By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
With 2025 knocking on our door, let’s review the top news from this past year. From mysterious drone sightings to high-profile film shoots and unexpected corporate shakeups, 2024 has been anything but ordinary. The region saw Hollywood lights shining in Cape May, the skies abuzz with unclaimed drones and adorable animals making headlines. Let’s dive into some of the stories that had our corner of the Jersey Shore buzzing this year.
- Wonderland Pier closed
After 94 years of bringing smiles to families, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier shut its doors for the final time in October. The property, owned by ICONA resorts, could become a beachfront hotel and resort, which would continue to operate the giant Ferris wheel and antique carousel. The future of Wonderland is largely unknown, as of the new year.
- Orsted ends contract for offshore wind
Amid public backlash sparked by a series of unexplained whale deaths, the Danish company Orsted terminated its contract to build offshore wind farms off of New Jersey, citing rising costs and supply chain issues. The move deals a blow to the state’s clean energy goals, leaving communities questioning the future of offshore wind projects and their economic and environmental impact.
- Drones mystify Garden State
In December, residents across New Jersey reported mysterious drones flying over neighborhoods, parks and highways, often at night. The purpose and origin of these flights remain unclear, sparking widespread speculation and concern.
- Drought plagues N.J.
Over 9 million New Jersey residents have been impacted by severe drought conditions. There was no rain recorded Atlantic City International Airport between Oct. 3 and Nov. 9 and experts expect the trend to continue with January drier than normal.
- Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy
In 2024, Spirit Airlines (the only airline that flies out of ACY) filed for bankruptcy, blaming rising fuel costs, stiff competition and dwindling travel demand. Will they continue to offer cheap flights from Atlantic County? In 2025 we will find out.
- Voice behind ‘watch the tramcar please’ sues
The woman behind that emblematic message — 84-year-old Floss Stingel — wants to be paid for her long association with Wildwood and its Sightseer tram cars.The suit asserts that the city and other parties in the tourism town have gained “significant commercial benefits” by using the recording of her voice without Stingel’s approval or any payment.
- Moorlyn Theater reopens
The landmark Boardwalk enterprise officially reopened as the Moorlyn Square Theatre last summer, restoring a gem in the community. The theater is an attraction from the original Boardwalk and truly a historic arthouse.
- Pie-eating contest pits dog v. human
Laddie’s Legacy, affiliated with the Absecon Veterinary Hospital, hosted their first-ever dog and human pie eating contest. The event was held at Garden State Brewing Company in Galloway as a part of the annual Bark in the Park event.
- Zebra born at Cape May County Zoo
On April 22, a baby zebra foal was born at the zoo, now counting three juveniles in the zebra safari enclosure. She is cute and her parents, Lydia and Ziggy, are very proud.
- N.J. blown away by Northern Lights
In early October, the Aurora Borealis was spotted across New Jersey thanks to a severe geomagnetic storm. Meteorologists say that the northern lights were more visible this year than in the past two decades.
- ‘A Complete Unknown’ films in Cape May
Timothée Chalamet recently brought Hollywood to Cape May while filming the highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” The seaside town served as a picturesque backdrop for scenes in the film, which explores Dylan’s early career and rise to fame. Chalamet, portraying the iconic musician, was spotted immersing himself in the role, drawing crowds of excited fans and curious onlookers.
- One Final Ride for Kingda Ka
Six Flags Great Adventure announced the retirement and upcoming demolition of the record-breaking Kingda Ka coaster. The skyline of Central Jersey is about to change forever.
- Jersey Shore boardwalks receive $100 million in grants
In February, New Jersey chose 18 Jersey Shore towns to share $100 million from a new program to fund repairs, reconstruction or expansions of boardwalks.
- Seal pup comes ashore in OC
An adorable seal pup captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike when he was rescued wandering 42nd Street in Ocean City. Despite heroic efforts of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the pup tragically passed away.
- Eagles legend Jason Kelce retires
The Philadelphia Eagles’ stalwart center, announced his retirement on March 4, concluding a distinguished 13-season NFL career. Post-retirement, Kelce has transitioned into broadcasting, joining ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” as an analyst. He also co-hosts a podcast with his brother Travis, and has numerous product endorsements.
- No more aviary at Cape May County Zoo
The World of Birds Aviary is no more. Facing over $2 million in needed renovations, the zoo made the difficult decision to demolish the bird exhibit and rehome almost 100 birds to the Bronx Zoo (among other zoos).
- Great white spotted off Atlantic City?
Twenty-two miles off the coast of Atlantic City, a great white shark was seen and filmed by Pearson’s Pursuit Inshore Fishing this past July. Some say it was a harmless basking shark, but the world may never know.
- Teens go wild at Jersey Shore
Beach towns and municipal police departments continued to struggle to contain thousands of youth, partying and causing chaos across boardwalks, beaches and main streets. Ocean City set an 8 p.m. beach curfew in May.
- Beloved lighthouse keeper dies at 96
George H. “Buddy” Grover III, a beloved Atlantic City resident who spent 14 years as a keeper at the Absecon Lighthouse, captivating and educating thousands of visitors, passed away at his home on Jan. 4 at the age of 96. He is greatly missed.
- World War II memorial unveiled in AC
In June, the Bernie Freidenberg World War II Memorial finally opened to the public. Honored guests at the June 6 ceremony, held on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, also included Gold Star Mothers of America members and families of United States military veterans. The event commenced with a military flyover from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing.
