Wildwood officials issue warnings ahead of Memorial Day crowd concerns

WILDWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- City officials say the prosecutor's office has issued cease-and-desist orders to individuals posting on social media about meeting up in Wildwood, as leaders try to prevent large, unsanctioned gatherings ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

The boardwalk was quiet this week, but officials expect it to fill with visitors soon.

"Lots of kids, especially down 26th Street," said Danielle McSorley of Northeast Philadelphia.

City leaders say recent social media posts promoting meetups have raised concerns about large groups of juveniles gathering, potentially leading to fights or other issues.

RELATED | Wildwood approves overnight boardwalk closure ordinance ahead of summer season

"We want people to have a good time, but not at the expense of somebody getting hurt or someone being a fool and making it worse for everybody else," said Mayor Ernie Troiano.

The mayor said some people who posted about the gatherings have been issued cease-and-desist notices. While the posts do not necessarily reference illegal activity, officials are worried about the possibility of violence and the presence of weapons.

In Long Branch on Tuesday, about two hours north, more than 100 officers responded to a pop-up gathering that escalated into a fight. Wildwood officials say they are working to avoid a similar situation as the busy summer season approaches.

Wildwood has experienced similar issues in the past, including large crowds gathering on the boardwalk. In response, the city is implementing new restrictions this summer.

The boardwalk will be closed daily from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

"We will do a sweep of the boardwalk, and at 1 o'clock the boardwalk will be closed," Troiano said.

The overnight closure adds to existing rules, including a 10 p.m. curfew for anyone under 18 without an adult and an 8 p.m. backpack ban on the boardwalk.

The changes come during one of the city's busiest times of year, as Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the shore season.

"Busy weekend for us, Memorial Day weekend. Start of the season for us," said Wally Mikhaeil, owner of Wally's Corner Cheesesteaks.

Mikhaeil said his business typically stays open until 2 a.m. during peak weekends. While he supports the new measures, he expects they could impact late-night sales.

"I think one in the morning for safety is very good, but it's going to hurt our business a little bit," he said.

City officials said additional law enforcement will be on hand for the holiday weekend, including support from the sheriff's department and New Jersey State Police, as well as four officers on horseback.