Hurricane Sandy devastated several regions of the Northeast, but New Jersey officials want to set one thing straight: Most of the Jersey Shore is relatively unharmed and will be ready for the summer tourist season.
This may come as a surprise to many. A recent poll revealed that around half of the nation believes the entire span of the 100-plus miles of boardwalk along the Jersey Shore suffered devastation from Hurricane Sandy. The good news: Another poll conducted in February showed most regular visitors plan to return to the Jersey Shore this summer. Beach lovers should know that only the northern-most towns experienced beach-closing damage. Communities 40-50 miles to the south still have a boardwalk and are ready for visitors longing for sand, sun, and fun.
Government and tourism representatives are concerned efforts to raise support for victims of storm damage have left the wrong impression in the public’s mind. In an article in USA Today, New Jersey Assemblyman Chris Brown said the extensive news coverage of the historic storm has led to “sensationalism and poor reporting,” which is hindering the effort to restore the local economy.
Attempting to set the record straight, Brown has proposed a bill seeking $20 million to advertise what the rest of the New Jersey shore has to offer.
“Our main concern is to get money for publicity and get the word out,” Brown said. “Once we lose people to other states we’ll be lucky to get them to come back again.”
It’s a tricky time for the Garden State. Parts of the shore are still crippled from the hurricane. The rest of the communities on the Jersey Shore are salvaging what they can from what has traditionally been a $30 billion industry.
Both sides deserve our support —be it sympathy and volunteer work or smiles and hotel reservations. Pack those beach towels and head for the Jersey Shore this summer season.