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Cape May County Officials Head to D.C. to Fight for Beach Replenishment Funds

Issue #575

January 13, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

⚖️Cape May County Officials Head to D.C. to Fight for Beach Replenishment Funds

🎾JFS Launches ‘Souper Bowl’ Drive to Tackle Winter Hunger

🐟Santucci’s Expands to Rio Grande, Replacing Bruni’s Pizza

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

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

 January 12

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Cape May County Officials Head to D.C. to Fight for Beach Replenishment Funds

A delegation of Cape May County officials will travel to Washington, D.C., on January 14 to push for increased federal funding for beach replenishment. Representing the American Coastal Coalition, the group will meet with federal agencies and congressional staff to address funding shortfalls in the 2026 budget and advocate for future support. Participating towns include Avalon, Stone Harbor, Upper Township, and Cape May. Shoreline communities stress that beach replenishment is vital not just for tourism, but for protecting homes, infrastructure, and lives from coastal erosion and storm damage. National figures support their case—over 40% of Americans live in coastal areas, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, making shoreline resilience a national concern.

JFS Launches ‘Souper Bowl’ Drive to Tackle Winter Hunger

Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Atlantic and Cape May Counties is launching its own charitable twist on game day with the return of its "Souper Bowl" food drive. From January 23 through February 2, JFS will collect canned and packaged soups at its Margate food pantry at 607 N. Jerome Ave. The goal is to provide warm, nutritious meals to individuals and families in need during the coldest stretch of the year. All donations will help stock the shelves of the JFS pantry and supply the organization's food truck, which serves vulnerable residents in Atlantic City. The Souper Bowl campaign focuses specifically on soups, which are especially valued during the winter months. Donors are encouraged to contribute hearty varieties, particularly those with pop-top lids for easier access by individuals who may not have can openers. The initiative underscores JFS's mission to address food insecurity and ensure local residents have access to wholesome meals, no matter their circumstances. Those interested in donating or seeking food assistance can contact JFS at 609-822-1108, ext. 170, or email [email protected].

 

Santucci’s Expands to Rio Grande, Replacing Bruni’s Pizza

A beloved Philadelphia-born pizzeria known for its distinctive square pies is expanding its presence in Cape May County. Santucci’s Original Square Pizza is set to open a new location in Rio Grande this spring, taking over the former Bruni’s Pizza spot at 1613 Route 47 in the Joe Canal’s Plaza. This upcoming restaurant will mark Santucci’s second Cape May County location, joining their existing spot in Wildwood at 402 E. 26th Avenue. The new Rio Grande branch will be operated by the same owners and aims to serve both locals and visitors looking for their signature square-style pizza off the island. While best known for its square pizza with a unique cheese-under-sauce preparation, Santucci’s also offers a wide range of menu items including sandwiches, flatbreads, strombolis, and wings. The addition of the Rio Grande location is expected to bring a fresh option to local pizza lovers and fans of the brand. No official opening date has been announced, but signage at the Rio Grande storefront already teases that Santucci’s is “coming soon.”

 Answer to the January 12th 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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