SEA BRIGHT – Beachgoers at a public beach said Wednesday they were not very concerned about encountering Mary Lee, the 16-foot-long, 3,500 pound great white shark, this week was tracked navigating the coastal waters off the coast of Sea Bright.
“It doesn’t frighten me whatsoever,” said Eli Taylor, 27, of Highlands, who was walking his dog on the beach in Sea Bright. “I don’t think there would be an attack by just one shark. I’m still going to come to the beach as long as it’s nice out, and so will everyone else.”
With Memorial Day Weekend approaching, residents expressed their thoughts on whether or not Mary Lee would cause an influx of tourism or shy people away from the beaches.
“I think the shark is cool,” said Briana Horan, 31, of Lincroft. “If people stay away from the beaches, that’s ridiculous. Right now we need more people than ever to visit the Jersey Shore.”
Horan hopes that Mary
Lee brings more tourists to the area because local businesses could use the extra revenue after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.
Other residents explained that there were more important issues at hand.
“Having a shark on the coast is interesting, but it’s happened before,” said Ken Bardell, 72, of Rumson. “I’m not worried about it and neither is my daughter. She just got back from Burundi where they are attempting to overthrow the government. She’s not going to worry about something like one shark. Ten sharks, maybe. One shark, no.”
Mary Lee has been traveling north along the coast, and if she continues her route, will likely be far north of Monmouth County by Memorial Day Weekend.
However, her presence does not seem to bother resilient locals who will enjoy their beach days regardless of a lurking great white shark
– By Dillon Stambough
