Drone sightings expand to coastal and South Jersey

✅ Drones started appearing over northern areas since before Thanksgiving

✅ A drone the size of an SUV was sighted in Evesham in South Jersey

✅ Assembly Republicans want a better explanation from Gov. Phil Murphy

The mystery of the drones over New Jersey deepens with the area of the sightings expanding across coastal and southern areas of the state plus another military facility.

The drones until now have been confined to northern areas of New Jersey but have now started showing up in the skies to the south.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy told New Jersey 101.5 that sightings of drones were reported over Lacey and Toms River on Thursday night.

Manasquan police Capt. Nicholas Norcia said drones were also spotted over the National Guard Training Center along the border with Sea Girt and to the east over the ocean. Manasquan is also home to a U.S. Coast Guard station.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said he is "aware of possible drone sightings but cannot confirm specifics.

The Facebook page EXIT 82 Scanner News was first to post about the Manasquan drones.

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Drone as big as an SUV

Evesham Police Chief Walt Miller said drones were reported over the township. The chief told CBS Philadelphia that reports claimed the drones were larger than a consumer drone and some were as "large as an SUV."

A viewer shared video with CBS Philadelphia of a drone over Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia in Pine Hill. A no-fly zone in in effect over the president-elect's club in Bedminster.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday said he held a meeting with state and federal officials including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayork and members of the state's congressional delegation.

"There is no known threat to the public at this time," Murphy wrote.

When asked "how" he knows there is no threat, Murphy's office referred questions to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. That office in turn deferred to the FBI.

Republican state Sen. Anthony Bucco in a separate statement said he has been assured by several agencies that there is “no known imminent threat from these devices." Bucco added that he has seen drones over his backyard and acknowledged his own concern.

Republican Assemblymen John DiMaio and Erik Peterson demanded a fuller explanation from Murphy about the drones and accused him of brushing off the concerns of residents. They said a lack of information only fuels speculation and rumor.

“This reckless behavior has to immediately cease, and the public deserves an explanation,” the letter stated. “It’s hard to believe that agencies like the FBI, FAA, Homeland Security, New Jersey State Police and yourself are unaware of what’s happening. If they do know, that information must be shared," the assemblymen said.