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Asbury Park, NJ

Convicted Felon From Asbury Park Who Sold Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine Sentenced: Feds Convicted Felon From Asbury Park Who Sold Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine Sentenced: Feds
Convicted Felon From Asbury Park Who Sold Fentanyl, Meth, Cocaine Sentenced: Feds A convicted felon from Asbury Park will spend several years in prison after admitting to selling methamphetamine and having a gun, authorities said. Dywann Pugh, 44, was sentenced on Wednesday, July 10 to 10 years in federal prison, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. He previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to court documents and testimony, police executed search…
Asbury Park Restaurant Fined For Discriminating Against Nonbinary Customer, AG Says Asbury Park Restaurant Fined For Discriminating Against Nonbinary Customer, AG Says
Asbury Park Restaurant Fined For Discriminating Against Nonbinary Customer, AG Says A restaurant in Asbury Park was fined after it was accused of having a dress code that discriminated against a nonbinary person, officials said. Brando’s Citi Cucina agreed to several punishments, including a $5,000 payment to the customer, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a news release on Friday, June 28. The restaurant was found to have violated the state's Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Investigators said Brando's refused to serve the customer because staff believed they weren't following the restaurant's dress code, banning men from wearing sleeveless shirts while …
Kevin Hart, Gabriel Iglesias Among Celebs Closing Out 3-Week Entertainment Fest In Newark Kevin Hart, Gabriel Iglesias Among Celebs Closing Out 3-Week Entertainment Fest In Newark
Kevin Hart, Gabriel Iglesias Among Celebs Closing Out 3-Week Entertainment Fest In Newark The third and final week of New Jersey's North 2 Shore Festival features some of the biggest names. The festival, which launched in 2023 and drew crowds of 25,000 people, features a diverse array of talent at more than 100 venues across the state. It concludes this week with shows scheduled in Newark from June 23 to 30, the prior two weeks featuring big-name acts in Asbury Park and Atlantic City. Some of the most famous acts in the lineup include Kevin Hart on his "Acting My Age" tour; Matchbox Twenty with special guest Andy Grammer; comic Gabriel Iglesias; and A Conversation with Stephen …
8K+ Without Power Amid Another Round Of Storms In New Jersey 8K+ Without Power Amid Another Round Of Storms In New Jersey
8K+ Without Power Amid Another Round Of Storms In New Jersey More than 8,000 New Jersey residents were without power amid another round of storms on Sunday, June 22. PSE&G's outage map shows 5,341 were in the dark in Burlington County and more than 3,000 in Camden. The majority of the outages were in Maple Shade, Moorestown, Haddon and Pennsauken. In Union County, nearly 1,000 had lost power in Westfield. Smaller but more widespread outages were reported on the Jersey Shore, according to JCP&L, specifically in Long Branch, Red Bank, Asbury Park, Hazlet, Middletown, Keansburg, and Matawan. The National Weather Service had warned residen…
Highly-Anticipated Rooftop Restaurant Now Open In Asbury Park Highly-Anticipated Rooftop Restaurant Now Open In Asbury Park
Highly-Anticipated Rooftop Restaurant Now Open In Asbury Park A New Jersey beach town known for its food and music scenes has welcomed another restaurant to the area. AP Rooftop is newly-open on the third floor of the 5th Avenue Pavilion on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park.  ap.rooftop Instagram The restaurant is part of the McLoone Group, which operates multiple upscale eateries across the Jersey Shore, including the Iron Whale, located below AP Rooftop. The AP Rooftop's description on the McLoone Group website says the restaurant serves as a gathering place with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. "The concept is a coastal Mediterra…
Jon Stewart Plays Drums In Band's Surprise Performance At Asbury Park Music Festival Jon Stewart Plays Drums In Band's Surprise Performance At Asbury Park Music Festival
Jon Stewart Plays Drums In Band's Surprise Performance At Asbury Park Music Festival Comedian Jon Stewart is finding time to rock out on the Jersey Shore after returning to host 'The Daily Show' on Mondays in 2024. Stewart played the drums for the band Church and State at Asbury Park Brewery on Saturday, June 15. The appearance was during the Asbury Underground arts and music crawl that was part of the statewide North to Shore Festival.  The comedian who owns a Colts Neck animal sanctuary said the band made its "premiere performance" at the Cookman Avenue brewpub. "We have never played in public," Stewart said at the beginning of the band's set. "I certainly have nev…
Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors
