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Overcrowding Forces Cops to Halt 'Stop FEMA Now' Meeting

Toms River- A meeting by a grassroots organization dedicated to opposing the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood maps was shut down by Toms River police Saturday after being overwhelmed by large crowds.

The group, Stop FEMA Now, is hoping its unified voice will reach elected officials and encourage them to speak out against FEMA's Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps, which were recently adopted by the State. If the maps aren't changed, thousands of residents along New Jersey's coasts will be required to elevate their homes or face potentially financially-crippling flood insurance premiums in the years go come.

Read more on Ocean City Patch.

Safety Concerns Linger in Brick's Barrier Island Neighborhoods

Brick- If not for the 45 degree temperature, it may as well have been a summer day on Route 35 in Brick.

A constant stream of traffic clogged the state highway, and a miles-long line of cars backed up from the Mantoloking Bridge up and down the barrier island.

Even on weekdays, residents say, the traffic is nonstop.

Read more on Brick Patch.

Foul Play Not Suspected In Discovery Of Man's Body In Double Trouble State Park

Berkeley- There were no apparent indications of foul play in the discovery of a body of a man in his sixties in Double Trouble State Park, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office says.

"The cause of death is pending an autopsy," said Executive Assistant Prosecutor Michel A. Paulhus. "It doesn't appear to be anything criminal."

Read more on Berkeley Patch.

Six Residents Have Moved Back to Mantoloking

Brick- Since Mantoloking residents were allowed to repopulate Feb. 22, just six have returned to their homes, officials said last week.

"That's a big deal to me, because that's six more people with lights on, six more people to look after us, and six more people eating dinner in their own kitchens and sleeping in their own beds," said Chris Nelson, the borough's special counsel for storm recovery.

Read more on Brick Patch. 

Say Goodbye to Navesink, Lincroft and Bayshore Library Branches

Middletown- Friday was the last day of business for the three Middletown Township Library branches. The Library Board voted on Feb. 20 to end services at its three satellite locations due to budgetary constraints. The main library, which is not part of the Monmouth County library system, will continue to operate on New Monmouth Road. 

Read more on Middletown-NJ Patch.