HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ – A house fire at 13 Woodstown Drive prompted a rapid response from the Howell Township Police Department at approximately 3:35 PM today.
Upon arrival, officers reported the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Thankfully, all occupants evacuated safely without injuries.
Firefighting units from Adelphia Fire, Squankum Fire, Southard Fire, Jackson Station 55, and Freehold Township Independent Fire worked together to extinguish the fire. Support was also provided by Howell Township Police EMS and Howell Township First Aid.
Currently, the Howell Township Fire Bureau and the Monmouth County Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported among the responding emergency personnel.
- Watch: Long Branch Swarmed by Hundreds of Unruly, Fighting Teens as City Forced to Enforce Curfew
LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Memorial Day isn’t even here yet and the Jersey Shore is already dealing with swarms of unruly teens and disturbances. Hundreds of teenagers flooded Pier Village and the Long Branch beachfront Tuesday night, triggering an emergency curfew after fights, crowds dancing on cars, loud music, and chaotic scenes overwhelmed the Jersey Shore boardwalk district just days before Memorial Day weekend.
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Police from multiple Monmouth County towns rushed into Long Branch as the unsanctioned “pop-up” gathering grew throughout the evening. Videos circulating online showed large crowds blocking streets, teenagers climbing onto vehicles, girls twerking on cars, and groups running through the beachfront shopping and restaurant area while officers tried to disperse the crowd.
The disorder revived fears tied to similar Jersey Shore “takeover” events that have escalated in recent years, including a 2025 Pier Village gathering where one person was shot and killed after reports of multiple gunshots.
Curfew Imposed as Crowds Descend on Boardwalk
Long Branch officials imposed an 8 p.m. curfew Tuesday night for the Pier Village beachfront area as crowds continued pouring into the city, many arriving by NJ Transit trains.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert ordering people to leave the beachfront area immediately.
“Please be advised there is a curfew in effect as of 8 p.m. tonight on the beachfront in the City of Long Branch. Please disperse the area immediately,” the agency posted online Tuesday evening.
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Officials described the gathering as an unsanctioned “pop-up” party or “takeover” that drew hundreds — and possibly as many as 1,000 — teenagers and young adults to the beachfront entertainment district.
Key Points
• Hundreds of teenagers gathered Tuesday night at Pier Village in Long Branch
• Police imposed an 8 p.m. curfew after fights, crowds, and disruptive behavior
• Similar Jersey Shore takeover events previously turned deadly in Long Branch
Witness videos from the scene showed police vehicles lining streets around Pier Village while officers from neighboring towns helped Long Branch police clear the area.
Some groups danced on parked vehicles while others packed the boardwalk and surrounding streets. Businesses in the popular beachfront district faced disruptions as crowds moved through restaurants, shops, and public gathering areas.
Shore Towns Brace for Another Summer of Pop-Up Chaos
The gathering unfolded before the start of Memorial Day weekend, traditionally the unofficial beginning of the Jersey Shore summer season.
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Local officials have increasingly struggled with large social media-organized gatherings known as “pop-up parties” or “takeovers,” where massive crowds of teens descend on shore towns with little warning.
Tuesday’s unrest drew comparisons to prior incidents in Long Branch and elsewhere along the Jersey Shore.
During a similar gathering in June 2025 at Pier Village, one person was shot and killed after reports of multiple gunshots erupted near the boardwalk area. That deadly violence intensified pressure on shore communities to prepare for another season of takeover events.
Officials said Tuesday night’s gathering did not immediately reach the same level of violence, though police maintained a heavy presence throughout the evening as officers worked to prevent fights and disperse crowds.
NJ.com reported that while some disturbances and altercations occurred in the broader area, officers largely managed to keep the situation under control.
Police Presence Expands Across Monmouth County
Law enforcement agencies across Monmouth County have increasingly coordinated responses to large-scale gatherings at shore destinations as crowd sizes continue growing through social media promotion.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Long Branch Police Department, and officers from neighboring municipalities patrolled Pier Village and surrounding beachfront areas Tuesday night.
Mayor John Pallone announced the emergency curfew amid escalating safety concerns tied to the size of the crowd and growing disorder along the boardwalk.
Businesses and residents in shore communities have raised concerns in recent years about how takeover gatherings impact tourism, public safety, and the family-oriented atmosphere many Jersey Shore towns rely on during summer months.
Officials have not announced any arrests or injuries connected directly to Tuesday night’s Pier Village takeover. Authorities continue monitoring the situation as shore towns prepare for increased crowds heading into the holiday weekend.
- Lacey and Manchester Former Rite Aid Stores Slated for Retail Redevelopment
OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. — Two vacant former Rite Aid properties in Ocean County could soon see new life after TFE Properties announced Monday that it acquired retail sites in Manchester Township and Lacey Township as part of its continued push into redevelopment-focused commercial investments.
