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 ...

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 ...

BELMAR, NJ — For a small town, Belmar does have a lot of bridges. And with that introduction, Belmar Historical Society begins this week’s “Spotlight on Belmar” video.

In “The Bridges of Belmar,” which can be viewed by clicking here, BHS trustee and archivist Naomi Reissner chronicles how the borough would become linked at three critical locations along the ...

BELMAR, NJ — Belmar Historical Society once again draws from its extensive postcard collection for its latest “Spotlight on Belmar” video, focusing on some vintage views from the past and landmark locations that continue to live on.

Aerial photographs of Belmar and its surrounding waterways, as well as snapshots of stately homes gracing the streets, are reflections ...

TRENTON, NJ — N.J. Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli warned of a possible “twin-demic” of the flu and the coronavirus this year, and urged New Jerseyans to get their flu shots.  

“As we enter the fall season, we are also moving into the flu season. This year we are preparing for the possibility of a twin-demic,” Persichilli said during Gov.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — As New Jersey drifts into flu season, many residents will once again decide whether to get their flu shots; where to get them; and if a flu shot has any preventative impact on COVID-19. The differences between the two viruses affect not only the mortality rate and symptom development, but also prevention and cure.

According to the World Health ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — Lake Como residents living around Joe’s Surf Shack should no longer hear the clanking of beer bottles into commercial trash bins between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

In renewing Fahey Hospitality Group’s annual liquor license, the borough council extended by two hours the daily prohibition of the dumping of bottles and garbage outside the 18th Avenue bar, which sits in a ...

BELMAR, NJ — With coronavirus restrictions still in place along the Jersey Shore, Belmar's local summer is different from past years.

Beach badges are not required for access to the 1.3-mile oceanfront, but beach capacity and social distancing limits will be enforced for the remaining weekend of September 19 and 20, in order to address any influx of visitors.

While the Belmar ...

TRENTON, NJ — Less than two months from Election Day, New Jersey has launched a new website that allows residents to register to vote and track their mail-in ballot — all while on the go or from the comfort of their home.

“This online form is safe and secure, and can be accessed anywhere — whether from a library computer or your smartphone,” Gov.

FREEHOLD, NJ — Monmouth County has debuted 'Stigma-Free Monmouth,' a new website to help spread the message there is assistance for those who suffer from behavioral health illnesses and substance use disorders.

During the first seven months of 2020, the number of overdose deaths rose dramatically both in New Jersey and Monmouth County, compared to totals for the entire year ...

BELMAR/LAKE COMO, NJ — What happens when you mix lemonade with a whole lotta love? A successful fundraiser for a 13-year-old Belmar girl who has begun treatment for a rare form of cancer.

Belmar Elementary School classmates of Jackie Minchala raised nearly $7,200 by setting up two lemonade stands — at the Lake Como gazebo on North Boulevard and in front of 215 17th Avenue in Belmar ...

New ShopRite of Belmar Rises on Other Side of Route 35

WALL, NJ — The wait may soon be over — with emphasis, however, on the word, “may.” Target Corp. plans to open a store in the vacant Kmart store in Plaza 35, but no timetable has been set.

The Minneapolis-based retailer has listed the 91,000-squre foot space on the “Upcoming Store Openings” page ...

NEW JERSEY — For many New Jersey school districts, this week will mark the first day of class. 

While all have prepared — opting for in-person, remote or a hybrid of the two — new coronavirus cases are to be expected, according to state officials. 

“We have all the public health protocols and procedures in place to safeguard our children, our educators, ...

PATERSON, NJ — Joined by legislators, faith leaders and others, Gov. Phil Murphy promoted on September 9 his "Baby Bonds" initiative, which would give $1,000 to about three of every four babies born in 2021.

The plan, which is part of Murphy's revised fiscal year 2021 budget, would set up an interest-bearing account for every ...

TRENTON, NJ — Secretary of State Tahesha Way is urging New Jersey residents who have not yet completed the 2020 Census to do so quickly, as census takers have begun visiting households statewide who have not yet responded.

The U.S. Census Bureau is looking to have all data collected by September 30 so that it can meet a federal deadline of December 31 to deliver that population ...

Long-term slowdown in land development could be derailed by exodus to suburbs.

This story was written and produced by NJ Spotlight. It is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement related to COVID-19 coverage. To read more, visit njspotlight.com.

New data confirms that New Jersey has recently been using a lot less land for new development than it ...

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Green Leaf Pet Resort welcomes VCA Animal Hospital at their Route 35 South location in Oakhurst. The shared location will offer pet lovers a one stop, all-inclusive superior pet care experience.

"We are excited to welcome VCA to our Green Leaf location, they love animals the way that Green Leaf does!  The health and ...

WASHINGTON, DC — Whether it’s something they’ve been doing for years or something they just started to make extra money, taxpayers must report income earned from hobbies in 2020 on next year’s tax return.

What the difference between a hobby and a business? A business operates to make a profit. People engage in a hobby for sport or recreation — not to make a ...

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 ...