brick - Shore News Network

Brick Farmers Market returns this Saturday with 60+ vendors, live music at Windward Beach

Breaking Local News ReportApril 30, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — The Brick Farmers Market is back for its 11th season, kicking off Saturday, May 3, at Windward Beach Park with more than 60 vendors and live music to welcome the community. Running every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through October 4, the market will feature a mix of long-time favorites and first-time sellers offering a variety of local goods. The weekly event is free to attend and open to leashed dogs. Key Points Local favorites and new faces fill vendor list Market organizers said this year’s lineup includes veteran vendors who have participated since the

Mayor Crate slams rumors on affordable housing, says Brick will plan for 29 new units—not 322

Breaking Local News ReportApril 30, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — Brick Township Mayor Lisa Crate is pushing back against what she called “misconceptions and misinformation” surrounding the Council’s recent action on affordable housing, clarifying that the township will not be constructing 322 new units as some have claimed. The rumors, according to insiders are being pushed by candidates running for office who are aligned with the remnants of the administration of former Mayor Steve Acropolis. The same group that brought the ill-fated red light cameras to the township. In her latest Mayor’s Minutes update, Crate explained that the number 322 represents an “unmet need” planning figure—not a

Brick man sentenced to jail, lifetime ban from owning animals after 157 cats found in home

Breaking Local News ReportApril 26, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Brick Township man was sentenced Friday to 180 days in the Ocean County Jail and permanently banned from owning animals after pleading guilty to two counts of animal cruelty, prosecutors said. Jeffrey Finlay, 56, was sentenced by Judge Kenneth T. Palmer, who also ordered Finlay to complete 25 days of community service not involving animals. The sentence follows Finlay’s guilty plea stemming from the discovery of more than 150 cats and several dogs living in poor conditions inside his Mantoloking Road residence. Key Points: Authorities uncover dozens of injured animals at Brick home On May

Brick motorcyclist killed in crash on Route 37 in Manchester

Breaking Local News ReportApril 20, 20250

MANCHESTER, NJ — A motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon following a crash at the intersection of State Highway 37 and Colonial Drive. At approximately 3:22 p.m. on April 19, officers arrived at the scene to find a red 2007 Honda CBR motorcycle engulfed in flames and a white 2020 Honda Accord with significant damage to the driver’s side, according to Capt. Albert Vega of the Manchester Township Police Department. Police reported that 24-year-old William C. Swiderski of Brick had been traveling west on Route 37 when he entered the intersection and collided with the Accord, which was heading south on

Man busted with loaded gun and high-capacity magazine in Brick Township traffic stop

Breaking Local News ReportApril 19, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Lakewood man was arrested and charged with multiple weapons offenses after Brick Township Police discovered a loaded handgun during a traffic stop earlier this month, authorities announced. Victor M. Conde, 38, was taken into custody by the department’s Street Crimes Unit (SCU) on April 9, 2025, following a motor vehicle stop in the Maple Leaf Park neighborhood. Detectives had been conducting general surveillance in the area when they observed a suspicious vehicle and noted several traffic violations. Officers initiated a stop with the assistance of a marked patrol unit. During the encounter, police developed suspicion

Back in action: Brick Township Teen Center reopens with ribbon cutting and new features

Breaking Local News ReportApril 18, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Brick Township Teen Center has officially reopened at the Civic Plaza, welcoming students in grades 6 through 12 to a newly re-imagined facility packed with activities and supervised space. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place Monday and was attended by Mayor Lisa Crate, members of the Township Council, Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, and local residents. The event marked the Teen Center’s return as a hub for young residents after a period of closure and renovation. The center, now open weekdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., provides Brick

Bagels meet burritos at Casa Oaxaca Mexican fusion in Brick Township

Breaking Local News ReportApril 18, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A unique blend of bagels and bold Mexican flavors has officially landed in Brick Township, with the grand opening of Casa Oaxaca Bagels and Mexican Fusion drawing local leaders and residents alike over the weekend. Mayor Lisa Crate and Councilwoman Heather deJong attended the ribbon cutting at the new establishment, located at 344 Herbertsville Road, marking the official welcome of the eatery to the township. The event celebrated the fusion concept that aims to pair classic bagels with authentic Mexican cuisine. “This exciting new eatery brings something truly special to our community,” township officials shared, highlighting

Brooklyn woman charged in hate crime after swastika brick left on Tesla

Breaking Local News ReportApril 12, 20250

BROOKLYN, NY — A Brooklyn woman has been arrested in connection with a disturbing hate crime involving anti-Semitic vandalism targeting a parked Tesla on Ditmas Avenue, police said. Key Points Arrest made in anti-Semitic vandalism case Natasha Cohen, 46, of 581 Ocean Parkway, was taken into custody on Friday at approximately 7:51 p.m. within the 66th Precinct. She faces charges including second-degree aggravated harassment as a hate crime, third-degree criminal mischief, and related offenses. The arrest follows an incident reported earlier in the week, in which a 38-year-old man parked his vehicle opposite 617 Ditmas Avenue on April 7. Surveillance

