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Island Towns Hit Hard by Nor’easter Flooding; Inland Areas Largely Spared

Issue #485

October 14, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🌧️ Island Towns Hit Hard by Nor’easter Flooding; Inland Areas Largely Spared

⚓Cape May’s Coast Guard Base to Become World-Class Facility with Historic Overhaul

 🌅 Sunset Beach in Cape May Named Best in U.S. for Scenic Sunsets

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 October 14

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Island Towns Hit Hard by Nor’easter Flooding; Inland Areas Largely Spared

In case you didn’t notice¸ a Nor’easter struck Cape May County Sunday and Monday, bringing significant tidal flooding to island communities like Strathmere, Wildwood, and Ocean City. Strathmere saw severe dune erosion, with some areas completely washed away. Floodwaters reached knee-high in parts of Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, especially on the bayside. Despite alarming forecasts, actual flood levels were lower than expected due to mild winds and limited rainfall. Most damage was minor, with raised homes and ongoing infrastructure projects helping to reduce impact. Officials urged residents to avoid driving through floodwaters as cleanup and drainage efforts continued.

  

Cape May’s Coast Guard Base to Become World-Class Facility with Historic Overhaul

 The U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May is set to receive a $425 million federal investment—the largest in South Jersey’s history. The upgrades include a new indoor training facility combining seamanship, firefighting, physical fitness, classrooms, and graduation areas. Plans also feature a new firing range, renovated dining facility, and modern barracks with classroom space. The base’s pier, used by the Coast Guard Fifth District, will also be rehabilitated. These improvements aim to enhance training quality, increase recruitment, and solidify the center’s role as a premier Coast Guard training site.

Sunset Beach in Cape May Named Best in U.S. for Scenic Sunsets

When it comes to jaw-dropping sunsets, New Jersey now holds a top spot on the national stage. According to a recent study by hotel marketing agency Gourmet Marketing, Sunset Beach in Cape May County has been ranked the best beach in the United States for sunset views, based on traveler reviews. The study analyzed thousands of TripAdvisor comments, looking specifically for mentions of sunsets. Sunset Beach took the lead, with 38.1% of reviewers highlighting its unforgettable golden hour experience — more than any other beach in the country. Nestled along the Delaware Bay, Sunset Beach is a local favorite that offers more than just a scenic view. As the sun dips below the horizon, it casts a fiery glow behind the eerie silhouette of the SS Atlantus, a partially submerged concrete shipwreck just offshore. The result is a cinematic, often goosebump-inducing atmosphere that’s less touristy and more soul-soothing. The beach’s peaceful charm and natural beauty helped it rise above other notable contenders across the country. Massachusetts secured two spots in the top five with Mayflower Beach and Herring Cove Beach, both praised for their reflective tidal flats and stunning skies. Meanwhile, Washington’s First Beach and Connecticut’s Dubois Beach also received high marks for their tranquil, dramatic settings. Ultimately, reviewers leaned toward beaches that offered authentic beauty over crowded hotspots — and Sunset Beach delivered. 

In 1885, an unusual attraction was built in South Cape May—a large 'Lucy type elephant' structure called the "Light of Asia." What was its primary purpose?

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Answer to the October 13th Trivia Question

What was the original name of Congress Hall when it was first constructed in 1816?

A) The Grand Hotel
B) Hughes House
C) The Big House
D) Cape May Inn

Answer: C) The Big House

Congress Hall was first built in 1816 as a wooden boarding house by Thomas H. Hughes. It was initially called "The Big House," and locals referred to it as "Tommy's Folly" because they thought it was too large to be successful. When Hughes was elected to the House of Representatives in 1828, he renamed the hotel to Congress Hall​.​

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