Ocean City

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian is asking people to take personal responsibility for social distancing and clean habits during the Memorial Day weekend.  Gillian says masks and face coverings are highly recommended, and social distancing will be required.  He’s also asking people to avoid groups of ten or more.

Three of four council races in Ocean City were easily settled by voters Tuesday night.  Mike DeVileger, Tom Rotondi, and Robert Barr were elected Tuesday.  However, in the Third Ward, Jody Levchuk defeated Anthony Wilson by only ten votes, according to initial vote tallies.

Ocean City has opened its beaches for active recreation.  Mayor Jay Gillian made that announcement via email on Sunday.  Also opened is the shared use path on the Route 52 causeway.

Ocean City may be the next beach community to open its beaches for exercising.  Mayor Jay Gillian announced that an announcement could be coming “very soon”.  He says the key to success in any reopening is strict social distancing.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian says he doesn’t have the authority to close bridges into his community.  Gillian released a statement saying that “many of you” have asked him to close bridges.  He says it’s the responsibility of the people to follow the directives issued by the Governor and public …

Funding from a $2 trillion federal stimulus bill is being dispersed.  During the first round of funding, Ocean City receives nearly $170,000; no other town in the County, or the County itself, gets any funding.  Atlantic County is receiving over $700,000.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian is calling for the prohibition of online platforms to conduct short term rentals, and he’s asking individuals and realtors to follow suit.  Gillian cites Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order 108 for eliminating short term rentals for now.  Many communities have definitions of short term rentals …

The coronavirus case from Ocean City is a retired nurse identified as Cindy Washko-Margraf.  Washko-Margrat told WPVI-TV that she believes she contracted the virus by attending the Big East basketball tournament in New York City.  It started with a sore throat, then moved in to fever and chills.

Ocean City has closed its beaches.  Mayor Jay Gillian issued a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying the beaches and boardwalks in his community are closed due to the coronavirus threat.  Ocean City is the only community in our area to close its beaches to the public.

Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian announced that the city’s council meeting for next week has been cancelled.  There is no word of a makeup date for the meeting scheduled for March 26th.  City Hall has now been closed by the city, along with all recreational facilities.