Those hazy, hot, and humid summer days are on their way!

MOTHER NATURE DIDN’T GET THE MEMO!  Last weekend was great, although Mother Nature didn’t get the memo!  But even persistent rain, wind, and a bit of fog couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who visited the shore, and those who commemorated our military members who made the ultimate sacrifice, by attending the parades and ceremonies in Avalon & Stone Harbor on Monday.  It may not have been ideal beach weather, but shops and restaurants enjoyed large crowds all weekend.  Westbound traffic on Monday afternoon served as proof that lots of people visited the island last weekend!

BEACH ACCESS GUIDE:  Need to know which beaches have ramp access, where to find an accessible rest room, or reserve a surf chair?  Cape May County publishes a handy guide for accessing the beach with disabilities.  Bookmark the link for reference: https://capemaycountynj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/243/Cape-May-County-Beach-Accessibility-Guide-PDF

SUE KEEN RETIRING: Avalon’s long-time assistant to the mayor and senior citizen coordinator, Sue Keen, will retire on June 1st.  Having served in the role since 2003 when she was hired by then-Mayor Marty Pagliughi, Sue has been handling all kinds of issues and activities ever since.  Three years ago, when John McCorriston became mayor, Sue continued in the role.  We thank Sue for all her help over the years, and wish her the best in her retirement.  Read more about Sue in the latest issue of Seven Mile Times:
https://www.sevenmiletimes.com/june-2026-articles/sue-keen-leaves-two-big-jobs-to-fill-in-avalon

LAST CALL FOR SEASON BEACH TAGS at discounted prices!  If you haven’t ordered your 2026 season beach tags, here’s your last chance to get them at discounted prices!  Season beach tag fees go up June 1st…order now:

YOU MAY BE SHOCKED!  You may be shocked to learn what your property is worth in today’s market…or perhaps you already know.  Want to sell to unlock that equity, or move up to another property?  Let’s talk!  Call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

177 71st Street, Avalon, $5,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261365

335 104th Street, Stone Harbor, $11,700,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261396

Under Contract:

700 Ocean Drive, F5, Avalon, $1,350,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260491

118 28th Street, Avalon, $3,145,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261103

1018 First Avenue, Avalon, $3,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260273

281 69th Street, Avalon, $3,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261257

132 38th Street, Avalon, $8,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261306

94 E 24th Street, Avalon, $10,775,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260707

Properties Sold:

8 E 27th Street, West, Avalon, $3,900,000, SOLD MLS#: 253121

Summer is almost here! Hopefully there is plenty of beach time in your future!

GEARING UP FOR A BIG WEEKEND!  The upcoming Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the summer season we all look forward to so much.  Beach time, picnics & barbeques, boat rides, and dinners out are all hallmarks of the three-day weekend.   There is rain in the forecast, but it can’t dampen the excitement of a new summer!

AVALON’S BEACHES are taking shape thanks to the ongoing sand back passing project.  As of the beginning of this week, 70,000 cubic yards of sand have been moved from the borrow area to north end beaches.  All beach paths from 15^th Street south are open, and Public Works will open as many northern beach paths as possible for Memorial Day Weekend.   Bids are expected to be opened later this month for a large hydraulic beach fill run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, thanks to emergency beach funding from the federal government.  The project itself could take place in another 1-2 months.

PLEASE BE SAFE when swimming and boating in local waters.  Although lifeguards will be on duty, along with first responders, ocean waters remain cold compared to peak summer months, and there is always the possibility of rip currents.  On the back bays, where the water is a bit warmer and calmer, there will be lots of boat traffic, along with water skiers, personal watercraft, and swimmers.  Be cautious and be safe!

PARADES AND CEREMONIES are planned across the island and throughout the area on Memorial Day.  In Avalon, the Memorial Day Parade steps off at 9am from 32^nd Street & Dune Drive, proceeding north to Veteran’s Plaza, where a Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at approximately 9:40am.  A Memorial Service will be held at Stone Harbor Fire Company at 10am, followed by the Memorial Day Parade at 11am on 96^th Street heading toward the beach.  A Memorial Day Ceremony will follow at the Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor at 95^th Street & the beach at 11:30am.  Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post 331 (at 11617 Second Avenue) will conduct a Memorial service at 12:30pm.

TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER those who have sacrificed everything defending our freedom.  They gave their lives to protect ours.  Enjoy your time; remember those who can’t be with us.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

9903 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $3,595,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261328

929 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261344

25 E 18th Street, Avalon, $5,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261322

132 38th Street, Avalon, $8,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261306

Under Contract:

9816 2nd Avenue, 17, Stone Harbor, $335,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261129

314 111th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261327

298 50th Street, Avalon, $2,850,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 261162

82 W 9th Street, Avalon, $5,595,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252202

207 120th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,295,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260086

Properties Sold:

7800 Dune Drive, #205, Avalon, $410,000, SOLD MLS#: 253527

448 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $1,425,000, SOLD MLS#: 253116

2290 Ocean Drive, C, Avalon, $1,700,000, SOLD MLS#: 261010

118 22nd Street, Avalon, $4,000,000, SOLD MLS#: 260194

Summer’s coming!  Time to get your seasonal beach tags if you haven’t already done so.  See below for the link to order at pre-season discounted prices!

