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Jersey Shore Communities Continue To Recover From Sandy

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Along the Jersey Shore, there is still plenty of work to be done to get ready for summer 2013.

But local officials are out to remind the public that the shore communities will be open and ready in time for Memorial Day weekend this year as superstorm Sandy clean-up continues.

In Sea Bright, local officials are still seeking volunteers nearly three months after the storm.

Jersey Shore Communities Continue To Recover From Sandy

Out of 1,500 residents, only 250 are back in their homes, according to councilman Read Murphy.

"We still have a lot of houses that haven't even been gutted yet and as we get into them, we need houses totally stripped down," Murphy told WCBS 880's Sean Adams. "Volunteer plumbers, electricians and stuff like that. I'm in a dire need for volunteers still."

In Seaside Heights where the boardwalk is about to be rebuilt, Mayor Bill Akers said the best way to help the recovery is to make summer rental reservations now.

"Not having a shorter season, the visitors this summer are going to be more important than ever to help us get over that hump," Akers told Adams. "Don't forget to bring friends and family because we want you here, we're going to be better than ever, we just thank you for the support and keeping us in your prayers and thinking about Seaside Heights as a whole."

If you want to help local businesses sooner, Akers urges the public to stop by for the St. Patrick's Day parade, which will go on as scheduled.

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