Small businesses and non-profits that missed previous deadlines to apply have another chance TRENTON, N.J. (May 26, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) reopened pre-registration for Phase 4 of its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program this morning, Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., the Authority announced today. In line with his commitment to a stronger and fairer economic recovery, Governor Phil Murphy recently announced the allocation of $200 million in additional funds to help fulfill Phase 4 grant applications. Small business owners and non-profits that have not previously applied for Phase 4 grants may pre-register as a preliminary step toward applying for grants of up to $20,000.   The $200 million in additional funds will continue to support the most adversely affected businesses in New Jersey, including $20 million... Read More

New Jersey, which was the first state in the nation to put an indoor masking requirement in place on April 8, 2020, will be lifting that statewide indoor mask mandate via executive order on Friday, May 28, Gov. Phil Murphy said today. Additionally, the state’s current requirement for maintaining six feet of social distance in all indoor and outdoor settings will also be lifted on May 28. This includes restaurants, retail spaces, personal care businesses, gyms, recreational and entertainment businesses such as casinos, religious services, weddings, political activities, funerals and memorial services, and performances. Murphy added that individual businesses and other entities, which oversee indoor spaces may continue to require that employees and customers/guests wear facemasks or maintain six feet of distance if they so choose. Dance floors in bars and restaurants will also... Read More

Ocean City’s hermit-crab mascot will seek his shadow in a local version of Groundhog Day at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8, on the beach next to the Music Pier (between Moorlyn Terrace and Ninth Street). Martin Z. Mollusk has successfully predicted an early summer every year for more than four decades (sometimes, of course, with the creative use of flashlights by his handlers).   Martin’s prediction this year will be more important than ever, because we know everybody is anxious for the arrival of summer after a year of so many sacrifices.   The Martin Z. Mollusk Day program also will include the life-sized Martin Z. and Mollie Mollusk mascots. Together, the Mollusks make up the first family of “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”   The winners of the 2021 Martin Z. Mollusk Coloring Contest will be... Read More

With COVID-19 Numbers Trending Decisively in the Right Direction, Governor Murphy Announces Additional Easing of Restrictions Changes Include Removal of All Percentage Capacity Limits for Indoor and Outdoor Businesses, Lifting of Prohibition on Indoor Bar Seating, and Removal of Outdoor Gathering Limit Changes Effective in Two Phases – On Friday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 19  Today, Governor Murphy will sign an executive order that makes the following changes effective Friday, May 7 (some of which were previously scheduled to take effect on Monday, May 10): Outdoor gatherings limit – The limit will increase to 500 persons, up from 200. Large venue outdoor capacity – The maximum capacity allowed will increase to 50% for venues with 1,000 fixed seats or more, as long as six feet of distance is maintained, up from 30% capacity for... Read More