An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property &mdash; building permits, flood zones, fire history, property taxes, and more &mdash; by typing in an address.
The site, Permit &amp; Parcel (oprasearch.app), covers all 564 New Jersey municipalities and pulls only from official sources: state and county databases, FEMA flood maps, and the towns' own municipal codes. There's no account, no email capture, and no cost.
"I kept watching buyers fall in love with a house before anyone checked the paper trail &mdash; the open permits, the flood zone, what the town actually requires when a home changes hands," said Leo Betancor, a Certified Master Inspector based in Cedar Grove and the founder of the site. "All of that is public record. It just wasn't in one place anyone could actually use."
Alongside the main lookup, the site includes free single-purpose tools: a lead-safe inspection lookup showing which of the two state-required inspection methods each town uses under New Jersey's lead paint law, a searchable directory of every DCA-certified lead evaluation and abatement contractor sorted by distance, a fire-incident map built from more than 40 years of state fire records, and a radon map covering every municipality.
A companion site, njflood.zone, gives instant FEMA flood-zone answers for any New Jersey address &mdash; built after the federal government shutdown left FEMA's own map site unreliable &mdash; running on the site's own servers with the complete flood map data for the state loaded locally.
The project was recently featured in <a href="https://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-hanover-slash-florham-park/columns/at-home-with-holly/articles/deep-dive-conversations-what-the-house-won-t-tell-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">TAPinto</a>'s "At Home with Holly" column. Both sites are free at <a href="https://oprasearch.app" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">oprasearch.app</a> and <a href="https://njflood.zone" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">njflood.zone</a>.

Essex County

Eric Kiefer

New York City Metropolitan Area

Montclair

New Jersey

Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property...

An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property — building permits...

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Manahawkin, N.J. - August 31, 2026 - As the summer winds down, the familiar rhythm of the school year will soon begin &ndash; a great reminder to focus on safety. As emergency medicine physicians at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, we've seen firsthand the types of accidents and injuries that can occur. By working together, we can ensure a safe and healthy return to school for our children.

On the Move: School Bus and Pedestrian Safety

The journey to and from school presents some of the most significant safety challenges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road and students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely on a bus than by car, the most dangerous part of the journey is getting on and off the bus. From 2014 to 2023, there were 209 school-age children who died in school-bus-related crashes, and 79 of them were pedestrians.

For younger bus riders, it&rsquo;s best to be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. This reduces the need to rush, which can lead to accidents. Teach your children to stay at least 10 feet back from the curb &ndash; about three giant steps &ndash; and to never walk behind the bus. It is within that 10 foot area that kids are in the most danger of not being seen by the driver.

Once on the bus, children should find a seat and remain there. This minimizes distractions for the driver. For drivers, the start of the school year means being extra vigilant. In New Jersey, the law requires drivers to stop at least 25 feet away from a school bus with its red lights flashing. On a road with no physical divider, traffic in both directions must stop. Failure to do so can result in fines, license points, and, most importantly, a tragic accident.

With many children walking to school, pedestrian safety is a major concern. In 2023, 17% of children aged 14 and younger who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians, according to the NHTSA. Drivers must slow down in school zones and should be prepared to stop for children at crosswalks even if it&rsquo;s not during school hours.

Beyond the Commute: Backpacks and In-School Injuries

Safety doesn't stop at the school door. Two common issues we see are backpack-related injuries and head injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child's backpack should weigh no more than 10% to 20% of their body weight. A heavy backpack can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. When choosing a backpack, look for one with wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, and a waist strap to help distribute the weight evenly. And while your child (especially older kids) may not think it looks cool, always encourage them to use both shoulder straps.

Head injuries are also a significant concern. These injuries can happen on the playground or during sports.&nbsp; According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contact sports &ndash; including football, basketball, and soccer &ndash; are associated with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6927a4.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">45% of all emergency department visits</a> for sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries and concussions among children ages 17 and under. While injuries can range from a minor cut on the head to more extreme cases that can cause bleeding on the brain or coma, it's crucial to seek medical attention any time a child has a blow to the head &ndash; and especially if they show signs of confusion, headache, or vomiting. Ensuring proper head and safety gear will help reduce your child&rsquo;s risk of injury.

