Preston Raynor Reflects on 102 years as an Islip Resident

Preston Carter Raynor

Preston Carter Raynor of Islip celebrated his 102nd birthday on May 29. He is one of the estimated 624 Long Islanders age 100 or older. The breakdown by region is 330 in Nassau County and 294 in Suffolk County. Each of these individuals carries an indispensable eyewitness account of an ever-changing society. During his 102 […]

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What can September reveal about a Fire Island property that buyers might overlook in the height of summer?

For me, September is when you really get to see what a Fire Island property is all about. In July and August, the island is at its busiest and most vibrant, which is incredible, but there’s so much going on that it’s easy to overlook a property’s subtleties. In September, everything slows down. You notice the privacy, the light, the breeze, the sounds, and the way the house actually lives when the crowds disappear. You get a much better sense of the relationship between the house and its surroundings. Having grown up on Fire Island, I think that’s one of the most special things about September. It gives buyers a glimpse of the Fire Island that those of us who live here and truly know have always loved—quieter, more peaceful, and incredibly beautiful. Sometimes that’s when a property’s real magic becomes apparent.

Nathaniel Larson Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty nathaniellarson@danielgale.com (631) 800-1301 For me, September is when you really get to see what a Fire Island property is all about. In July and August, the island is at its busiest and most vibrant, which is incredible, but there’s so much going on that […]

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Sayville murder suspect fatally shot by police

Suffolk County police investigated the crime scene on Sept. 4, 2026 (Timothy Bolger)
LI Press

Police officers in Massachusetts fatally shot a suspect who Suffolk County police were searching for after he allegedly stabbed his 62-year-old ex-girlfriend to death in her Sayville home last week, authorities said. Homicide Squad detectives alleged that Brandon Hampson, 55, killed Rachel Frislid, a business owner and widowed mother and grandmother, on Sept. 3.…

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Pride and Pageantry in September: Fire Island and South Shore Things To Do Over the Weekend and the Week Ahead

Saturday, September 12 (3 p.m.) 60th Annual Miss Fire Island Pageant The Ice Palace, 1 Main Walk, Cherry Grove, is thrilled to announce this year’s Miss Fire Island Pageant, featuring hosts Logan Hardcore, 2011 Miss Fire Island, and Ariel Sinclair, 2002 Miss Fire Island. This year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Home,” is a subtle nod to the classic film The Wizard of Oz. A special All Stars category will feature past pageant winners. Contestants can win up to $3,000 in prizes! Experience the spectacle in person at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit redeyetickets.com/events/miss-fire-island-pageant-2026. Sunday, September 13 (1 p.m.) Miss Isle of Fire Contest The 6th Annual Miss Isle of Fire contest will be held at The Island Mermaid, 780 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and the show begins at 1 p.m. Whether you’re a fan or a first-timer, this event is all about good vibes and great company. Spend the afternoon cheering on your favorites and soaking up every minute of the action! This fun, fierce competition costs $55 per person. For tickets and more information, call (631) 583-8088.

September 11-13 Trans Celebration Weekend Queer Grove, a volunteer initiative founded by Parker Sargent in the LGBTQIA+ haven of Cherry Grove, will host the annual Trans Celebration Weekend in Cherry Grove, Fire Island. The weekend brings the community together to celebrate, educate, and entertain, with dazzling events and activities that’ll interest and inspire every attendee. […]

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Honoring the Mighty Oyster in Bellport Waters

“There were many an oyster piled up on the Friends of Bellport Bay (FoBB) vessel that a couple of us had to get off the boat,” said volunteer Neil Koenig. “All the cages were emptied.”

“There were many an oyster piled up on the Friends of Bellport Bay (FoBB) vessel that a couple of us had to get off the boat,” said volunteer Neil Koenig. “All the cages were emptied.” Just before noon, the FoBB team, led by co-founder Thomas Schultz, was heading back to the Bellport marina with 140,000 […]

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Couple builds company on Central American roots

Nelson Hernández (L.) and Isabel Ramos (R.) of Nelson & Isa Lácteos.
LI Press

About 45 years ago, Nelson Hernández, as a boy in El Salvador, helped his grandmother make Central American cheese the old-fashioned way. It’s a craft he still associates with his childhood, although lately he runs a company based in Bay Shore, providing Central American cheeses to thousands of customers. “I was a young kid.…

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What Lies Beneath the Tryst: Land, the Legacy, and the Unfinished Future of Fire Island Pines Harbor

For more than two summers, residents and visitors in Fire Island Pines have looked across the harbor and wondered the same thing: What is happening with the old Botel?

For more than two summers, residents and visitors in Fire Island Pines have looked across the harbor and wondered the same thing: What is happening with the old Botel? The answer may be more complicated than a delayed hotel renovation. In 2024, hospitality entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft acquired roughly 75% of the community’s commercial district, including […]

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25 Years: September 11 Memorial Events Along South Shore Long Island

All ceremonies will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026.

All ceremonies will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026. Babylon Town: The Town of Babylon and the Town of Babylon Fire Chief’s Association will host the 25th-anniversary memorial ceremony for September 11, 2001, honoring Babylon residents and all who lost their lives that day at the 9/11 Hometown Memorial between Overlook and Cedar Beach […]

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