BELMAR, NJ — The cause of a vehicle fire at 903 13th Avenue that spread to an adjacent structure on October 24 is under investigation by the Belmar Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Belmar Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at about 4:30 p.m. and quickly suppressed the blaze in both the structure at 1303½ Route 71 and the vehicle on the property next door, according to ...

BELMAR, NJ — A body found inside the dark-colored minivan taxi pulled from Silver Lake on October 22 has been preliminarily identified as missing driver Wayne Kovacs of Toms River, according to the Toms River Police Department.

Kovacs, a driver with Citi Cab of Neptune, was initially reported missing after he was dispatched for a fare on September 23 that was scheduled to travel ...

TRENTON, NJ — The state's self-quarantine travel advisory list has reached 41 states and territories with the addition of California and Massachusetts.

As of October 27, individuals traveling to New Jersey are asked to get tested for the coronavirus and self-quarantine for 14 days if they traveled from these 39 states and two territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, ...

New Jersey’s November 3 ballot includes three public questions, including asking voters whether the state’s legislative redistricting schedule be changed should census data be delayed.

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey offers an objective perspective of this question, including reasons for voting yes and no.

Question on the Ballot:

Do you approve amending the ...

Watch Video on How to Complete a Mail-In Ballot

FREEHOLD, NJ — Monmouth County election officials announced that postcards confirming receipt of ballots to the County Board of Elections will be sent to voters whose ballots are returned by close of business on Monday, October 26, as any mailing after that time may not arrive to voters before Election Day.

Voters whose ballots are ...

On the November 3 ballot, New Jersey residents are asked three public questions, including a vote on whether veterans who did not serve in time of war should be given a $250 property tax deduction. 

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey offers an objective perspective of this question, including reasons for voting yes and no.

Question on the Ballot:

Do you approve ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — Democratic incumbents Nicholas De Mauro and David Gardner are seeking three-year terms to the Lake Como Council, both running unopposed in the November 3 general election.

While Gardner is up for re-election to his second full term, this is De Mauro’s first bid for an elected seat after he was appointed to the governing body in September 2019 to fill the unexpired ...

In addition to voting in statewide, county and local elections by November 3, New Jersey residents will be asked three public questions, including whether the state Constitution should be amended to legalize marijuana.

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey offers an objective perspective of this question, including reasons for voting yes and no.

Question on the Ballot:

Do you ...

BELMAR, NJ — TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como asked the three candidates vying for the three-year seat on the Belmar Council — Democratic incumbent Thomas Brennan, Republican newcomer Jodi Kinney and independent Gerald Buccafusco — about their qualifications, important issues facing the borough and their top priorities if elected on November 3. Here is what they said, in their own ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — After picking out that perfect pumpkin or two, get out those carving tools. It’s time for Lake Como’s latest photo contest.

Submit your best jack-o’-lantern snapshot by Halloween — Saturday, October 31 — and the entry that gets the most “likes” on the borough’s Facebook page will win a prize from a local ...

OCEANPORT, NJ — On October 28  from 1 to 4 p.m., get your costumes on and fly your broom over to Beacon of Life for free candy, giveaways, a dog parade and fun for all. 

Beacon of Life is located at 1075 Stephenson Avenue, Oceanport. Call 732-592-3406 with any questions about this socially distanced, spook-tacular event. 

GLEN ROCK, NJ — Is your perfectly carved pumpkin being ravaged by local wildlife?

If you don’t remember this being a problem in the past, there’s a lot of speculation as to why squirrels are foraging for food more than usual. Some suspect fewer acorns have left squirrels hungry, while another theory regards reduced traffic in restaurants and parks as a result of the COVID-19 ...

BELMAR, NJ — Marked on Main Street by monuments to honor those who have served this country — and a place where many sports have been played over the decades — Memorial Field is one of Belmar’s most-treasured historical gems.

In the latest “Spotlight on Belmar” video, Belmar Historical Society President Spencer Heulitt looks back at its storied past — ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — Lake Como’s noise ordinance is now in line with state noise control regulations, but with borough-specific penalties for violators.

The borough council on October 20 unanimously approved the new measure, establishing decibel standards and enforcement procedures included in New Jersey’s “model” noise control ordinance that can be adopted by local ...

The New Jersey Treasurer’s Office has extended the Senior Freeze Program's filing deadline from November 2 to December 31 — a welcome development because many seniors were scrambling to meet the original date. 

Nevertheless, there is still a need for applications to be prepared as soon as possible.  The treasurer’s office requires a certification from a ...

Most of us want to continue to stay in our homes and communities, but property taxes are driving us away. Taking advantage of New Jersey’s property tax relief programs can stretch our dollars. Who qualifies?  Are there special programs for seniors?

The Senior Citizens Council has prepared a video presentation on the property tax relief options available for ...

BELMAR, NJ — Since opening his hair salon in Belmar more than 16 years ago, Sal Marchese has put his own special touch on this seashore community in so many ways.

After spending 20 years in New York City, where he became known in fashion and entertainment circles as one of the best in his field, the internationally recognized hair stylist brought his talents to New Jersey and opened ...

BELMAR, NJ — Belmar Public Library has opened its virtual doors even wider, adding to its collection of online resources available ’round-the-clock for easy digital access.

While the library itself is closed during the coronavirus crisis, here is a rundown of what’s available at its ever-growing 24/7 Virtual Library:

New Jersey State Library Partnership offers research ...

Watch videos below on the virtual opening reception and announcement of the winners.

BELMAR, NJ — Belmar Arts Center has announced the winners of the 16th Annual Juried Art Show, its signature event of the year featuring 60 pieces from artists in the tristate area.

Taking first place in JAS16 was Gaylen Gallimore for his acrylic painting, “Starfish Hunters,” followed by ...

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The year 2020 will be remembered for many things ... and one of the best memories for many families is getting a new puppy! Many families found themselves working and schooling from home. This brought an opportunity to have the time to house train a new puppy! However, now many families are ready to take the next step further, and have their fur baby ...

WASHINGTON, DC — The Internal Revenue Service has announced cost‑of‑living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2021.

Highlights of changes for 2021

The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs and ...

BELMAR/LAKE COMO, NJ — TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como is the only all-online, objective newspaper that serves residents, organizations and businesses in both municipalities, reporting news at it happens 24/7. We are part of the TAPinto network of 80 locally owned and operated online hyperlocal news sites with more than 9 million readers.

The TAPinto team would like to feature news about ...