WILDWOOD – The city is getting the word out early: It is going to be strictly enforcing laws it believes will maintain peace and safety in the community.
On Wednesday, April 2, the city issued a press release saying, “As the 2025 tourist season approaches, the City of Wildwood is proactively implementing enhanced safety measures to ensure a welcoming, family-friendly environment for all visitors,” particularly on the boardwalk.
Using the slogan “Every Night Is a Family Night,” the city is hoping to restore some of the family charm it once had by putting the damper on unruly behavior by juveniles and adults.
City officials said police would strictly enforce the 10 p.m. curfew for minors, with potential arrests for noncompliance by both minors and their parents or guardians. This measure, the city said, is designed to protect the boardwalk from unruly teen crowds and provide a secure, enjoyable atmosphere for all residents and tourists.
“Minors must be with legal guardians after 10 p.m.,” the release reads.
“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,” said Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy.
Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski noted that in addition to the 10 p.m. curfew for minors, Wildwood has introduced various other safety enhancements, including:
● Installation of protective bollards along the boardwalk.
● Increased surveillance through strategically placed cameras.
● Expanded police presence and monitoring.
The bollards will keep vehicles from getting onto the boardwalk. The surveillance cameras have already led to a number of arrests, most recently in mid-March, when five people were charged for an assault that was caught on security cameras.
“Listen, this isn’t a suggestion — it’s the law,” Mayor Ernie Troiano said. “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.”
In recent years, the city has enacted other ordinances supporting safe tourism:
● Backpack ban: Limits large bags on the boardwalk after 8 p.m./beach hours.
● Alcohol ban: Prohibits alcohol possession on the beach and boardwalk, except for permitted events and in designated restaurant areas.
● Pop-up party prevention: Aims to stop unsanctioned or unpermitted events.
The city had a problem in 2022 when an unsanctioned pop-up car rally was held; two people died and others were injured as a result of reckless driving.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
