Between the Canals News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

In today’s competitive Long Island housing market, many sellers are asking the same question: “How can I maximize my home’s value and leave a lasting first impression on potential buyers?” While kitchen renovations, fresh paint, and new landscaping often come to mind, one upgrade that is frequently overlooked is custom window treatments.

Sponsored

Selling Your Long Island Home? Don’t Overlook Your Windows!

Posted on August 7, 2026

Long before his work became synonymous with the clean-lined homes of Fire Island Pines, R. Scott Bromley helped transform one of New York City's most recognizable interiors.

Fire Island Pines

Bromley Caldari Architects: Shaping Fire Island Through Decades of Design

Posted on July 12, 2026

In my experience, sellers often benefit from having their home on the market over the Fourth of July weekend. Fire Island is at its peak, with homeowners, renters, and visitors out enjoying the island, which naturally creates more exposure for listings and open houses. While some people are here strictly for the holiday and not actively looking to buy, the Fourth of July gives prospective buyers a chance to experience the community at its absolute best. These visitors can see the beaches, restaurants, events, and neighborhood atmospheres at their liveliest, immersing themselves in the traits that make each village on Fire Island unique. Real estate on Fire Island is often a lifestyle purchase, and buyers frequently decide they want to own here after experiencing that cherished lifestyle firsthand. I find the holiday weekend’s increased visibility and energy generally outweigh any distractions that come with the crowds; the island sells itself!

Between the Canals

During one of Fire Island’s busiest weekends, the Fourth of July, do sellers benefit from increased foot traffic, or can the holiday chaos become a distraction from serious buying activity?”

Posted on July 6, 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

Over the past decade, the once-proud and elegant Dowling College campus in Oakdale has had its share of trials and tribulations, including trespassers and vandals after the institution closed in 2016. Even its brief use as a Suffolk County Police Department training ground could not keep trouble away. Now the embattled Idle Hour campus is on the market again.

Oakdale

Former Dowling College Oakdale Campus is Listed for Sale Again with Limited Historic Protections

Posted on June 16, 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

It may have been a gray, damp Thursday morning, with shops still busy making final touches as Memorial Day Weekend loomed large on Fire Island, but things felt a little warmer as vibrantly colored editions of Fire Island News (FIN) graced with the cover artwork of Margery Gosnell-Qua were loaded off the water taxi and onto wagons, and delivery rounds were made in Fire Island communities multiple communities including Atlatique, Cherry Grove, Davis Park, Fair Harbor, Fire Island Pines Kismet, Ocean Beach, Ocean Bay Park, and Saltaire.

First Fire Island News of 2026 Rolls Off the Presses, and Stocked on Newsstands Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 21, 2026

From what I’ve seen, South Shore buyers have largely adjusted to the current rate environment. While borrowing costs remain elevated relative to the ultra-low rates of prior years, today’s buyers are demonstrating greater confidence and a willingness to move forward despite lingering uncertainty.

Behind the Dunes

Mortgage rates have dipped slightly compared to last year but remain relatively high. Are South Shore buyers adjusting to this new rate environment, or are many still waiting for rates to drop before making a move?

Posted on April 28, 2026

Fresh off the presses, the April edition of Great South Bay News (GSBN) will be arriving at local newsstands before the coming weekend.

The Environment Issue of Great South Bay News Arrives on Newsstands Ahead of Earth Day

Posted on April 15, 2026

So, you just got home from a midsummer barbecue and pool party at your in-laws, and you were mesmerized by their awesome new outdoor kitchen. Now, the thought of needing one in your own yard simply won’t leave your mind. As the week goes on, at work, you’re constantly thinking about the great parties you’ll host with yours. The beautiful stonework that will enclose the new grill, refrigerator, wine cooler, kegerator, and sink suddenly becomes all that matters. After spending the weekend grilling on your boring standalone grill, having to run back inside to grab everything, that’s it, you decide you need a new outdoor kitchen like you need air.

Between the Canals

Outdoor Kitchens and Building One on Long Island

Posted on April 10, 2026

The site of an aviation school once operated by the now-defunct Dowling College has recently been razed, allowing construction of an industrial and recreational project envisioned by a venture capital partnership based in Morristown, NJ, to commence.

Between the Canals

Former Dowling College Shirley Campus Demolished to Make Way for Redevelopment Project

Posted on March 24, 2026

The March 2026 edition of Great South Bay News will be on newsstands before the weekend, just as the vernal equinox arrives. What better time to catch up on some worthwhile reading?

Dining

Great South Bay News in Springtime

Posted on March 18, 2026

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op ed photo dean moses 08142026 – 1

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