Barnegat, Manahawkin’s Top News Stories Of 2021

BARNEGAT-MANAHAWKIN, NJ — As 2021 comes to a close, Barnegat, Manahawkin and much of the world are looking forward to the new year.

Before the new year begins, look back on some of the top stories in 2021 around Barnegat and Manahawkin:

102 People Pay Kindness Forward At Dunkin' In Barnegat

102 people paid for the cars behind them on a Sunday in May at the Dunkin' in Barnegat, said employee Luke Hart, who rang up each customer.

Hundreds Protest In Stafford To Support Suspended School Nurse

A few hundred people attended an outdoor rally on Monday to support a Stafford nurse who was suspended for protesting the mask mandate.

Compassion Cafe Finds A Home, Inspires Beach Haven And Beyond

The pop-up coffee shop that employs special-needs teens and adults made an immediate impact in its first year and is planning for 2022.

Living On The Veg Brings Vegan Food To New Manahawkin Location

After 16 years in business on Long Beach Island, Living on the Veg opened a second location in the Manahawkin Mart on May 27.

Beach Haven School Highlighted As ‘Back-To-School Success Story’

The district is one of 75 schools across the country that was recognized for maintaining in-person learning since the school year began.

Dead Whales That Wash Ashore Will Be Remembered In Barnegat Light

Barnegat Light has named the two whales that washed ashore this past year to memorialize their deaths.

Barnegat's Historic Cedar Bridge Tavern Awarded After Restoration

Ocean County received a statewide award for preserving the historic Cedar Bridge Tavern, a landmark that predates the Revolutionary War.

After 2-Year Delay, Stafford Chick-fil-A Starts Construction

Chick-fil-A has began building its long awaited restaurant on Route 72 in Stafford Township.

Breakfast Makes Sweet Return At Longtime Barnegat Restaurant

After nearly eight months, longtime customers finally got their wish in November as breakfast returned to Sweet Jenny's menu.

Pine Barrens Byway Achieves National Designation

The 130-mile route travels through 16 municipalities, including Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton in southern Ocean County.