If you think summer ends with Labor Day at the Jersey Shore, think again. Starting Tuesday, the real summer fun begins—at least for the locals. As the crowds pack up their beach chairs and return to their daily grind, those who call the Jersey Shore home get to reclaim their beloved stretch of paradise. Welcome to “Locals’ Summer,” a golden season that offers everything you love about summer, minus the hassle.
For many locals, the best part of this time of year is the sheer tranquility. The infamous Jersey Shore traffic jams become a distant memory, making those quick trips to the beach or a favorite seafood spot a breeze. Gone are the long lines of cars snaking their way into beach towns like Asbury Park and Wildwood. Now, locals can cruise down the coastal roads with the windows down, the ocean breeze as their companion.
And speaking of the beach, this is the moment locals have been waiting for all season. The beaches, once packed with tourists, now feel like private sanctuaries. There’s no need to fight for a prime spot on the sand or dodge a maze of umbrellas. The rhythm of the waves is all that fills the air, along with the occasional seagull’s cry. It’s the perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon with a good book or an uninterrupted swim in the ocean, which is still warm enough to be refreshing but without the summer crowds.
Restaurants, too, offer a different experience. During peak season, a dinner out might involve a two-hour wait, even with a reservation. But now, the tables are open, the waitstaff relaxed, and the food just as delicious. It’s a local’s dream to enjoy a seafood feast without the pressure of a packed dining room or the need to beat the dinner rush.
For families, the parks and attractions take on a whole new life. No more weaving through crowds or waiting in long lines at the boardwalk amusement parks. Rides are open, but the hustle and bustle are dialed down. It’s the perfect time for a spontaneous trip to the arcade or a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, soaking in the last bits of summer without the throngs of tourists.
What makes this season even sweeter is the weather. September at the Shore is often the best of both worlds: warm, sunny days with cooler, crisper evenings. The ocean, still retaining the heat of the summer months, is at an ideal temperature for swimming. Plus, the arrival of fall brings its own set of exciting events, from barbecue festivals to craft fairs, all without the overwhelming crowds. The boardwalks remain open, offering a mix of summer nostalgia and autumn excitement.
In short, Locals’ Summer is the hidden gem of the Jersey Shore. It’s the reward for those who weathered the chaos of the peak season, a time to truly enjoy everything the Shore has to offer in peace. So while the tourists may think summer ends with their departure, the locals know the truth: the best is yet to come.
Wilkes-Barre Police Charge Man in Burglary and Assault Incident
WILKES-BARRE, PA – A Moosic man has been charged following a burglary and assault on Carlisle Street on the evening of September 4, 2024. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 8:13 p.m. after receiving a report of an assault.
Upon arrival, the victim, a 50-year-old woman, informed officers that the suspect, identified as Adrian Shaffer, 49, unlawfully entered her residence and physically assaulted her. The victim stated that Shaffer struck her with a closed fist and bit her arm during the altercation. Shaffer fled the scene before officers arrived.
Charges have been filed against Shaffer, and the investigation remains ongoing. No further details have been released at this time.
Two Teen Shooting Suspects Surrender to Atlantic City PoliceATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The Atlantic City Police Department has arrested two suspects involved in separate shooting incidents after both individuals turned themselves in to authorities.
On September 2, 2024, Ashan Jackson, 19, of Galloway, NJ, surrendered to detectives at the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building. Jackson is charged in connection with a shooting that occurred on March 13, 2024. During the incident, a 29-year-old man from Pleasantville, NJ, walked into AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Investigators determined the shooting took place at Pennsylvania and Pacific Avenues following an altercation with Jackson. He is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Jackson was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
On September 4, a 17-year-old male, wanted for a July shooting, also turned himself in. The incident occurred on July 8, when a 15-year-old female was shot and arrived at the medical center with a gunshot wound. The juvenile suspect was involved in an altercation at an unknown location when the shooting occurred. He faces charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The juvenile was taken to Family Court and remanded to a juvenile detention facility.
Both investigations were handled by the Atlantic City Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit.
Felon Hunter Biden Guilty in Federal Tax CaseWILMINGTON, DE – Hunter Biden plans to change his plea in the federal criminal tax case against him, signaling a significant development just before his trial was set to begin. According to courtroom reports, Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, informed the court on Thursday that his client intends to enter an Alford plea, a legal move that allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while conceding that the prosecution’s evidence could likely result in a conviction.
The unexpected shift came during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, who was overseeing the case in Delaware. Prosecutors expressed surprise, stating they were not informed of the plea change in advance, and requested additional time to review the implications. Judge Scarsi subsequently adjourned the proceedings for several hours to allow for further discussions between the government and Biden’s legal team.
The timing of the plea change comes just days before jury selection was set to begin, with opening arguments scheduled for Monday. Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, faces multiple tax-related charges, including allegations that he failed to pay over $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019.
Biden was charged in 2023 on nine counts related to these tax issues. The outcome of the plea negotiations remains to be seen as the trial process continues.
