We're In Manahawkin!

That's it. It's official.

Area residents have long talked about the need for Patch to spread its coverage to Stafford Township, and today, we are making the move at last.

While Barnegat will continue to be one of our towns, our interest and attention will now extend to its immediate neighbor to the south as well. Expect to see coverage of important municipal affairs and local politics, schools and sports, crime news and volunteer activities, profiles of interesting people and photo galleries of events important to both communities on our site.

Barnegat and Manahawkin have much in common. Both are growing towns with an increasing number of young families and facing somewhat similar development pressures. Both identify strongly with the Pinelands culture and keep close ties with LBI. 

The two communities share a historical heritage too. According to the Stafford Township Historical Society, Stafford was chartered in 1749 and included parts of present-day Waretown, Barnegat, Long Beach Island and Eagleswood.

As you visit the site, remember, you are helping us shape the Patch experience when you share your views, post your events in our calendar, submit your blogs or letters to the editor and participate in our polls or send us questions and suggestions. Readers also can sign up for our daily and weekly newsletter and breaking news alerts. 

Readers also can find us on Facebook and Twitter. And don't forget to check out our Directory of local businesses.

Is there anything important going on in either town we should look into? Do you have a strong sentiment you wish to express on a local issue? Whether you're a high school student, a senior citizen, a local business owner or a parent raising a family, whether you live in Barnegat or in Manahawkin, we want to know what you think, we are interested in what  you care about. 

We are your Patch — the Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch. You're our community. You're our home.