Jersey Shore Towns Hopeful About First 4th Of July Following Sandy
By Cleve Bryan
BRIGANTINE, NJ (CBS) – Flags are flying high on the lifeguard stands as the City of Brigantine looks for a 4th of July pick-me-up.
Brigantine saw some of the southern shore point's most extensive damage from Superstorm Sandy.
The Laguna Beach and Rum Grill was gutted by waves during the storm, but $800,000 in renovations later, owner Rip Reynolds says his place is better than ever.
"We've been able to improve the beachfront bar and expand our outside seating, so people really seem to be responding positively to it," says Reynolds.
All businesses at the shore are hoping sunshine and the extra vacation days with the July 4th weekend will give them a boost after the gloomy weather during the month of June.
"I was ready for a beach day," says Mary Scotto, who was helping her nephews build a sand castle at the beach on 14th street.
Her family has a time share in Brigantine, and they were fortunate that it didn't sustain significant damages.
"We're from Brooklyn, and we got hit by Sandy, so we know how important it is to have people go back to normal," says Scotto. "It's good to see so many people here at the beach."