Asbury Park Teen Sentenced For Deadly Rape, Torture Of Pet Cat: Prosecutors An Asbury Park teen will spend several years in prison after admitting to raping, torturing, and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani Mezquititla, 19, was sentenced on Thursday, June 13 to five years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release. He pleaded guilty to two third-degree animal cruelty charges in April. Investigators said Mezquititla seriously injured the cat named Ellie after performing "sexual acts" on it, then killed it after restraining and torturing it. "It is virtually impossible to conceive of an inst…
Teens Accused Of Killing Asbury Park 21-Year-Old In July 2023 Triple Shooting Teens Accused Of Killing Asbury Park 21-Year-Old In July 2023 Triple Shooting
Teens Accused Of Killing Asbury Park 21-Year-Old In July 2023 Triple Shooting Two teens were accused of killing a man in a triple shooting in Asbury Park nearly a year ago, authorities said. Michael Sally, 19, of Long Branch, and an unidentified boy were facing charges in the shooting that killed 21-year-old Lativity Lyons of Asbury Park. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced their arrests in a news release on Thursday, June 6. Asbury Park police responded to the shooting at the Asbury Park Gardens apartment complex on Atlantic Avenue just after 10:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023. When officers arrived, they found three men who wer…
Musical Pints: Asbury Park Brewery Honoring City's Music Culture In New Taproom Musical Pints: Asbury Park Brewery Honoring City's Music Culture In New Taproom
Musical Pints: Asbury Park Brewery Honoring City's Music Culture In New Taproom A brewery in Asbury Park is reopening in a new location while honoring the seaside city's rich musical history. Asbury Park Brewery said in a news release that it'll officially reopen at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 24. The new brewery is located in a 3,180-square-foot space on Cookman Avenue, just a block away from the House of Independents concert hall. The brewery originally opened in an old warehouse on Sewall Avenue in 2016 and has been run by musicians who grew up playing at nearby venues. "It’s been a grind the last few years trying to get this new space open," says brewery founder Bob McL…
Freehold Mom Who Enjoyed Beauty Vlogging Killed In Crash, 25: 'Your Energy Was Unmatched' Freehold Mom Who Enjoyed Beauty Vlogging Killed In Crash, 25: 'Your Energy Was Unmatched'
Freehold Mom Who Enjoyed Beauty Vlogging Killed In Crash, 25: 'Your Energy Was Unmatched' Family and friends were mourning a Monmouth County mother who was killed in an early morning crash. A spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Amani Gilliam, 25, of Freehold, was the woman who died in a crash in Manalapan on Thursday, Apr. 25. It happened near the intersection of Route 9 and Ryan Road just before 4:30 a.m. Manalapan police found a 2017 Nissan Sentra driven by Gilliam and a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by an unidentified man. Gilliam was rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Gilliam enjoyed posting video blogs for makeup and h…
Ex-Con Sentenced For Home Invasion, Sexually Assaulting Woman In Asbury Park: Prosecutors Ex-Con Sentenced For Home Invasion, Sexually Assaulting Woman In Asbury Park: Prosecutors
Ex-Con Sentenced For Home Invasion, Sexually Assaulting Woman In Asbury Park: Prosecutors An Asbury Park ex-convict will spend more than three decades in prison after he was convicted of a home invasion and sexual assault, authorities said. Shawn Connolly, 37, was sentenced on Tuesday, Apr. 23 to 40 years in prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced in a news release. He'll be eligible for parole after 34 years under the No Early Release Act. Asbury Park police responded to a home on Seventh Avenue just before 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Officers immediately found Connolly, arrested him, and recovered what he stole from his pockets. Investigat…
Flavortown On The Jersey Shore: Guy Fieri To Visit Two Monmouth County Locations Flavortown On The Jersey Shore: Guy Fieri To Visit Two Monmouth County Locations
Flavortown On The Jersey Shore: Guy Fieri To Visit Two Monmouth County Locations Food Network star Guy Fieri is returning to the Jersey Shore but it's not for "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" this time. "The Mayor of Flavortown" is visiting Low Dive on North Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park on Friday, May 3. The beachfront restaurant and bar posted an Instagram story on Monday, Apr. 22 announcing Fieri's appearance from 5 to 6 p.m. Fieri is promoting the Santo Tequila brand that he co-owns with rock legend Sammy Hagar. He'll have signed tequila bottles and Santo cocktail samples available to customers 21 and older. Fieri will also appear at the Wine Outlet on Ro…
