PHOTOS: Long Beach Island Making Strides, Will Remain Closed for Forseeable Future
Power is on in Surf City and Ship Bottom, but new weather problems may be on the horizon and gas is weeks away.
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boats crashed into homes at the 27th Street bayfront in Ship Bottom.
Photos (16)
Photos
Seeing a police officer armed with an automatic rifle at the end of the Causeway in Ship Bottom was a worse sight than any nightmare I have ever had.
He and a pair of National Guardsmen were checking IDs and verifying access at the Gateway to Long Beach Island for contractors, utility workers, media and some select home and business owners to protect against looters and ensure the saftey on those coming on to the Island.
Businesses that had perishable items were being allowed by Beach Haven to get them and leave. Residents in Surf City whose homes had been “red flagged," essentially declared uninhabitable, were allowed to go in briefly to collect personal items. Those helping to rebuild the island were also arrriving in convoys of dump trucks and with other equipment.
Such was the case for Jeff and Chris Schmidt, owners of a summer rental property on the bayfront in Surf City. As his wife tried to hold back her tears, Schmidt said, “It’s all just too overwhelming right now.”
The lower level of their home had furniture strewn everywhere and the water line was about four feet up the wall. Outside, their boat like countless others sat on the ground.
In Ship Bottom, Dr. Robert Synder was collecting the computers, records and inventory from his optometrist practice.
He had sealed his doors in plastic and then sandbagged them, so the damage was somewhat contained but he was still out of business on LBI for now. “The only thing that is saving me is my office over in Tuckerton was spared,” said the Surf City resident.
The DiFiglio family was not so lucky. The owners of one of the only grocery stores on the island, their inventory was a total loss and layer of thick, sandy muck covered the floor.
Five National Guard troops had hopped off a bus headed to the command post at the Long Beach Township town hall to help them clear the store.
At the command center, any persons not directly connected to the emergency management effort were required to register and in some cases be escorted to where they needed to go.
Surveying the Boulevard between the command post and Surf City town hall, the damage did not appear to be that bad. The streets were relatively clear of sand, but as one looked closer you could see the high water marks on the homes alluding to the damage inside.
“I would estimate 80 to 90 percent on the borough had 3-5 feet of water above the street level, so all low lying homes are damaged,” said Ship Bottom Mayor William Huelsenbeck.
The mayor said they are now keeping an eye on the national weather forcast before making any plans to allow residents back. "There is a chance we are geting a nor'easter early next week. Until we see what happens with that we are holding off on letting people back," hesaid.
He also advised all homeowners to begin making arrangements to have their homes winterized once they can gain access. It could be months before the gas is turned on and no one is going to have gas heat before then, he said.
Along the bayfront, as in Surf City, the damage was also very apparent.
The oceanfront beaches in Brant Beach to Surf City appeared in tact and little damage was noted to the oceanfront homes.
This was opposed to further north and south on LBI in places like Hogate and North Beach. In the area I saw, the dunes held but the drop offs were dramatic.
Along the newly replenished dunes in Brant Beach, the long incline leading up the dunes were fine. But at the crest, there was no path down just a 15-20 foot plunge to the beach.
There is a schedulled press conference later Sunday morning at the Command Cetnter in Brant Beach. Patch will update you as more details are released.
TripleK
6:02 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Why isn't there more info from surf city Mayor Connors? Police chief Collins? Where are the updates.? Permanate residents should be allowed back just like red flagged houses too get their personal belongings. FEMA in an voice message said they would allow only temperorary housing until Nov 14 at approved hotels. These hotels are fully booked. I will not be reimbursed for staying at a hotel out of the region?
The media has little or no interest or access to LBI . The drip drip drip of info is ridiculous .
LBI is forever changed . The island needs a central hub for all info. Harvey cedars and LBT have proved some but surf city ship bottom are extremely lacking..
John B Taxpayer
8:06 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
333k
I sympathize with you. we live in Barnegat and don't have any power neither but faired much better than you did. The Local and county officials are doing a poor job and keeping you in the dark is inexcusable! I will vote against all that are running! They are doing just fine... I'm sure! Go to hell the bunch of them!
kevin
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
This is ridiculous to not let us on. There are 100 of people walking around ship bottom , channel 6 has live reports . The streets are fine and everyone on Beach Haven West is in cleaning out there homes. There are no dangerous condition in Surf City or Ship Bottom . I’ll make sure we vote these people out . No word or help from Ship Bottom or Surf City Mayor . Look at the Ship Bottom Fire Dept on Facebook . It shows they already cleaned out all the wet furniture and it is on the curb. They will not have mold but we all will. The Super Market is all cleaned up with 100 of trash bags in front of Di Figleo
DrBeach
7:28 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I don't know if this helps, but you can try http://lbirecovery.tumblr.com as well.
