Year after deadly car meet, shore town moves to shut down Wildwood Beach Linkup
WILDWOOD – Officials here are sticking a pin in a “pop-up” beach party.
The city has gone to court to block a two-day event being promoted via social media as The Wildwood Beach Linkup, reportedly coordinated by online personality Big Money Juan.
Online ads for the party promise “dance battles, twerk contests, beer pong and boxing matches,” according to a complaint filed by the city in Cape May County Superior Court.
The ads also tout the expected presence of YouTube personality and Instagram influencers.
Court: Time ran out for prosecution Man charged with 1990 rape of slain woman in Wildwood can't be tried. Here is why
But what the Linkup does not have is a municipal permit that would allow the May 12-13 event.
Wildwood wins ruling against Linkup
So, an attorney for the city asked for – and won – a preliminary injunction that orders the party’s organizer to stop promoting the event and to announce its cancelation.
Organizers of special events in Wildwood must pay $500 to obtain a permit, and also must reimburse the city for its services and provide insurance coverage, the filing notes.
It said permits are needed so the city can provide adequate restrooms, sanitation and emergency services.
Ads noted the party will be BYOB and BYOW, meaning celebrants should bring their own alcohol and weed.
The city’s complaint noted “a car meet/competition” had recently been added to the party’s promotions.
A pop-up car rally in Wildwood in September 2022 led to multiple crashes, including accidents that killed two people.
Complaint: Wildwood Beach Linkup organized by Big Money Juan
The complaint contends the party is being organized by Juan V. Chaname-Millet, also known as Big Money Juan.
Superior Court Judge John Porto Wildwood on May 3 issued a preliminary injunction that orders Chaname-Millet to stop promoting the party and to announce its cancellation.
Chaname-Millet said Friday he had not intended to create problems with the party.
"It was a mistake to post that link up," he said in an Instagram message. "I wasn't expecting it to go viral."
But he added, "You live and learn."
Porto scheduled a May 11 hearing for further consideration of his order.
“The public should be aware of any large or unusual groups seeking accommodation on this weekend,” the city said in a press release Friday.
It said inquiries or requests for reservations should be reported to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
“All agencies are mobilizing and stand ready to stop this unsanctioned event,” the press release declared.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Wildwood sues Big Money Juan to stop pop-up beach party
