The SandPaper

07/24/2025

The Harvey Cedars Midsummer Meltdown tournament isn’t exclusive to male lifeguards. Each eight-competitor squad must have at least one female on it. Still, most of the competitors are guys.

The Harvey Cedars Midsummer Meltdown tournament isn’t exclusive to male lifeguards. Each eight-competitor squad must have at least one female on it. Still, most of the competitors are guys. Finally, Cedars caught on to the women’s tournament trend – hence, the Iron Maidens tournament on July 1...

07/23/2025

“There’s a warm embrace that wraps around you when you hit the foot of the bridge to Long Beach Island. Most people know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s like a blanket on a cold winter day. I’ve been lucky to feel that embrace every time I step behind the bar.”

“There’s a warm embrace that wraps around you when you hit the foot of the bridge to Long Beach Island. Most people know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s like a blanket on a cold winter day. I’ve been lucky to feel that embrace every time I step behind the bar.” So says Debra Carroll...

07/23/2025

Surf, sand and the sound of waves crashing to the shore.The all-women’s surf contest kicked off in Brant Beach this past Sunday, July 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 17th annual Jetty Coquina Jam.

Surf, sand and the sound of waves crashing to the shore.The all-women’s surf contest kicked off in Brant Beach this past Sunday, July 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 17th annual Jetty Coquina Jam. Two participants are paired randomly and compete as a team throughout the day. There are three round...

07/23/2025

Storm mitigation at the Jersey Shore in the form of beach nourishment is taking a hit under the House Republican appropriations bill, which earmarks $60 million, roughly a third of what is needed, to fund projects that protect life and property.

Storm mitigation at the Jersey Shore in the form of beach nourishment is taking a hit under the House Republican appropriations bill, which earmarks $60 million, roughly a third of what is needed, to fund projects that protect life and property. “First I have heard of it,” Surf City Councilman P...

07/23/2025

Maine 17-year-old Ayla Stutzman, in her second year competing, surfs a Coquina Jam-winning form. 📸 by Jack Reynolds

07/23/2025

The summer keeps packing them in for sun tan warmth or umbrella shade, chilling in popular Surf City. 📸 by Jack Reynolds

07/22/2025

Rose Dealessandro is convinced police work is the career path for her. “One of my Pop-Pop’s wishes for me was to become a police officer, because he said I was really caring and thought I’d be good at helping people,” said the 12-year-old, shortly before she and 34 other youngsters graduated from the Stafford Township Youth Police Academy on July 11.

Rose Dealessandro is convinced police work is the career path for her. “One of my Pop-Pop’s wishes for me was to become a police officer, because he said I was really caring and thought I’d be good at helping people,” said the 12-year-old, shortly before she and 34 other youngsters graduated...

07/22/2025

A summer evening tradition continues in Barnegat Township with Custom Blend playing at the Frederick Watts Gazebo Park Thursdays from 6 to 8 through Aug. 21, weather permitting. The concerts are sponsored by the recreation department.

A summer evening tradition continues in Barnegat Township with Custom Blend playing at the Frederick Watts Gazebo Park Thursdays from 6 to 8 through Aug. 21, weather permitting. The concerts are sponsored by the recreation department. The trio’s repertoire is a mixture of classic country, pop, fol...

07/22/2025

The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection announced substantial changes to its Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) coastal flood rules Monday, swatting down questions about whether those changes are in response to pressure from opposition.

The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection announced substantial changes to its Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) coastal flood rules Monday, swatting down questions about whether those changes are in response to pressure from opposition. “At the end of the day, we have to be respo...

07/22/2025

From baby terrapin turtles to mystic marshland walks and playful alpacas, Barnegat Bay Day at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences in Loveladies was booming with excitement.

From baby terrapin turtles to mystic marshland walks and playful alpacas, Barnegat Bay Day at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences in Loveladies was booming with excitement. Held last Wednesday, July 9, the 19th annual Barnegat Bay Day brought the LBI community together for one....

07/21/2025

For Captain Eric and the Shipwrecks, being a cover band is about more than just late nights at bars, playing Top 40 hits and going through the motions; it’s about connection and making people happy through music. At the Sea Shell Resort’s Full Moon Party on July 12, a yearly event well known as one of the biggest parties of the summer, the band was dedicated to curating the perfect feel-good setlist for a memorable night out.

For Captain Eric and the Shipwrecks, being a cover band is about more than just late nights at bars, playing Top 40 hits and going through the motions; it’s about connection and making people happy through music. At the Sea Shell Resort’s Full Moon Party on July 12, a yearly event well known as ...

07/21/2025

A year ago this week, the Stafford Township Police Department’s marine unit made its official debut with the maiden voyage ceremony of its newly acquired and outfitted 24-foot boat, a decommissioned Coast Guard vessel for which some 90% of the equipment had been donated.

A year ago this week, the Stafford Township Police Department’s marine unit made its official debut with the maiden voyage ceremony of its newly acquired and outfitted 24-foot boat, a decommissioned Coast Guard vessel for which some 90% of the equipment had been donated. It didn’t take long befo...