Local Officials Hopeful Fourth of July Weekend Will Boost Shore Tourism Dollars

County and town officials are hoping this Fourth of July weekend will provide a much-needed boon to the Shore economy.

At the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders meeting yesterday, Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to tourism, said: "Tourism is very important to this area ... all signs are pointing to the fact that it will be a marginal weekend, but we're encouraging everyone to come out and have a good weekend."

Asked by a Patch reporter what he meant by 'marginal,' Vicari noted that weather predictions point to scattered thunderstorms late on the holiday.

Vicari discussed the recently-adopted county budget - which totaled $386 million - and noted that total funds to be raised by taxes was down about $4.5 million. Much of that reduction, he said, can be attributed to Shore businesses that were severely damaged by Superstorm Sandy and have not reopened or have been delayed in reopening.

Beach revenues are also down, many municipalities are reporting.

Vicari noted, however, that Fourth of July celebrations planned throughout the area may bring more people to area beaches and help those businesses that have reopened get back on track.

"Many of our towns will be hosting shows throughout the weekend," Vicari said.

A listing of professional fireworks displays is posted on the tourism calendar of events on the Ocean County homepage at www.co.ocean.nj.us.

In a prepared statement, the Freeholders also reminded county residents about the dangers of illegal fireworks.

"It is illegal to purchase, possess and use fireworks in New Jersey unless you are a licensed professional staging a show," Freeholder Director John P. Kelly, who also serves a Director of Law and Public Safety, said in the statement.

According to federal statistics, fireworks injure nearly 10,000 people every year throughout the United States. The vast majority of those injuries occur during the two weeks leading up to and following July 4th.

"If you attempt to use these illegal devices, you are going to get hurt," Kelly said. 

Possession of fireworks is a disorderly persons offense, but possession with the intent to sell is a fourth-degree offense, with a possible maximum penalty of 18 months imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.

Many types of fireworks can be easily purchased in other states, including neighboring Pennsylvania.

Kelly said local police departments will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks in the days leading up to Independence Day.