State & Local Leaders Salute the Start of Summer

State and local leaders gathered at a reception hosted by the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council this week to celebrate the unofficial start of the 2015 summer season.

Monmouth County Freeholder Tom Arnone says the beaches - and the visitors who flock to them - help support our economy.

"We employ, here in Monmouth County - or actually, YOU employ, here in Asbury and the other beaches, over 32,000 people a year," Arnone said.  "And that's a huge impact."

Arnone says about 5 million people are expected to visit the Jersey Shore in 2015.  He says last year already saw a tourism increase of 3.5% over 2013, and projections estimate a 5% jump this year.

Meanwhile, the state is spending $9 million on advertising to attract even more visitors, but you're not the one picking up the tab.  New Jersey Travel Industry Association Executive Director Joe Simonetta says the money comes from the hotel tax.

"That means about $1,700 per household less in property taxes," Simonetta said.  "So the next time you're in traffic or the next time some rude person runs over you with their bike on the boardwalk, smile, say hello, and thank them!"