2020:

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This Weeks News 8/27/2020

After a Sunday evening rainshower, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. This view was captured from Avalon Boulevard looking toward Sea Isle City. The Spinnaker Condominiums are visible at the base of the rainbow.
 
FISH ON! The annual MidAtlantic Tournament was held last week, with 183 boats competing for over $4 million in prize money. A blue marlin weighing 815 pounds took first place in that category, winning $380,000 in prize money, barely beating the second place 803-pound blue marlin. A 195-pound tuna and 46-pound dolphin (mahi mahi) topped their respective categories. Sport fishing boats from up and down the east coast gather in Cape May, NJ and Ocean City, MD each year to battle each other during the week-long MidAtlantic Tournament. 
 
THE ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALE is on this weekend in Stone Harbor, beginning Thursday, August 27th and running through Sunday, August 30th. From 9am to 5pm each day (2pm on Sunday) check out a variety of local merchants as they display sale items outside for easy browsing. (Masks are required for those entering stores, and recommended outside.) 
 
AMELIA EARHART & CHARLES LINDBERGH will make guest appearances Labor Day Weekend at Naval Air Station Wildwood during the museum's annual AirFest. American Historical Theatre actress Pat Jordan will play Earhart on Saturday, September 5th, and Neill Hartley will portray Lindbergh on Sunday, September 6th. AirFest itself will be reduced in scope due to Covid, but the Classic Jet Aircraft Association will be flying, landing, and doing a meet & greet.

INFO & TICKETS: NAVAL AIR STATION WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM 
 
6ABC: TOP 6 DINING SPOTS IN STONE HARBOR! Philadelphia's 6ABC has brought its "Top 6" feature to Stone Harbor, naming their six favorite dining spots in town. Watch the clip here: 6ABC.COM - TOP 6 DINING SPOTS IN STONE HARBOR. If you'd rather cut to the chase, here are the restaurants 6ABC named: Water Star Grille at the Reeds, Buckets Margarita Bar, Jays on Third, Spiaggetta, Fred's Tavern, and Ristorante Luciano. 
 
OSPREYS HAVE FLEDGED! The Wetlands Institute has reported that all three young ospreys have fledged! This report appeared on their Facebook page: "After a few short, tentative flights just off the platform earlier this week, all three young have gotten adventurous--if not entirely graceful or completely confident. But now that they've had a taste of the air, there's no going back!" The osprey population has rebounded in recent years thanks to conservation efforts. At this time of year ospreys can be observed in numerous locations around the island. Look for their nests atop elevated platforms in the back bay areas. There is a very visible nest adjacent to the south of Avalon Boulevard where it enters Avalon. 
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: SAIL ABOARD THE AJ MEERWALD! New Jersey's official tall ship, the AJ Meerwald, is a restored 1928 oyster dredging schooner. The Meerwald usually spends time visiting and sailing from Atlantic City and Cape May each summer, but due to Covid the ship is sailing the Delaware Bay from its home port of Port Norris this summer. Morning, afternoon, and evening sails are available through September. Passengers may participate in sail handling, or sit back and relax!

MORE DETAILS: THE AJ MEERWALD - BAYSHORE CENTER AT BIVALVE

 

This Weeks News 8/20/2020

Maura takes a break from checking out her dad Scott's new surf rod in order to pose for a beach picture. Surf fishing has been productive lately, yielding a variety of catches.
 
COAST GUARD RESCUES SEA TURTLE: Crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Shearwater rescued a sea turtle that became entangled in a fish trap line about 11 miles from Cape May.

SEA TURTLE ENTANGLED IN LINE, CIRCLED BY SHARKS RESCUED IN SOUTH JERSEY - 6ABC.COM 
 


VIEW THE LATEST LONG & FOSTER MARKET MINUTE REPORT  |  DOWNLOAD/PRINT PDF
 
MARKET STATS: 41 units sold during the month of July, a sharp increase over last month (and last July). The number of properties placed under contract in July increased 86% over last year. Both factors have contributed to the continuing reduction in the number of active listings, which is at its lowest level in recent years. For full details see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report above.
 
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR! After a summer filled with hot, humid weather, the lower temperatures (and lower humidity levels) that moved in early in the week feel like a breath of fresh air! The cooler temperatures will be with us for a few days.
 
