TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 21 - No. 15
In This Week’s Edition
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Beach Bash Draws Summer Fun To Ortley Beach
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Government Page 8
Community News Pages 9-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
Photo courtesy Friends Of Ortley Beach (Left)A young girl gets her arm decorated with a bit of artwork during the recently held Beach Bash off 3rd Avenue in Ortley Beach. (Right) Several attendees of this year’s Beach Bash event in the Ortley Beach section of Toms River Township enjoy some fun off 3rd Avenue. By Mary Ann Kiczek TOMS RIVER - With the sand freshly replenished and the weather on its side, Ortley Beach came alive during a recent summer evening, as residents, vacationers, and visitors gathered for Beach Bash 2025 - a summer celebration hosted by the nonprofit Friends of Ortley Beach. Hundreds turned out in the Ortley Beach section of Toms River Township to celebrate a favorite summer tradition on the 3rd Avenue beach and boardwalk. Beach Bash 2025 drew several hundred attendees of all ages, eager for a full evening of community fun. The event featured a little something for everyone: beach games, live music, food trucks, raffles, and even a visit from the local fi re company. Children lined up for classic beach fun like hula hoop, limbo, and tug-of-war contests, drawing
cheers and plenty of sandy feet. More than 25 themed raffle baskets - filled with everything from beach gear and home goods to gift cards from local businesses - were awarded to lucky winners. A 50/50 cash raffle raised funds for future community events, with one attendee going home with a generous prize. “Summer in Ortley Beach is always something special,” said Elaine Desjadon. “It’s a chance to see familiar faces, enjoy the beach, and take part in events that bring the community together. It was clear that people were happy to be out, having fun, and making the most of a great night at the shore.” Food was another big draw. Local food trucks – Ohana Grill and Shore Good Eats – served up crowd favorites like lobster rolls, fish tacos, burgers, and fries. The Mister Softee truck rounded things out with ice cream cones, pops, and sundaes. (Beach Bash - See Page 8)
“Jaws” And The Real And Fake Sharks Of New Jersey
Photo courtesy Jim Dougherty Lifeguards Glenn Wright, Jim Dougherty, Paul Getty and David Getty pose with the shark fin in The Ocean County Review.
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – As movie buffs celebrate the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster movie “Jaws,” The Toms River Times looks back at two shark incidents at the Jersey Shore – one real and one bogus. Jim Dougherty recalled being a lifeguard in the summer of 1975 at Silver Beach in Toms River. He has long roots in this town. Toms River High School South named their gymnasium after his father, a teacher and coach. “‘Jaws’ put sharks on the map,” he said. There might be a porpoise or a dolphin spotting once in a while, but no one was thinking about sharks (Jaws - See Page 4)
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August 16, 2025
Police Hiring Rules Changed
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – The majority on the Township Council voted to change the way police officers are hired in town, favoring veterans over those with a college degree. Critics of the move said it is a way for the mayor to assert authority over the police chief. The previous hiring ordinance required a police candidate to have a bachelor’s degree or 64 credits with two years of service either as a police officer elsewhere or as a full-time active military member. The new version that was approved replaces this with an associate’s degree or having 60 college credits, or two years’ experience in the military. The police chief, mayor and business administrator would interview candidates in the new version, changed from members of the police department’s command staff. During the recent Township Council meeting where this change was approved, Mayor Daniel Rodrick celebrated the change as a way to serve veterans. “I feel the U.S. military prepares you above and beyond to be a Toms River Police Officer,” he said. They would still go through the police academy. (Police Hiring - See Page 5)
Traps Seem To Lower Greenhead Fly Numbers
By Stephanie Faughnan HOLGATE - It starts with a slap. Then another. Within minutes, a summer beach day along the Jersey Shore can turn into a scramble for cover. Umbrellas close, coolers are packed, and fl ip flops shuffle quickly toward the dunes. The cause isn’t a shark in the surf but a change in wind direction, from east to west, carrying swarms of greenhead fl ies from the marshes onto the sand. With iridescent eyes and a painful bite, the insects can drive many beachgoers off the shoreline when conditions are right. (Fly Trap - See Page 22)
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