The properties, both located along heavily traveled commercial corridors, include an 11,206-square-foot building at Route 70 and Ridgeway Road in Manchester Township and a 10,908-square-foot former Rite Aid on Route 9 and South Main Street in Lacey Township. TFE Properties said the locations will be marketed to retailers, medical operators, and service-oriented businesses seeking high-traffic storefronts in growing parts of Ocean County.
The acquisitions arrive as former pharmacy properties across New Jersey continue drawing interest from investors looking to reposition vacant big-box retail space in established shopping corridors.
High-Traffic Locations Draw Redevelopment Interest
The Manchester Township property sits at a signalized intersection with substantial daily traffic counts. According to TFE Properties, Route 70 carries about 26,000 vehicles per day, while Ridgeway Road sees roughly 16,000 daily drivers.
Company officials said the surrounding area has experienced ongoing residential and commercial growth, strengthening the site’s long-term redevelopment potential and visibility for future tenants.
The Lacey Township acquisition includes approximately 1.76 acres at the corner of Route 9 and South Main Street, another signalized intersection in a major retail corridor. The site also sees roughly 26,000 vehicles daily, according to the company.
The property carries Commercial C-150 zoning, allowing flexibility for multiple retail and commercial uses.
Former Rite Aid Sites Continue Finding New Uses
Vacant Rite Aid properties have become increasingly attractive targets for redevelopment firms following widespread pharmacy closures nationwide. Their locations often include established infrastructure, direct highway access, existing parking, and visibility in densely traveled retail corridors.
TFE Properties said both Ocean County sites fit its broader investment strategy focused on repositioning underutilized retail assets in strong suburban markets.
“These acquisitions represent another step in TFE Properties’ continued investment strategy focused on well-located retail assets with strong redevelopment and repositioning opportunities,” Carey Tajfel, president of TFE Properties, said in a statement.
“Both sites are located within growing Ocean County communities and offer excellent frontage, traffic exposure, and long-term value,” Tajfel added.
Key Points
• TFE Properties acquired former Rite Aid properties in Manchester and Lacey townships
• Both sites sit along major Ocean County retail corridors with about 26,000 daily vehicles
• The company plans to market the properties to retailers, medical users, and service businesses
Ocean County Retail Corridors Continue Expanding
Both acquisitions place TFE Properties in rapidly developing sections of Ocean County, where residential growth has fueled continued retail demand and commercial redevelopment activity.
The Manchester Township location benefits from direct frontage along Route 70, one of the county’s key east-west transportation routes connecting residential communities with shore destinations and regional shopping areas.
In Lacey Township, the Route 9 corridor remains one of the township’s primary commercial districts, supporting a mix of national retailers, restaurants, healthcare providers, and local businesses.
TFE Properties did not disclose financial terms of the acquisitions or identify potential tenants currently in negotiations for either site.
The company said it plans to actively market both properties for future leasing opportunities, targeting businesses seeking established retail locations with high visibility and strong traffic exposure.
At this stage, both former Rite Aid buildings remain vacant while redevelopment and leasing efforts move forward.
- Brother who slaughtered Colts Neck family sentenced to four life terms in horrifying mansion murders
Photo: #post_seo_titleConvicted killer will never walk free after execution-style murders of brother wife and two young children
FREEHOLD, N.J. — The New Jersey man convicted of murdering his brother, sister-in-law and two young children inside their Colts Neck home in one of the state’s most shocking family massacres has been sentenced to four consecutive life terms plus 16 years without parole.
Paul J. Caneiro, 59, of Ocean Township, received the sentence Tuesday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
A Monmouth County jury convicted Caneiro in February on multiple charges connected to the Nov. 20, 2018 killings of his brother Keith Caneiro, 50, Keith’s wife Jennifer Caneiro, 45, and the couple’s children Jesse, 11, and Sophia, 8.
Jurors found Caneiro guilty of four counts of first-degree murder along with felony murder, aggravated arson, weapons offenses, theft, hindering apprehension and related charges.
Prosecutors said Caneiro carried out the killings inside the family’s Colts Neck home days before Thanksgiving.
According to prosecutors, Caneiro cut power to the residence before luring his brother outside and fatally shooting him.
Investigators said Caneiro then entered the home and killed the remaining family members one by one in the dark.
Authorities also linked Caneiro to arson fires set at both the victims’ home and his own residence in an effort to conceal the crimes.
During sentencing, Prosecutor Santiago described the murders as a calculated attack that destroyed the family’s sense of safety inside their own home.
Officials said the case involved a joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Colts Neck Police Department, Ocean Township Police Department, FBI, ATF, New Jersey State Police and several other agencies.
The prosecution was led by Monmouth County Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker and Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Wallace.
Key Points
- Paul Caneiro was sentenced to four consecutive life terms plus 16 years without parole
- Prosecutors said he murdered his brother sister-in-law and two children in Colts Neck in 2018
- Authorities described the killings as a calculated execution-style attack inside the family home
- Marine combat veteran and New Jersey detective honored in emotional retirement ceremony
Howell Township officer closes out 22-year Marine Corps career marked by Iraq deployments and military honors
HOWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A longtime New Jersey detective and decorated Marine Corps veteran was honored during an emotional retirement ceremony recognizing more than two decades of military service that included multiple combat deployments to Iraq.