WHY NOT STAY? That's the question many are asking themselves this August. With so many schools and businesses operating virtually this fall, many vacation home owners are considering staying in their second homes beyond Labor Day, which marks the traditional close of summer. Working or studying virtually from a shore home is just as effective as doing it from home--but allows for enjoyment of the beach and other shore amenities during off hours. A stronger & longer fall season is anticipated this year, allowing shore businesses an opportunity to make up for revenue lost early in the season due to Covid.
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: Jetties, piers, and docks! Perhaps you're a die-hard landlubber but you'd still like to enjoy the ocean & bay...If so, here are some free, land-based ways to get out on the water without ever leaving terra firma!
 
Avalon:  

• the seawall at Townsend's Inlet: it's a great place to fish, watch boats, or marvel at the power of ocean waves as they roll into the inlet.
   
• 8th Street Jetty: the jetty extends well out into the ocean and is suitable for fishing or sightseeing. At the end, turn around for a view back toward Avalon's beach as well as Townsend's Inlet.
   
• Avalon Bay Park Marina: near 53rd Street there is a pier out over the bay. It's a great place to watch a sunset!

Avalon Manor:

• the fishing pier at the foot of Old Avalon Boulevard (where it meets the IntraCoastal Waterway) has been fully rebuilt and offers plenty of space for fishing, or simply taking in a great view of the bay.

Stone Harbor: 

• 81st Street Municipal Marina: the west-facing seawall is a good fishing location, and also a great place to watch an approaching thunderstorm from the safety of your car!
   
• 83rd Street Pier: the fishing pier is a prime spot to drop a line or do some crabbing while taking in a view of Stone Harbor's bayfront.
   
• 114th Street: fish or crab from the end of the street, watch birds and other wildlife, or catch a great sunset over uninhabited Sedge Island.

Sea Isle City:  

• 59th Street Pier: fish, crab, watch passing boats, or catch a sunset!
   
• Townsend's Inlet Waterfront Park: a beach path leads to the beach at the foot of the Townsend's Inlet Bridge. The beach wraps around the southern tip of Sea Isle City, and is a great spot for fishing, sunsets, and views of the bridge, as well as inlet and ocean views, too!

 

This Weeks News 8/13/2020

A Waverunner cruises through a creek in the back bay--another way to "Get out on the water!" 
 
DOLPHINS EVERYDAY! Most beachgoers have been treated to frequent dolphin sightings this year. Pods of dolphins--either playing or feeding--have been spotted just outside the surf line nearly every day this summer. Their presence is usually credited to good water conditions and abundant sources of food. Whether you're walking the beach, swimming in the surf, or sitting in your chair, keep an eye on the water just beyond the surf. Chances are you'll spot a pod of dolphins working their way along the beach!
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: WAVERUNNER RENTALS! With a cool breeze in your face and an occasional splash of spray, nothing quite matches the exhilaration of zipping across the surface of the water on a hot summer day! Waverunners can be rented from nearly a dozen locations in Cape May County, including Island Water Sports at 97th & the bay in Stone Harbor.
 
A 70 PERCENT REDUCTION in fire sirens is anticipated in Avalon after Mayor Martin Pagliughi announced new guidelines for the sounding of the fire siren throughout the borough. After working with the fire department and the borough, Mayor Pagliughi issued an executive order silencing the sirens for routine calls that rarely result in a true emergency, such as fire/smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. Sirens will still sound for actual fires, landing zone assignments, motor vehicle accidents and water rescues.
 
STONE HARBOR STORIES: The Stone Harbor Museum has assembled a collection of stories and videos chronicling various aspects of the borough's history. Photographs, video interviews, and short articles cover a variety of topics ranging from the opening of Stone Harbor Boulevard to boat races on the back bay. The stories offer a glimpse into the past, documenting what it was like here on the island decades ago.

CHECK THEM OUT: STONE HARBOR STORIES - THE STONE HARBOR MUSEUM
 
IT'S MID-AUGUST--TIME TO REVIEW THE SUMMER BUCKET LIST! With the summer season flying by, it's time to review your Summer Bucket List and make sure you set aside time to enjoy what you love. Whether it's a sunrise walk on the beach, a round of golf with friends, or teaching your grandchild to fish, take steps to make sure it happens!
 
