Commissioner Robert Arace

10/22/2026

During the Oct. 21 Board meeting, Commissioner Robert Arace, on behalf of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, joined with the Ocean County Information Technology Department in recognizing October as "Cybersecurity Awareness Month."

This year’s theme, “Securing the Next 250,” recognizes the nation's 250th anniversary and focuses on building a secure digital future for America’s next era.

Whether at home, at work, or in our schools, we all play a role in safeguarding our digital lives.

10/21/2026

There's a lot of history in Little Egg Harbor, and this month the community came out to celebrate it.

On October 10, AEHHS, Inc. hosted a ceremony at the Pulaski Monument, and the turnout was wonderful to see. From Scouts to longtime residents, everyone came together to celebrate historic Little Egg Harbor, the namesake of today's township, and its place in America's founding story.

As we mark America's 250th, events like this are a reminder that some of our nation's history happened right here at home.

Thank you to Executive Director Dale Denda and the AEHHS board and members for bringing our community together and for all the work they do to share Little Egg Harbor's history.

10/17/2026

As another season of the Ocean County Pumpout Boat Program comes to a close, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners wants to thank all the stakeholders and in particular the boat captains for their continued efforts to keep the Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor clean.

Commissioner Robert Arace recently connected with one of the program’s captains to recognize their continued efforts and dedication.

Wishing all our boaters fair winds and following seas until next season!

09/30/2026

Starting October 19, Ocean County’s Reserve-A-Ride program will begin offering automated reminders and updates for scheduled rides.

Riders will receive a confirmation call the day before, a reminder before their pickup window, and text alerts when their vehicle is on the way and when it arrives.

For seniors and residents with disabilities who depend on Reserve-A-Ride to get to medical appointments, shopping, and other essential destinations, knowing when your ride is coming provides greater peace of mind.

We’re continuing to modernize Ocean Ride and improve the experience for the residents who rely on this important service every day.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲-𝗔-𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲

Starting October 19, the Ocean County Ocean Ride Transportation Services will send automated message reminders to Reserve-A-Ride users about ride details, thanks to the implementation of a new software system.

With the new software, riders will receive an automated confirmation call the day before their booked ride. On the day of the appointment riders will also receive a call 15 minutes before their pick-up window begins, a text alert when the vehicle is on the way, and when it has arrived.

When booking through Reserve-A-Ride users will select a pick-up window of 30-60 minutes, depending on the service selected. Passengers will need to be ready at the start of the pick-up window, because drivers may arrive at any point during the specified time frame.

“The new software is designed to make Reserve-A-Ride services more efficient and timing during the pick-up window more accurate for riders,” Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to Ocean Ride, said.

When users schedule a ride through the Ocean Ride Reserve-A-Ride program, they will be prompted to provide contact information, if it is not already on file, so they can receive reminders and updates.

“Ocean Ride is moving forward towards the future of public transportation, seeking to streamline service for riders,” Arace said. “The Reserve-A-Ride program is meant to make life easier for our senior population and residents living with a disability. We hope this new alert system provides even further ease.”

The system for booking rides will stay the same. Rides can still be booked over the phone. Reserve-A-Ride hours of operation will also remain the same, along with the share ride service. Riders can expect the same Ocean County vehicles to be driven by friendly and caring drives, providing safe and reliable transportation. In 2027, all Ocean Ride users can expect the launch of a new smartphone application, which will allow for easy access to ride and route information.

The Ocean County Department of Transportation Services operates 13 Ocean Ride public transportation routes and the Reserve-A-Ride Program which provides door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation services to seniors (age 60 and over) and persons with disabilities (age 18 and over). This service is offered on an advanced registration basis primarily to destinations within Ocean County.

🔗 To read more Ocean County Government news, visit: https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmPressReleases.aspx

09/29/2026

The Manchester Township Environmental Commission is hosting two Community Clean Up Days this fall, and volunteers of all ages are welcome.

📅 Saturday, November 14 | 9–11 AM
📍 Manchester Football Fields, heading west toward the Middle School

📅 Saturday, November 21 | 9–11 AM
📍 Harry Wright Lake, heading toward the park on Lake Road

Gloves and bags will be provided in limited quantities. Bring bug spray, long pants, high socks, and long sleeves, and come ready to make a difference.

This is also a great opportunity for students to earn volunteer and community service hours.

09/29/2026

Ocean County’s Department of Consumer Affairs is working to protect residents and visitors from deceptive business practices, including at the gas pump.

Following a joint investigation by the Ocean County Division of Weights & Measures and the Office of Consumer Protection, the County secured a $17,500 settlement and consent agreement involving violations at three local gas stations.

The agreement requires the businesses to correct the violations, ensure digital pump displays accurately reflect prices charged to consumers, use properly certified vendors for future pump repairs, and comply with all applicable Consumer Affairs and Weights & Measures laws.

I’m proud of the work being done by our Consumer Affairs team to make sure residents get what they pay for and that businesses operating in Ocean County follow the rules.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs (OCDCA) has secured a $17,500 settlement and consent agreement with local gas station owner Rajinder Chandi following an investigation into widespread violations and deceptive practices across three area stations, officials announced.

"The enforcement action follows a joint investigation by the Ocean County Division of Weights & Measures and the Office of Consumer Protection. Investigators uncovered numerous violations of state Weights & Measures laws alongside a pattern of deceptive business practices," said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace , liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.

According to Ocean County Director of Consumer Affairs Ronald Heinzman, the probe was initiated after the State Office of Weights & Measures flagged complaints for two stations on Route 37 in Toms River. A third complaint was brought forward by the Lakehurst Borough Police Department regarding a nearby location.

