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

Posted on September 2, 2025

With fewer people around the island during the off-season, we can take our time showing homes during the cooler months. Buyers who come to see homes when the sun isn’t at its peak aren’t just browsing; they’re serious. Off-season showings offer a different lens on island life: streets are quieter, the beaches are less crowded, and the beauty of Fire Island’s year-round charm begins to shine through. Agents are now emphasizing features like winterization, off-season rental potential, and cozy interiors built for comfort beyond summer. While the drop in foot traffic means fewer spontaneous leads, agents turn to digital marketing and virtual tours to keep interest alive. Fall buyers are thinking about next summer or even a permanent escape from the mainland. For sellers, it’s a unique opportunity with fewer competing listings, more serious buyers, and a chance to showcase the island’s off-season appeal.

How do property showings and open houses change once the Fire Island summer crowds thin out?

Posted on September 2, 2025

In 1903, State Supreme Court Justice William Jay Gaynor of Park Slope had a summer home built on what would later be known as Wilmot Road in Ocean Beach. It was the first home on the block and one of the first in the area, predating the establishment of both Stay-a-While Estates — which developed around it by 1912 — and Ocean Beach, which was settled in 1908. The three walks in the Stay-a-While community were absorbed into Ocean Beach when it was incorporated in 1921.

An Ocean Beach Oasis Where Fire Island’s Famous Once Visited and Played is Now on The Market

Posted on September 1, 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.

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

Posted on August 28, 2025

Along Ocean Breeze Walk in Ocean Beach, a vibrant, colored mosaic mural by mosaic artist Wendy Erdmann captures the wonders of Atlantic Coast sea life and Fire Island culture with the iconic red wagon and bike, which bestows the distinction as the land with no cars.

Fire Island’s Magnificent Mosaics: The Craftsmanship of Wendy Erdmann

Posted on August 23, 2025

Affordable housing for the workforce often comes with the misconception that it is free. The reality is that this housing serves as a counter to the rising costs of rent and home values, and as a solution to slowing the migration of young professionals fleeing to Sun Belt states. Income has been used as a measure for discounted housing programs, but now, local legislators have incorporated into law the value of "community sweat equity."

Behind the Dunes

Hero Housing: New Law Makes Affordable Housing within Reach for Suffolk County First Responders

Posted on August 21, 2025

While walkable downtowns with lively local businesses are certainly attractive, they aren’t always at the top of every buyer’s wish list—at least not based on my experience working across the South Shore market. For many buyers, especially families or those planning to start one, a home within a reputable school district is often the highest priority.

Behind the Dunes

Are buyers prioritizing walkable downtowns and access to local businesses when choosing a neighborhood?

Posted on August 19, 2025

FIN 7 and GSBN August Issues

Books & Authors

Doubleheader as Fire Island News and Great South Bay News Hits Newsstands the Same Day in August

Posted on August 13, 2025

Ocean Beach Wilmot home

How competitive is the short-term rental market this year, and what does that mean for potential renters?

Posted on August 6, 2025

Log Cabin Ocean Beach Park

Fire Island Rentals On the Waterfront

Posted on August 2, 2025

Issie 6 8/1/2025

The Sunday of Summer: Fire Island News, the August 1st Edition

Posted on July 30, 2025

Summer tunes are in the air and making a splash in our July 18 edition of Fire Island News. Glyn Emmerson writes about the bands that jammed in Kismet and Atlantique over the July 4th Weekend. Robert Levine covered the world-class opera singer who recently performed at Whyte Hall in Fire Island Pines. Then, Rob Verbeck ventured out with his camera to catch the action at Alive After Five in downtown Patchogue. The music continues over the weekend of July 24 as the Great South Bay Music Festival comes back for its 17th summer in Shorefront Park in Patchogue Village. Omar Drissi gives us a rundown of what to expect for this upcoming crown jewel event in the Long Island music calendar. Fire Island News is also proudly working with the Great South Bay Music Festival on a special sweepstakes for our readers. One lucky person will win two VIP tickets to this extravaganza, featuring 55 performers on four stages over four days. No purchase is necessary to enter.

Sponsored

Music, Sweet Music, Takes Center Stage in June 18 Edition of Fire Island News

Posted on July 17, 2025

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