The recently publicized statistics telling us there are still upwards of 30 percent of the population on the East Coast who think that the Boardwalk was completely ruined and that most casinos are still not fully operational means we have a lot of work to do.
ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY — We have to fight back!
I was so disgusted with the Today show's Al Roker last November when he spoke publicly about the “destroyed Atlantic City Boardwalk” right after his visit here following Hurricane Sandy's landfall.
Was the man blind or did he go to some part of the city I didn’t know about?
The very first clear day after Sandy, I walked up to the Boardwalk at Bally’s, not far from my home.
Partly because I had cabin fever, I bundled up, put on my rain boots and headed out to get some fresh air and to see for myself what the Boardwalk looked like. We had been out of communication with the world for a couple of days.
I was surprised and delighted to find the Boardwalk at Bally’s totally intact and as far as I could see, in every direction that was the case.
I walked towards Boardwalk Hall, all there.
I walked the other way, all there.
Then, I saw smoke down by the Steel Pier. Someone had told us there had been a fire there.
I walked pretty close, only to see firemen still spraying water hoses. The Steel Pier and the Boardwalk in front of it were fine.
The recently publicized statistics telling us there are still upwards of 30 percent of the population on the East Coast who think that the Boardwalk was completely ruined and that most casinos are still not fully operational means we have a lot of work to do.
Not only city officials, the Atlantic City Alliance, the ACCVA, CRDA and other local entities, but all of us need to spread the word that our city is up and running, open for business, as beautiful as it ever gets in winter — with an ocean that appears as black diamonds and bright red sunsets in the evenings.
Recently, I headed out on an unusually warm day before we were hit by the recent deep freeze. The only parts of the Boardwalk I saw missing were those in the Inlet section of Atlantic City, which were already on the City’s soon-to-be repaired- or- replaced list.
If nothing else, 2012 was a year of partnerships and coming together in the Atlantic City region.
The ACA’s Liza Cartmell talks about the first year of the DO AC campaign and changing people’s perception about the resort.
The ACA initially had 50,000 magnets printed in multiple colors and given away at select spots like its Boardwalk and AC Expressway visitors centers, the Atlantic City Free Public Library, the Atlantic Avenue county office building and at select community centers. It blew through the first batch, had a second order of 30,000 printed up, and recently put in a third order when the second got gobbled up like 5 ½-inch round magnetized hotcakes.
The South Jersey shore community — along with celebs from across the country — come together for post-Sandy relief and to let folks know Atlantic City is open (and the Boardwalk) for business.
Not heeding pending-storm evacuation orders is never
 a wise move, but it can afford a better appreciation for 
what workers are up against when making barrier islands
 safe for return.
"Since the national media showed so many images of a city underwater and a broken Boardwalk, we launched the 'Can DO AC' blog. It includes pictures of the city ready and open for business."
Watch the video of Atlantic City Mayor Langford on CNN Nov. 1 accusing Gov. Christie of a 'double standard.'
The latest Sandy storm coverage for the Atlantic City, New Jersey area.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he is trying to mitigate any damages in the state due to Hurricane Sandy, which has been blamed for the deaths of at least 58 people in the Caribbean as of Sunday afternoon.
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1. Leander said... on Jan 31, 2013 at 07:56PM
“I am from Washington, DC and I heard that lie from several outlets. I am
a regular visitor so I went to see for my self December 8, 2012. I found
everything up and running. I was delighted. I shall return soon.”
2. Sheila Carr said... on Feb 1, 2013 at 09:45AM
“How folks from the region STILL think the AC Boardwalk and the ENTIRE CITY was destroyed by Sandy boggles the mind!!! How many stories have to be reported in the national or regional market - showing pictures and video!!! - until folks realize AC is alive and kicking? Come on down folks! It's a beautiful time of year down the Jersey shore & it's only going to get nicer as winter turns to spring. Thanks for the great article Miss Turiya!”
3. Kennedy Rios said... on Feb 13, 2013 at 09:40PM
“I am stunned that people are reporting that false information. This is Atlantic CIty and we are south jersey strong. Irene couldn't keep us down, and neither could sandy!”