Asbury Park Concert Venue Plans To Reopen After Severe Flood Damage Asbury Park Concert Venue Plans To Reopen After Severe Flood Damage
Asbury Park Concert Venue Plans To Reopen After Severe Flood Damage A popular Asbury Park concert venue is getting ready to rock again more than six months after it was severely damaged by flooding. House of Independents posted a teaser photo on Instagram on Wednesday, Apr. 10. The post hinted at a summer reopening and said a "2.0" version of the Cookman Avenue venue was "now loading." Elizabeth-based music event production company Concert Crave posted its own tease on Instagram hyping up the relaunch of House of Independents. A video showed a small peek at some of the renovations inside the concert hall. View this post on Instagram …
Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors
Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors An Asbury Park teen admitted to raping, torturing, and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani Mezquititla, 19, pleaded guilty to third-degree animal cruelty by tormenting, torturing, or unnecessarily or cruelly abusing a living animal resulting in its death, and third-degree animal cruelty by using or causing or procuring the use of an animal or creature in any kind of sexual manner. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the guilty plea in a news release on Wednesday, Apr. 10. Asbury Park police began investigating after someone brought a d…
New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk
New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk The most iconic part of Atlantic City is getting tens of millions of dollars in upgrades. But many millions more are needed to fully repair the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The city held a news conference on Tuesday, Mar. 12 to discuss the next steps in the major undertaking to fix up the boardwalk. Atlantic City and Asbury Park got the largest shares of the $100 million from the state's Boardwalk Preservation Fund. Each city will receive $20 million to make vital improvements to their boardwalks. The media event was also an opportunity to show off the work already being done on the board…
Asbury Park Man Convicted Of Nearly Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend To Death Asbury Park Man Convicted Of Nearly Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend To Death
Asbury Park Man Convicted Of Nearly Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend To Death An Asbury Park man was convicted of nearly stabbing the mother of his child to death, authorities said. A jury found Amando Miguel-Ortiz, 37, guilty on Friday, Mar. 8 of first-degree attempted murder, along with a third- and fourth-degree weapons offense. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the conviction in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 12. Asbury Park police responded to a report of an assault at a home on Second Avenue at around 5:15 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 6, 2023. Officers found Miguel-Ortiz's ex-girlfriend with a head injury and she was rushed to a hospital for t…
Asbury Park Man Found With Stolen Gun, Burglary Tools In Wall Township: Police Asbury Park Man Found With Stolen Gun, Burglary Tools In Wall Township: Police
Asbury Park Man Found With Stolen Gun, Burglary Tools In Wall Township: Police An Asbury Park man was accused of having a stolen gun, knives, and burglary tools, authorities said. Corey Thermitus, 20, was arrested on Friday, Mar. 8, Wall Township police said in a news release.  Thermitus was driving a 2015 Hyundai Sonata on Route 35 when officers pulled him over at around 3:45 p.m. Police said he had a Taurus 9mm gun, two knives, a sledgehammer, and a ski mask. Thermitus was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a defaced firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while committing a drug offense, possession …
Brick Township Cocaine Dealer Sentenced After Using Asbury Park Business To Sell: Prosecutors Brick Township Cocaine Dealer Sentenced After Using Asbury Park Business To Sell: Prosecutors
Brick Township Cocaine Dealer Sentenced After Using Asbury Park Business To Sell: Prosecutors An Ocean County man will spend more than a decade in prison after admitting to using an Asbury Park store and a Brick Township home to sell cocaine, authorities said. Henry Burns, 56, of Brick Township, was sentenced on Friday, Mar. 8 to 15 years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release. Burns pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 22 to possession of cocaine in an amount greater than five ounces with intent to distribute and being a certain person not to possess a weapon. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), along with narcotics offic…
Iconic Asbury Park Deli For Sale Iconic Asbury Park Deli For Sale
