LAVALLETTE - As we kick off Memorial Day weekend, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners with its Division of Business Development and Tourism held its 1st Annual "Unlock the Ocean" Ceremony on the oceanfront at Philadelphia Avenue, here.

The Ocean County Division of Business Development and Tourism helps to promote the many attributes of the county, notwithstanding the beautiful 44 miles of Atlantic Coast beaches and the 42 miles of the Barnegat Bay. The tourism industry is a $7 billion industry in Ocean County and results in the creation of 40,000 jobs annually.

Lavallette Mayor Walter LaCicero welcomed guests and noted how proud he was that his seashore community was chosen to host this event kicking off the unofficial start to the summer season.

Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi who serves as liaison to Business Development and Tourism extended his appreciation to all those attending the event, including representatives from the U.S. Navy and Air Force from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, borough residents, and third and fourth graders from Lavallette Elementary School who sang and signed to the song, "How Far I'll Go" from the Disney movie Moana.

"Tourism is an economic engine here in Ocean County," Sadeghi said. "The local businesses are the centerpiece of tourism and today we are here to promote them and our beautiful beaches."

Summer essentials such as frisbees, sand pails and shovels, and the new 2024 Ocean County Travel Guide were made available to attendees. The popular local small business, Lava Java, provided refreshments for the event and beach-themed cookies made fresh from the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools culinary arts program were also available.

The anticipated "unlocking of the ocean" was carried out by Sadeghi along with Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn and Mayor LaCicero who were joined by Jersey Shore BlueClaws mascot, Buster.

"As we turn this key in the sand, we are looking forward to a successful summer season that offers perfect beach weather and plenty of opportunities for our businesses," Sadeghi said.

He noted that he anticipates this event will be an annual event moving along the coast highlighting the many shore communities in Ocean County.