MTPD Welcomes Two New Officers
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 Pictured from left: Deputy Chief Paul Bailey, Officer James Courtney, Officer Robert Fernandez, and Deputy Chief John Werner
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At the Township Committee Meeting on Monday, July 14th, Mayor Tony Perry swore in the two newest officers of the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD). Born and raised in Middletown, Officer James Courtney is a graduate of Middletown High School North. During his time there, he played varsity football. He has served as Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II (SLEO II) with the MTPD since 2018. Officer Robert Fernandez, also a Middletown High School North graduate, proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he earned multiple awards for his dedication and service. His commendations include the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy "E" Ribbon, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was honorably discharged after his ship completed deployment of over 200 days during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking one of the longest naval deployments since the Vietnam era. The MTPD is proud to welcome Officers James Courtney and Robert Fernandez to the department. They will attend the Monmouth County Police Academy this July through December. Congratulations to our newest officers and wish them all the best!
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Middletown Recognizes Michael Quilty as 2025 Veteran of the Year
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 Mayor Tony Perry presents Michael with the 2025 Veteran of the Year Award as VAC Chairman Dennis Beauregard and the Middletown Township proudly congratulate him.
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Middletown Township was honored to recognize Michael Quilty as the recipient of the 2025 Dennis J. Beauregard Veteran of the Year Award. The award, introduced in 2022, is named after the current chairman of the Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee (VAC) who is a passionate advocate for veterans in our town and across the state. The award is based on documented acts of selfless service and going the "extra mile" beyond one's post-military career. Michael truly exemplifies this spirit. As a committed member of the VAC, he has worked tirelessly to connect veterans with essential resourcessuch as housing, mental health care, and addiction support. Beyond his advocacy, Michael is a familiar face in the community, known for announcing local hockey games. His commitment to service, both during his military career and as a resident, has left a lasting impact on Middletown. Click HERE to view photos from the award presentation.
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Lincroft Lightning 10U Girls Softball Team and Lincroft All Stars 8-10 Softball Team Celebrate Recent Championships at Township Committee Meeting
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At Monday's meeting, Mayor Tony Perry was excited to present congratulatory certificates to the Lincroft Lightning 10U team and the Lincroft 8-10 Softball All Stars. The Lincroft Lightning 10U team was recognized for winning the 2025 Central New Jersey Championship. The Lincroft 8-10 Softball All Stars won the Lincroft Little League District 19 Championship.
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 Mayor Tony Perry joins the teams in a victory chant!
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Click HERE to watch the meeting on the Township's YouTube channel or catch it on our TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) every day at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:30 PM through Sunday, August 10th.
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DeVito's Dogs & Grille Opens in Middletown
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On Saturday, Mayor Tony Perry attended the grand opening of DeVito’s Dogs & Grille (455 NJ-36, Port Monmouth). This new business offers a "top dog" experience with bold flavors and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Mayor Perry was thrilled to meet the owners, help cut the ribbon, and present a certificate on behalf of the Township Committee. Visit devitosdogs.com to check out their awesome menu!
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Join MTPD at Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, 8/5 from 5-8 PM
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National Night Out will be celebrated at Middletown High School North's back field (63 Tindall Road) this year on Tuesday, August 5th! Attendees will be able to park in the lot off Swartzel Drive. National Night Out is an annual police-community building campaign that is celebrated across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide to promote neighborhood safety and unity. This is the MTPD's 7th year hosting it. The MTPD will be on site to meet the public, give demonstrations, and have fun. Activities include finger painting, K-9 demonstrations, police equipment displays, an impaired driving simulator, inflatables, giveaways, food, and more! We hope to see all our residents at this FREE, family-friendly event!
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Find Out the Answer to This Week's Township Trivia Thursday!
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The Middletown America 250 Committee and Middletown Township Historical Society are partnering to present Township Trivia Thursdays every other week. Test your trivia skills while learning more about our town and its rich history. This week's question can be found on middletownnj.org/trivia and the Township's YouTube channel. The next trivia question will be featured via the Middletown America 250 Committee's Instagram story on Thursday, July 31st. The answer will be revealed in the Friday, August 1st issue of Middletown Minutes and on our Township Trivia page. Make sure you follow the Middletown America 250 Committee on Instagram!
