Ocean County Government

Ocean County Government Official page for Ocean County Government. This site is not monitored 24/7, call 911 for emergencies. On Feb. 15, 1850, Ocean County came into being.

This friendly, family-oriented County, located along the beautiful Atlantic coast, continues to be among NJ fastest-growing counties. It was then comprised of the townships of Brick, Toms River, Jackson, Plumsted, Stafford, and Union (Barnegat), which, in the aggregate, had previously been the portion of Monmouth County lying south of the Manasquan River. In 1891, Little Egg Harbor merged into the

new political subdivision. Over time, this vast geographic area was carved into the 33 municipalities. The 1850 census pegged Ocean County's population at 10,043 residents. One hundred years later it had reached 56,622. Today, as a result of unprecedented growth in the past three decades, more than 580,000 people call Ocean County home. Ocean County is the second-largest county in the state containing 638 square miles of pine barrens and barrier islands and a 45-mile coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Toms River was selected as the "seat" of the new County government. On May 8, 1850, the first Board of Chosen Freeholders, consisting of two representatives from each of the six original townships, selected insignia to represent the public officials of the time. The sloop, schooner, and steamboat are still the official seals of the now Board of Commissioners, County Clerk, and Surrogate, respectively. The choice of these symbols reflects the rich maritime tradition of the area.

The County Connection is excited to host the Ocean County Health Department for its Chronic Disease Screening Program on...
09/06/2026

The County Connection is excited to host the Ocean County Health Department for its Chronic Disease Screening Program on Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Live Healthy Ocean County! provides Ocean County residents an opportunity to receive screening services, vaccinations, and medication management and education in a “one-stop shop” program where participants can learn the risk factors and prevention techniques of these common, but easily managed health conditions.

09/06/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Joseph “Joe” Meyers, Director of Buildings and Grounds for Ocean County.

Joe dedicated the majority of his adult life to serving Ocean County and became an integral part of our County Government family. While his years of dedicated service will always be remembered, it was Joe’s kindness, friendship, and genuine care for those around him that made such a lasting impact.

His loss will be deeply felt throughout Ocean County Government, especially by the Buildings and Grounds employees who worked alongside him each day.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the entire Ocean County Government family extend our deepest sympathies to Joe’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/toms-river-nj/joseph-meyers-13027533

09/05/2026

This August the Ocean County Youth Center hosted its annual Kids Summer Camp. This year campers joined us from August 17-21, 2026, for a fun-filled week with a themed Pirate Day, Water Day, Bluey Day, and Field Day!

For more information about the Youth Center visit: https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/Juvservices/frmOCYouthCenter.aspx

Staff from the County Connection, a service of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, will be bringing services direct...
09/05/2026

Staff from the County Connection, a service of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, will be bringing services directly into the community with the Mobile County Connection. While the main location of the County Connection is in the Ocean County Mall, Toms River, staff will be visiting locations throughout the County during the month of September.

For more information, call the County Connection at 732-288-7777.

𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗗𝘄𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺, 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽In 2005 the Ocean County Board of Commissione...
09/04/2026

𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗗𝘄𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺, 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
In 2005 the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, then Freeholders, preserved approximately 60 acres of Dwulet's Farm & Garden in Lakewood Township with funding from a State Agriculture Development Committee in Lakewood Township with funding from a State Agriculture Development Committee grant.

Today, the working farm continues to serve the community through its farm stand and nursery, offering products including eggs, tree fruits, and vegetables while preserving an important piece of Ocean County's agricultural heritage.

The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund has preserved more than 30,000 acres since 1998, helping protect forests, wetlands, farmland, water resources, and open space throughout Ocean County. Through farmland preservation efforts, 61 farms totaling 3,688 acres have also been preserved throughout the County.

09/04/2026
The   Board of Commissioners joins with the Ocean County Parks & Recreation for the annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy a...
09/04/2026

The Board of Commissioners joins with the Ocean County Parks & Recreation for the annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy and Gunning Show. Enjoy a great weekend learning about the traditions of the Barnegat Bay!