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET?  Buyer demand remains solid, and listing inventory remains tight.  Properties continue to be placed under contract with recent sales ranging from around $400,000 to around $14,000,000.  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute reports:

Avalon: https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea32953da2e325e445c76da

Stone Harbor: https://reports.longandfoster.com/r?boundary=5ea463bdda2e325e445ccbe3

GET ‘EM READY!  With less that two weeks until Memorial Day Weekend, it’s time to make final preparations for the summer season.  Need last-minute help finding a contractor or vendor?  Call or email me!

WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST?  Read a new book on the deck?  Reconnect with friends over dinner?  Take a sunrise walk on the beach?  Now’s the time to make your summer plans, and carve out time for your bucket list items!  Try a new restaurant, teach your grandchild how to fish, take golf lessons—make your list!

LAST CHANCE FOR DISCOUNTED SEASONAL BEACH TAGS!  If you haven’t yet purchased your beach tags, you can order them online and have them shipped.  Check them out!

Avalon: https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/products/avalon-2025-seasonal-beach-tag-copy

Stone Harbor: https://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/products/stone-harbor-2026-seasonal-beach-tag

Beginning June 1st, season beach tag prices increase by $5.

SELLING THIS FALL?  LET’S TALK NOW!  Ready to sell but want to enjoy one last summer at the shore?  Let’s talk now about listing your property for sale with a fall settlement!  Many buyers are here during the summer, giving your property maximum exposure, and they’re often willing to wait until fall to settle, giving you a full summer at the shore!  Call or email me and we’ll devise a strategy to achieve your goals!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Seagulls are back!  This pair is taking a break while enjoying a water view from a local dock.  See more below.

BEACH UPDATE: AVALON’S SAND BACKPASSING project continues.  The borough has reported that as of last week 33,000 cubic yards of sand have been scraped, hauled, and graded on north-end beaches.  That’s about half the contracted quantity, and the borough has the ability to enact a change order increasing the volume of sand if needed.

STONE HARBOR IS HIRING LIFEGUARDS for the 2026 season.  Think you have what it takes?  Details on the New Guard Test and an application are here: https://stoneharbornj.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2026-lifeguard-application-fillable.pdf

NO TURN ON RED!  Now that May is here, it brings an end to our off season “right turn on red” protocol.  It also marks an end to blinking traffic lights on the island!  And for Stone Harbor visitors, parking meters are now in effect!

BULK TRASH COLLECTION occurs in both Avalon and Stone Harbor this month.  In Avalon, place items curbside now through May 10^th for pickup on May 11th.

In Stone Harbor, place items curbside up to 72 hours prior to pick up on May 11th.  As a reminder, bulk trash collection is for things such as old furniture and “junk,” but NOT for construction debris .

SEAGULLS ARE BACK!  More formally known as “laughing gulls,” their signature squawking can now be heard again from beach to bay, and all around the island.  Returning to the area every spring, they spend the summer here before departing again in early August.  While they’re here, seagulls constantly search for anything edible, helping to keep our beaches, neighborhoods, and waterways clean.

PLEASE FORWARD this newsletter to a friend, neighbor, or coworker that loves Avalon & Stone Harbor.  To subscribe, send me an email.  You may unsubscribe at any time, and your address will not be shared or sold.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

9816 2nd Avenue, 17, Stone Harbor, $335,900, ACTIVE MLS#: 261129

7888 Dune Drive, 218, Avalon, $899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261160

8201 Third Avenue, Unit 22, Stone Harbor, $1,359,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261137

401 24th Street, 1st Floor, Avalon, $1,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261153

298 50th Street, Avalon, $2,850,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261162

262 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,995,777, ACTIVE MLS#: 261195

9727 3rd Avenue, Unit A-1, Stone Harbor, $3,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261199

46 W 31st Street, Avalon, $6,195,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261156

Under Contract:

280 79th Street, 1, Avalon, $989,500, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 252415

490 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260968

74 W 7th Street, Avalon, $4,999,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260093

Properties Sold:

7900 Dune Drive, C315, Avalon, $439,900, SOLD MLS#: 260288

2488 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $940,000, SOLD MLS#: 260737

301 80th Street, Cambridge Greene – Unit B24, Avalon, $1,350,000, SOLD MLS#: 252742

247 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,435,000, SOLD MLS#: 260344

Remember those April showers?  We’re about to be rewarded with May flowers!