Members of the Howell Township Police Department attended the official Marine Corps retirement ceremony for Detective Dan Bozza, who retired with the rank of Master Sergeant after 22 years of service.
Officials said Bozza served 10 years on active duty between 2004 and 2013 and completed four deployments to Iraq during his military career.
The ceremony also featured fellow Howell Township Patrolman Matthew Zilinski, who serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard, acting as Bozza’s retiring officer.
During the retirement ceremony, Bozza was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in recognition of his military accomplishments and service.
The Howell Township Police Department publicly congratulated Bozza and recognized his dedication both in uniform and within the department.
Key Points
- Howell Township Detective Dan Bozza retired from the Marine Corps after 22 years of service
- Bozza completed four deployments to Iraq and received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Fellow Howell officer Matthew Zilinski participated as the retiring officer during the ceremony
- Phil and Tammy Murphy Pulling Their Pro Soccer Team Out of New Jersey, Heading to NYC, In Talks
Murphys’ Gotham FC Eyes Move to New York City, Fueling ‘So Much for New Jersey’ Criticism
HARRISON, N.J. — If taxes are your number one concern, then New Jersey is not the state for you. It seems the cost of doing business in New Jersey is too great, even for former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy’s soccer team, Gotham FC.
In preparation for the move, the NJ/NY Gotham FC officially removed the NJ/NY name from the team this season. If you remember, this team used to be Sky Blue FC, that team that complained about living and pay conditions for its female players a few years ago.
Gotham FC, the women’s professional soccer club co-owned by former New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and former First Lady Tammy Murphy, is reportedly in advanced talks to move its home matches from New Jersey to New York City — a potential relocation already drawing criticism from fans questioning the couple’s longtime branding around New Jersey pride.
Was it all just politics?
The reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions currently play at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, but ESPN and multiple reports say Gotham FC is exploring a move to Etihad Park, the new $780 million soccer-specific stadium being built for NYCFC in Willets Point, Queens.
If finalized, the move would reportedly begin with the 2028 season.
For critics, the optics are hard to ignore.
After years of publicly championing New Jersey identity, economic development, and state loyalty, the Murphys now find themselves connected to a high-profile sports franchise potentially leaving New Jersey entirely for New York City.
Gotham FC Has Deep New Jersey Political Ties
Tammy Murphy serves as a founding owner and board chair of Gotham FC, while Phil Murphy is also part of the club’s ownership group.
The team rebranded from Sky Blue FC — a club long associated with New Jersey women’s soccer — into Gotham FC as part of an effort to expand its regional identity and visibility across the broader New York metropolitan market.
The ownership group also includes lead owner Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, managing owner Ed Nalbandian, and founding owner Steven Temares.
While Gotham FC’s branding has always leaned heavily into the “NY/NJ” identity, the club has physically played its home games in New Jersey.
A move to Queens would mark the franchise’s first permanent home inside New York City limits.
Move Reflects Broader North Jersey Sports Reality
The possible relocation also reflects a long-running reality in North Jersey sports and business: major teams frequently market themselves as “New York” brands despite operating in New Jersey.
The NFL’s Giants and Jets play in East Rutherford. The Red Bulls play in Harrison. Yet New York branding often dominates nationally and internationally.
Supporters of the move argue Queens could provide Gotham FC with a more centralized fan base, stronger attendance opportunities, better transit access, and a modern soccer-focused venue designed specifically for the sport.
But critics see another example of New Jersey building infrastructure, hosting teams, and supporting development while marquee brands ultimately gravitate toward New York prestige and visibility.
Key Points
• Gotham FC is reportedly in talks to move from Harrison, New Jersey, to Queens in 2028
• Former Gov. Phil Murphy and Tammy Murphy are part of the club’s ownership group
• Critics argue the move undercuts the Murphys’ longtime public embrace of New Jersey identity
Questions Remain About Future in Harrison
No final agreement has been publicly announced, and Gotham FC has not officially confirmed a relocation timeline.
The team currently shares Sports Illustrated Stadium with Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.
Etihad Park, NYCFC’s future home stadium, is under construction in Willets Point near Citi Field and is expected to become one of the premier soccer venues in the region.
A Gotham FC move there would further cement New York City as a growing center for professional soccer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and continued expansion of the women’s game.
Still, for some New Jersey fans, the possibility stings.
The Murphys spent years publicly promoting New Jersey as an economic engine and destination for sports, entertainment, and business investment. Now, one of their own marquee sports ventures could soon leave the state behind.
Whether the move ultimately happens or not, the discussion has already reignited a familiar debate across North Jersey: when it comes to sports and branding, New Jersey often hosts the teams while New York gets the spotlight.
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