Brick Township launches spring leaf collection April 7

Breaking Local News ReportApril 4, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — Brick Township will begin its annual Spring Collection of bagged leaves on Monday, April 7, with pickups scheduled according to residents’ recycling days and continuing through April 25. Key Points The township’s Department of Public Works announced that leaf pickup will follow this schedule: Residents must place bagged leaves at the curb by 6 a.m. on the first day of their scheduled collection period. Each bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds. Only leaves will be collected—branches, twigs, and other debris are not permitted. In addition to curbside collection, residents may bring bagged leaves to the

Summer’s calling: Brick Township opens registration for kids’ camp on April 7

Breaking Local News ReportApril 4, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — Registration for Brick Township’s 2025 Recreation Summer Camp opens Monday, April 7 at 7:30 a.m., giving families the chance to enroll their children in a six-week program packed with games, activities, and optional trips. Key Points The camp will operate weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Windward Beach Park. Registration is open to township residents between the ages of 5 and 13. The cost is $150 per camper. Summer Camp 2025 will run from June 30 through August 5. In addition to daily recreational activities, participants can sign up for special field trips, which are

Boogie nights: Brick Township opens registration for 1970s-themed senior citizen prom

Breaking Local News ReportApril 4, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — Registration is now open for Brick Township’s Annual Senior Prom, inviting residents aged 60 and older to attend a 1970s-themed night of music, dancing, and food on Friday, May 2 at the Civic Plaza. Key Points This year’s prom, themed “Friday Night Fever,” will take place at 270 Chambers Bridge Road and will celebrate the music and style of the disco era. The event is presented by The Buckley Insurance Group. “Mayor Lisa Crate and the Township Council invite Brick Township residents ages 60 and over to an evening of music, dancing, food and fun,” the township

Brick Farmers Market returns in May with over 60 vendors lined up

Breaking Local News ReportApril 4, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — The Brick Farmers Market will return for its 11th season on Saturday, May 3, bringing back a weekly lineup of vendors, produce, and local goods at Windward Beach Park, officials announced. Key Points The market will be held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through October 4. Admission is free, and the event is open to leashed dogs. Mayor Lisa Crate confirmed the vendor list is already full with returning favorites and new sellers. “This year’s Brick Farmers Market promises to be our best one yet,” she said. “We have over 60 vendors signed up

Brick Township Needs Summer Crossing Guards

Breaking Local News ReportApril 2, 20250

Brick Township Seeks Summer Crossing Guards

**Brick Township, NJ** – Brick Township is accepting applications for Summer Crossing Guards positions.

Candidates should be 18 or older and available to work weekends. Responsibilities include pedestrian crossing assistance at beaches, and addressing public inquiries regarding beaches and parking.

The township seeks responsible, patient, and self-directed individuals. While prior crossing guard experience is preferred, it is not mandatory.

This full-time, seasonal position lasts from May to September, with a starting salary of $17 per hour. Work hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Applications must be submitted by May 9, 2025. Interested applicants can apply online through the Brick Township’s official website.

This Brick Hot Dog Truck as the Best DWD’s in the Area

Breaking Local News ReportApril 2, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — A local hot dog truck is heating up the lunch scene in Ocean County with a growing reputation for delivering some of the best dirty water dogs, and we say that with love. Pattie’s Franks, located at 1436 Route 88 in Brick, is serving up Sabrett hot dogs with a signature snap and a wide selection of fresh toppings, drawing loyal midday crowds from Tuesday through Friday. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the roadside spot has become a go-to destination for fans of old-school, no-frills flavor. “Fresh and delicious toppings. Sabretts with that Snap,” highlights

Brick Township’s Deputy Chief Steven Gerling retires after 30 years of service

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 31, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Deputy Chief Steven Gerling of the Brick Township Police Department has officially retired, closing out a 30-year law enforcement career that spanned from K9 handler to the department’s administrative services commander. Hired in January 1995, Gerling began his career as a field training officer and worked alongside his K9 partner, Cody. He was promoted to sergeant in 2006 and became a supervisor of the department’s K9 unit. In 2014, he rose to the rank of lieutenant, serving as operations division shift commander and later as professional standards unit commander. He continued his upward trajectory, becoming captain

Senator Andy Kim Town Hall to Protest ‘Trump Lawlessness’ Saturday at Brick Township PAL

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 21, 20250

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) will kick off a series of in-person town halls this week, continuing his stated commitment to open dialogue with constituents as critical federal budget negotiations loom in Washington. The first event is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Brick Township Police Athletic League in Ocean County. Two additional town halls are planned in other regions of the state, with details to be announced. The events come as Congress prepares for a contentious reconciliation process, during which a Republican-led package is expected to propose cuts to Medicaid, education, and other

