TRENTON, NJ — Most stores will be able to welcome customers through their doors starting June 15, but under the same restrictions placed in April on essential businesses that have been allowed to stay open during the coronavirus crisis.

Since May 16, nonessential businesses have been limited to curbside pickup only. Stores located inside malls will remain closed.

Here is a rundown of ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — For the fourth consecutive year, Lake Como property owners will pay less in municipal taxes. Under a $3.54 million budget approved by the borough council on June 2, nearly $2.54 million will be raised through municipal taxation, translating into a savings of $2.4 cents on every $100 of assessed value.

As a result, the municipal tax levy will decline $101 to $2,392 on a ...

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy has extended the public health emergency originally declared on March 9 for a fourth month.

Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed, which is what the governor did today. He signed the second extension on April 7 and third extension on May 6.  

“As we move forward ...

TRENTON, NJ — Up to eight people will be allowed to be seated together at least six feet apart — and tables must be situated at least six feet apart as well — under state-imposed outdoor dining rules for food and beverage establishments, which take effect on June 15.

In addition, Gov. Phil Murphy’s latest executive order related to the coronavirus leaves it up to ...

Monmouth County Prosecutor: 5,000 in Attendance, 12 Arrests at Asbury Park Protest on June 1

TRENTON, NJ —  In the wake of civil unrest across the nation, Gov. Phil Murphy addressed New Jersey's efforts by law enforcement at collaboration and trust-building with the public, while also unveiling a new data point to bolster his decision to move the state ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — Work on two state-funded road improvement projects is under way — on Main Street from 21st Street to North Boulevard and on 17th Avenue from Oak Terrace to Main Street.

The borough council on April 7 awarded contracts totaling $784,000 for both projects to Jads Construction Co. after rejecting all bids two months earlier because they exceeded costs estimates.

The ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — Academic pride is flying high above Main Street in Lake Como for 16 graduating seniors who live in the borough.

Banners with their names, high schools — and for many, their destinations after graduation — have been placed along each side of the business district’s thoroughfare. Since they were put up last week, the roadside salute has received a ...

TRENTON, NJ — The Department of Education is seeking feedback from parents on the remote learning practices instituted by school districts because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The online survey contains questions about the quality of remote learning and whether parents plan on sending their children back to school in September. Space is provided for comments as ...

LAKE COMO/BELMAR, NJ — It appears Silver Lake’s swan family has made its move to Lake Como.

Jo Ann Kerwin of Belmar was out for a walk on Sunday, May 31 when she saw them enjoying Lake Como near B Street and North Boulevard. And then later in the day, Leonore Geisler of Lake Como spotted them again swimming in the picturesque lake that straddles Lake Como and Spring Lake.

Below ...

BELMAR, NJ — A family of swans on Silver Lake captured the public’s attention last week — and even starred in their own Belmar video.

But is seems that since the adult pair of swans and their cygnets were waddling southbound down the boardwalk on May 28 — "escorted" in the rain for their safety by members of the Belmar Police Department — they have not ...

BELMAR, NJ — Red Bank Regional High School senior Sarah Caldwell shot her photo “Smashing Powders” with a classmate the day school was closed in March because of the coronavirus.

Her colorful piece is now part of the school’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy annual senior photography show — a culmination of work this school year by 10 graduates studying ...

OCEAN GROVE, NJ — Serenity by the Sea has added a new item to its popular Serenity Treasures packages — a handcrafted face mask, made from a fabric in the theme of your choice.

Now each Serenity Treasures package includes eight specially selected items “to keep the zen state of mind flowing when we need to bring some positive vibes into our lives,” said shop owner Sarah ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — A snapshot by Todd and Dorothy Dwyer of their outdoor living space captured first place in the borough’s “Capture the Beauty in Your Backyard” photo contest.

The photo garnered 117 “likes” on the borough’s Facebook page — the most of 13 entries that were submitted for the contest, sponsored by the Tourism Commission. Since many ...

Lake Como Places Commemorative Wreaths along Lake Como and in White Park

BELMAR/LAKE COMO, NJ — Belmar observed Memorial Day with two services at Memorial Row — the laying of the wreaths by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Manasquan Post 1838 and the commemorative ringing of the bells by the Belmar Fire Department.

The low-key observances, attended by a small gathering ...

BELMAR, NJ — L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) kicked off the first-ever New Jersey Social Distance Walk this week on the Belmar boardwalk — a fundraising effort to help keep local drug prevention programs in communities and schools.

Standing six feet apart from each other, representatives from Belmar and Lake Como gathered along the oceanfront for a photo to mark the ...

BELMAR, NJ — Belmar Arts Center member Louise Krasniewicz has whipped up a way to bring a little magic into people’s lives.

She’s created a virtual version of her Magical Poppet Workshop, which offers step-by-step instructions on how to make these symbolic dolls — popular in folklore — from items that can be found at home.

In her online tutorial, the ...

BELMAR, NJ— Belmar Public Library’s virtual doors are now open, offering ’round-the-clock access to a wealth of online resources.

“The 24/7 Virtual Library is the go-to place for Belmar Public Library patrons to access digital online services like downloading e-books, audiobooks, 72-hour access to The New York Times, and much more as we add services in the coming ...

Green Leaf Pet Resort is giving back to the region's front-line heroes by offering free doggie day care to all hospital workers at its two locations in Oakhurst and Millstone. 

Watch the video below to get started:

Green Leaf's "Thank You to Our Heroes" program is for hospital employees in both Ocean and Monmouth Counties. It's very easy to ...

The buyer momentum picked up over the last couple of weeks. The conversations I am having with buyers and other agents seem to be positive as we head into Memorial Day.

Buyers are safely scheduling showings and I am seeing many agents, including myself, receiving offers and even multiple offers on properties that are priced well. For example, I just listed a property on Seaview Island and ...

June 1 enrollment is under way to make sure you or a loved one has in-home services

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Just like always, Beacon of Life is here for senior participants. Beacon of Life is working diligently to keep participants healthy and make sure they have everything they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Not a Beacon of Life member? It ...

LAKE COMO, NJ — Whether you’re looking to tidy up your basement, get the garage organized, spruce up the yard — or even embark on a renovation project — Franklin Waste Services is offering discounts on its dumpsters.

The Lake Como-based company is taking $50 off the price of its roll-off containers, ranging in size from 6 cubic yards to 20 cubic yards. And ...

As economic impact payments continue to be successfully delivered, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that some payments are being sent by prepaid debit card. The debit cards arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” 

Nearly 4 million people are being sent their economic impact payments by prepaid debit card, instead of paper check. The ...

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 ...