As of last Wednesday, all homeowners, residents, tenants, private contractors, tow-truck operators and insurance representatives were permitted daily access into Lavallette.

But what about the business community?

Mark C. Speaker, president of the Lavallette Business Association, said the borough has petitioned the state to allow the Lavallette business community access to the island, starting at 7 am each morning.

Final approval, however, is still pending.

"This plan has not received final approval, but it looks good," Speaker said in a letter obtained by Patch. "Let’s all cross our collective fingers and make another move forward to Summer 2013."

The access and placard system that the Lavallette Business and Emergency Management personnel conceived and utilized has become "a model for future entry plans into our town," Speaker said.

"Our organization and cooperation has been noticed, and has become a point of note to many," he wrote. "While it may only be an hour today, it is a start for a better tomorrow."