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

Prepare Your Application for the Emergency Assistance Grant Program Grants up to $20,000 are available for small- and medium-sized businesses and nonprofits that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in these grants, you will need to pre-register between Monday, April 19th at 9:00 a.m. and Thursday, April 29th at 5:00 p.m. If you do not pre-register, you will not be eligible for these grants. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday it will begin accepting applications in May for a number of the recently announced programs that are aimed at providing $85 million in grants to various types of small businesses. The programs include $25 million for microbusinesses (5 or fewer employees), $15 million for small businesses (6 to 50 employees), $10 million for child care... Read More

$28.6 Billion in Relief for Restaurant Industry American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”)—Restaurant Revitalization Act (“RRA”) Summary KEY Points •   A good deal of money is obtainable! •   Grants are non-taxable! •   All of your independent restaurants/beverage establishments will surely qualify! •   The ARPA provides $28.6 billion in grants designed to support the recovery of small and medium-sized food and beverage businesses. The grants will be awarded by the SBA (the federal Small Business Authority), and individual businesses are eligible to receive up to $5 million in grants, while businesses with up to 20 locations are eligible for a maximum of $10 million. •   The RRA grants are not treated as taxable gross income by the IRS. •   Eligible Entity— any restaurant is eligible if it’s consider a place where public or patrons can gather for the primary purpose of being served food... Read More