The three businesses involved in the enforcement action are: Delta, located at 245 Route 37, Toms River, NJ; Delta/G&R, LLC, located at 200 Route 37, Lakehurst, NJ; Sunoco, located at 644 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ.

"The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs is strongly committed to protecting all residents and visitors in Ocean County, including while making purchases at the gas pump," Arace said.

To resolve the pending municipal court complaints in Toms River and Lakehurst, Chandi and his legal counsel mediated a settlement with the OCDCA.

Under the terms of the binding consent agreement, Chandi is required to:
• Pay a $17,500 penalty to Ocean County.
• Ensure all digital gas pump screens strictly match the actual price-per-gallon rates charged to consumers.
• Hire only certified vendors licensed by the New Jersey State Office of Weights & Measures of all future pump repairs.
• Submit all repair documentation to the OCDCA Weights & Measures Office within 10 days of completion.
• Attend a future verification meeting to prove that all outstanding violations have been fully corrected.
• Comply with all Consumer Affairs and Weights & Measures laws.

The County's case was handled by Deputy Superintendent of Weights & Measures Brian Decasse, Assistant Superintendent of Weights & Measures Cody Wilber, and OCP Investigator Thomas Camporealle. Legal oversight was provided by Laura Comer, Esq., Prosecutor for the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.

"The department remains dedicated to ensuring local businesses comply fully with New Jersey consumer protection and weights and measures statutes," Heinzman said.

🔗 To read more Ocean County Government news, visit: https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmPressReleases.aspx

09/28/2026

It was great to be at the Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy & Gunning Show this weekend, one of Ocean County's longest-running traditions.

I enjoyed spending the day with Senator Carmen Amato and Assemblyman Greg Myhre. A big shoutout to Parks Director Mary Jane Bavais; Tim Hart, Director of Cultural & Heritage Affairs; Tracey Lynch, Division Director of Recreation; and Scott Binkley, Superintendent of Parks, for leading the charge in putting this show together, and to all the staff who helped make it happen. Congratulations to all of this year's carvers, model builders, and artists. The work on display was incredible.

09/24/2026

🇺🇸 The Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau is proud to announce our Veteran Spotlight Series!

🚨 Applications are now open! 🚨

We are now accepting applications to recognize and celebrate our Ocean County Veterans!

Visit our webpage, scroll to “Veteran Spotlight Series,” complete the application, and upload your Veteran’s photo.

https://co.ocean.nj.us/oc/veterans/

Spotlights will be viewable beginning November 11, 2026, in honor of Veterans Day, with Veterans featured daily.

A special thank you to Director Mary Lou Mycoff and her team at Ocean County IT Department for helping bring this project to life for our Veteran community! 🇺🇸

09/23/2026

A great day for our community! 🍎🥫

It was a pleasure to join community leaders and partners as the FirstEnergy Foundation presented a $25,000 donation to Somebody Cares Food Bank.

Support like this makes a real difference for local families and helps organizations like Somebody Cares continue providing essential food and resources to those who need them.

Thank you to the FirstEnergy Foundation for investing in our community, and to the volunteers and staff who work every day to make sure these resources reach the people who need them most.

Community partnerships like this are what make a difference.

09/22/2026

I’m proud that we’re expanding our EMT training program to Ocean County Vocational Technical School and giving high school seniors the opportunity to earn their EMT certification while still in school.

This program gives students hands-on experience, valuable career skills, and a pathway to serve their communities. It also helps our local first aid squads build the next generation of EMS volunteers and professionals.

Our original County EMT program has already graduated 30 EMTs who are now serving on local squads. Now we’re taking that success directly into our vocational schools.

Thank you to OCVTS, the Ocean County Training Center, our EMS Coordinator, Community Medical Center, EMS Consulting Services, and everyone who helped make this possible.

Investing in our students means investing in the future of emergency medical services in Ocean County.

𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝗠𝗧 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners continues to expand opportunities for residents to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) by launching a new EMT training program for high school seniors through the Ocean County Vocational Technical School.

The one-year program is designed to prepare students for careers in emergency medical services while also providing opportunities to volunteer with local first aid squads. Students will receive hands-on training and classroom instruction as they work toward becoming certified EMTs.

The program builds on the success of an EMT training initiative launched two years ago by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners at the Ocean County Training Center in Waretown. The program was established to make EMT certification more accessible to residents and encourage more people to pursue careers or volunteer opportunities in emergency medical services.

The Training Center operates the program with in-house instructors hired by Ocean County.

“Over the past two years, this program has already proven itself successful, having graduated 30 Emergency Medical Technicians who now belong to local squads,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace, liaison to the Ocean County Vocational School and liaison to the Fire and First Aid Training Center.

The success of the County’s EMT training program helped pave the way for the new one-year program at the Ocean County Vocational Technical School, giving high school seniors the opportunity to earn a professional EMT certification while still in school. Upon graduation and successful completion of the program, students can immediately volunteer with their local first aid squads and pursue part-time or full-time employment as an EMT.

Graduating students will have access to more career opportunities with these certifications and local municipalities will benefit from having a larger pool of EMS professionals to serve their residents.

Students will begin training in September through two daily sessions. The areas of study will include Basic Life Support, National Incident Management System training, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Emergency Vehicle Operations, patient assessment, CPR, trauma care and medical terminology, among other topics.

“Thank you to OCVTS leadership, EMS Consulting Services, the Ocean County Training Center, the Ocean County EMS Coordinator, and Community Medical Center, for their partnership with the Ocean County Board of Commissioners to make this program happen,” Arace said.

OCVTS | Ocean County Fire and EMS Training Center | Ocean County EMS Coordinators | Community Medical Center | EMS Consulting Services

🔗 To read more Ocean County Government news, visit: https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmPressReleases.aspx