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From Cape May to Monmouth: Jersey Shore Feels Impact of Federal Wind Energy Freeze

Issue #558

December 27, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🐟From Cape May to Monmouth: Jersey Shore Feels Impact of Federal Wind Energy Freeze

🏊🏻‍♂️First Night and First Day to Attract Thousands for Ocean City’s New Year’s Spectacular

📦North Wildwood Bar Shuts Down for Good Amid Ongoing Legal Fights

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

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

 December 27

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From Cape May to Monmouth: Jersey Shore Feels Impact of Federal Wind Energy Freeze

 The Trump administration has paused five offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns, impacting efforts along the East Coast, including New Jersey’s wind energy ambitions. While none of the halted projects are located off New Jersey’s coast, the decision affects infrastructure, supply chains, and future developments. Canceled projects like Ocean Wind 1 and 2, stalled progress on Atlantic Shores, and opposition from local groups add further complications. Legal challenges are expected as Northeast states push back against the federal freeze.

First Night and First Day to Attract Thousands for Ocean City’s New Year’s Spectacular

Ocean City is preparing to welcome 2026 in signature style with its 33rd annual First Night and First Day celebrations, drawing as many as 10,000 attendees for the two-day, family-friendly event. Packed with entertainment, fireworks, and fun traditions, this alcohol-free celebration continues to be one of the most popular New Year’s events in the region. First Night, held on Dec. 31, will feature more than 70 performances and activities spread across 20 venues throughout town. Highlights include musical tribute acts honoring Journey, Elton John, and Billy Joel, a Motown revue, a mesmerizing mentalist show, the Harlem Wizards, and magic performances. Outdoor ice-skating and a dazzling drone light show over Carey Stadium are also scheduled, adding to the evening’s spectacle. First Day on Jan. 1 continues the celebration with a 5K Boardwalk Run/Walk starting at 1 p.m., followed by the annual First Plunge into the Atlantic Ocean at 2 p.m. Both events begin at the Ocean City Music Pier, and registration is open online or on-site. Shoppers can also enjoy an all-day New Year's shopping extravaganza with special deals along Asbury Avenue and the boardwalk from 5th to 14th Streets. Food and beverages will be available at select locations including Ocean City High School and the Community Center. Since its debut in 1992, Ocean City’s First Night has grown from just 800 attendees and five venues to one of the most anticipated New Year’s Eve events in New Jersey.

 

North Wildwood Bar Shuts Down for Good Amid Ongoing Legal Fights

 A longtime Jersey Shore bar has permanently closed as its owner becomes entangled in multiple legal disputes tied to a stalled renovation project. North Shore Bar & Kitchen in North Wildwood will not reopen, according to owner Ryan Fitzpatrick, who confirmed the decision through the restaurant’s social media channels. The closure follows years of renovation delays and ongoing lawsuits involving city officials and private contractors. Court records show the bar filed a lawsuit on Dec. 9 against the City of North Wildwood and its construction official, alleging that building permits submitted by contractors contained false information and were improperly approved. That case adds to an earlier lawsuit filed in 2023 against one of the contractors, which is still pending. In 2022, plans were submitted to renovate the property, including the addition of a second-floor open-air bar and dining area. Planning board documents show the project stalled amid disputes over construction approvals and compliance. The most recent lawsuit accuses city officials of misconduct and seeks to remove North Wildwood Construction Official Dan Spiegel from involvement in the project. It also asks the court to stop work by Plaza Drywall, one of the contractors tied to the renovation. Following the closure announcement, former patrons shared messages online praising the establishment for its food, staff, and atmosphere. Fitzpatrick stated that the bar operated responsibly and maintained a strong connection with the community, expressing hope that it left a positive impression on customers and the surrounding North Wildwood area.

Which historic district in Cape May includes over 600 buildings, making it one of the largest collections of preserved Victorian structures in the United States?

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Answer to the December 26th Trivia Question

Which famous birdwatching event takes place annually in Cape May, New Jersey?

A) Audubon Bird Festival
B) World Series of Birding
C) Great Backyard Bird Count
D) Global Big Day

Answer: B) World Series of Birding

The World Series of Birding is a 24-hour international birdwatching championship launched in 1984 by Pete Dunne. This event attracts birdwatchers from all over the world to Cape May, which is known for its unique vantage point at the junction of the ocean and bay, making it a major migratory route.​

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