The Southern Ocean Times

02/22/2025

The latest edition of The Southern Ocean Times is now available in print and online. https://issuu.com/micromediapubs/docs/2025-02-22_-_the_southern_ocean_times

02/21/2025

Founded by Carrie Diona, the nonprofit organization has rapidly expanded, engaging over 1,000 members and allies while hosting a variety of events and initiatives aimed at strengthening the community.

BARNEGAT – In just ten months since its inception, Barnegat Pride has made a significant impact on the local community, fostering inclusivity and...

02/21/2025

Jackson Township’s Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped enjoyed Valentine’s Day this year at a special party.

JACKSON – The Township’s Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped enjoyed Valentine’s Day this year at a special party. A Valentine’s Day...

02/21/2025

Police said a local man was found uploading images of child po*******hy using an internet app.

BARNEGAT – Police said a local man was found uploading images of child po*******hy using an internet app. Fabian Lugo, 27, of Barnegat, was...

02/21/2025

A driver had a medical episode, lost control of their vehicle, and crashed into a home, resulting in injuries to themselves and a resident in the house, police said.

BERKELEY – A driver had a medical episode, lost control of their vehicle, and crashed into a home, resulting in injuries to themselves and a resident in the house, police said. The crash took place just before 4:30 p.m. on February 20. Police said a Cadillac SUV was being driven south on Drift...

02/21/2025

Two men pled guilty to selling co***ne as part of a six-figure drug network throughout the area.

TOMS RIVER – Two men pled guilty to selling co***ne as part of a six-figure drug network throughout the area. Octavaeous Jenkins, 50, of Toms River, pled guilty to Distribution of More than Five Ounces of Co***ne and Possession of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Co***ne w...

02/21/2025

A man was charged with exposing himself to girls – the second such arrest this month.

LAKEWOOD – A man was charged with exposing himself to girls in Lakewood – the second such arrest this month. Michael Marto, 28, of Tuckerton, was charged with Sexual Assault, Luring, Lewdness, and four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Police said that on November 24, 2024, a 1...

02/21/2025

Todd Garris was singled out as the only officer within his classification who did not receive a reappointment. https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/toms-river/ex-toms-river-cop-denies-political-agenda-wants-job-back-oc/

TOMS RIVER – For many township residents, the words “Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25” represent their community’s commitment to safety. But for one dedicated Class I officer, the signs with that phrase have become a symbol of something else: the reason he’s no longer a part of the local law en...

02/20/2025

A plan to preserve parts of Route 35 in Ocean County is in progress, with work slated to begin later this year, state officials said.

OCEAN COUNTY – A plan to preserve parts of Route 35 in Ocean County is in progress, with work slated to begin later this year, state officials said. Over a decade ago, a major construction project began on Route 35 after heavy delays due to Superstorm Sandy. The goal of the project was […]

02/20/2025

It’s in a firefighter’s blood to race to the scene of a fire and help those in need. Sometimes that takes them across the country.

BERKELEY – It’s in a firefighter’s blood to race to the scene of a fire and help those in need. Sometimes that takes them across the country. Two members of the Bayville Volunteer Fire Company, Chief John McKay and firefighter Antonio Nieves, travelled to California on January 27 to help w...

02/19/2025

A Jackson man was charged with lewdness after allegedly pulling over and talking to girls while he was ma********ng.

LAKEWOOD – A Jackson man was charged with lewdness after allegedly pulling over and talking to girls while he was ma********ng. Massinissa Ladj, 18, of Jackson, was charged with Sexual Assault, three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and four counts of Lewdness for events that took pl...

02/19/2025

The Picklr Manahawkin-LBI has a grand opening date.

MANAHAWKIN – The Picklr Manahawkin-LBI, the first New Jersey location of North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, will...

02/19/2025

A local man was arrested and charged with distributing ma*****na and psilocybin throughout Ocean County, officials said.

BRICK – A Township man was arrested and charged with distributing ma*****na and psilocybin throughout Ocean County, officials said. After a month-long investigation, authorities identified 37-year-old James Giordano of Brick as using his home on Hammock Road to store and distribute drugs. On...

02/19/2025

While searching several locations, law enforcement recovered and seized numerous guns, including “ghost guns” – privately made fi****ms with no serial number – extended magazines, and a quantity of methamphetamine.

STAFFORD – Two Ocean County residents were indicted on charges for possessing and distributing illegal weapons and drugs, state officials said. George Garulle, 56, of Beachwood, and Dana Restaino, 39, of Whiting, are charged with multiple weapons and drug offenses. While searching several lo...

02/19/2025

According to officials, Ruvo engaged in a number of unauthorized transactions where he utilized his position to gain unlawful personal benefits.

BEACHWOOD – A former code enforcer for Beachwood who deceived and defrauded towns and residents for years has pled guilty to criminal charges, officials said. Michael Ruvo, 58, of Toms River, pled guilty to Theft by Deception and Tampering with Public Records in connection with his former posit...

02/19/2025

Meatballs with sauce. Meatballs without sauce. Swedish meatballs. Spicy meatballs. Meatballs with pink sauce. Meatballs made with a variety of ingredients and preparation methods.

BRICK – Meatballs with sauce. Meatballs without sauce. Swedish meatballs. Spicy meatballs. Meatballs with pink sauce. Meatballs made with a...

02/19/2025

The accident is under investigation. https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/toms-river/two-killed-in-toms-river-crash/

02/19/2025

The Manchester Township School District observed a proud honor recently.

MANCHESTER – The Township School District observed a proud honor recently. Manchester Township Elementary School (MTES) was chosen by the NSA of Lakehurst to be adopted as a part of the United States Navy’s Adopt-A-School program. The NSA of Lakehurst presented MTES with a formal proclamatio...