Against the backdrop of Barnegat Bay on a perfect first day of summer, a crowd gathered for the Blessing of the Fleet as always, but this ceremony was different. Missing were the late Barnegat Light Mayor Kirk O. Larson Sr. and the late Ernie F. Panacek Jr., two preeminent local figures who still managed to be present in the way familiar faces linger longer than their physical bodies.
“Kirk was more than our mayor; he was a friend, a leader, a proud champion of Barnegat Light and his fishing heritage.
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