TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Jersey Shore once hosted an offshore race called the Benihana Grand Prix, an annual speedboat race held off the Atlantic Ocean. Some called it the Indy 500 of powerboat racing.
A new type of Benihana race is ready to wave the green flag on Friday. A race from North Jersey to the Jersey Shore. A modern Benihana
In the northern part of the Jersey Shore, the tourists who fill the streets every summer are affectionately known as “Bennys.” Further south, they’re known as “Shoobies.”
Our first glimpse of Benny’s and Shoeby’s is from Benny Hill, the Driscoll Bridge on the Garden State Parkway that solemnly divides North Jersey from the Jersey Shore.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, New Jersey’s coast prepares for its annual transformation into a bustling destination for tourists and local beachgoers. The onset of summer brings with it both economic benefits and logistical challenges as more travelers hit the highways and head to coastal destinations.
Local businesses, like boardwalk vendors and waterfront restaurants, rely on the summer months for the majority of their annual revenue and greatly benefit from increased foot traffic. But the increase in tourism also brings a variety of challenges. Traffic congestion on major roads like the Garden State Parkway and Route 72 often results in long delays and extended travel times, affecting both beach-going tourists and daily life residents.
The summer months also test the region’s infrastructure. Demand for public services, such as waste management and emergency services, increases significantly, straining local resources. Town officials have responded by increasing staffing and strengthening coordination with police to effectively manage the seasonal crowds.
Environmental issues have also come to the forefront, with concerns over increasing litter on beaches and potential harm to local wildlife habitats. To address these issues, community groups and local governments are organizing beach cleanups and promoting responsible tourism practices.
As summer progresses, the New Jersey Shore aims to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and maintaining the quality of life for residents. Through careful planning and community collaboration, the goal is to ensure the season is enjoyable and sustainable for all who visit and live along our picturesque coast.
“We’re going to win New York,” Trump told the crowd, signaling his campaign is committed to winning the long-Democratic state.