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Submit Photos to Middletown America 250's Weekly Photo Contest: This Week's Winners to be Announced on Friday, 7/25
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As part of Middletown's America 250 initiative, the Township launched a weekly photo contest! Capture a unique photo in Middletown inspired by the weekly theme, which will be shared via the Middletown America 250 Committee's social media channels and in Middletown Minutes. This week's theme is "Paths of the Past". Take a photo of Native American or Revolutionary War trails located in Middletown and share it with us! Upload your photo to middletownnj.org/250photocontest, along with your name, social media handle, and a short description of your image and its location. New themes will be announced every Thursday. The winners will be announced every Friday, so please submit your photo by noon on Thursday of that week. Follow @middletownamerica250 on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop. Your photo could be featured on the Middletown America 250 social media channels, Middletown Minutes, and our municipal TV channel (Comcast Cable Channel 20/Verizon FiOS Channel 26), so we encourage you to participate! Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's contest with the theme "Built to Last". Below is the winning photo chosen by Mayor Tony Perry! Katie Fischer submitted this beautiful photo of the interior of Christ Episcopal Church (69 Kings Highway).
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 Photo Courtesy of Katie Fischer
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Monmouth County Marks One Year to America’s 250th Birthday with Special "Kick-Off the Countdown" Event Planned for Wednesday, 7/23
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee recently announced that a special “Kick-Off the Countdown” event will take place during the 50th annual Monmouth County Fair, marking the beginning of America’s Semiquincentennial year. The “Kick-Off the Countdown” event will take place on opening night of the fair, which is Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:00 PM on the main stage. This special event will feature Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, reenactors, remarks, music, and entertainment including the Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums. There will also be tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) and a fireworks display to top off the event at 9:00 PM! Click HERE to read the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's press release for more information and details.
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Monmouth County Officials Release Free Educational Resource for Monmouth County Students for America’s Upcoming 250th Anniversary
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The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee recently released a free educational resource for Monmouth County students in recognition of America’s 250th birthday. Schools are invited to implement this book about Monmouth County’s Revolutionary era history into their curriculum. This free educational resource includes stories about influential people, significant places, and key events that have made an indelible impact on American and New Jersey history. It also includes interactive activities for students to learn from while having fun. For questions or to request printed copies of this resource, please email Ted.Maturo@co.monmouth.nj.us. Click HERE to read the book and click HERE to read the committee's press release.
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Sign Up for a Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation with the MTFD and American Red Cross
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The Middletown Township Fire Department and Middletown Fire Prevention Office are partnering with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms for free throughout Middletown. If you are interested in this service, please schedule an appointment at middletownnj.org/smokealarm. Click HERE to watch a Public Service Announcement for more information.
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Middletown EMS Encourages Residents to Follow Safety Measures at the Beach This Summer
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Join James De Rugeriis, Public Information Officer for the Middletown Township Department of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), as he shares five crucial beach safety tips every family should know before heading to the shore. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing, or playing in the sand, these tips will help keep your summer outings safe, fun, and stress-free! Click HERE to watch the Public Service Announcement.
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Community Attends Free Narcan/Naloxone Administration Training at Town Hall
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The Middletown Alliance and JSAS Healthcare partnered to host a training on Overdose Response and Naloxone Administration on Thursday, July 17th. Attendees learned about substance and opioid use disorders, the signs of an overdose, the steps to respond, and how to administer naloxone and rescue breaths. Those who attended received an overdose response kit that included gloves, a rescue breath mask, and two doses of naloxone nasal spray. Keep an eye out for future trainings.