Iconic Asbury Park Deli For Sale An iconic Asbury Park deli and restaurant once featured by renowned chef Anthony Bourdain is listed for sale. Frank's Deli & Restaurant has been put up for sale, according to an online real estate listing. The Main Street deli's website said it opened on Sunday, May 1, 1960. The listing called Frank's a "revered landmark" in Asbury Park. "Over the decades, certain places come to symbolize their time or are unique to a city," the listing said. "Such places often seem irreplaceable, the notion of selling them as if they were mere commodities would strike many as unorthodox. "This iconic…
Frankie Valli, Trey Songz Among Atlantic City Performers At 2024 North To Shore Festival Frankie Valli, Trey Songz Among Atlantic City Performers At 2024 North To Shore Festival
Frankie Valli, Trey Songz Among Atlantic City Performers At 2024 North To Shore Festival Major musicians and comedians will perform across New Jersey in an arts festival unique to the Garden State, officials said. The North to Shore Festival will return in 2024 for its second year in Asbury Park, Atlantic City, and Newark, the state announced in a news release on Thursday, Mar. 7. Hundreds of thousands of people attended the three-city, three-week event in June 2023. Despite many events being free, the first edition of North to Shore generated $7.6 million in ticket sales. "Our inaugural North to Shore Festival was the beginning of a proud, new annual tradition that bring…
Bruce Springsteen To Headline SeaHearNow Music Festival In Asbury Park Bruce Springsteen To Headline SeaHearNow Music Festival In Asbury Park
Bruce Springsteen To Headline SeaHearNow Music Festival In Asbury Park New Jersey's biggest rock legend is returning to one of the cities that helped launch his iconic career. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival, the event announced on Facebook on Tuesday, Mar. 5. The festival on Asbury Park's waterfront is returning for its sixth year. Springsteen is the headlining act of the Jersey Shore's largest music festival on Sunday, Sept. 15. Contemporary folk star Noah Kahan will headline Sea.Hear.Now on the first day of the festival on Saturday, Sept. 14. Sea.Hear.Now 2024 👁️ Presale begins this Thursday…
Glenn Stuart, Lead Singer Of Springsteen Tribute Band, Dies Glenn Stuart, Lead Singer Of Springsteen Tribute Band, Dies
Glenn Stuart, Lead Singer Of Springsteen Tribute Band, Dies Glenn Stuart, the lead singer of the BStreetBand, a Bruce Springsteen tribute act, and Fanwood resident, died on Wednesday, Feb. 28, the band announced on its website. "Glenn fought an incredibly brave battle with cancer and our hearts are so heavy during this difficult time," the band wrote.  "Our deepest sympathies are with his family as well as the countless hearts that Glenn has touched through his life and music." Stuart died surrounded by his wife, Grace, and his children, Annie and Sean. He had been battling lung cancer since 2020, according to a fundraiser set up to support hi…
Thinking Summer: See How Much Beach Fees Will Be Along Jersey Shore In 2024 Thinking Summer: See How Much Beach Fees Will Be Along Jersey Shore In 2024
Thinking Summer: See How Much Beach Fees Will Be Along Jersey Shore In 2024 As February ends and the weather gets warmer, many communities along the Jersey Shore are already preparing to soak up the sun at the beach. Many beaches along the Garden State's coast require badges or tags. They help pay the costs of maintaining beaches, hiring lifeguards, and keeping facilities in great shape for summer tourists. Many locations offer free beach access for young children, veterans, and active military members. Some also offer special preseason rates before the busiest part of the summer. Here is a running list of the beach badge requirements along the Jersey Shore as of …
Atlantic County Boardwalks Get $28M For 'Vital' Upgrades In Massive State Grant Program Atlantic County Boardwalks Get $28M For 'Vital' Upgrades In Massive State Grant Program
Atlantic County Boardwalks Get $28M For 'Vital' Upgrades In Massive State Grant Program Jersey Shore communities are getting $100 million in state grants to make crucial repairs to their boardwalk, officials said. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure." In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant. …
Dementia Hasn't Taken Spunk From Ocean Township Native Wendy Williams, Team Says Dementia Hasn't Taken Spunk From Ocean Township Native Wendy Williams, Team Says
Dementia Hasn't Taken Spunk From Ocean Township Native Wendy Williams, Team Says Monmouth County native and popular talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with dementia and aphasia, according to a news release. The Ocean Township native's team issued a statement on Thursday, Feb. 22 to "correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health." The release confirmed Williams was diagnosed in 2023 with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Williams' reps said there had been speculation about the former New York City radio DJ's mental condition when she started to forget words, act erratically sometimes, and had trouble understanding financ…