Debra Garcia
7:45 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I live in North Beach. A friend who is on the island checked on my house and said we have a red tape on the door. Does anyone know what the red tape means?
Brian sabarese
8:09 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Red tape mean not live able. Needs to be checked by town inspectors. Where in surf city. I was on the island two days ago
Martin McFarten
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Hi Brian, By the school. How did you get over? I have a contractor but not able to get on the list.
Lori B
8:39 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Why is it that only certain select groups are being allowed access? Our house in Surf City is liveable but has sustained damage to the outside panels that protect the the hvac and water system. we need to get down there to protect from the elements before the next storm arrives this week. Surf City officials need to formulate a plan and communicate with ALL homeowners so we can make arrangements to protect our properties from further damage.
Martin McFarten
10:04 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I also live in Surf City and cannot get to my home. I need clothing, toiletries, etc. I was told by the police to purchase. I don't have money for this. I have an entire house of items. My refrigerators need to be emptied. I was told the health dept. is allowing select groups to empty their items. Why must we have our property further damaged and only the privileged can go over. There are cars and trucks from out of state and we who live there cannot go to our homes. We here there are police pointing guns. Very scary.
Lin Rubright
1:11 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Martin - where are you and what do you need? Be specific with sizes and items. We are in Medford, NJ - about an hour West. Many of our town residents have homes and are long time visitors to beloved LBI. Many residents here are starting collections for shelters in the area. Our family and our local non-profit will be offering assistance and bringing food and donations directly to the shore area. Anyone reading this post in need of assistance can contact us via email at natasha@affie.org or rebecca@affie.org to let us know what you need. We are planning a trip down on Tuesday. We can bring food, water, paper products, clothing and health and hygiene items. Wishing you all a better day and hoping for little impact with the upcoming storm. Sincerely, Lin, Executive Director of the Anna Foundation
r k
8:44 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Lori..how did you get info on your house?
MaryAlice Farella
8:46 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I just spoke to the SCPD about the above report of "red flagged" homes being accessed to retrieve personal property. They told me this report was not accurate and if your home was condemned you would receive a call. I BELIEVE it was first reported by LBTPD that red tape was placed on homes to mark "vacant" because of the looting issue. It marks a house so they know nobody should be in it... Does anyone have details for Surf City 25th Street and Central Avenue? Hope this helps... And the media NEEDS TO BE PRECISE IN THEIR REPORTS, HAVE SOME COMPASSION FOR WHAT WE ARE ALL GOING THRU... These are OUR HOMES and OUR LIVES, have RESPECT!
John B Taxpayer
8:46 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I think it means "Inspected "0" Occupants.
In Katrina the spray painted x=inspected
a 0 or number representing evacuees
y= Pets found
GPA
8:53 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
National guard used it to indicate vacant when they were doing search and recovery.
johnno
8:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I realize that the officials on LBI are extremely busy dealing with the crisis, and I am sure that they are doing the best they can to get things back up and running. However, they are neglecting something very important -- keeping the people who pay their salaries informed. It would be nice if someone in each town were given the responsibility of taking 5 minutes a couple of times a day to post an update about that town. It is frustrating to be literally in the dark in my house in North Jersey. It is more frustrating (and infuriating) to be figuratively in the dark about my house in Surf City.
jgs
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
im on lbi if anyone needs thier property visually checked in surf city or ship bottom let me know as i am able to check
Anne, Harry and Dereck Silverman
8:59 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
We are permanent residents, year round. We left Saturday, Oct. 27th as told to evacuate. We have everything there, and need to get our belongings. We also have to winterize the home, so we don't have broken pipes. We have cast iron, with water in the pipes Gas heat. At 101 East 20th st. Ship Bottom, N.J.08008. Anne & Harry & Dereck Silverman. Thank you and please let us know when we can go back to do this. Thank you and in hopes our beautiful island will be better soon for every one.
John B Taxpayer
10:04 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Good Luck Anne, Harry and Dereck Silverman. VERY poor "Emergency Management" Grade F
Debra Garcia
10:04 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thanks everyone for your feedback on the red tape. We also are full time residents and evacuated on Sunday morning. I packed assuming a 3 to 4 day evacuation! Like everyone we are hopeing to have access soon .
trisha brown
10:04 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! So very devastating to see the pictures of LBI .such a beautiful little island with wonderful people... Keep faith and hope!! You will rebuild!!
