TOMS RIVER, NJ – There was once an offshore race at the Jersey Shore called the Benihana Grand Prix. It was an annual speedboat race off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Some even called it the Indy 500 of powerboat racing.
A new type of Benihana race is ready to wave the green flag on Friday. The race from North Jersey to the Jersey Shore. A modern-day Bennyhana
In the northern part of the Jersey Shore, the term Benny is affectionately used to refer to the tourists who pack the streets each summer. Further south, they are called Shoobies.
The first glimpse of the Bennies and Shoobies can be seen from Benny Hill, the Driscoll Bridge on the Garden State Parkway that ceremoniously divides North Jersey and the Jersey Shore.
With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend, the New Jersey Shore prepares for its annual transformation into a bustling destination for tourists and local beachgoers. As summer begins, the influx of travelers on highways to coastal destinations brings both economic benefits and logistical challenges.
Local businesses, including boardwalk vendors and seaside restaurants, rely heavily on the summer season for the bulk of their annual revenue, benefiting significantly from the increased foot traffic. However, the swell in tourism also presents various challenges. Traffic congestion on key routes such as the Garden State Parkway and Route 72 often results in long delays and extended travel times, affecting both visitors eager to reach the beaches and residents trying to navigate their daily routines.
The region’s infrastructure is also tested during the summer months. The demand for public services, like waste management and emergency services, increases substantially, putting pressure on local resources. Town officials respond by boosting staffing levels and enhancing coordination with law enforcement to manage the seasonal crowds effectively.
Environmental concerns also come to the forefront as the shores contend with increased litter and potential harm to local wildlife habitats. To address these issues, community groups and local authorities organize beach clean-ups and promote responsible tourism practices.
As the summer progresses, the New Jersey Shore aims to balance welcoming tourists with maintaining the quality of life for its residents. Through careful planning and community cooperation, the goal is to ensure the season is enjoyable and sustainable for all who visit or live along the picturesque shores.
“We’re going to win New York,” Trump told the crowd, signaling that his campaign is committed to winning the perennial blue state over.
- Pickpockets Arrested in Brick
Brick Township, NJ - Brick Township Police Chief David Forrester announced that three individuals have been charged in connection with a series of distraction pickpocket thefts reported in May.
Oswaldo Uribe-Acosta, 35, Salvia Beraun-Villanueva, 27, and Oscar Lopez-Salcedo, 58, all from Paterson, New Jersey, were charged on June 11 with theft by unlawful taking, theft of property lost or mislaid, and computer criminal activity.
In May, Brick Township Police received multiple reports of wallets and purses being stolen from victims inside retail stores. The thefts involved a female suspect distracting the victim while a male accomplice removed the items from the victim or their shopping cart. The suspects then used the stolen credit cards at various stores, including Trader Joe's, Target, Best Buy, and Costco.
Chief Forrester praised the collaborative efforts of the Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Stafford Township Police Department, Montvale Police Department, and Cherry Hill Police Department in the investigation.
Shoppers are reminded to remain vigilant and keep their belongings secure while in stores.
All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
- Pittsfield Police Investigate Fatal Shooting on Fenn Street
PITTSFIELD, MA - The Pittsfield Police Department is currently investigating the suspected homicide of Ryan P. Babcock, which occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 11th, on the 500 block of Fenn Street.
Responding to a call at approximately 4:30 pm, police officers found Babcock unresponsive in the driver's seat of a vehicle, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving attempts by paramedics, Babcock was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting was not random, and there is believed to be no immediate threat to the public. However, with no suspects currently identified, authorities are urging the community to remain alert and report any unusual activities.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and the State Police Detective Unit are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Pittsfield Police Department.
- Man Injured in Baltimore Shooting
Baltimore, MD – The Northeastern District is investigating a shooting incident that occurred early this morning.
At approximately 6:15 a.m., officers responded to a hospital for reports of a walk-in shooting victim, but the victim had left before they arrived. Shortly after, at 6:45 a.m., officers were called to the 7000 block of McClean Boulevard, where they found a 34-year-old male victim with a graze wound to his arm.
The victim reported that the incident took place around 12:30 a.m. Detectives have located a crime scene and are continuing their investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Northeastern District Detectives at 410-396-2444. Those wishing to remain anonymous can use the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or anonymously text a tip via the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website.
- Montgomery County Police Celebrate Longview School Safety Patrol
Montgomery County, MD - The Montgomery County Police Department's Traffic Operations Division, Community Engagement Division, and 5th District Station celebrated the Safety Patrol students at Longview School.
Longview School, a public special education day school, provides comprehensive educational services to students aged 5 to 21 with severe to profound intellectual and/or multiple disabilities.
Officer J. Johnson from the School Safety Division developed a unique program enabling these children to participate in the Safety Patrol program.
The event recognized and honored the students for their outstanding year of service.
Congratulations to the Longview School Safety Patrol students on their achievements
- Police Investigating Suspicious Death of Galloway Woman
Atlantic City, NJ - The Atlantic City Police Department is conducting a death investigation following the discovery of a deceased woman on June 12.
At 10:11 AM, patrol officers responded to a report of a woman found at Hummock and Trinity Avenues. The Atlantic City Fire Department and patrol officers confirmed the woman, 34, from Galloway, NJ, was deceased upon arrival.
The circumstances surrounding her death are currently under investigation. The cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy by the Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766. Tips can also be sent anonymously via text to tip411 (847411), beginning the text with ACPD.
- Hicksville Shop Sells Life-Changing Lottery Ticket
Hicksville, NY – The New York Lottery has announced that a second-prize-winning CASH4LIFE ticket worth $1,000 a week for life was sold in Hicksville for the June 12 drawing.
The winning ticket was purchased at Lovely Cards & Gifts, located at 416 S Oyster Bay Rd. This prize guarantees a minimum of $1,000,000.
CASH4LIFE numbers are drawn from a field of 1 to 60, with the Cash Ball drawn from a separate field of 1 to 4. Drawings take place daily at approximately 9 p.m. Lottery draw game prizes can be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing.