What A Year It Has Been

Well, 2011 was certainly a busy year for Long Branch Patch!

We did our best to bring you the top stories from around Long Branch and West Long Branch as they happened.

We have kept you updated during blizzards, hurricanes and even earthquakes. We have kept you informed during the budget season so voters could go out and make an informed decision. And, we have let you know about breaking news as it happens; whether it was a fire, a development plan for the oceanfront or a shark sighting.

So, here are the top stories from Long Branch Patch in 2011. Thanks for reading and we will see you in 2012!

• : The storm was easily the biggest story of the year for Long Branch Patch as we kept residents of both towns updated on evacuations, storm damage and closures.

• : Over 40 people were charged in a heroin and gun trafficking sweep in Long Branch in early August. It took investigators several weeks to round up all the charged suspects, and we did our best to keep track of all of them.

• : It was a terrible week in Long Branch with two youngsters, one and another after being struck by trains.

• : It was an interesting year for former Long Branch Superintendent as it was revealed that he was paid over and was by a former Long Branch Board of Education secretary.

• : Bathers were evacuated from a beach near Pier Village after lifeguards spotted a sandbar shark in the water.

• : The project is still a few years away from being built, but the Long Branch Council started taking some important steps to make sure the shovels are ready to hit the dirt when funding is available.

• Fires!: There were several large fires in Long Branch this year. A in one on Union Avenue in May, another in March, and yet another and is still under investigation.