I am not certain where the month of January went, but February is here and we are very close to another fun-filled Presidents Weekend in Sea Isle City. If you haven’t already done so, I hope you are making plans to be with us, because it promises to be a banner weekend – thanks to the Recreation Office’s Family Skate Night on Valentines Day evening, the shopping and dining specials that will be offered at participating businesses throughout town, and the annual Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism on February 15, which I am told is going to be bigger and better than ever!
On Ground Hogs Day, I thought it would be fun to walk outside and see if I cast a shadow. Because February 2 was a rather cloudy day here in Sea Isle City, there was no shadow to be seen. So, based on Punxsutawney Phil’s meteorological prognostication system, I predicted that this winter will soon be over and spring-like temperatures will be here before we know it. Even though I realize that I may not have the same weather forecasting skills as Phil, I am very hopeful that my prediction will soon come to pass because I think most of us are looking forward to the arrival of warm weather – and those glorious days of summer!
Obviously, there are a variety of reasons why people enjoy coming to Sea Isle City each summer. For many folks, spending time on our beautiful beaches is all they need to be happy. For some, it’s all about making memories with family and friends while fishing, surfing, kayaking or enjoying one of the many other outdoor activities that are possible along our beautiful shoreline and back bays. For others, however, Sea Isle City’s annual line-up of family-friendly entertainment at the Excursion Park Band Shell is a very big draw.
One of Sea Isle’s most beloved seasonal attractions is our free summer concerts series on Saturday evenings. If you are one of the countless people who look forward to our annual Concerts Under the Stars, I have some “breaking news” for you, because the city’s Tourism Office has recently confirmed this year’s line-up of performances, which will once again include a variety of talented tribute bands. Plus, this year we have two bands that spotlight specific musical genres that are very popular right now – so, it promises to be another terrific summer for music lovers here in Sea Isle City!
Because so many people enjoy our concerts each summer, we are often asked the question: “When is Sea Isle’s concert line-up being announced?” With that in mind, it is my great pleasure to reveal our 2025 Concerts Under the Stars schedule…
• June 28: Kick it Out (Heart Tribute)
• July 5: Queen Flash (Queen Tribute)
• July 12: Double Vision (Foreigner Tribute)
• July 19: Yellow Brick Road (Elton John Tribute)
• July 26: 80’s Revolution (1980’s Party Music)
• August 2: Frontiers (Journey Tribute)
• August 9: Ronstadt Revue (Linda Ronstadt Tribute)
• August 16: Street Life Serenade (Billy Joel Tribute)
• August 23: Yacht Rock Gold (Smooth Hits of the 70’s & 80’s)
• August 30: Fearless (Taylor Swift Tribute)
With such a wonderful variety of musical performances planned – as well as our outdoor movies, family dance parties, guided beachcomber tours, summer sports camps, and other seasonal attractions – I hope you will be in Sea Isle City as often as your schedule permits so you won’t miss a moment of the fun during the summer of 2025!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
During the January 28 City Council meeting, Ordinance 1723 was Introduced with First Reading. Ordinance 1723 is a Bond Ordinance that appropriates $9,555,000 for a variety of capital improvements, including the acquisition of equipment and vehicles, city-wide road reconstruction and other infrastructure upgrades, and various improvements to city buildings and facilities. The items listed in this annual bond ordinance were previously approved in the city’s 2025 Capital Plan. Ordinance 1723 will have Second Reading (and possible adoption) during the February 25 City Council meeting.
Each of the resolutions on the January 28 Consent Agenda was approved, including Resolution 017, which confirmed Vincent Morrison as Municipal Judge, as part of the Shared Services Agreement between Sea Isle City and Dennis Township. City Council feels that Judge Morrison has done a very good job serving as our Municipal Judge over the years – and we also feel that Shared Service Agreements are cost-effective measures that benefit our community.
Additional resolutions that were approved on January 28 include…
• Resolution 012, which authorized a Professional Services Contract (not to exceed $79,000) with Contemporary Technologies, of Wildwood Crest, NJ, for IT Management Services for 2025.
• Resolution 021, which authorized the Approval of a Raffle Application for VFW Post 1963.
• Resolution 022, which authorized the use of various National Co-Op Contracts, including with Amazon, GovDeals, and Home Depot Pro.
• Resolution 028, which authorized a Cooperative Pricing System for the purchase of various Gym Equipment for Sea Isle’s future Community Center in the amount of $270,013, which was budgeted separately from the funds that were appropriated for the construction of the building and were included in a prior bond ordinance.
Our next City Council meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 11, on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
Best regards from the members of City Council,
Council President William Kehner
Frank Edwardi
J.B. Feeley
Jack Gibson
Mary Tighe