The start of a new school year is a time of new beginnings. By taking a few extra precautions, we can help our children have a safe and successful year. For more information on children's health and safety, please visit <a href="http://hackensackmeridian.org/kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridian.org/kids</a>.

<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/marie-g-ponce/1318975?sort=networks%2Crelevance&amp;unified=pediatric%20emergency%20medicine&amp;page=3&amp;from=search-list" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Grace Marie Ponce, M.D.</a>, is the division chief of pediatric emergency medicine and <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/david-j-bergamo/2549993" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">David Bergamo, M.D.</a>, is associate director of pediatric emergency medicine at K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.&nbsp;

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(Photo: <a href="http://vecteezy.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">vecteezy.com</a>)

Ocean County

Veronica Flesher

Barnegat-Manahawkin

Back-to-School Safety Reminders from Hackensack...

Manahawkin, N.J. - August 31, 2026 - As the summer winds down, the familiar rhythm of the school year will soon begin – a great reminder to focus...

Back-to-School Safety Reminders from Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in September (locations vary):

BAYVILLE - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a Caregiver Support Group on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to Noon at the Berkeley Library, 30 Station Rd, Bayville.&nbsp; Join us for an open discussion centered on the unique challenges and rewards of caregiving. This group provides a safe, welcoming space to share personal experiences, exchange practical advice, and find emotional support among peers who truly understand the journey. No registration required.&nbsp; Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;

BAYVILLE - OCEAN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Wednesday, September 19, 2026, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Faith Community UMC, 526 Atlantic City Blvd, Bayville. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol, and Stroke Risk Assessment. *Fasting is not required. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;
WARETOWN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Hypertension and Cholesterol on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. - Noon at the Township of Ocean Recreation Center, 239 11th Street, Barnegat. Join us and learn how to manage your blood pressure and control your cholesterol. Learn the difference between good and bad cholesterol, treatment options, and risk factors for heart disease and stroke. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

Network Webinars
HMH Network- is offering a FREE Webinar: Beyond Cancer Treatment: Navigating Care &amp; Emotions During Post-Treatment Survivorship. Tuesday, September 15, Noon - 1 p.m. Join Crossroads 4 Hope Lead Social Worker Kyle Jachim for an informative and supportive discussion focused on life after a cancer diagnosis-post treatment. This session will highlight practical resources, supportive programs, and opportunities for connection. Kyle will discuss ways to navigate the next phase with confidence, access meaningful support, and stay connected to care. This Webinar is open to all&mdash;individuals impacted by cancer, family members, caregivers, and professionals. A space to learn, reflect, and journey forward. Crossroads 4 Hope helps individuals and families affected by cancer to receive free supportive cancer care.
To Register: <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/events" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/events</a> Left hand side, select Event Topic filter for Cancer Care
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(photo by shadowkill at freeimages.com)

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in September (locations vary):...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center September Events

A Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health pediatrician weighs in

Manahawkin, N.J. - August 19, 2026&nbsp;- As families prepare for &lsquo;back-to-school&rsquo; time, it&rsquo;s a great opportunity to evaluate how your child&rsquo;s daily routine is structured. From ensuring a good start with a nutritious breakfast to encouraging appropriate amounts of homework time and sleep based on age, creating time for physical activity is also important. As a general pediatrician, I strongly believe that recess is not a luxury for children &ndash; it is a necessity. Children spend much of their day in structured academic settings, and recess provides an essential mental and physical reset.

From a mental health standpoint, unstructured play allows children to decompress, reduce stress, improve their mood, and return to the classroom better able to focus and learn. Physically, recess encourages movement, exercise, coordination, and healthy social interaction, all of which are critical for childhood development.

This is why I am so encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) recent <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2026-077025/207527/The-Crucial-Role-of-Recess-in-School-Policy?autologincheck=redirected" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">updated policy statement</a> on school recess. For the first time in 13 years, the influential pediatricians' group has issued new guidance stressing that recess is far more than just a fun break in the day. It is a crucial requirement for a student's physical, mental, and academic well-being.&nbsp;

The AAP also strongly emphasizes that recess should be considered a child's personal time and should never be withheld for punitive or academic reasons. All too often, the students deprived of recess as a punishment are the ones who would benefit from a mental and physical reset the most.

