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Read the
latest issue

Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957

Bethpage

Best of LI

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Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957
  • News
  • Day in the Life
  • Environment
  • Eye on FI
  • Features
  • History
  • Summer Scenes from the South Shore
  • Northwell Health
  • Arts & Culture
  • Arts & Theatre
  • Books & Authors
  • Things to Do
  • Local Events
  • Submit an Event
  • Communities
  • Atlantique
  • Bay Shore
  • Cherry Grove & Pines
  • Davis Park
  • Fair Harbor
  •  
  • Kismet
  • Ocean Bay Park
  • Saltaire
  • Sayville–Patchogue
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About the Author

Shoshanna McCollum

Editor-in-Chief for Fire Island News and Great South Bay News for Schneps Media.

  • 631-356-7444
The first Fire Island lighthouse was built in 1826. Only 74-feet tall, the octagonal, cream-colored structure would only stand about 30 years, most likely deemed not tall enough for the job it had to do on the barrier beach. Such replacements were not uncommon on Long Island. Old Field Point also had a forerunner to the structure that overlooks the North Shore today. The first Fire Island Lighthouse is still with us. Its footprint still exists on the property grounds and is skillfully showcased in the north-facing window of the Lens Building. Additionally, its stones were repurposed to construct the deck, which today's Fire Island Lighthouse has proudly stood for over 165 years, so that first lighthouse is still very much with us.
Fire Island National Seashore

A Birthday Celebration for a Fire Island Lighthouse Past

Posted on September 15, 2025
Riverhead Building Supply is hosting “Building on the Beach,” a pair of events designed to connect Fire Island residents and trade pros with the latest products, trends, and ideas for coastal living. The dual events give Fire Island homeowners and building professionals two opportunities to discover what’s new in home improvement, without ever leaving the beach.
Fire Island Pines

Home Improvement Returns to Fire Island with “Building on the Beach” Events Hosted by Riverhead Building Supply

Posted on September 13, 2025
With less than two weeks to go before the autumnal equinox sets in, our September issue of Great South Bay News closes out the summer season for our modest newspaper family with strength and verve, thanks to the contributions of a talented team of Schneps Media writers who have a presence in it.
Arts & Theatre

Powerful Women, Blue Point Oysters, and the State of the Beach Define the September Issue of Great South Bay News

Posted on September 10, 2025
Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy Seal Museum.
Ocean Beach

Renee Guerrieri and LoDuca Associates of Blue Point

Posted on September 10, 2025
Suffolk County Police Seventh Precinct Crime Section officers and Suffolk County Crime Stoppers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who stole an e-bike from in front of a Shirley business in July.
Shirley

Suffolk County Police are Seeking Public’s Help in Locating an E-Bike Thief from Shirley

Posted on September 9, 2025
Keith Snedecor was scheduled to give a lecture about the history of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club in late June. The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet was excited to host it, and I had planned to assign a correspondent to cover the talk. The subject was interesting, and the promotional materials displayed a picture of his warm, friendly face. The heart attack that took him on May 11, at the age of 62, shook the South Shore Long Island historical community.
East Islip

Keith Snedecor, Local Historian (1963-2025)

Posted on September 7, 2025
Running from the western tip of Fire Island to the eastern tip and back again is 65 miles total. It's not for the casual jogger or the faint of heart. However, Adam Gibbs, Niki Gibbs, Dan Ziluca, and Tim O'Donoghue have been doing it for the past 10 summers.
Saltaire

Point-to-Point Run on Fire Island

Posted on September 6, 2025
Fire Island National Seashore is considered a go-to destination for so many Long Islanders, both seasonally and year-round, especially for its beaches, picnic spots, and parks. Though there are many different rules visitors keep in mind as prescribed by the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS), some exist quietly on the books. Still, the public is expected to adhere to them, regardless of whether they are visiting these National Park Service (NPS) territories at the height of summer or on a starkly beautiful winter’s day.
Fire Island National Seashore

Four Curious Rules When You Visit Fire Island National Seashore

Posted on September 4, 2025
The National Park Service has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Environmental Assessment at Fire Island National Seashore. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of proposed changes to the seashore's driving regulations.
Fire Island National Seashore

National Park Service Chooses “Option B” for Fire Island National Seashore Driving Regulations

Posted on September 3, 2025
Help Wanted
Arts & Theatre

HELP WANTED: Do You Have the Right Stuff? Great South Bay News Seeks Contributors

Posted on September 2, 2025
Fire Island Lighthouse was suddenly closed to the public around 2 p.m. today. Rumors spread that someone jumped from the lighthouse, resulting in a fatality. New 12 confirms that the West Islip Fire Department was called to respond to a fall. Calls to officials at the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society are currently not being returned. This is an ongoing story, and updates will be shared when more information is available.
Fire Island National Seashore

Possible Suicide at Fire Island Lighthouse

Posted on August 29, 2025
Enjoy Labor Day Weekend with the last issue of Fire Island News for the 2025 season at the beachside or on your breakfast table, with 64 pages of rich summer reading. Here, you will find the latest news updates, events happening on Fire Island and in the Great South Bay neighborhoods over the weekend and into September, as well as thoughtful essays on a range of subjects.
Arts & Theatre