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Learn How to Safely Dispose of Your Vape
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It may be officially summer, but it's never too late to "spring clean" out your lungs! In the spring, the Middletown Alliance for Drug and Alcohol Prevention launched its "Spring Clean Out Your Lungs!" series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs). The first PSA educated people about the health risks associated with vaping nicotine products and the second one highlighted tips and tricks on how to quit. You can watch both PSAs on the Township's YouTube channel. In the third and final PSA of the series, Alliance Coordinator Erika McKee and Department of Public Works & Engineering Director Ted Maloney provide information about how to safely get rid of your vape at the Middletown Recycling Center (52 Kanes Lane). For more information on the health risks of vaping and further education, please visit middletownnj.org/middletownalliance. For information about the Middletown Recycling Center, please visit middletownnj.org/recyclingcenter. Click HERE to watch the third PSA on YouTube.
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Middletown Alliance Provides Tips for Swimmers on Practicing Alcohol Safety
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Register Now for Middletown Alliance's July Parent Presentation Happening on Monday, 7/28
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Register Now for Blood Drive Hosted at Town Hall on Thursday, 8/28 from 12:30-6:30 PM
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The Middletown Township Health Department is once again partnering with the New Jersey Blood Services/New York Blood Center to host a blood drive at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway) on Thursday, August 28th. According to New York Blood Center, someone needs blood every two seconds. It is important to have blood available 24/7 for emergencies as well as ongoing, life-sustaining needs for patients battling chronic diseases. Since blood cannot be synthetically made, there is no substitute – only volunteer donors can give the gift of life. Help make a difference by making an appointment today at nybc.org/drive. Please use the sponsor code 72770.
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NJAW Lead Service Line Replacement Program Door-to-Door Canvassing Continues
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CDM Smith, on behalf of New Jersey American Water (NJAW), started a door-to-door canvassing effort related to the Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) in Middletown on Monday, February 3rd. The canvassing and internal inspections are currently taking place in the Middletown Village Elementary School District in Area 3 on the map above. The entire canvassing is expected to take place over the next few months. All CDM Smith inspectors will wear co-branded (NJAW and CDM Smith) high visibility logo vests and will have NJAW-issued Contractor ID badges. Inspectors will introduce themselves and the program to property owners and will then ask to enter the home to inspect the water service where it enters into the home (typically in a basement or crawl space). The inspector will take exterior photos of the property and interior photographs of the service material and record the pipe material identified. Inspections generally take 15 minutes or less. At no time will residents be asked for money. Any customer that prefers to not have an internal inspection completed will be directed to alternatives to the inspections including self-reporting. The Middletown Township Police Department is aware of the canvassing. If you have any questions about LSLRP, please email njawlead@cdmsmith.com and LeadFreeNJ@amwater.com.
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Participate in Middletown Township School District's Strategic Planning Meetings
The Middletown Township Board of Education invites everyone to participate in a Strategic Planning Initiative along with their neighbors, community members, friends, teachers, students, and school district administrators to create a shared vision for the future of the Middletown Township School District. This process will be facilitated by the New Jersey School Boards Association. The goal is to create a shared vision for the district to discuss strengths, challenges, and solutions. Staff members, parents, guardians, students, community leaders, and other interested members of the public are invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas to help plan for the future of Middletown's students. The third and final meeting will take place on Thursday, August 28th from 6:00-7:30 PM at Middletown High School North (63 Tindall Road). The first two meetings were held in May and June. Click HERE to RSVP to the meeting.
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Reserve Your Seats for The MAC Players' Hairspray
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Get ready for big hair, big laughs, and an even bigger heart as Hairspray lights up the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) stage! It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show”. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do! The MAC Players debuted the musical last week and will continue this weekend with performances on Friday, July 18th at 7 PM, Saturday, July 19th at 7 PM, and Sunday, July 20th at 2 PM. Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
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Attend the Second Concert of MAC's Summer Concert Series on Tuesday, 7/29 at 7 PM
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The Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) annual free summer concert series has officially returned! Goldenseal will perform at the MAC (36 Church Street) on Tuesday, July 29th. The concert will take place on the lawn, but will be moved indoors in the case of inclement weather. Alcohol is not permitted. Please grab your beach chairs and blankets to listen to this band perform. Since its formation, Goldenseal has developed a reputation as a high energy, high quality band that plays both original songs and covers, especially music written by the pioneers of rock such as Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. The band has received numerous awards and favorable reviews from music critics and journalists. The remaining performances will take place at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays, August 12th and August 26th. The next concert will be performed by Guns 4 Hire and the final concert will be performed by Moroccan Sheepherders.
