Behind the Dunes News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

Hobbies are an important part of people's lives. They give us a healthy outlet to pursue our interests, explore new ones, and disconnect from stress to recharge. For some people, hobbies can become opportunities to meet new people, travel to new places, and earn income. They can also play important roles in our lives and come to us unexpectedly. For Bobby Burns, his passion for carpentry started in the twenty-teens, during the construction of Hudson Yards. Since then, Burns has spent his free time creating live-edge epoxy tables, cutting boards, charcuterie boards, birdhouses, and Little Free Library boxes. As chief engineer for Warner Bros., with a 38-year career, Burns and his team of 19 people operate 24/7 to ensure that their offices are well maintained. His team manages HVAC, power generators, and other infrastructure to keep daily operations running. During the construction of Hudson Yards, he saw crates coming in and out of the site and was inspired to take up carpentry.

Behind the Dunes

From Construction Crates to Custom Carpentry: Craftsman Bobby Burns

Posted on August 2, 2026

Fire Island is home to 17 distinct communities strung along 32 miles of barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay. Each has developed its own character over generations, shaped by the people who live there, the environment, and the construction constraints of building on an island. The homes that populate these communities reflect all of that. Built among the dunes and trees, they are shaped just as much by the island's conditions as by the architects and builders who designed them.

Behind the Dunes

A New Home in Ocean Bay Park Honors a Fire Island Original

Posted on July 21, 2026

The Blind Spot, founded in 1985 by Matthew Arceri, is a family-owned business offering a wide range of window treatments for clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, including homes on Fire Island. Today, the Blind Spot is co-owned by brothers Joseph and John Arceri. Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or a new one, selecting the right blinds, curtains, and shades for spaces—from the kitchen and living room to the office or bathroom—can improve functionality, light control, comfort, and privacy. It's important to understand how each room functions before selecting treatments.

Sponsored

Choosing the Right Window Treatments with The Blind Spot

Posted on July 19, 2026

While there is always great excitement and investment in our July 4 Weekend issue of Fire Island News, the fun really begins in the issue that follows. So much so that this issue practically wrote itself. Here you’ll find all the fun pictures, and our community columnists recap all the action. However, this is not just an issue about what was; it's also about all the great things still ahead for the summer of 2026.

The Mid-July Issue of “Fire Island News” Makes its Way to Newsstands this Week

Posted on July 15, 2026

Roman shades, vertical blinds, and wooden shutters are just a few of the many types of window coverings people have in their homes. They are extremely popular, but how many people know the proper way to care for them?

Sponsored

Don’t Be in the Dark When it Comes to Caring for Your Window Shades and Blinds

Posted on July 8, 2026

My Editor’s Window column in the July 3, 2026, edition of Fire Island News opens with the following paragraphs:

Fire Island Pines

Fire Island News Fourth of July Edition Hits Newsstands Ahead of the Big Weekend

Posted on July 1, 2026

Nantucket Window Shadings

Sponsored

The Blind Spot: A Family Business in Babylon Village

Posted on June 27, 2026

After watching mortgage rates and inventory shift throughout the year, it feels like buyers are entering the June market with much more confidence and decisiveness. Over the past 60 days, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in activity and serious interest from buyers who are ready to move forward rather than wait for the “perfect moment.” Our market is also a bit unique compared to many others. While some areas may see some hesitation from buyers due to rates or limited inventory, our community continues to see strong demand. People are drawn to the lifestyle here, and many buyers seem to feel that if they’ve been dreaming about owning a beach house, now is the time to make it happen.

Behind the Dunes

After seeing mortgage rates and inventory shifts all year, are buyers entering the June market feeling more decisive, or are people still waiting for their “perfect moment?”

Posted on June 24, 2026

This Father’s Day falls on the First Day of Summer. It’s been a few years since that last happened, and because this issue also coincides with the Juneteenth holiday, we pause to consider the convergence of these events. Fathers, because we all have one, and sometimes more. The role they play in our lives charts our course. Juneteenth, because freedom is essential for all of us to thrive. And the first day of summer, because our lives revolve around the sun, as these warmer days are always the brightest and most fleeting.

Behind the Dunes

Juneteenth, Summer Solstice, and Father’s Day are Commemorated in our New Issue of Fire Island News

Posted on June 18, 2026

spectacular estate on secluded Water Island is on the market for the asking price of $6.25million.

Behind the Dunes

Famous Designer’s Water Island Mansion Hits Market

Posted on June 10, 2026

I don’t believe buyers are necessarily choosing one wellness amenity over space, or vice versa, because each community on Fire Island offers its own unique lifestyle and atmosphere. This distinction has always been part of the magic of Fire Island. From one town to the next, the experience can change completely — some buyers are drawn to vibrant restaurant scenes, social energy, and nightlife, while others are seeking an oasis of complete privacy, tranquility, and a true escape from everyday life. What makes Fire Island so special is that buyers can truly find the setting that fits their vision, whatever that may be. It could be prioritizing wellness, luxury, relaxation, location, and amenities, or countless other bucket list items. Whether a buyer is seeking quiet seclusion, coastal charm, or a more lively beach community, it can all be found on Fire Island.

Behind the Dunes

Fire Island has always had a reputation for exclusivity and escape. This June, are buyers prioritizing privacy and wellness amenities over space and traditional luxury features?

Posted on June 7, 2026

For clients still hoping to secure Fire Island properties ahead of peak summer, what opportunities remain realistic at this point? Are we primarily looking at last-minute cancellations, shoulder weeks, or are there still hidden pockets of availability?

Behind the Dunes

For clients still hoping to secure Fire Island properties ahead of peak summer, what opportunities remain realistic at this point? Are we primarily looking at last-minute cancellations, shoulder weeks, or are there still hidden pockets of availability?

Posted on May 30, 2026

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