Commissioner Robert S. Arace, Liaison to Ocean County Parks and Recreation, and the Ocean County Board of Commissioners are pleased to announce the
44th Annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy and Gunning Show

Saturday September 26th and Sunday September 27th. Join us as we once again celebrate the rich history of the Barnegat Bay. Exhibitors, demonstrations, and over 50 contests will be offered at TWO locations, Tip Seaman County Park and the Tuckerton Seaport, both located on Route 9 in Tuckerton. Items for sale will include decorative and working decoys, wildlife art and photos, outdoor clothing, hunting and fishing supplies, antiques, hunting guide services, and more. Many environmental and sportsman’s clubs will have educational exhibits, displays, and information. Some of the contests include working and decorative decoy carving, the New Jersey Duck Calling Championship, archery, boat building, and art and photo. Try your hand at s***t shooting, or have a seat and be entertained as puppies and adult dogs compete in the retrieving contests. A show highlight – the Delmarva Dock Dog Competition - will be featured again, as well. Enjoy activities such as decoy painting, and other family-friendly crafts and games. There will also be scenic boat rides down historic Tuckerton Creek; live music throughout the day; and plenty of food trucks. Admission is FREE! Don’t miss the 44th Annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy and Gunning Show…... Saturday, September 26th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 27th from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ride the FREE shuttle buses between locations, including offsite parking at Pinelands Regional High School and Freedom Fields County Park on Rt. 539. For more information call (609) 971-3085 or visit www.oceancountyparks.org.
LINK TO THE FULL 2026 DECOY SHOW PROGRAM GUIDE:
https://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//2fdb34a0-f96e-46cd-983d-dc5675467fa8.pdf

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Join us as we once again celebrate the rich history of the Barnegat Bay at the
44th Annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy & Gunning Show
Rain or Shine!
Saturday, September 26th, 7am – 4pm ● Sunday, September 27th, 7am – 5pm
FREE Admission & Parking, with shuttle service connecting all locations
Show Locations
Stanley H. “Tip” Seaman County Park & Tuckerton Seaport
Parking Locations
Tuckerton Seaport, Pinelands Regional High School & Freedom Fields County Park

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY!

OVER 150 VENDORS
Working & Decorative Decoys
Hunting Boats ~ Duck & Goose Calls
Wildlife Art & Photography
Outdoor Clothing ~ Decoy Lumber
Hunting Dogs and Dog Supplies
Carving, Hunting & Fishing Supplies
Hunting Guide Services

DISPLAYS & EXHIBITORS
Environmental & Sportsman’s Organizations
Educational Presentations
Carving Demonstrations
Basket Weaving
Local History & Folk Art Traditions

CONTESTS
Decoy Carving & Boat Building
Art & Photo
S***t Shooting & Archery
Retriever Competition
Duck** & Goose Calling
(**With the winner representing NJ in the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, AR)

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Delmarva Dock Dog Competition
Decoy Painting & Soap Carving
Scavenger Hunt
Live Music & Food Trucks
Tuckerton Creek Boat Rides

● For more information call (609) 971-3085 or visit www.oceancountyparks.org
LINK TO THE FULL 2026 DECOY SHOW PROGRAM GUIDE:
https://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//2fdb34a0-f96e-46cd-983d-dc5675467fa8.pdf

The   Board of Commissioners welcomes the newest class of police recruits to the Ocean County Police Academy. As you tra...
09/04/2026

The Board of Commissioners welcomes the newest class of police recruits to the Ocean County Police Academy. As you train for this noble profession, always know you have our support.

Today, the Ocean County Police Academy proudly welcomes Basic Police Recruit Class 127 as they begin their journey toward a career in law enforcement.

Class 127 consists of 57 recruits and 1 waiver, representing 14 law enforcement agencies.

Over the months ahead, these recruits will be challenged physically, academically, and mentally as they develop the knowledge, discipline, skills, and professionalism required to serve their communities.

We wish the recruits of Class 127 success as they take their first steps in this demanding and rewarding journey. 👮👮‍♂️

For more than 25 years, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund has helped preserve over 30,000 acres of open space th...
09/03/2026

For more than 25 years, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund has helped preserve over 30,000 acres of open space throughout Ocean County, protecting natural resources, enhancing communities, and preserving the character of our region for future generations.

This November, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners will ask voters to consider increasing the Trust Fund’s funding rate from 1.2 cents to 2.2 cents per $100 of total County equalized real property valuation to support continued preservation efforts across the county.

To help residents learn more about the program, its impact, and what the proposed increase would support, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners has launched a new website highlighting ongoing land acquisition efforts, maintenance and cleanup initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and potential future grant opportunities.

🔗 Learn more here: https://co.ocean.nj.us/frmOpenSpace.aspx

09/03/2026

One year ago, Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi brought home two new members of the family during Clear the Shelters Month at the Ocean County Health Department Animal Shelter.

Now, one year later, we checked in to see how they’re doing, and let’s just say these two have made themselves right at home!

Happy one-year adoption anniversary, George Clooney and Stella!

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, there are plenty of loving animals waiting for their forever homes at the Ocean County Health Department Animal Shelter.

Address

101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ
08753

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17322442121

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