AVALON IS HIRING lifeguards, beach tag inspectors, and beach tag supervisors for the 2026 season!  Sun, sand, salt, and a sea breeze—what great summer job opportunities!  For details on each position, and a downloadable application, visit this page: https://avalonboro.net/job-postings/

96^th STREET BRIDGE UPDATE:  Stone Harbor has provided an update on the 96^th Street Bridge replacement project.  Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, with “work taking place outside of the current bridge footprint. Normal bridge operations will continue during this phase,” which will last until Summer 2027, according to the update.  In the fall of 2027, the old drawbridge span will be removed, and a temporary bridge span will carry vehicle traffic for Summer 2028.  During the 2028-2029 off-season, the new bridge span will be installed, and final testing will occur during summer 2029.

SUMMER MUST BE CLOSE!  Miss Avalon has been out fishing, and Avalon Lady will begin fishing May 4th, the first day of fluke season; lawns are green and flowers are blooming; lifeguard boats are being readied for the beach; restaurant and shops are open; Avalon’s north-end beaches are being replenished with sand; painters, landscapers, pool companies, and contractors are working feverishly to complete projects; activities, events, and concerts are beginning to fill the calendar.  Are you ready?  I am!

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS?  Plan your summer move now!

Make it a week to remember!  Choose your dates and book a week-long summer vacation to remember!  Let me know what type of property you’re looking for and I’ll find you the perfect property!

Make it permanent!  Have you thought about owning your very own shore property?  Did you know that rental income (including two weeks of tax free income) can help pay for your shore property? Let’s discuss your goals and formulate a plan to make them happen!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

3287 Dune Drive, First Floor, Avalon, $599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261089

8222 3rd Avenue, North Unit, Stone Harbor, $2,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261056

2988 Avalon Avenue, Avalon, $3,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261087

25 W 9th Street, Avalon, $3,995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261055

154 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,395,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261110

141 8th Street, Avalon, $5,500,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261038

Under Contract:

7888 Dune Drive, Unit 219, Avalon, $565,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260755

2928 Ocean Drive, C-N, Avalon, $2,499,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260435

1838 Dune Drive, Avalon, $2,900,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260946

6709 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,495,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260964

6229 Dune Drive, Avalon, $4,795,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260077

Properties Sold:

29 E 28th Street, 7, Avalon, $700,000, SOLD MLS#: 253044

74 W 13th Street, 74, Avalon, $995,000, SOLD MLS#: 260410

11200 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, $4,087,500, SOLD MLS#: 251082

Ahhh!  On a warm spring day a tugboat and barge glide by on the horizon, off Avalon’s Fishing Pier.

AVALON’S SAND BACK PASSING project continues.  As of Monday morning 10,000 cubic yards of sand had been relocated on the 10^th to 14^th Street beaches.  Work continues nightly, but will pause for the weekend.  A total of 63,000 cubic yards are expected to be moved to north end beaches, replenishing them for not only recreational use, but to provide storm protection.

US NEWS has named the Best Beaches in New Jersey for 2026.  Topping the list at #1 is Stone Harbor, featuring “miles of soft sands and an easygoing atmosphere,” according to the article.  Runner up was Cape May; Avalon (#8) and Sea Isle City (#9) were not far behind!  Cape May County is blessed with beautiful beaches with soft white sand!  Check out the article here: https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-beaches-in-new-jersey/?

NEW AT THE ZOO:  “Leonardo DiCatprio” and two Capybara pups!  The Cape May County Park & Zoo has announced two new arrivals just in time for the 2026 summer season.  First, “Leonardo DiCatprio,” a Eurasion Lynx has been relocated to the Zoo after residing at another location for the past few years.  Leo was originally a pet that was rescued after wandering the streets, according to the Zoo.   Two new capybara pups were born on April 14th.  Mom, Buttercup, and her pups can be seen periodically from the bridge at the capybara habitat, but they will be off exhibit often to give them some respite from crowds,” the Zoo said in a statement.    If you’ve never visited the Zoo, it’s one of Cape May County’s treasures, and worth making the trip for those young and old.  It’s free (donations appreciated) and open daily!

WATCH OUT FOR TURTLES!  The Wetlands Institute reminds us that diamondback terrapin hatchlings are starting to emerge as the weather warms.  They offer the following tips  to best protect the hatchlings:

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Listings:

7800 Dune Drive, 123, Avalon, $430,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260985

490 Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor, $995,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260968

2290 Ocean Drive, C, Avalon, $1,700,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261010

340 104 Street, Stone Harbor, $11,750,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260979

1 106th Street, Stone Harbor, $15,495,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 261006

Under Contract:

272 21st Street, Avalon, $479,900, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 243173

125 98th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,675,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260768

8 E 27th Street, West, Avalon, $3,995,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253121

10 E 14th Street, Avalon, $3,999,999, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 253414

225 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,799,000, UNDER CONTRACT MLS#: 260602

Properties Sold:

420 24th Street, East, Avalon, $2,297,500, SOLD MLS#: 260668

225 110th Street, Stone Harbor, $2,375,000, SOLD MLS#: 252725

859 Dune Drive, Avalon, $3,577,000, SOLD MLS#: 253381