Do you have a favorite New Jersey beach?  Starting Monday, you can cast your vote in the annual New Jersey Top Ten Beaches Survey.

The Northeast Coast Marks One Year Anniversary Of Hurricane Sandy
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The survey started in 2008 by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium as a way to encourage stewardship and pride in the state's beaches while promoting a little healthy competition between New Jersey's favorite beach towns. It's since become a pre-summer favorite with residents and Jersey Shore visitors.

"We want them to realize how important our beaches and other coastal assets are, and that we're all responsible for their well-being. What we do today directly impacts the future of shore communities," said Kim Kosko, director of communications for NJSGC.

Kosko said this year they're encouraging voters to really give some thought to their picks.  "We all have fond memories and personal favorites when it comes to the beaches we love best. But this year we're asking people to take a little time to really think about the criteria that make the places they pick worthy of winning a spot on the 2014 top ten list," Kosko said.

Officials didn't feel it was right to offer the survey in 2013, considering many spots at the shore were either damaged or destroyed by Sandy.

This year will also incorporate an innovative project that will feature 10 New Jersey artists painting sponsored rain barrels with iconic shore images. Dozens of New Jersey artists applied for a chance to paint the containers and turn them into functional works of art.  The rain barrels will be showcased at a media event in May.

"Those barrels will be on tour throughout the summer, especially at the locations named on the list," Kosko said.

Voting will officially open at 12 p.m., and continue through April 30. To cast your vote, visit www.njtoptenbeaches.org.

 

 

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