Our readers devoured stories throughout 2019, but unlike last year, the most read stories were mostly positive news and features coming from the Downbeach area. That’s something we at Downbeach.com specialize in – bringing our readers news and events they should know. Of course, there were a few stories of possible murder and intrigue thrown in for good measure. We thought you would enjoy knowing that if you liked these stories, there were thousands of other Downbeach.com fans who agree.
Debbie Boyle was the first female firefighter in the Downbeach area.
10. Margate Fire Department hires third female firefighter…In a day when women are struggling to obtain equal pay for equal work, the Margate Fire Department is leading the charge through the Civil Service system. Natalie Carlucci, 26, who worked as a teaching assistant in the Margate schools, set her career path on helping others, and became the third woman to be hired as a firefighter. This story features Carlucci and other female firefighters, including Debbie Boyle, the department’s first female on staff, and Danyl Loyle, a 14-year staffer. These women enjoy working alongside their male counterparts and deal with the sometimes-exhausting pressures of raising families. “We do everything together,” Loyle said. “If a person has a problem sharing, this is not the job for you.”
9. NJ State Police confirm grisly discovery at ‘Dog Beach’…When Ted Schafer took his dog for a walk on Dog Beach at the foot of the Longport-Ocean City Bridge, they came upon an unexpected find. State Police responded to retrieve what was later revealed as a portion of a human skull. No further information was provided at that time.
8. No one injured in Ventnor Avenue fire; building a total loss…The 4th of July weekend was eventful when a multi-use commercial property on Ventnor Avenue burned in an early morning fire July 3. Aroused by her barking pittie, Nucki, Michelle Murphy, a tenant on the third floor, was able evacuate the building safely. The city’s building inspector rendered the building unsafe and it was demolished the next day. See our #7 most read story of the year.
7. Ventnor City to purchase burned out property for a pocket park…After a fire destroyed a commercial/residential building on the 6500-block of Ventnor Avenue, the city agreed to purchase the vacant lot in the middle of a strip of commercial properties to prevent another buyer from using it for an unwanted purpose. The city recently entered an agreement with Margate real estate broker D.J. Gluck to purchase the lot for an undisclosed sum less than the assessed value, and according to City Commissioner Lance Landgraf, the lot will be turned into a pocket park, at least until an investor comes along to use it for a purpose the city would find agreeable.
6. Hope for rain on Memorial Day weekend, Margate official says…An off-the-cuff remark that was meant to be humorous, goes viral on social media. Made during a discussion about how to control throngs of young people who gather at the Decatur Avenue beach in front of Lucy the Elephant every Memorial Day weekend, Margate Commissioner John Amodeo said officials “just have to hope for rain.” His comments came after Margate Homeowners Association Vice-president Marc Alch suggested volunteers could be stationed at dune crossovers to check for beach badges, a move that he said would discourage youngsters from gathering like they did in 2017 when two fights broke out and seven adults and juveniles were arrested. Amodeo said the city would never put residents “in harm’s way.” Police Chief Matt Hankinson said the department would be ready with extra patrols. Sure enough, hundreds of youths gathered peacefully, mingled with police, and one was even found helping to clean up trash.
Little Lindsey Borow contemplates her future while sitting on The Rock.
5. Margate plans to remove the ‘White Rock’…Oh, no. The City of Margate discusses a plan for the Army Corps of Engineers to remove “White Rock,” an iconic gathering spot for children located on the beach at Douglas Avenue. The rock is actually a remnant of an old seawall. Generations of children played there. A subsequent story about the memories made at that “magical” piece of concrete may have changed the minds of commissioners. Today, the rock still stands, and children still gather there, in season and off.
4. Ventnor Plaza redevelopment plan in the works…Large expanses of open space in vacant stores in Ventnor Plaza shopping center prompts the Ventnor Board of Commissioners to ask the Planning Board to deem the plaza an area in need of redevelopment. An ordinance adopted a plan created by James M. Rutala before the end of the year creates financial incentives for investors to revitalize the underperforming retail shopping center. Prospective tenants include 5 Guys Burgers, Wawa, and other smaller tenants, according to the shopping center owner’s attorney.
Enjoying Dog Beach are (from left) Jacob Shobe, with German Shepherd mix Tashi, Julia Gant, with Haven, a beagle-pit mix, and Mike Dadario with boxer mix Butch.
3. Dog Beach is where canines catch the waves…This lovely historical perspective of the unofficial beachfront dog park written by Mediawize writer Tim Kelley garnered thousands of hits. He interviewed people and their pets, including visitors and regulars. Officially called Malibu Beach, the pack-it-in, pack-it-out park ensures a “dog day afternoon” during the summer season.
2. Ventnor filmmakers go into production for TV pilot based in Atlantic City, called ‘48 Blocks’…Ventnor filmmakers Dina Engle and Sherry McCracken go into production on a new TV pilot being filmed exclusively in Atlantic City and surrounds. It’s a drama that follows a former-NBA star, Vernon King Carver, a philanthropist and real estate magnet whose enemies try to expose King’s troubled past. Produced by the couple’s Little Rock Studios, which was based in the North Beach section of Ventnor, the Engle-McCracken team is taking advantage of a new NJ tax incentive that supports the filmmaking industry. They plan to float the production to streaming services and networks to secure an order for the first six episodes.
And our most read story was…
Betty was the inspiration behind Water Dog smoked fish.
1. Ventnor approves site plan for a new concept restaurant…This story covers a Planning Board hearing for Water Dog Smoke House, LLC to obtain approvals to turn a former bank building into an upscale 15-seat casual dining restaurant. Owner Steve Marchel has been smoking fish and meats at another location in Margate for the last several years, selling his products at area farmers markets and online. The restaurant, which opened after the summer season ended, features a poke bar, bagel bites, and smoked fish and meat sandwiches. Residents of nearby Marven Gardens objected to having more automobile traffic in the area, but the board approves the application. Marchel will go before the board again in January to ask permission for additional outdoor seating.