Robyn
10:04 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Does anyone have any information about Jefferies Ave in Beach Haven?
Tara DiPinto
10:05 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
We have a house on the ocean on 21st in ShipBottom. Residents should be allowed down to winterize before the next storm hits to avoid further damage. Please let the residents back town by town to allow us to get what we need and winterize so we can salvage what's left of our homes.
Pamela Sliwinski
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I have spent countless summers on the island as a child... And then started working at the ACME and worked there for years... LBI is my home away from home... The island is beautiful and once all is said and done it will be beautiful again... You all are in my thoughts are prayers... God bless you all and stay safe...
Carole Raively
7:30 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Amen. I have been going to LBI since I was 2 years old, and started a family tradition with my own family. We have a camper in Barnegat, we were spared. I pray for all the people who have been affected by this tragedy. Stay safe.
Deborah Goldman
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thanks to Joe Mancini for all his work! Maybe this will bring all the towns on LBI to come together under one government - one fire dept. one police dept. etc. our thanks to ALL the workers helping to restore our island deb
ALFRED E NEWMAN
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I COULDNT BE HAPPIER TO GET RID OF ALL THESE PT BENNY AND SHOOBY RESIDENTS...ALSO NO ORE TRAFFIC ON 72 IN THE SUMMER THIS YEAR...YAYYYY
ALFRED E NEWMAN
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
NICE PICS KUDOS TO PATCH
ALFRED E NEWMAN
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I MAY BLOW SOME UP FOR WALL ART
Meghan mckenna
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Does anyone know anything about 37th street in Brant beach? Our house is 3700
John B Taxpayer
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I think winterizing is the very least of your problems
Carol Harrison
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Anybody know anything about Beach Haven West- Jeri Ann Drive?
John B Taxpayer
1:44 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
BHWest if your house was on a slab, most likely, it isn't any longer.....
Jim G
8:32 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Was in BH West all day at my brothers on Andrew Drive. In that area it is horrible, all houses are damaged some maybe total loses. It was a real eye opener, many people are down emptying the contents of their homes. Mud and marsh grass everywhere. OTher sections (down by Hucks store) were not so bad. The township is doing a great job with trash trucks and dumpters on most streets. Trashmen told us that there are sections worse than Andrew drive, God help those people. The water line in my brothers rancher was four feet up the wall!
sheri
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Totally agree need access now. People should be allowed at there own risk
Rschiek
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
What is the official date when we can get on the island specifically holgate? Do our disaster access passes mean anything or do we have to wait with the rest of the public?
Bridget L.
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
My parents are also year round residents in Surf City. We are trying to get in touch with anyone in Surf City Gov't to see when my parents can get medications and additional insurance documentation. All attemps have failed. Very dissapointed with Surf City lack of communication during this difficult time.
George Mushett
11:57 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I am dismayed in the fact that there has been very little specific info. about the N. end of L.B.I. What is the damage report/status for Barnegat Light ??
liz b
12:00 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
this article is not factual- there is more than one grocery store on LBI. murphy's and acme to name two.
Colleen Platt
12:02 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Hello all, here is some updated information about access to the island... http://barnegat-manahawkin.patch.com/articles/lbi-emergency-management-officials-likely-to-begin-grab-and-go-system-tomorrow
Lin Rubright
1:11 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
We are in Medford, NJ - about an hour West. Many of our town residents have homes and are long time visitors to beloved LBI. Many residents here are starting collections for shelters in the area. Our family and our local non-profit will be offering assistance and bringing food and donations directly to the shore area. Anyone reading this post in need of assistance can contact us via email at natasha@affie.org or rebecca@affie.org to let us know what you need. We are planning a trip down on Tuesday and subsequent days after. We will be bringing meals and desserts with us. We can bring food, water, paper products, clothing and health and hygiene items to hand out. Please email us with what you need and we will do our best to collect these items and bring them down to you. Wishing you all a better day and hoping for little impact with the upcoming storm. Sincerely, Lin Rubright, Executive Director of the Anna Foundation
James Hare
1:14 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
All families are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time
JP Hare Electric 732-237-4978
Deb banner
1:34 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
JP electric. Are you leaving your number because you will do work and check things on the island for free??? Because if your using the patch for advertisement it's against the rules and I will report you and your company!
