Times Talk
Antonella DiAntonio (left) was crowned Miss Ocean City on Aug. 9, and sister Arianna won the title of Junior Miss Ocean City a week later.
DIANTONIO SISTERS CROWNED IN OC PAGEANTS
The DiAntonio family of Sea Isle City dominated the Ocean City pageants in August, which should come as a surprise to no one. Antonella was crowned Miss Ocean City 2026 during the Aug. 9 pageant, and sister Arianna walked away with Junior Miss Ocean City 2026 on Aug. 16. Both pageants were held at the Music Pier.
Antonella became the first person to hold all three of the city’s crowns, having previously been named Little Miss Ocean City 2020 and Junior Miss Ocean City 2023. This is Arianna’s second title, having also served as Little Miss Ocean City in 2022. They are the daughters of Anthony and Angel DiAntonio.
“The first pageant I competed in was in the summer of 2019, when I was crowned Little Miss Ocean City 2020,” Antonella recalls. “Ever since then, I’ve continued to compete, and in 2023 I had the honor of serving as Junior Miss Ocean City. [Previous] Miss Ocean Citys were always huge role models in my life, and I dreamed of one day having that same opportunity.”
A junior at Ocean City High School, Antonella is a member of the National Honor Society, a Student Ambassador for the Class of 2026, and serves on the Athletics Leadership Council. She is also a dedicated dancer, training at ProDance Studio in Northfield and performing with the OCHS Dance Team.
Arianna is gearing up for her sophomore year at OCHS, where she is also a member of the dance team. She also trains at ProDance Studio in Northfield.
“What I’m most looking forward to this year as Junior Miss Ocean City is spending the reign with my sister and our Little Miss, Harper,” says Arianna, referring to Harper Juelg, of Ocean City, who was crowned Little Miss Ocean City. “I’m also looking forward to all the parades.”
Well-attired for the Phillies Down the Shore watch party are (from left): Lindsay Conaway, Kyla Conaway, Bill Conaway, Tom Conaway, Wes Conaway, Bryce Scherer, Donna Conaway, Fin Scherer, and Patrick Conaway.
PHILS’ WATCH PARTY DRAWS CROWD IN SEA ISLE
The Phillies hosted a watch party featuring the Phillie Phanatic on Aug. 12 at Excursion Park for their road game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The event started at 5pm, well before the start of the game at 6:40pm. The festivities included special guests, raffles, merchandise, food vendors, and, of course, the antics of the Phanatic. Fans took up nearly every inch of space in the grass field in front of the big screen at the bandshell.
Epic raffle prizes were awarded to participants before the event and between innings. One lucky fan walked away with a bat signed by Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. Another fan won game tickets. There was even a DJ who helped the Phanatic get the crowd excited and dancing before the game even started.
The event was more successful than the game, though. The Phillies lost, 6-1, to snap a four-game winning streak.
The future site of the community center will also be home to a stormwater pumping station.
STORMWATER PUMPING STATION CONTRACT AWARDED
A stormwater pumping station will be built next to the state-of-the-art community center that is scheduled to open this fall.
At its Aug. 12 meeting, the Sea Isle City Council approved a contract for more than $800,000 to Fred M. Schiavone Construction Inc. of Malaga, N.J., for the project that will help mitigate floods from 43rd to 47th streets and Park Road to Landis Avenue. The pump will help safeguard these regions all the way to the bay.
“Being a barrier island, the city's administration has always taken flood prevention very seriously,” said Katherine Custer, Sea Isle City’s director of community services. “About four or five years ago, the city engineer was instructed to do a floodplain study to indicate the areas that have the most flooding issues in Sea Isle City. Based on the information that our city engineer provided, the city’s administration and the mayor have been looking at ways to combat flooding.”
Pumping stations expedite the process of draining excess stormwater into the bay after a major coastal weather event. Back in 2019, the city built its first water pumping station at the bay side of 38th Street. The pumps do not prevent flooding, but rather help to mitigate the damage caused by flooding.
The city continues to evaluate and plan for more potential pumps in the future.
Excursion Park will receive lighting upgrades after the 2025 summer and fall seasons.
COUNCIL OKS CONTRACT FOR EXCURSION PARK LIGHTING
Excursion Park will be receiving upgrades after the summer and fall seasons conclude. At a meeting on July 22, Sea Isle City Council approved the construction contract for $176,048. The primary goal of the contract is to enhance and update the park's lighting for nighttime events. Two light poles will be installed to make more nighttime events possible and convenient for participants. The upgrades are expected to be completed before the 2026 summer season.
“We can put different activities in place at nighttime and have [the park] illuminated,” said Katherine Custer, the director of community services. “But also, we do have concerts and evening movies. Having lights in the field that we can dim to a low setting after the concert ends will allow people to gather their things and exit the fields more easily. So there’s multiple reasons for the lights.”
Custer adds: “The lights will not be illuminated every evening, only on the times when we need them. The design of the lights is such that we tried not to negatively impact the neighbors. The lights will shine towards the center.”
The park, just steps from the beach and ocean at JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue, serves as the hub for Sea Isle’s free outdoor entertainment.
“It really is a great facility,” Custer said. “These lights will allow us to offer more programs and better serve the community.”
Ptl. Cooper Gallagher of the Cape May County SWAT and Sea Isle City Police Department shows Jack Cicero his police vest and gear.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT A WINNER AGAIN
Sea Isle City residents and visitors gathered at Excursion Park on Tuesday, Aug. 5 to celebrate National Night Out, the annual event aimed at strengthening the relationship between the community and local law enforcement. Families enjoyed a night filled with laughter, activities, and the chance to connect with first responders in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Kids lined up for colorful face painting, while others tried their hand at carnival-style games.
Members of the Sea Isle City Ambulance Corps proudly showcased their vehicles and equipment, giving guests an up-close look at their lifesaving tools.
The Cape May County SWAT team also made an appearance, offering many photo ops.
Sea Isle City firefighters were also on hand with their fire truck. They offered interactive games and let kids explore the truck’s many features.
One of the evening’s biggest hits was the dunk tank. A Sea Isle City police officer took the plunge again and again as participants took their best shots at the target. There were many cheers and laughs from the crowd. Adding to the sweet atmosphere, free ice cream was handed out, making it an extra treat on a beautiful summer night.
National Night Out once again proved to be more than just a summer gathering. It was a celebration of community spirit, safety, and the people who work tirelessly to keep Sea Isle City safe year-round.