The Physical Benefits of Daily Play
At a time when childhood obesity rates are a major concern, protecting time for movement is vital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obesity-facts/childhood-obesity-facts.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">1 in 5 children </a>and adolescents in the United States (19.7%) are affected by obesity.

The CDC recommends that children get<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/adding-children-adolescents/index.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> at least 60 minutes </a>of physical activity every day. A protected, daily recess period is one of the most effective and consistent ways to help students reach that goal.

Equally important is ensuring that children have safe outdoor spaces where they can run, explore, socialize, and simply be kids. Outdoor play promotes creativity, independence, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Protecting and prioritizing recess is a direct investment in the physical, emotional, and developmental health of our children.

The Pitfalls of Indoor Recess and Screen Time
Even when recess is held, I am increasingly concerned about the amount of time children spend staring at screens throughout the school day. Recent reports conclude that many schools engage in indoor recess where some kids are allowed to be on their laptops or tablets.

Extended computer and screen time use can contribute to eye strain, headaches, reduced social interaction, difficulty maintaining attention, and increased mental fatigue. When children are given access to devices instead of active recess time, they miss out on the critical movement, face-to-face interaction, and mental reset their developing brains and bodies need. Continuously allowing children to have access to screen time instead of recess essentially nullifies the essence and benefits of this crucial break.

Recess is more than just a break from academics &ndash; it is an important part of supporting mental health, physical health, emotional regulation, and healthy childhood development. We must continue to prioritize opportunities for safe, active, outdoor play during the school day.

<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/moses-f-olorunnisola/1314727" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Moses Olorunnisola, M.D.</a>, is a pediatrician at Hackensack Meridian Children's Health who sees patients at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center. To learn more, visit <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/kids</a>.

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(image: vecteezy.com)

Why Recess is a Necessity, Not a Luxury for...

A Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health pediatrician weighs in...

Why Recess is a Necessity, Not a Luxury for Children

3 bedroom, 2 bath with tubs in quiet retirement community. Master bedroom is en suite. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools, and the beach. Just minutes to Route 9 and the GS Parkway.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/25-Oak-Tree-Ln_Manahawkin_NJ_08050_M66531-62336" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/25-Oak-Tree-Ln_Manahawkin_NJ_08050_M66531-62336</a>

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3 bedroom, 2 bath with tubs in quiet retirement community. Master bedroom is en suite. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools, and the beach. Just...

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Lacey

Berkeley

Karen Wall

Toms River

Manchester

Atlantic County

Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

Galloway

Brick

Lakewood

Point Pleasant

Monmouth County

Howell

Sara Winick

Wall

County Road 530

Celebrate Irish culture, community, and tradition at the Ocean County Irish Festival—now marking its 10th anniversary! Enjoy a full day of live music, pipe &amp; drum bands, a lively beer garden, delicious food, craft vendors, Raffles and family-friendly activities. Join us at our new home at Robert J. Miller Air Park for an unforgettable day of Irish pride—admission is free! #oceancountyirishfestival#cheersto10years#oceancounty

Local Event: 10th Anniversary Ocean County Irish Festival

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Liberty Door and Awning

Liberty Door and Awning is a trusted provider of custom awning solutions serving homeowners and businesses throughout Ocean County, NJ. Established in 1968, the company brings decades of experience in delivering durable, functional and visually appealing shade systems for a wide range of properties. The team offers a variety of awning styles, including retractable awnings, window and door awnings, exterior solar shades, retractable horizontal shades and pergola canopy shades. The company also provides free in-home consultations, so customers can receive accurate measurements and personalized recommendations. Its experienced technicians handle both installation and repair services to address issues such as fabric wear, structural concerns and motor malfunctions. Each awning type can be tailored to your property, helping you improve outdoor comfort, reduce heat exposure and improve overall curb appeal. Known for its reliable service and attention to detail, Liberty Door and Awning has built long-standing relationships across Ocean County. Customers often rave about the team’s responsiveness and commitment to standing behind their work, even after installation is complete. In addition to awnings, the company also installs and services garage doors, entry doors, windows and hurricane shutters.

Liberty Door and Awning is a trusted provider of custom awning solutions serving homeowners and businesses throughout Ocean County, NJ. Established...

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