Mayor Anthony E. Vaz announced today that effective immediately the Seaside Heights ocean and bay beaches are closed until further notice.
“In support of Governor Phil Murphy’s “stay home” executive orders and to further protect our public employees and residents I have instructed the borough administrator to lock the beach crossover gates until further notice,” said Mayor Vaz. “I anticipate that as the weather improves at the end of this week and beyond, and we start experiencing more moderate and warm temperatures people will be tempted to get in their cars and cross the bridge onto the barrier island. Closing the beaches is intended to serve as a disincentive for people to violate the Governor’s executive orders and his very strong public comments that directs all of us to stay home. If you are from out of town please walk and exercise in your own neighborhoods. If you have a summer home in Seaside Heights, please stay at your primary home wherever that may be,” added Vaz.
Seaside Heights Emergency Management Coordinator, Erik Hershey, added the following remarks to Mayor Vaz’s order, “Like most communities we are here to serve you, but our resources are limited. Our police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and front office employees are not immune from coronavirus. Therefore, it is necessary that we to take appropriate steps to minimize contact with the public so that our front line personnel are not in harm’s way. So, please stay clear of the beach. The amusements and non-essential businesses on the boardwalk are closed. If you are a year-round Seaside Heights resident or you live locally on the barrier island and decide to pick up food, please do what you have to do as quickly as possible and return home. That is the unfortunate but necessary statement we are making today, at this critical point in time during the country’s efforts to flatten the curve.”
