The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 12 - No. 25
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
A Magical Trolley Comes To Town
December 21, 2024
Local Firefi ghter Receives Lifesaving Medal
BREAKING NEWS @
Photo courtesy Stacey Fahringer Clockwise starting top left, Connor, Carah and Caslynn Stanton with their favorite conductor, Grandpa Mark Stanton. The Bazerque family enjoys their ride on the trolley. Ryan and Kristin Lustig and their children Kendra, Brielle and Ariana prepare to board the Barnegat Express.
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Community News Pages 9-14
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 16
Classifieds Page 22
Inside The Law Page 23
By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – The magic of the season came alive in Barnegat as 425 residents climbed aboard the inaugural Barnegat Express for a trolley ride through some of the town’s most dazzling holiday light displays. Inspired by the beloved Polar Express, the event offered families a unique way to experience the festive spirit together - minus the trip to the North Pole.
The Barnegat Express rolled through 17 r uns along a set route off Barnegat Boulevard, bringing joy to participants of all ages. But the fun didn’t stop there - after the trolley ride, residents continued their celebration at
the Recreation Center, where the community came together for even more holiday cheer and activities. Locals Mike Barbagallo, Mark Stanton a nd Ba r negat Hig h School teacher Dave
Simler added charm and authenticity to the trolley rides as conductors, ensuring that every passenger experienced the magic of the Barnegat Express. For one family, the (Trolley - See Page 4)
Unidentified Drones Draw Concern Across Tri-State Area By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – Amid many reports of car-sized drones f lying at night across areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York and lukewarm responses from federal and state authorities, people are still asking who put them in the air and why? Speculation by the public has ranged from the drones being a new military technology being tested by the government for surveillance purposes to
others feeling the devices are being operated by a foreign power for more sinister purposes. Mayors from throughout the state were called to the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center recently. They were told by state authorities that there was nothing to worry about. However, they didn’t know what they were. This didn’t answer everyone’s questions. “How can you say there’s no need for
concern when you don’t even know where they come from and where they go or who owns them?” Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione said the following day. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office issued a post about the situation stating, “As reported sightings of drones continue throughout Monmouth County, Sheriff Shaun Golden is asking federal and state officials (Drones - See Page 5)
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Olinda Romero Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay presents Robert Selfridge with the Gold Life Saving Medal. By Chris Lundy PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Coast Guard presented the Gold Life Saving Medal to Robert Selfridge, a member of the Barnegat Light Fire Department, for his bravery in rescuing a mother and daughter who were trapped under a capsized boat. At 7 p.m. on August 7, 2022, the Coast Guard received a distress call from the Barnegat Inlet. A 23-foot boat had overturned. A number of agencies responded, including the Barnegat Light Fire Department. Five people were rescued but a mother and daughter were trapped inside the hull of the capsized boat, the Coast Guard reported. Selfridge took off his lifejacket to dive beneath the vessel and enter the cabin. He found the two of them surviving in an air pocket. He led them out and kept them afloat until they were pulled from the water by a Coast Guard crew. The Gold Lifesaving Medal was created by Act of Congress in 1874 and may be awarded to an individual who performs a rescue or attempts to rescue any other person from drowning, shipwreck or other peril of water, at the risk of their own life, and demonstrates extreme heroic daring. “This is such a surreal moment for me,” said Selfridge. “I am receiving the highest award for rescue and heroism, and I am honored beyond belief.” “Today I had the honor of formally presenting (Firefighter - See Page 5)
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