James Hare
1:44 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
We are not advertising on here
it was a kind words we wanted to share w many customers families are in our thoughts and prayers!!!
We have been giving telephone support to many questions regarding Staying Safe w electric
JP HareElectic
ruby lande
1:56 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Any news in Ortley?
Danielle Gold
3:29 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Alfred Newman - how heartless are you? Has your home been destroyed? And all you can think about is no tourists. If it wasn't for the tourist LBI wouldn't be what it is today. God Bless everyone affected by this horrible tragedy. We will rebuild LBI!
Jeannie Blythe
5:28 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Danielle, I know they will rebuild that beautiful area. Alfred Newman is a very sick person and most likely was not affected by THIS particular tragedy. God bless all who were hurt one way or another due to Sandy.
Glosey
7:30 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
kudos to you danielle... very nicely put...... i am a renter in surf city and i love the island as if i was year long resident...... my heart goes out to all that was affected by this terrible storm.......... god bless you all...................
carrie
3:29 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Deb banner....really!!! Lol
carrie
3:29 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I worked in barnegat for 6 years and some of my family still live there...I feel heartful for those who hard truly nice but there are a lot of people that are not nice on that island LBI....so don't throw stones about benniees or outsiders...there would be no. LBI without us. And those who are I only concerned about traffic in the summer...really....
Jessica
6:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Jgs... anything you can tell me about east 29th street in ship bottom would be so helpful! Thanks!
Tom Reynolds
6:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Does anyone know anything about west 93rd street?
rochelle gochman
9:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
How is Colgate and the mobile home community? Did any houses
in Colgate get washed away?
rochelle gochman
9:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I meant holgate beach avenue
linda
9:05 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
would love to be confirmed that i can get to ship bottom this coming week-end to see what is what. i am an owner..living on the island may - october..not yr. round. i DO PAY TAXES..and WATER BILLS just like a yr. round resident.. when will an ORGANIZED entry system be implemented??...soon i hope...to drive down from north jersey (with the gas shortage going on) and not be able to get on for a reasonable amount of time is crazy...lets have some answers for SHIP BOTTOM...ok???....
SB Resident
9:55 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
I have a friend who sent me pics of a Ship Bottom councilman,s personal home with ServicePro trucks parked outside professionally cleaning and the mayor's home with a private contractor doing the same. All this while residents still cannot gain access to our proprties !!!!! I tried to get on the island yesterday and the borough secretary was standing at the entrance with a list and was border line abusive with her language and tones when denying entry. I witnessed a Ship Bottom businessman she denied and called police to get out of the line. All the while elected officials are getting thir homes cleaned by professionals.
John B Taxpayer
1:23 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Holgate had a new inlet as the island was cut by the ocean......
CINDY ERICKSON
2:56 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
STOP WHINING ALL OF YOU-YOU HAVE TURNED WHAT USED TO BE A BEAUTIFUL BEACH AREA INTO ANOTHER NEW YORK CITY-A BAR AND RESTAURANT ON EVERY CORNER-TOO MUCH SHOPPING-WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO A NICE QUIET BEACH VACATION-WHERE THE KIDS WOULD BE PLAYING ON THE BEACH ENJOYING A HEALTHY VACATION-
Concerned taxpayer
4:11 pm on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
How did the mayor and chief councilman of Ship Bottom and their families and businesses get cleaned up prior to people being allowed on the island? Ithought public officials were there to help the residents not take advantage of their position to put themselves first!!
John B Taxpayer
9:55 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
Just Like the clowns of Barnegat, Melchiondo and Cirulli having electric while the residents suffer! Rot in hell you bastards!
rhonda vidal
7:23 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hello i live in california n trying to contact a dear n long time friend. His name is denis kirby he n wife cheryl live in shipbottom nj. I have been very worried fpr them please if anyone knows of them please,please E-mail me
Rlvidal@ymail.com Thank you n prayers r w/u all
John B Taxpayer
11:32 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
And you're not surprised? Hope he's comfortable with his conscience!
Jen Light Dun
10:28 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
All: Officials do not want to open up 72 AGAIN so people sit in traffic for three plus hours and get more stressed and increase chances of fights n looting. They are trying to come up with an "organized" plan of re-entry. Ie.Set the island up into four sections by towns and section one goes Monday and section two goes Tuesday etc.
Surf City Fan
12:53 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2012
Who proofreads your articles? Terrible spelling and grammar.