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Join MTFD at Touch-a-Truck on Monday, 7/21 from 6-9 PM
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On Monday, July 21st, stop by the former Mater Dei High School parking lot for the Middletown Township Fire Department's (MTFD) third annual Touch-a-Truck to check out fire trucks, food trucks, games, and fire safety demonstrations!
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Register for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Upcoming Guided Fossil Hunts: First One on Tuesday, 7/22 at 2 PM
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Come dig up Middletown history at the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds! Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period from 65-72 million years ago. Middletown Parks & Recreation's guide will supply equipment for screening for fossils and identifying your treasures.
Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Listen to a Live Performance of Past and Present Broadway Hits at the MTPL on Wednesday, 7/23 at 1 PM
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Come to the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) and immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of live Broadway music, where the old “razzle dazzle” comes alive once more! Francine and Joel Music will take you on an unforgettable journey through over 23 beloved Broadway gems, each note resonating with the joy and excitement of the stage. The program will take place in the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road). Registration is recommended. Click HERE for more information and to register.
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Sign Up for MTPL's Clay Earring Workshop for Teens Happening on Wednesday, 7/23 at 6 PM
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Create your own clay earrings at the MTPL with Be Above Designs! Click HERE for more information and register.
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Celebrate Summerween with Middletown Parks & Recreation on Thursday, 7/31
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Enjoy a family-friendly night filled with a DJ, meet-and-greet with the Sanderson Sisters, haunted décor, and Halloween activities beginning at 6:30 PM at Ideal Beach (Bayside Parkway, North Middletown)! Stay after Middletown Parks & Recreation's free beach party to watch a Summerween classic, Addams Family Values, at 8:45 PM. Click HERE for more information.
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Join MTPD at Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, 8/5 from 5-8 PM
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The Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) will be hosting this year's National Night Out at Middletown High School North (63 Tindall Road)! If the weather is nice, the event will be held on the field. If it is raining, it will be held in the gym. Attendees will be able to park in the lot off Swartzel Drive. National Night Out is an annual police-community building campaign that is celebrated across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide to promote neighborhood safety and unity. This is the MTPD's 8th year hosting it. The MTPD will be on site to meet the public, give demonstrations, and have fun. Activities include fingerprinting, K-9 demonstrations, police equipment displays, impaired driving simulator, inflatables, giveaways, food, and more! We hope to see all our residents at this FREE, family-friendly event!
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- Beginning Monday, July 14th through Friday, July 25th, Whipporwill Valley Road at Chapel Hill Road will be closed 24/7 due to bridge construction. Please follow the posted detour.
- Navesink River Road is currently closed between Club Way and McClees Road to all traffic for repairs. This work is anticipated to take several weeks. Please follow the posted detour.
- In June, Monmouth County began the construction of the replacement of Bridge S-14 on County Route 50 (Swimming River Road). The road will remain open throughout construction and two 11-foot-wide travel ways in each direction will be maintained. Construction is anticipated to take two years. Please follow all posted signs and stay alert while driving in the area, as temporary changes to traffic patterns may occur. Click HERE to read the County's press release for more information.
- Church Street in Belford (near Saint Mary's School) between Leonardville Road and Drift Road is currently closed to replace Bridge MT-10. It will be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic through October, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the course of the project.
- As of Monday, January 13th, Broadway is closed between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) due to construction of the final phase of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Port Monmouth Flood Control Project. Broadway will be closed for approximately two years. Detours were posted. Port Monmouth Road between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) reopened on Monday, January 13th, providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.
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NJAW Begins Hydrant Flushing in Middletown, Belford, and Leonardo
New Jersey American Water (NJAW) crews are conducting routine flushing of the water distribution system in Middletown, Belford, and Leonardo from Friday, June 27th through Friday, July 25th to provide high-quality water service. Flushing in these areas will occur between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
When crews are working in your area, you may notice reduced pressure or discolored water. If your water is discolored, run the cold water taps at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear. If discolored water occurs please also refrain from doing laundry during that time. Click HERE to read NJAW's full alert.
