Bay Shore News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

In the heart of Bay Shore’s downtown, a quirky 1970s-era time machine has quietly earned a reputation as one of the town’s favorite dive bars. Hidden in plain sight next to the Boulton Center at 27 W Main Street, The Cortland is a place locals know well; stepping inside feels like entering another era. Vibrant disco lights, wood-paneled walls, and a devoted crowd give the late-night spot its own personality. In 2019, owner Bobby G. completely remodeled the space into its current ‘70s theme, which soon became loved by patrons. When the charming spot closed its doors this past December, two Bay Shore residents felt they had to do something about it.

The Cortland’s New Groove: A Favorite Bay Shore Bar Re-Opens

Posted on April 11, 2026

Lectures at Long Island Maritime Museum: Demystifying Jaws—A Decade of Shark Research and Conservation in Coastal New York Please join us as we welcome Dr. Oliver Shipley, Assistant Professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University. His talk will summarize ten years of shark research conducted by Stony Brook University in coastal New York. Dr. Shipley will discuss cutting-edge technologies being used to uncover the secret lives of sharks and how they are likely to respond to emerging threats such as ocean warming and the development of offshore infrastructure. Light refreshments will be served from 12:1 p.m., and the lecture will take place from 1-2 p.m. Registration required. Please call (631) 854-4974.

Midway Through April: Things To Do This Weekend and the Week Ahead Along Great South Bay Long Island

Posted on April 9, 2026

For decades, the Entenmann’s bakery on Fifth Avenue in Bay Shore was known for producing tasty baked goods that became a beloved staple of Long Island diets.

Redefine Meals to Move Production to Former Entenmann’s Bakery in Bay Shore

Posted on April 9, 2026

Sunday, April 5 (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.) Easter Brunch at the Long Island Aquarium Enjoy a delicious Easter brunch at the waterfront Sea Star Ballroom inside the Long Island Aquarium, located at 431 East Main Street, Riverhead. Guests can indulge in a traditional brunch fare, participate in a craft station, and meet the Easter Bunny! Finish your day with a visit to the Aquarium and join the Penguin Scavenger “Egg Hunt!” Admission to the Aquarium is included with the brunch ticket. Celebrate the holiday with an activity the entire family will enjoy! Dining is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To reserve a spot, visit longislandaquarium.com.

The First Week of April: What’s Happening this Weekend and Week Ahead Along and Near Great South Bay Long Island

Posted on April 2, 2026

Friday, March 27 Guardians of the Water: Long Island’s Water Keepers Join Save The Great South Bay for a regional conversation featuring the Waterkeepers who serve as independent guardians of Long Island’s waterways. We will formally welcome Andy Mirchel as the newly appointed Long Island South Shore Waterkeeper, protecting the South Shore from Eastern Great South Bay to Jamaica Bay as a full-time advocate for clean, swimmable, and fishable waters. Andy will be joined by fellow Waterkeepers from across Long Island, united through the Waterkeeper Alliance — a global network of more than 300 advocates working to safeguard our bays, estuaries, and coastal communities. Moderated by the Long Island Association, this discussion will explore the biggest threats facing our waters — from nitrogen pollution and aging infrastructure to climate change — and what must happen next. Reserve your seat and be part of the movement protecting our waters. This event takes place from 9-11 a.m. at VIEW, 3 Consuelo Place in Oakdale. Reserve your seat at givebutter.com/waterkeeper.

March Makes Way for April: Things To Do on Along the Great South Bay this Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on March 26, 2026

The fire hydrant dig-out trend happened as more than 30 inches of snow fell across Suffolk County in February, nearly tripling the amount seen in recent winters. A white blanket covered streets, driveways, and, most dangerously, fire hydrants buried beneath towering drifts, leaving even the most experienced snow shovelers struggling to keep up.

Digging Out for Safety: Fire Hydrant Snow Removal Contests Trend on South Shore Long Island

Posted on March 23, 2026

Friday, March 20 (7:30 p.m.) “Journey Through Music” by BAFFA Symphony Orchestra Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts, guest directed by Alicia Lieu, presents “A Journey Through Music” at James Wilson Young Middle School, 602 Sylvan Ave, Bayport, at 7:30 p.m. Celebrating Spring and America’s 250th, the program opens with the original, long-haired, loud music rocker Beethoven, transitioning to Journey’s greatest hits! "Rhinoceros" by Eugene Ionesco – OPENING NIGHT The classic 20th Century play, under the direction of Patrick Finn coms to South Shore Theater Experience on March 20, 21,26, 27, 28 at 6 p.m. and March 3 p.m. on March 22 at South Shore Theater Experience, 115 South Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. Visit www.southshoretheatre.com or call 631-669-0506.

Spring in Late March: Things To Do This Week Along the Great South Bay of Long Island

Posted on March 19, 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

Saturday, March 14, Bay Shore Brightwaters St. Patrick's Day Parade Kicking off at 2 p.m. at Saxon Avenue and Main Street, Grand Marshal Denise Gibson will lead the parade down Bay Shore Main Street. Local businesses and restaurants will offer special menu items to celebrate Irish heritage in the community. For details, visit bsbwstpatricksparade.com.

Marching On in March: Many Things To Do This Week Along The Great South Bay

Posted on March 13, 2026

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Josh Goetz: Architectural Photographer

Posted on March 12, 2026

Eighteen-year-old Lorenzo Alvarado-Navarrete, of Gardiner Drive in Bay Shore, was arrested early this morning by the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD)with two other individuals, who were found in possession of Molotov cocktails at a traffic stop in Central Islip.

SCPD Arrest Bay Shore Man with Two Others for Possessing Molotov Cocktails

Posted on March 10, 2026

Friday, March 6 Women’s Comedy Mash-Up Benefit Show Join the Islip Arts Council for a night of women-led comedy to benefit the arts in our community. Held at Islip Arts Council Gallery, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, at 7 p.m., enjoy fiercely funny ladies in a night of stand-up and big laughs. Lineup curated by Karen Anderson, hosted by Brian Cutaia. Tickets in advance: $22; at the door: $25. For more details, visit isliparts.org.

Movies, Music, and a Little March Mischief: Things To Do Along the Great South Bay This Week

Posted on March 6, 2026

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