If you drive through town, it’s easy to see that we still have many City projects currently underway, including road work on Central and Landis Avenues, the construction of our new Welcome Center on JFK Boulevard and the creation of a new parking lot where our former Library and Beach Tag Office once stood. In the weeks ahead, we will also be working on other projects, including the installation of four-way stop signs on Central Avenue at 59th and 63rd Streets, which will increase pedestrian safety near Dealy Field. Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during these recent construction efforts.

As the summer season approaches, more and more exciting events are taking place in Sea Isle City. In the weeks ahead, look for the Police Unity Tour to roll into town on May 10, which will be highlighted by a special ceremony honoring Officer Michael “Mickey” Cullinane, who died in the line of duty here in Sea Isle City in 1992. Then, on May 12, the Karl Boehret Surf Fishing Tournament will take place, as will Sea Isle's city-wide Yard Sale, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization. During that same weekend, the Chamber will also host their 2012 Mother's Day Shopping event on May 12-13, which will include discounts at businesses throughout town.

One week later, May 19 promises to be our busiest Saturday this spring, thanks to the Garden Club's annual Flower Sale and a variety of other activities taking place during Sea Isle's Community Day, which will include a Shredding Event hosted by 1st Bank of Sea Isle City, discounted rides at Funland Amusement Park, a Saturday morning City Council meeting, a public bicycle auction, a Real Estate Fair, and the opportunity to meet City Department heads and other community leaders, who can tell you all about what's happening in town.

Following Community Day, the Environmental Commission's annual Turtle Party will take place on Sunday, May 20, at the Lobster Loft Restaurant. Then, before we know it, it will be Memorial Day Weekend, which will feature the Tri-For-Our-Vets Triathlon, a Sidewalk Sale at the T.I. Civic Center and our yearly Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park. Be sure to read the “Did You Know” section below or visit www.seaislecitynj.us to learn more about our upcoming events.

This spring, you will also notice that many new businesses have opened their doors here in Sea Isle City. In recent years, our town has experienced tremendous growth in our business community, and our retail and restaurant options have never been more exciting. In fact, during the past three years a total of 37 new businesses have joined our “Sea Isle City Family of Merchants” – which is an amazing number! As we grow, we will maintain our small town charm and strong sense of community, and we will continually welcome all comers with open arms as we hold on to our wonderful history and all that has made Sea Isle City the special place it is today.

Of course, not everyone comes to Sea Isle just for our fantastic restaurants and abundant shopping options. The beach is our biggest draw, and thanks to our recent beach replenishment projects, our shoreline is wider and stronger than ever. If you haven't yet purchased your 2012 beach tags, keep in mind that seasonal tags will be on sale at the pre-season rate of $20 until May 15. After May 15, the price goes up to $25 – so buy your beach tags today (visit www.seaislecitynj.us and click the “City Department” and “Beach Tag” tabs for more details).

In closing, I would like to give a “shout out” to long time Sea Isle City summer resident Sal Rose, who faithfully reads these bi-weekly E-Newsletters in order to keep in touch with his favorite seashore community. I am looking forward to seeing Sal and many other familiar faces in the months ahead, and I am grateful to everyone who stays informed through Sea Isle’s E-News System. I ask each of you to tell a friend about our E-Newsletters and E-Alerts, which are a great way to learn all about the many events, projects and happenings taking place in Sea Isle City.

Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!