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NJCCIC Warns about Texting Scam that Impersonates NJDOL
New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) recently received reports regarding the impersonation of NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) personnel in SMS text phishing (SMiShing) schemes. Cybercriminals are contacting claimants via text message, identifying themselves as "NJLWD Claim Department" and alleging they need clarification on a claim. Middletown Township encourages residents to be aware of any unexpected and suspicious messages. Click HERE to read the NJCCIC's alert for full details.
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MTPD Provides Safety Tips for Scam Text Messages and Online Threats
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The Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) has recently been contacted by residents who have received text messages stating that they have outstanding traffic violations. THIS IS A SCAM. Please review the information above for tips on how to stay safe from scam text messages and online threats. Always remember: NEVER CLICK ON A LINK YOU MAY BE UNSURE OF.
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Middletown Township Health Department Provides Information on How to Properly Dispose Sharps
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Middletown OEM Shares Information about How to Stock Up on Hurricane Supplies
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With hurricane season officially here, the Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents about the importance of being prepared. Now is the time to review your emergency plans, stock up on essentials, and stay informed. Whether securing your home, checking your supplies, or signing up for emergency alerts, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Visit weather.gov/hurricanesafety for safety tips and resources.
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Prepare for Hurricane Season by Purchasing or Renewing Flood Insurance
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Middletown Township Health Department Shares Information about Ticks and Mosquitoes
'Tis the season for ticks and mosquitoes! The Middletown Township Health Department would like to share some useful resources with our community. Click HERE for more information about ticks and click HERE for more information about mosquitoes.
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Monmouth County Currently Offering Greener Blue Pump-out Boat on Fridays and Saturdays
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The Greener Blue Pump-Out Boat, which is operated by the Monmouth County Department of Health and Human Services, is currently in service on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM. This free program, which is available to all recreational boaters and not limited to Monmouth County residents, helps properly dispose sewage from boats. Service is available on a first come, first served basis and does not require any paperwork. The service areas are the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers and the Atlantic Highlands Marina (Sandy Hook Bay). If you have general inquiries, please call the Monmouth County Division of Health at 732-431-7456 (Option 3). On service days, you can contact VHF Channel 9 (Marine radio) or call 732-761-4997.
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Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System
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Monmouth County proudly offers the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System – an easy way for residents to find and access appropriate services in Monmouth County to meet their needs. Created as part of Monmouth County’s Department of Human Services, the Navigation System serves as one point of entry for residents to be connected to any human service provider in the County without needing to make multiple calls. Call the Warm Line at 732-683-8959 to reach countless service providers and visit monmouthacts.org for more information.
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Middletown Township Building & Inspection Department Launches New SDL Online Permit Portal
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Visit sdlportal.com to access the portal and create an account. Need assistance? Click HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to create an account.
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Connect with the Township to Help Correct Concerns
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Middletown Township is now utilizing the “See-Click-Fix” platform so residents can easily contact the Township to report any concerns. The Township is branding this reporting tool as Connect & Correct since you can submit your request via the website and track its progress through completion. Visit middletownnj.org and click on the Connect & Correct button. This link will direct you to a page of categories you can choose from to report your concern. Simply choose the relevant category from the list such as lost pet, pothole, sidewalks, playgrounds, etc. and add a brief description of the issue. You will be able to enter an address or pinpoint the location of the issue on the map. You will also have the option to attach a photo if you would like, and then you can click to submit the report.
You will then be able to track the status of the issue through updates on the platform or via email notifications. Exciting news — the Connect & Correct app is now officially available on the Apple App Store and Google Play! The goal of the app is to make it even easier to report your concerns on-the-go as well as streamline communications regarding any concerns you may have.
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Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates
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Know Someone with a Disability? Make Sure They Register with NJ Register Ready!
Middletown’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents with disabilities to register with NJ Register Ready. This free program is designed to assist first responders and emergency planners in identifying community members who may need assistance evacuating in advance of an emergency. For more information about the program and the three ways you can register, visit middletownnj.org/oem.
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Click HERE to access hi-res photos from thise-newsletter.
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Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20
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