Wildwood will take a number of steps this summer to improve safety on the boardwalk and in other areas of town. (Photo courtesy of the Wildwoods)
Wildwood is warning that it will strictly enforce its 10 p.m. curfew this summer – with both juveniles and their parents at risk for being arrested for violations.
Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. said Wildwood’s get-tough policy is no bluff.
“Listen, this isn’t a suggestion — it’s the law. We’re not playing games when it comes to the safety of our boardwalk and the families who come here to enjoy themselves. You break the rules, you deal with the consequences. Plain and simple,” Troiano said in a statement Wednesday.
Heading into the summer tourism season, Wildwood wants to avoid a repeat of Memorial Day weekend in 2024, when swarms of unruly teenagers and young adults got into fights and caused other trouble on the boardwalk.
At one point, Wildwood declared a “state of emergency” one night when police were inundated with calls complaining about the rowdy teens.
City officials said they are planning a series of safety measures this summer to ensure a welcoming, family-friendly environment for all visitors. Under the banner of “Every Night Is A Family Night,” Wildwood wants to balance safety and enjoyment along its iconic boardwalk, Police Chief Joseph Murphy said.
“We want everyone to have a great time in Wildwood, but safety comes first. Our boardwalk is a family-friendly destination, and we are committed to maintaining that environment,” Murphy said in a statement.
At the top of the list for safety measures, Wildwood will strictly enforce its 10 p.m. curfew for minors under 18 years old. Anyone under 18 will not be allowed unsupervised on the streets after 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Minors and their parents or guardians will risk being arrested for curfew violations, city officials said. Parents may also be hit with a $1,000 fine if their children repeatedly violate the curfew.
Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. and Police Chief Joseph Murphy say Wildwood's 10 p.m. curfew will be strictly enforced.The message is clear: Minors must be with legal guardians after 10 p.m., Murphy emphasized.
The strict curfew is designed to protect the boardwalk from unruly teen crowds and provide a secure, enjoyable atmosphere for all residents and tourists, city officials said.
Other Jersey Shore towns, including Ocean City and Sea Isle City, have enacted their own curfews and nighttime backpack bans in recent years to crack down on troublemaking teens disrupting the summer tourism season.
Wildwood Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski noted that in addition to the 10 p.m. curfew, Wildwood has introduced other safety measures, including the installation of protective bollards along the boardwalk, adding more surveillance cameras in strategic locations and expanding police presence and monitoring.
In recent years, Wildwood has enacted other ordinances supporting safe tourism. They include:
● Banning backpacks or large bags on the boardwalk after 8 p.m. to prevent juveniles from hiding alcohol, weapons or other contraband.
● Prohibiting alcohol on the beach and boardwalk, except during permitted events and in designated restaurant areas.
● Cracking down on pop-up parties to stop unsanctioned or unpermitted events.
