ERIC SUCAR staff Anthony Orechio, 7, waves an American flag as a classic car cruises by during the Ocean Township Memorial Day parade May 28. More ... Advocates want ocean testing expedited 2007 Beach Protection Act requires faster testing, public notice BY LAYLI WHYTE Correspondent       Despite an early blooming and rather large brown tide on Memorial Day weekend, Clean Ocean Action is optimistic about the future of New Jersey's shore. More ... Chen: Abuse of eminent domain widespread Public advocate says taking of homes violates human rights BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       State Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen released a study this week documenting the widespread abuses of eminent domain for private redevelopment projects throughout the state, including Long Branch's oceanfront redevelopment. More ... 'Click It or Ticket' under way BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       WEST LONG BRANCH - The borough Police Department and law enforcement officials throughout New Jersey will be stepping up enforcement and education about the state's Primary Seat Belt and Child Restraint laws from May 21 through June 3. More ... DEP gives go-ahead for new Highlands bridge       SEA BRIGHT - The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has approved a controversial plan to replace the 75-year-old drawbridge that links Sea Bright and Highlands with a fixed span. More ... City to vote on teens' free access to beach Council amends beach fee ordinance; no fee for 17 and under BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - The City Council introduced an ordinance last week that will permit teens age 17 and younger to access city beaches free of charge. Council introduced ordinance 23-07 to amend city beach fees at the May 22 municipal meeting, with two council members voting against the... More ... Ocean Twp. police recognized for bravery and service       OCEAN TOWNSHIP - The township Police Department recognized the outstanding work of its officers over the past year at its annual awards dinner May 17 at The English Manor. Lt. Earl Gifford hosted the event, and award presentations were made by Police Chief Antonio V. Amodio Jr. and Cap... More ... Angelini: N.J. must live within its means 11th District Assembly candidate heads local nonprofit BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       OCEAN TOWNSHIP - Kicking off a grassroots political campaign, Mary Pat Angelini has made it very clear that she is someone who knows how to set a budget and stick to it. As the executive director of Prevention First, a township-based nonprofit agency dealing with issues of substan... More ... City amends 2007 budget, pares $3K Taxes on average home will rise $330 per year BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - The City Council adopted an amended municipal spending plan last week that reduces the total amount of money to be raised by taxpayers by $116,000 or 0.2 cents per every $100 of property valuation. At the May 22 municipal meeting, council voted unanimously 5-0 on reso... More ... Good deeds start early       Giving charity is a core element of the curriculum at the Jewish Community Center's Center Play School (CPS) in Deal. CPS preschoolers recently presented money they collected in their classroom to members of Hatzalah first aid squad. Giving to organizations such as Hatzalah reinforces t... More ...      CHRIS KELLY staff Jason Diaz, 4, Long Branch, rides the carousel during the Oceanport Strawberry Festival held last weekend at Monmouth Park racetrack. More ... Notes       Bob Roll of cycling fame and the voice of the Tour de France will be at Tavolo Pronto in Fair Haven on Friday, June 8, for a charity event. The event, coupled with a bike ride the following day, will raise funds for two cancer-related charities: the Lance Armstrong Foundation and The Wellness... More ... Ranney School breaks ground for Lower School BY LINDA DeNICOLA Staff Writer       TINTON FALLS - Blue skies smiled down on the Ranney School while hundreds of members of the Ranney community and distinguished guests gathered on the lawn behind the Margaret Mahon Building to celebrate a major milestone for the school. More ... Wanamassa Twirlers      Wanamassa Twirlers perform during the Township of Ocean Memorial Day Parade, May 28. More ...