The BRICK Times Vol. 26 - No. 3
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Officials “Unlock The Ocean” For Ceremonial Start Of Summer
Memorial Day BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 7
Community News Page 9-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 24
Photo by Andrew Rice Point Pleasant Mayor Doug Vitale twists the ceremonial key and unlocks the ocean for summer. By Andrew Rice JERSEY SHORE - Crowds gathered on the beach at Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, and Long Beach Island on Friday, May 15, for the 4th annual Unlocking The Ocean event, which is an event hosted a week before Memorial Day to signify that the beach towns, which are normally quiet for most of the year, are now open for business. The event itself was only hosted in one spot for
Council Accepts Grants
By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - The governing body approved the addition of several grants during a recent Township Council meeting, starting with a 2026 Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $282,455. “These funds are earmarked by the federal government to assist income-eligible seniors in need of household repairs and for social service agencies that help address the unmet needs of our community,” said Council Vice President Derrick Ambrosino. This grant is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Community Planning and Development, he said. Another grant to be inserted into the budget is approximately (Grant - See Page 4)
the previous three years, but this year two more locations were added so that all the different regions of Ocean County were included. Those running the events made the trek throughout almost all of Ocean County’s coastline, as they held the event in Point Pleasant at 9 a.m., before making their stops at Seaside Heights and Long Beach Island at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The event was put on by the Ocean County (Unlock The Ocean - See Page 5)
May 23, 2026
School Budget Cuts 40 Jobs By Andrew Rice BRICK - The Board of Education adopted its 2026-27 budget at its most recent meeting, which includes a net reduction of 40 positions. Superintendent Dr. Thomas Farrell said that this is one of the toughest budgets that they have ever had to manage since he started working with the Brick Board of Ed. “To say that I feel like we are just keeping the ship afloat would be an understatement,” said Farrell about the budget. According to Farrell, they were not allowed to exceed the tax levy cap of 2 percent this year and did not receive additional stabilization aid. The budget faces increasing costs of education, while not having the proper funding to make up for those rising costs, despite the overall budget increasing from last year’s budget. The current budget accounts for a class size of approximately 27 students per class. “Once again, we are foregoing capital projects, facility improvements, roofs, parking lots, etc, in order to retain positions, people. Just to reiterate, according to the New Jersey Department of Education, Brick schools is $30 million under adequacy (spending) still. The adequacy budget is what the state tells us is a thorough and efficient education.” In other words, the state has a figure for what it costs to educate students in a district of Brick’s size. Brick is doing the job for $30 million less. Therefore, school officials are saying that (School Budget - See Page 4)
Fundraising Walk Leads People In The Right Direction By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – The weather was brisk as people hit the Seaside Heights boardwalk for a fundraising walk to help people strengthen their homes against the elements. While the Northern Ocean Habitat For Humanity is known for providing housPhoto courtesy Northern Ocean Habitat For Humanity es to families in need, they also have a The Northern Ocean Habitat For Humanity Walk To Build vibrant Critical Home Repair program. brought volunteers and staff together for a good cause. (Fundraising Walk - See Page 5)
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