Rising from the ashes—literally—Whalehouse Point Restaurant and Bar on Fire Island has been resurrected after a fire destroyed the building back in September 2019. “Reconstruction has been an uphill battle,” said John Tafe, director of operations, as the establishment is situated on federal land on Fire Island’s National Seashore. “This is a National Park, and […]

The structure fire on Fire Island that consumed a bayfront house and seriously damaged another on Friday afternoon, April 24, caught regional attention, with black smoke visible for miles along and across the bay, and news station helicopters circling above Ocean Beach long after the smoke had cleared. It is believed that the original combustion […]

What appeared to be a structure fire on Fire Island, in the community of Ocean Beach, became apparent at about 3:30 this afternoon, when black, billowing smoke caught the attention of onlookers in the village square and boaters on the Great South Bay. Ocean Beach Fire alarms sounded at approximately 3:15 p.m. Bystanders reported the […]

Bluegrass music may originate in the Appalachian Mountains, but it has made a home on Long Island for the past 50 years, despite its rural beginnings, thanks to Buddy Merriam. During the 45 years Merriam has led his band Back Roads, he’s left a significant mark on the local music scene with this energetic Americana […]

Saturday, April 25 (9-11 a.m.) Creek Defender Community Clean-Up with Save The Great South Bay Swan River & Mud Creek, East Patchogue: Caring for the Great South Bay begins on the land. Improve the quality of the water entering our bay by removing litter, debris, and invasive species through a group volunteer effort! Everyone is […]

In honor of Earth Day, second-grade students at the Edward J. Bosti Elementary School in Sayville, part of the Connetquot Central School District, participated in the Our Living Planet experience: an interactive educational program featuring a massive inflatable Earth balloon. Students stepped inside the 19-foot-tall sphere, which displays true-to-scale satellite imagery of the planet. Looking […]

It’s spring, which means the Atlantic Flyway, a bird migration path, is buzzing with birds on their way to our neck of the woods. Piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) utilize this flyway to lay nests on our shores every spring, which is why parts of local beaches are fenced off throughout the summer. It’s not uncommon […]

Marking the 11th consecutive year it has earned this national honor, the Town of Brookhaven has once again been recognized as a Tree City USA community. The designation, awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation, highlights the town’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, urban forestry, and long‑term sustainability. The recognition coincides with the annual observance of […]

Pained, fatigued, hot… unsure if she would survive… the would-be mother got moving. Rising from her rest, Florence had only one attempt left. If she failed, everything would be lost, including her young. But Florence did not fail. It might have been a mirage—glistening waters… swaying green branches… billowing cool wafts. Yes. She was home. […]

A company founded by a Princeton University PhD has received a grant to test a new system to fortify Fire Island’s soil and sand dunes, taking a fresh approach to combating accelerating coastal erosion. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $305,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant to Foogly Corp. to use local food and […]

Great South Bay News reports the passing of Ernie Fazio with deep sadness. Born in Howard Beach, NY, on December 29, 1939, Mr. Fazio passed on March 13, 2026, at age 86. A man of many talents and skills, he will be truly missed by his community and those he encountered along his life’s journey. […]

The 105-acre former Brookhaven Dowling College of Aviation campus, located adjacent to Calabro Airport in Shirley, cleared the rezoning and variance hurdles for redevelopment on March 26. The zoning change to L1 industrial development will allow Hampshire Venture Partners LLC to proceed with the construction of three industrial storage buildings and the renovation of the current on-site […]