Monday felt like a taste of summer at the beaches, with temperatures in the mid-80s, but the clock is running out in Atlantic City on getting much-needed sand replenishment.
The northern resorts and amusement parks are changing their summer plans to accommodate the shifting sands.
"Certainly, the northern part of town has gotten significant beach erosion. There was supposed to be a beach replenishment in 2023 that did not happen," said Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO of Resorts Hotel.
Casinos like Resorts and Hard Rock altered their plans for the summer of 2024 as they work behind the scenes with the federal and state governments for an emergency replenishment.
"Resorts had a small beach bar on the beach that will not be open for the summer but the Landshark Bar and Grill which is on the beach will be open," Giannantonio said.
Even with the potential loss of the beach bar, Hard Rock announced it will still provide guests with beach chairs, umbrellas and beverage service. New this year will be a terrace overlooking the Steel Pier and world-famous beaches.
While the smaller beaches are a concern for the entertainment centers, leaders say the excitement of summer and the new amenities will still lure plenty of folks to Atlantic City.
"We've got a new roller coaster going on this year, the third largest observation wheel in the country, Resorts, Ocean, Hard Rock, everything that's going on here gives people a plethora of options," said Anthony Catanoso, the owner and president of Atlantic City Steel Pier.
The goal is to get the emergency sand replenishment completed by the end of June.