Brick Township announces spring leaf collection schedule

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 20, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ — Brick Township’s annual spring leaf collection for bagged leaves will begin on Monday, April 7, and will follow the township’s recycling schedule. The collection schedule is as follows: Residents must place bagged leaves at the curb by 6 a.m. on the first day of their designated collection period. Only leaves in bags will be collected, and each bag must not exceed 50 pounds. Branches, twigs, and other debris should not be included. Leaves may also be dropped off at the Brick Township Recycling Center, located at 836 Ridge Road, which is open Monday through Saturday from

Princeton Avenue in Brick Township to close for 14-day construction project

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 8, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A section of Princeton Avenue will be closed to all traffic for up to 14 working days starting on or about March 10, 2025, due to a construction project by Ocean County Utilities and Brick Township MUA, officials announced. The closure will extend from Jordan/Midstreams Road to Parker Avenue, with traffic detoured to Jordan Road, Route 88, Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant, and Beaver Dam Road. The work zone will be inaccessible to all vehicles, including residents, delivery drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation. Only emergency vehicles will be permitted to pass through. Residents east of

Pickup truck rear-ends school bus in Brick Township; minor injuries reported

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 7, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A pickup truck collided with a Brick Township Public Schools bus Thursday morning after following too closely, causing a rear-end crash, police said. The incident occurred at approximately 8:21 a.m. in the 200 block of Cherry Quay Road. Minor injuries were reported. Brick Township Police, EMTs, and school officials coordinated to ensure students were safely discharged to their parents or transported to school. Authorities reminded drivers to obey speed limits and exercise caution around school buses. The investigation remains ongoing.

A Foodie’s Delight: The Coal-Fired Pizza at Zoni’s Brooklyn Brick Pizzeria

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 6, 20250

If you’re a pizza aficionado on the hunt for a slice that combines tradition, flavor, and that perfect crispy bite, Zoni’s Brooklyn Brick Coal Oven Pizzeria in Sea Girt, NJ, might just be your next obsession. Nestled at 2100 NJ-35, this spot—formerly The Coal House—has quickly made a name for itself since opening its doors in August 2024, bringing the authentic taste of Brooklyn-style, coal-fired pizza to the Jersey Shore. With a 1,000-degree coal oven at its heart, Zoni’s promises a crust that’s thin, charred, and delightfully crisp, and the reviews from Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Google suggest it’s living up

Crate Team announces slate for Brick municipal election

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 6, 20250

BRICK, N.J. — The Crate Team for Brick has announced its Democratic candidates for the upcoming municipal election, with Mayor Lisa Crate and Councilwoman Heather deJong seeking re-election alongside council candidates Dan Ward and Rocco Lepore. “We have kept taxes stable and that’s our most important job,” said Crate. “It hasn’t been easy with inflation making everything cost more, but just like families across Brick, we are finding ways to do more with less.” Crate, the first woman directly elected as Brick’s mayor, has prioritized debt reduction, open space preservation, and public safety. She has expanded senior services, maintained a

Brick Township police to host ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event today

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 5, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Residents will have the opportunity to meet and engage with local police officers during the Brick Township Police Department’s “Coffee with a Cop” event on March 5. The gathering will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Manhattan Bagel, located at 702 Route 70. Officers will be available to discuss community concerns and answer questions in an informal setting over coffee. The event aims to foster relationships between law enforcement and the public by providing an open forum for conversation. “It’s a great chance to connect with those who serve our community,” the department

Former Brick GOP Candidates Under State Investigation Over Financial Discrepancies in 2023 Campaign

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 28, 20250

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has launched an investigation into the campaign finance filings of Team Catalano, a joint candidates committee for municipal office in Brick Township, according to an official letter sent on February 21. The letter, addressed to candidates John Catalano, Mary Buckley, Theresa Gallagher, Rocco Palmieri, James L. Palmisano, and Treasurer Carmen J. Memoli, states that the investigation will focus on compliance with the state’s campaign finance disclosure laws during the 2023 general election. Officials have requested financial documents, including bank statements, receipts ledgers, contributor records, and expenditure details, covering the

Brick Township Cat Hoarder Pleads Guilty As State Pushes for Jail Time, Pet Ownership Ban

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 24, 20250

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Brick Township man pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered 157 cats and three dogs living in squalid conditions at his home, prosecutors said. Jeffrey Finlay, 56, entered the plea before Ocean County Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer in connection with the May 4, 2023, incident. He faces up to 180 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation at his sentencing on April 25. Prosecutors are also seeking a lifetime ban on animal ownership and community service unrelated to animals. Police responded to Finlay’s Mantoloking

Operator of Brick Drug Den Set Free Under New Jersey Bail Reform After Arrest

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 19, 20250

BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 37-year-old Brick Township man has been charged with multiple narcotics offenses following a month-long investigation into the distribution of marijuana and psilocybin in Ocean County, officials announced Wednesday. According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, detectives identified James Giordano as using a residence on Hammock Road in Brick to store and distribute illegal substances. On February 11, 2025, the Brick Township Police Special Emergency Response Team executed a court-authorized search warrant, leading to the seizure of approximately 18 pounds of marijuana, 3.5 pounds of hashish/THC oil, 14 ounces of THC edibles, 12 ounces of