INTEREST RATES: WOW! Mortgage interest rates are often cited as one of the major factors driving the real estate market--and they continue to do so. With thirty-year fixed rates for conventional mortgages (up to $510,400) recently dropping below 3%, it's an incredible opportunity to lock in low financing costs--for the duration of your seashore ownership! Even jumbo loans (over $510,400) are inexpensive, with rates just a tad higher than conventional loans. Contact Mike Mento of Prosperity Mortgage at 609-839-1203 for the very latest rates & financing options. Mike is a pro and can quickly assess your situation and help you determine which mortgage loan is right for you!

 

This Weeks News 8/6/2020

Just hours after Tropical Storm Isaias began on Tuesday morning, winds subsided and the sky turned blue. For a quick look at conditions during the storm, check out the video link below!
 
WETLANDS SUMMER CELEBRATION! The Wetlands Institute will be holding its 6th Annual Summer Celebration online this year. The Silent Auction is open for bidding and includes dozens of fantastic experiences, wine, art and more. Bidding ends August 13th. The Live Celebration takes place August 6, 2020 from 6:30-7:30 pm.
 
REGISTER TO BID - WETLANDS INSTITUTE VIA GIVESMART
 
MORE INFORMATION - WETLANDS INSTITUTE SUMMER CELEBRATION
 
BEACH MOVIES ARE BEING SHOWN on Avalon's beach on Tuesdays at approximately 8:30pm. Bring a chair, wear a mask, keep your distance, and relax while you kick back and enjoy a movie!
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: RESTAURANTS! Continuing our look at ways to "get out on the water," this week we'll highlight some of the area's waterfront restaurants. A peaceful water view enhances any meal, and dining by the water is a special treat! Most have outdoor dining, and most of the Bayfront locations offer temporary dockage for patrons arriving by boat. Here are several waterfront restaurants, listed by town:
 
Sea Isle City: Carmen's Seafood Restaurant; Mike's Seafood; Oar House Pub; Sunset Pier Restaurant and Juice Bar;
 
Avalon: Moran's Dockside, Avalon Fishing Center (deli/takeout); The Sandbar Village (next to the beach at Icona Avalon; The Windrift (ocean view);
 
Stone Harbor: Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina; Water Star Grille at The Reeds at Shelter Haven; Stone Harbor Pizza Pub;
 
North Wildwood: Lazy Bass Bar & Grill; The Surfing Pig; South Dock Café & Marina;
 
Wildwood: The Wharf; Urie's Waterfront; Boathouse Restaurant; Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grill;
 
Wildwood Crest: Two Mile Crab House;
 
Cape May: Harborview Restaurant; The Lobster House; Saltwater Café at South Jersey Marina; Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille (ocean view); McGlade's On The Pier (beachfront);  Oceanview Restaurant; The Cove Restaurant & Seaside Deck (ocean view).
 
FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS IN WILDWOOD are back! This Friday the weekly tradition of fireworks on the beach resumes in Wildwood at 10pm, and will continue weekly until September 4th. The fireworks are launched at Rio Grande Avenue & the beach and are visible for miles around, including some areas of Stone Harbor and Avalon.
 
FOR FIVE HOURS Tropical Storm Isaias brought heavy wind & rain to Avalon & Stone Harbor beginning early Tuesday morning. Due to the inland track of the storm, the heaviest winds came first from a southeasterly direction, and then shifted to southwesterly as the storm pulled away from the area. The quick-moving storm caused little in the way of flooding, but downed power lines causing some outages, downed tree limbs, and loose shingles or gutters were the most common issues. Farther north in Strathmere a tornado was reported, and it made its way across the bay to Marmora, where it damaged buildings, trees, and automobiles. Take a quick look at conditions on the bay in Stone Harbor during the storm:
 
STONE HARBOR DURING TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS--AUGUST 4, 2020 VIDEO
 
LAST CALL FOR AUGUST RENTALS! Still need to book that last minute getaway? Now's the time! Call or email me with your specifications!
 
FROM $650,000 to $10,500,000: check out the new listings below, and those that have been placed under contract, or recently sold. Prices range from $650,000 to over $10,000,000. Whatever your budget, and whatever your desires, let's make it happen for you this year! Call or email me...we'll discuss your specific needs, and I'll help find the perfect place for you!