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Will Stay In Jail For Trial: Prosecutors Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Will Stay In Jail For Trial: Prosecutors
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Will Stay In Jail For Trial: Prosecutors The man accused of murder in a triple shooting at a Toms River hookah lounge will have to stay in jail through his trial. A judge ordered on Thursday, Feb. 22 that Eric Manzanares, 24, of Asbury Park, will remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending his trial, county prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. He was charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Manzanares has been held in the county jail since Wednesday, Jan. 24, when he was extradited to New Jersey from Virginia. H…
Four Inches Of Snow Forecasted Along Jersey Shore Overnight Four Inches Of Snow Forecasted Along Jersey Shore Overnight
Four Inches Of Snow Forecasted Along Jersey Shore Overnight Many parts of the Jersey Shore avoided the snow during a pre-Valentine's Day winter storm, but the coast doesn't appear to be dodging it this time. The National Weather Service said the Jersey Shore could see two to four inches of snow overnight and in the morning on Saturday, Feb. 17. All counties in South Jersey are under a winter weather advisory for the duration of the storm, with some winter storm warnings expected. The snow is expected to begin across South Jersey at around 1 a.m., according to the NWS. Places along the Pennsylvania border could see the snow start falling a little ear…
How You Can Help Improve Traffic On Asbury Avenue How You Can Help Improve Traffic On Asbury Avenue
How You Can Help Improve Traffic On Asbury Avenue Monmouth County leaders are looking for your help in making upgrades to a busy road in several communities. County commissioners will hold a public information meeting about improvements needed on Asbury Avenue between Route 35 and Ocean Avenue at the Asbury Park beachfront. Asbury Avenue also goes through parts of Ocean and Neptune townships. The county said some potential upgrades could include upgrading traffic lights, signs, striping, and street lighting. Bike lanes could also be added, along with sidewalks and ramps compliant with the Americans with Disability Act. A map highlight…
The Pony Turns 50: Iconic Asbury Park Music Club Prepares For Anniversary Celebration The Pony Turns 50: Iconic Asbury Park Music Club Prepares For Anniversary Celebration
The Pony Turns 50: Iconic Asbury Park Music Club Prepares For Anniversary Celebration A historic concert venue on the oceanfront of Asbury Park known for launching the careers of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi is celebrating its golden anniversary. The Stone Pony said it will kick off its 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday, Feb. 8, a half-century to the day the music club opened on North Ocean Avenue. The kickoff event starts at 7 p.m. and will include a special set by Lee Mrowicki, an original DJ at the venue. The anniversary celebration will also include a concert by Asbury Park rock band The Parlor Mob on Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. The kickoff weekend wr…
Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195 In Wall: Police Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195 In Wall: Police
Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195 In Wall: Police Two men are accused of stealing another man's vehicle while they were all driving together in Monmouth County, authorities said. Wall Township police said officers responded to a reported carjacking on Interstate 195 near the interchange with Route 34 at around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28. Three men were heading to Asbury Park when two of the men stole the vehicle. The victim was left on the side of the road and he wasn't injured. “While this incident is very alarming, it is important that the public knows the three men involved knew each other and this wasn’t a random act of violence,” …
Asbury Park Dealer Who Sold Cocaine To Undercover Cop Sentenced: Prosecutors Asbury Park Dealer Who Sold Cocaine To Undercover Cop Sentenced: Prosecutors
Asbury Park Dealer Who Sold Cocaine To Undercover Cop Sentenced: Prosecutors A Monmouth County man will spend a dozen years in prison after pleading guilty to selling cocaine to an undercover police officer, authorities said. Tyheim McGhee, 29, of Asbury Park was sentenced on Monday, Jan. 29 to 12 years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced on Tuesday, Jan. 30. He entered a guilty plea on Monday, Nov. 6.  McGhee was sentenced to 12 years for first-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute in excess of five ounces, seven years for second-degree distribution of more than a half-ounce of cocaine, and…