The Two River Times

12/13/2025

While many dog owners believe their pets are nearly divine, few achieve the pinnacle of compassionate success that dog Cooper Voccola did. Despite suffering from an unexpected, debilitating paralysis in midlife, this beloved pet rallied to become the mascot and inspiration for major philanthropic efforts and a symbol of perseverance when conquering obstacles.

By Jody Sackett While many dog owners believe their pets are nearly divine, few achieve the pinnacle of compassionate success that dog Cooper Voccola did. Despite suffering from an unexpected, debilitating paralysis in midlife, this beloved pet rallied to become the mascot and inspiration for major....

12/12/2025

FORT MONMOUTH – A collective sigh of relief reverberated from Monmouth County to Trenton to Hollywood Dec. 5 when Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) closed on 292-plus acres that will become Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth. Signing of the “complex” agreement between Netflix and FMERA representatives began the previous day.

FORT MONMOUTH – A collective sigh of relief reverberated from Monmouth County to Trenton to Hollywood Dec. 5 when Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) closed on 292-plus acres that will become Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth.

12/04/2025

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – A wave of support swept through Atlantic Highlands Nov. 22 as more than 170 community members gathered at Veterans Park to welcome home local chef and restaurant owner Ruperto Vicens, who was recently released on bond from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. The rally, marked by handmade signs, cheers and heartfelt embraces, began at Veterans Park before the crowd walked together to Emilio’s Kitchen, the family’s restaurant on Center Avenue.

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12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking our readers to stand with us. 💙

Your support helps us continue covering the issues, people, and moments that shape life in Monmouth County.

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11/26/2025

EATONTOWN – The State Health Planning Board heard hours of testimony last week about plans by Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) to relocate its core services from its 135-year-old Long Branch facility to a new 36-acre campus in Tinton Falls. The four hours of sharply divided testimony took place during a public meeting Nov. 13 at the Ann Vogel Family Care & Wellness Center. Another hearing is planned in December.

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11/22/2025

RED BANK – A long-discussed plan to transform one of the borough’s most visible entry points is finally underway – and a 1962 movie is part of its inspiration. Victor Rallo, owner of Birravino restaurant on Riverside Avenue, has officially purchased the former Bridge Avenue Gas station property at 187 Riverside Ave., with plans to turn the borough’s long-blighted lot into a welcoming “gateway” to town.

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11/19/2025

HOLMDEL – Residents voiced strong opposition Monday night to initial plans for Azura at Holmdel, a nearly 300-unit senior residential community planned at the former Vonage headquarters. The concerns they cited included potential groundwater contamination due to the project’s proximity to Willow Brook, a state-designated Category-1 stream that feeds into Swimming River Reservoir. The reservoir supplies drinking water to more than 335,000 Monmouth County residents – 36 million gallons a day – through the New Jersey American Water Company.

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11/14/2025

OCEANPORT – If Oceanport approves a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with Netflix Dec. 4, it’s likely the entertainment giant will close on the property for Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth the following day.

By Laura D.C. Kolnoski OCEANPORT – If Oceanport approves a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with Netflix Dec. 4, it’s likely the entertainment giant will close on the property for Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth the following day. Last Thursday, the borough council voted unanimou...

11/12/2025

Democrat Mikie Sherrill made history Tuesday as the first woman from her party elected governor of New Jersey. She defeated Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in a race that kept the state solidly blue, even as Monmouth County voters largely backed Republicans, including Ciattarelli, preserving the region as a GOP stronghold.

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11/11/2025

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Many families are preparing for Thanksgiving, but not all with the same spirit this year.

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11/06/2025

MIDDLETOWN – Applause and excited cheers echoed down the hallway at Harmony Elementary School Friday, Oct. 24, as students and staff gathered to open the school’s new band room. The long-anticipated space, carved out of the former library, marks a fresh start for the fourth- and fifth-graders who will learn and rehearse there this year.

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11/04/2025

Your support powers local news. Join our end-of-year campaign and help us raise $10,000 by Dec 31st to keep our community informed: https://the-two-river-times.fundjournalism.org/membership/?campaign=701Hn000001tPExIAM