A spike in coronavirus infection rates has sidelined plans for Lavallette to sell pre-season beach badges beginning later this month so they could be given as gifts.
The borough had planned to begin selling season and senior badges for the 2021 summer season beginning Dec. 14, but officials said concerns over both safety and manpower led to a decision to cancel the sales window.
“I was hoping we’d be through all this at this point, but unfortunately we are not,” said Councilman Michael Stogdill. “With Covid-19 and the increase, we’ve run into some roadblocks. We’re not going to be able to staff it – we just don’t have the bodies to be able to go with that schedule.”
The borough will still offer pre-season pricing on beach badges, but sales will begin sometime after the new year.
“I would urge the residents to look after the new year,” said Stogdill. “Keep an eye on the website for the order form to go out. I strongly recommend you don’t send cash through the mail. Unfortunately, that is where we’re at. We’ll get through this, and I’m sure we’ll have a great summer season as we did last year.”
A busy 2020 summer season led to a record year for Lavallette, with badge sales topping $1.2 million.