gas Prices: Diesel hit a low of $5.24/gallon in Hunterdon County for the week ending Aug. 1, per GasBuddy. Sports Tourism: The 2026 U.S. Amateur tees off Monday at Merion (Ardmore, near Philly), with TV coverage on Peacock/NBCSN.

Shore Safety Watch: A Good Samaritan who rescued a girl from a rip current in Myrtle Beach was later found dead after being pulled underwater; the incident highlights how fast rip currents can overpower swimmers. Health & Neighborhoods: A nationwide Medicare study found people living within 500 feet of a dry cleaner had higher odds of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, with risk declining as distance increased (association, not proof of cause). Jersey Shore Buzz: A viral $10,000-a-week Jersey Shore rental debate is reigniting questions about beach costs—yet many families say they’ll keep coming back. Local Travel Disruption: New Jersey State Police report a fatal Garden State Parkway crash in Lacey Township that shut down northbound lanes for nearly three hours. Tourism & Fun: The Jonas Brothers kicked off the Boots and Hearts Music Festival in Ontario, drawing thousands for the weekend. Beachfront Concern: Bay Head officials are warning about fishermen allegedly “chumming” for sharks near swimming areas, raising fears of a real-life “Jaws” scenario. Travel Tech/Transit: Gas prices are easing nationally (AAA reports the average down to about $4.06), which could help road-trip budgets.

Shore Safety Alert: Bay Head’s mayor says fishermen are “chumming” for sharks near swimming beaches, raising fresh “Jaws”-style fears even as the practice is described as not illegal. Road Travel Tragedy: A Garden State Parkway crash in Lacey Township killed a 20-year-old New York woman and ejected an infant; lanes were shut for nearly three hours while police investigate. Family Fun & Events: Boots and Hearts kicked off at Burl’s Creek with the Jonas Brothers headlining, plus Russell Dickerson and Dasha; weekend crowds are expected to keep rolling. Jersey Shore Dining Drama: A Point Pleasant Beach pizzeria is defending its policy after a viral spat over cutting a child’s birthday cake. Sports Spotlight: Toms River Girls Softball advanced to the Little League Softball World Series semifinals, with ESPN2 coverage and a chance at the title game. Gas Watch: AAA reports the national regular average slipped to about $4.06, with diesel deals showing up in parts of Burlington County. Science & Travel Curiosity: A meteorite that punched through a New Jersey roof is now tied to findings about salty fluids on a primitive asteroid.

Severe Weather Disruptions: Ground stops hit LaGuardia and Newark as thunderstorms roll through the tri-state, with major delays for arrivals and departures. Air Travel Update: United Airlines plans to restart nonstop Newark–Tel Aviv service on Sept. 8 with two daily flights, adding options for travelers heading into the Jewish holiday season. NJ Tourism & Outdoors: Sea Isle City is offering free weekly beachcombing tours through Labor Day to help visitors learn about dunes and protect local beaches. Beach Safety & Health: A cyclosporiasis update notes a second case reported elsewhere after travel-linked illness, keeping an eye on the broader outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce. Local Culture: “That Summer Feeling” at Photo Lounge highlights pre-Instagram Jersey beach memories, including vintage photos from Bradley Beach and road-trip stories to Stone Harbor. Sports & Travel: Wildwood hosted a major NAGA grappling event, where Pakistan’s Waleed Ali Klair won gold—another reason to watch the Shore’s growing sports scene. Road Trip/History: New Jersey’s 250th Revolutionary War license plate is moving forward to fund preservation of historic sites, but drivers may have to wait until enough applicants sign up.

Severe Weather Travel Disruptions: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect across New Jersey and the tri-state region, with FAA ground stops at LaGuardia and Newark and major delays for travelers heading in and out. Tourism & Outdoors: Sea Isle City is offering free weekly beachcombing tours through Labor Day, a simple way for vacationers to learn about dunes and local shoreline life. Local Travel/History: New Jersey is moving ahead with a 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War license plate, with proceeds aimed at preserving Revolutionary War sites—though drivers may have to wait until enough people apply. Public Health Alert for Summer Trips: Cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce has spread widely nationwide, and officials say some cases are tied to travel—worth checking before you eat out or buy bagged salads. Family Fun & Safety: Open-water lifeguards are gaining momentum in Congress for first-responder recognition, following high-profile rescues that highlight the risks of beach duty. International Buyers & Housing: A new national report shows foreign home purchases dropped, but Florida—especially Miami—stayed strong, while New Jersey received a smaller share.

Message-in-a-bottle discovery: A 1973 note found in South Jersey wetlands has been traced back to Ocean City’s Laurie Blair, who died in 2017—now her sister plans to preserve the letter as a shadowbox keepsake. South Jersey community perks: A Camden teacher and a Cherry Hill lawyer are spending their summer giving free lawn care to nearly 100 homes inside city limits. Transit & travel planning: SEPTA’s bus-lane camera crackdown says it’s cut illegal lane-blocking and improved bus travel times, while NJ Transit is adding special rail service for Usher and Chris Brown at MetLife Stadium. Road safety spotlight: Dunellen police used a ghillie-suit “tree” disguise and cited 74 distracted drivers during a crackdown. Shoreline safety: Passaic officials are weighing new ways to prevent drownings after recent child deaths, citing strong currents and hidden hazards on the tidal river. Tourism pick: Cape May topped a survey as New Jersey’s most iconic neighborhood, praised for Victorian charm and walkable seaside streets. Weather watch: Heat advisory runs through Saturday night with near-100-degree heat index and storm chances Friday into the weekend. Cybersecurity alert: Hackers targeted two NJ municipal water utilities, briefly limiting remote monitoring/control before systems were secured.