Jersey Shore Headlines

Major Drug Prevention Event will Feature Richie Sambora, Hurricanes May Not Be Too Much Threat This Season, and more in today's Monmouth and Ocean County News.

September 11 survivors, rescuers and victims' relatives, along with President Obama, mark the opening of the 9/11 Museum today at Ground Zero in NYC, according to various wire reports. It opens to the general public next Wednesday.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office has a major drug prevention event planned that they're calling their most ambitious yet, and Richie Sambora is bringing his band to play a special song he has written, according to the Townsquare News Network. All this to continue the fight against the heroin overdose epidemic. It takes place at the Pine Belt Arena and it's called "Can We Talk...Are You Listening" May 27th, 2014, 5 pm - 9 pm. Thousands are expected and registration is required. CLICK HERE to sign up.

Spring Lake officials approve an ordinance this week that expands its ban on smoking. The new measure bans smoking on its boardwalk, beaches, and access points along its entire waterfront, according to NJ.com. But some officials fear the ordinance may create a litter problem across the street on Ocean Avenue in residential areas.

New Jersey residents still recovering from Sandy will be relieved to know forecasters are predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season. However, two storms are expected to make landfall in the Eastern US between June and late fall.

A Lakewood woman's boyfriend has been found guilty of sexually assaulting her 12-year- old daughter in 2010 after both of them had sex with the child. The now 16-year old victim testified against Dennis Conover of Manalapan. Maryellen Dean was convicted of similar charges in March.

Approval of Lakewood's $151 million school budget means no more courtesy busing for thousands of public and non-public students come September, according to the Townsquare News Network. Some community leaders are concerned about gridlock and safety issues. $4 million is needed to save the program.

Jackson officials say the township's ordinance on building schools is more effective than the one recently adopted in Brick. Some Jackson residents are pushing for a proactive approach in residential zones, on the heels of a proposed private all-girls Jewish school on Cross Street.

A valuable tool for Sandy victims will be coming to the Bayshore area. The Bayshore Resource Center is scheduled to open in Highlands and will provide case management, recovery help, and legal and counseling services. A grand opening date is in the works.

The Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a nearly $18 million contract for the first phase of the Port Monmouth Coastal Storm Protection Project, according to a press release from Frank Pallone's office. It includes dune restoration, beach replenishment and the extension of a fishing pier.

A developer who initially proposed building a senior citizen complex in Brick is now looking to construct 'Section 8' housing on Brick Boulevard, according to a report on Brick Patch. A public hearing on the request to lift a deed restriction against affordable housing will be held at the zoning board's May 21st meeting.