


The Asbury Park Press is your leading source for Jersey Shore news. Here's what to know


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source



Asbury Park Press: A Snapshot of Monmouth and Ocean County Coverage (Oct. 14, 2025)
The Asbury Park Press’s latest feature, published on October 14, 2025, offers a comprehensive look at the newspaper’s role as the primary source of news for Monmouth and Ocean counties. Through a series of in‑depth stories, interviews, and background pieces, the article paints a portrait of a newsroom grappling with the digital age while remaining anchored to the communities it serves.
Digital Transformation and Community Engagement
At the heart of the piece is the newsroom’s recent pivot toward a stronger digital presence. Editor-in-Chief Maria Ramirez explains that the Press has doubled its online traffic in the past year, thanks largely to an expanded multimedia section featuring podcasts, interactive data visualizations, and real‑time coverage of local events. The article links to the Press’s “Digital Futures” initiative page, where readers can subscribe to a weekly e‑newsletter summarizing the week’s top stories. Ramirez also discusses the decision to launch a mobile app, citing a 30 % increase in mobile readership among residents under 35.
Local Politics: Town Hall and Ordinances
The Press’s political coverage remains a staple. A detailed report on the recent Asbury Park City Council town hall highlights a heated debate over a new zoning ordinance aimed at encouraging mixed‑use development along the waterfront. The ordinance, which is linked to the official council minutes, proposes incentives for affordable housing and stricter environmental standards. City Councilmember James Patel argues that the ordinance could attract new businesses, while long‑time resident Linda Green fears it will gentrify historic neighborhoods. The article also quotes a Monmouth County Planning Board spokesperson, emphasizing the need to balance growth with preservation.
Education Spotlight: The Ocean County School Board’s Reform Plan
An extended piece focuses on the Ocean County School Board’s new curriculum reform plan. The story includes interviews with Superintendent Dr. Elena Ortiz, who explains how the plan introduces STEM enrichment, bilingual education, and mental‑health support across all schools. The Press links to the board’s official “Reform Plan” PDF, giving readers direct access to the proposed budget allocations. The article notes that the plan has sparked a community response: a newly formed coalition, “Students for Tomorrow,” has organized a series of listening sessions, the links to which are embedded within the feature.
Environmental Initiatives: Protecting the Shoreline
Another major focus is Ocean County’s coastal conservation efforts. The article follows a group of volunteers from the Ocean County Shoreline Conservancy (link included) as they clean up litter along the Jersey Shore. It reports on the county’s new “Blue‑Print” initiative, aimed at reducing storm‑water runoff and protecting marine habitats. Environmental scientist Dr. Raj Patel, featured in the story, highlights the data collected by the conservancy’s citizen‑science program. The article also references a partnership between the county and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a new coastal monitoring station.
Local Business Revitalization
In a lighter vein, the Press covers the reopening of the historic “Merrick’s Diner” after a two‑year pandemic‑related closure. The feature includes a profile of owner Sylvia Merrick, who discusses the challenges of reopening and the support she received from the city’s small‑business recovery fund. The article links to the city’s recovery program page, providing details on grants and tax incentives available to struggling businesses.
Public Health and COVID‑19 Updates
The article rounds out with a concise health update from the Monmouth County Board of Health (link included). It summarizes the latest COVID‑19 vaccination rollout, outlines new guidelines for large‑scale events, and highlights an upcoming community health fair. A resident health advocate, Maya Patel, explains how the fair will address vaccine hesitancy and provide free screening services.
Community Voices and Editorial Perspective
Throughout the feature, the Press intersperses reader letters and editorials that reflect diverse community perspectives. One editorial, for example, examines the impact of media consolidation on local journalism, calling for increased transparency and community involvement in editorial decisions. The article includes links to several op‑eds published on the Press’s website, allowing readers to explore differing viewpoints on topics such as zoning, education, and environmental policy.
In Summary
The Asbury Park Press’s October 14, 2025 article serves as a microcosm of the newspaper’s broader mission: to inform, engage, and empower residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties. By weaving together stories about digital innovation, local politics, education reform, environmental stewardship, business revitalization, public health, and community opinion, the Press demonstrates its continued relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape. The article’s integrated links to official documents, government portals, and community resources underscore its commitment to transparency and depth, offering readers both context and actionable information.
Read the Full app.com Article at:
[ https://www.app.com/story/news/2025/10/14/asbury-park-press-news-monmouth-ocean-county-nj/86578934007/ ]