Commissioner Ray Gormley

09/02/2026

As students head back to the classroom, I want to remind everyone to slow down, stay alert and give yourself a little extra time behind the wheel. Watch for children walking or biking to school, school buses making stops and families crossing the road. A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference.

Let’s do our part to help make this a safe and successful school year for our students, families and everyone on the road. Please slow down and drive safely!

09/01/2026

08/20/2026

It was so wonderful to have Ocean County Health Department at our board meeting. August is clear the shelter month and as much as I enjoy hearing from our residents, we really had fun with the kittens!

08/10/2026

August 4, I was fortunate enough to attend Little Egg Harbor Police Department National Night Out. Through activities, conversations, educational opportunities, and a family-friendly fun National Night Out is more than just an annual event, it’s a reflection of the mission shared by our police departments: strengthening community relationships, promoting public safety, and encouraging open communication between residents and law enforcement.

07/14/2026

Prior to each Code Red/Code Blue season, the County reaches out to all municipalities and local agencies to identify potential partners, available locations, and organizations interested in operating cooling centers throughout Ocean County.

We understand the importance of having accessible options throughout the County and will continue working with our local partners to expand available resources and encourage additional sites to participate in the future.

COOLING CENTERS IN OCEAN COUNTY
Tuesday, July 14 through Thursday, July 16

Available Cooling Centers in Ocean County:

Warm Hearts
764 Ocean Ave., Lakewood
Phone: 732-900-1724
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Just Believe
211 Center St., Lakehurst
Phone: 732-279-6157
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

HABcore
Pelican Inn, 3324 NJ-37, Toms River
Phone: 609-549-1234
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Site
1959 Rt. 9, Toms River
Hours: Opening Wednesday & open daily 11:00 AM - 5 PM moving forward

Additional Resources:
NJ 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-652-1148

07/11/2026

Help keep Barnegat Bay clean!

Now in its 28th year, the Ocean County Pumpout Boat Program, a free service provided by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, offers on-the-water sewage removal for recreational boaters all summer long.

💧 Easy, convenient, and eco-friendly
📍 Operating throughout Barnegat Bay
✅ Protecting our waterways, one pumpout at a time

Learn more: www.planning.co.ocean.nj.us/frmEPPumpoutBoats

07/10/2026

With 28 park facilities including two county operated golf courses and three dog parks, and hundreds of recreational programs to choose from, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners recognized July as National Parks and Recreation Month and urges everyone to attend a recreation program or visit a county park. Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace presented Mary Jane Bavais, Director of the Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department and her staff with a proclamation on behalf of the Board during the July 8 Board meeting, reminding residents how important access to parks and programs are to our well-being and quality of life.

For more information on Ocean County Parks and programs, visit: https://oceancountyparks.org/