A message that was put into an empty bottle in 1985 and tossed into the Atlantic at Ocean City, N.J, turned up at a North Carolina resort on the Outer Banks in November 2009. The resort sent the note back to Ocean City. (photo: Donald B. Kravitz / City of Ocean City, NJ)
Ocean City spokesman Mark Soifer said officials sought the owner of the bottle by sending social networking Web site messages to several people with Mozza's maiden name, Heidi Werstler.
"I just can't believe it finally surfaced after 24 years. Also, I just can't believe the plastic lasted that long," Mozza said.
The people who found the bottle followed the instructions inside and contacted the Soifer's office. The spokesman said the city considers Mozza to be the winner, despite the fact that the contest officially ended in August 1985.
Soifer said the city will honor the original prize of the contest, a stay in one of the city's motels.