Fire Island News Closes Out 2025 Summer Season with Labor Day Weekend Edition

Posted on August 28, 2025
1 … 3 4 5 … 48

Things to do on Fire Island

Post an Event

The Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts Sy
Dec. 12, 7:30 pm

BAFFA Presents “Shades of Music”
James Wilson Young Middle School

  The Bay Area Symphony, under the
Dec. 12, 7:30 pm

Shades of Music
James Wilson Young Middle School

Ocean Beach Chamber of Commerce will pay
Dec. 13, 6 am

Holiday Tree Lighting Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach Village Green

Help bring cheer to the many adoptable a
Dec. 13, 11 am

Islip Animal Shelter Pet Toy Drive
Islip Animal Shelter

BAFFA’s third annual Holiday Pop-Up Arti
Dec. 13, noon

Holiday Pop-Up Artisan Show
BAFFA Gallery

𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐱 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 “𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢
Dec. 20, 7 pm

A Box of Chocolates presents “Holiday Concert and Singalong” Dec 20th @7pm
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Bay Shore

Join us on December 20st for a night of
Dec. 20, 7 pm

Jolabokaflod at Tiny Raccoon Books!
Tiny Raccoon Books

Discover the true story of the Culper Sp
Feb. 22, 2026, 2 pm

The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring
Village of Babylon Historical & Preservation Society

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Arts & Theatre

  • The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host its 2025 Holiday House Tour from 12 noon to 4 p.m., with a reception until 5 p.m. Several historically and/or architecturally interesting homes will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you at each house. At the reception, there will be a Holiday auction, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. All tickets go on sale starting Nov. 3rd at Caroline’s Flower Shoppe and Maple St. Deli (cash or check only), or on our website beginning Oct. 20th via Eventbrite. Ticket donations are $35/adult (no one under age 16 permitted) and are non-refundable; a small processing fee applies when purchased through Eventbrite. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631-559-2915. It’s Beginning to Feel A lot Like Christmas: Things to Do this Week Along the Great South Bay During the 2nd Week of December
  • Classic holiday tunes come to life as Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet take the stage in A Swingin’ Little Christmas, showing at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, at 8 p.m. The hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza is a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a ‘swingin’ good time for all audiences! This group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country—experience the showstopper for yourself this holiday season! Admission: ~$60-$90 including fees. For tickets and more details, visit patchoguetheatre.org. The November to December Holiday Miracle Across the Great South Bay
  • Free music at the best bookshop in Indy Sayville begins at 2 p.m. Featured bands include Dan Board Hula Mat, Ang, Pin Cushion, and Bad Guise. The bands might be edgy, but Tiny Raccoon Books is a family-friendly place, located at 277 Railroad Avenue in Sayville. November Through Thanksgiving: South Shore Events Happening Before and After Turkey Day
  • The New York Long Island Film Festival (NYLIFF) showcased 114 films at the Moose Lodge #1421 and the South Shore Theatre Experience, both located in Lindenhurst, over the five-day event. The 7th Annual New York Long Island Film Festival Returns to Lindenhurst
  • Sunday, November 16  Poinsettia Paper Quilling Workshop BAFFA Art Gallery will conduct a Poinsettia Paper Quilling Workshop with Carol McMahon on Sunday, November 16th, at the Gallery from 1 to 3 p.m.. Tickets are required for this workshop. Cost is $30.00 for BAFFA members and $35.00 for non-members. For additional information, visit www.BAFFA.org. The BAFFA Art Gallery is located at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville. In the Heart of November: Things to Do Over the Week Ahead Along the Great South Bay and Beyond on Long Island

Dining Review

  • The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host its 2025 Holiday House Tour from 12 noon to 4 p.m., with a reception until 5 p.m. Several historically and/or architecturally interesting homes will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you at each house. At the reception, there will be a Holiday auction, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. All tickets go on sale starting Nov. 3rd at Caroline’s Flower Shoppe and Maple St. Deli (cash or check only), or on our website beginning Oct. 20th via Eventbrite. Ticket donations are $35/adult (no one under age 16 permitted) and are non-refundable; a small processing fee applies when purchased through Eventbrite. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631-559-2915. It’s Beginning to Feel A lot Like Christmas: Things to Do this Week Along the Great South Bay During the 2nd Week of December
  • Free music at the best bookshop in Indy Sayville begins at 2 p.m. Featured bands include Dan Board Hula Mat, Ang, Pin Cushion, and Bad Guise. The bands might be edgy, but Tiny Raccoon Books is a family-friendly place, located at 277 Railroad Avenue in Sayville. November Through Thanksgiving: South Shore Events Happening Before and After Turkey Day
  • Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for blessings, but sometimes it’s a blessing to not have to deal with pots, pans, and the cleanup afterwards. The good news is there’s an abundant selection of places to restaurants to enjoy Thanksgiving Day along the Great South Bay. Here is a guide to some of our favorites. Dinner Out on Thanksgiving: Local Restaurants Open and Ready to Serve
  • November feels nostalgic along the Great South Bay, as the cool, salty coastal breezes blend with the scent of smoky fireplaces inviting us home. Our latest edition of Great South Bay News honors these cherished autumn traditions. TOUCHDOWN! The Rites of Autumn are Celebrated in the November Edition of Great South Bay News
  • Thursday, November 6 Movies Turning 50 The Islip Arts Council (IAC) and AARP Long Island present Movies Turning 50, a celebration of classic films turning 50 years old! Enjoy a screening of Tommy at Sayville Movie Theater, 103 Railroad Avenue, Sayville, at 7 p.m. Registration is required; visit isliparts.org for details. November Begins – Things To Do Over the Week Ahead Along the Great South Bay

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