End of an Era? Strathmere May Soon Require Beach Tags

The days of free access at one of the Jersey Shore’s last remaining free beaches could soon be coming to an end. The Upper Township Committee has unanimously introduced an ordinance that would require visitors to purchase beach tags for Strathmere starting next summer. While local officials say the added revenue is needed to offset rising maintenance and lifeguard costs, the proposal has sparked a heated debate among residents over preserving the community’s traditionally open access. A final vote to adopt the new beach tag fees is scheduled for the committee’s next meeting on August 24th.