On the eve of 4th of July beach will be closed

Police Cheif Martin Brody announced that the beaches would be closed for 24 hours in light of the recent shark attacks in Amity at last night's Town Meeting.

After the body of Wendy Watson, a local teen, was found brutally mauled on the beach on July 1, rumors of a shark attack began circuiting throughout Amity.

These rumors were found to indeed be true as 10-year-old Alex Kitner was killed two days later by an unprovoked shark while playing in the water with friends.

Marian Kitner, the boy's mother, is offering a $3000 reward for anyone who catches the shark. This is an issue Mayor Farley deemed "is between the fishermen and Ms. Kitner."

Upon hearing that the beach will be closed, the townspeople at the meeting erupted with objections and questions. One disgruntled citizen even shouted "24 hours is like three weeks!"

After seeing the crowd react in this way, Mayor Bob Farley was quick to attempt to soothe the disatisfied citizens, ensuring that the beach would only be closed for 24 hours.

Apparently this was not what Cheif Brody had intended as he stated "I didn't authorize that."

It seems that a conflict of interest is fraying the relations between Amity's police force and the local government. While Cheif Brody fears for the safety of the townspeople, Mayor Farley worries about the imminent financial blow closing the beach on the eve of the 4th of July will invoke.

In addition to calling on extra summer officers, Chief Brody assured that shark spotters will be placed on the beach to help lifeguards look for any signs of shark activity. Experts on oceanography will also be brought in to contribute any useful information they might have about the shark.

Not everyone was willing to take such a level headed and time-consuming approach. Ben Quint, a local fisherman at the meeting, offered to catch and kill the shark himself for $10,000.

"I value my life way more than $3000," said Quint referring to the reward Ms. Kitner has posted.

While no decision was reached on whether the town is willing to finance Quint's solo venture, Mayor Farley insisted the town officials would discuss it.