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Wildwood Hosts 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics NJ

Issue #550

December 19, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🦁 Wildwood Hosts 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics NJ

🚋Stone Harbor Approves 3% Occupancy Tax on Online Short- Term Rentals

🦆 Stockton, Rutgers Partner to Reboot Coastal Science with Renewable Tech

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 19

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Wildwood Hosts 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics NJ

 While most people will be wrapped up in scarves and winter coats, hundreds of daring participants will be diving into the icy Atlantic for the 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood. The wildly popular winter tradition takes place on Saturday, January 17, and supports the Special Olympics of New Jersey.

This year’s plunge kicks off at 1 p.m. on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center at 4501 Boardwalk. Registration is open from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. inside the Convention Center, and spectators are welcome to watch the event for free.

To participate, plungers must raise donations in support of the Special Olympics. Donation minimums vary based on when individuals register:

  • "Now I’m Ready Bear" participants: $110 by Dec. 31

  • "Better Late Than Never Bear": $120 by Jan. 16

  • "Almost Missed It Bear" (on-site): $125 on the day of the event

Registration is available now at plungewildwood.org.

The event invites plungers to get creative — costumes, props, banners, and team spirit are all encouraged. After the plunge, participants and children under 12 can enjoy a free lunch inside the Convention Center. Those not ready to brave the cold water can still support the cause by registering as a "Wave Maker". Wave Makers receive a commemorative 20th anniversary t-shirt and official event supporter status.

Stone Harbor Approves 3% Occupancy Tax on Online Short-Term Rentals

Stone Harbor has approved a 3% municipal occupancy tax on hotel/motel stays and short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Rentals made directly through owners or real estate brokers are exempt. Backed by the local property owners association, the tax aims to help cover the cost of municipal services during tourist season. The measure passed 4–1 and is now in effect, adding to state taxes and bringing the total lodging tax for affected guests to 14.625%.

 

Stockton, Rutgers Partner to Reboot Coastal Science with Renewable Tech

  A new partnership between Stockton University, Rutgers University, Ocean Power Technologies, and the NJ Economic Development Authority will deploy a solar- and wind-powered research buoy off the Jersey Shore in 2026. Anchored at the historic Long-Term Ecosystem Observatory (LEO) site near Tuckerton, the PowerBuoy will collect real-time ocean data and serve as a platform for innovation in marine science. The initiative aims to revitalize coastal research, provide hands-on learning, and support the growing ocean economy through cutting-edge technology and collaboration between academia, government, and industry.

Cape May, New Jersey, is famous for its lighthouse, which has been a beacon for mariners since its construction. In what year was the current Cape May Lighthouse, located in Cape May Point State Park, first lit?

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Answer to the December 18th Trivia Question

Which famous American architect was a frequent visitor to Cape May, New Jersey?

A) Frank Lloyd Wright
B) Louis Sullivan
C) Daniel Burnham
D) I.M. Pei

Answer: A) Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright, the renowned American architect, was one of the notable visitors to Cape May. He stayed at the Windsor Hotel, along with other distinguished guests such as railroad tycoon Diamond Jim Brady and media mogul William Randolph Hearst.

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