Bay Shore News » Page 6 of 19 » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

The news that an adult male deliberately jumped to his death from the Fire Island Lighthouse tower at 1:45 p.m. on August 29, the Friday before Labor Day Weekend, shocked the Great South Bay community and the greater Long Island area. He chose the tallest lighthouse on Long Island for this act of suicide. He bought his ticket before jumping off the observation platform. Suffolk County Marine Bureau officers and the West Islip Fire Department responded to the incident. To this day, his name has not been publicly disclosed by authorities. However, about a month after the incident, the publication learned that he was a cousin of one of the contributors to our sister newspaper, the Fire Island News, making him part of our extended family. The man was 59 years old and had spent his life in public service with Suffolk County. We withhold his identity out of respect for his grieving loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that resources are available to help. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 988 before making such a desperate decision.

Great South Bay & Fire Island Departures of Note: 2025

Posted on December 31, 2025

Veterans Day is taken to heart in the Great South Bay neighborhoods. We all have someone close to us who served in one of the branches of the U.S. Military Armed Forces. How we express our appreciation to them is as varied as the men and women who can proudly call themselves veterans. On Nov. 5, Canine Companions Long Island Chapter held its annual Salute Independence gala at Captain Bill's in Bay Shore.

Kismet

Veterans Day on Great South Bay with Canine Companions

Posted on December 28, 2025

When Charles Ferraro began to experience advanced memory loss, his wife, Barbara, and four children faced decisions no family wants to make. Known as “Chick” to those he loved, the longtime Bay Shore insurance agency owner, then in his mid-80s, could no longer live safely at home.

Sponsored

Netherbay: A Senior Care Community Grows in Bay Shore

Posted on December 27, 2025

Fire Island Lighthouse in snow

Christmas is Done, But the Fun’s Just Begun! Late December /Early January Things to Do Over Holiday Break Along the Great South Bay

Posted on December 26, 2025

It was a mild and tranquil Christmas Day on Fire Island, as all who stayed here over the holiday can attest. However, after the holiday bliss, residents who live here year-round woke up to no electricity as early as 2 a.m. this morning. The outage appears to extend from the Atlantique community through the western half of Ocean Beach. PSEG Long Island has not responded to our questions about the cause of this outage. Power was restored at approximately 12:15 p.m. Over the past nine hours, affected households used their emergency power generators, if available—those who did not waited it out.

Power Outages and Ferry Service Suspensions Greet Fire Island the Day After Christmas

Posted on December 26, 2025

Educational philosopher Maria Montessori famously said, “Play is the work of childhood and toys are the tools of childhood.” However, is childhood a brief stage of life or a state of mind shaped by nostalgic memories of youth?

Oakdale

Vintage Toy Shopping and Chasing Childhood Nostalgia

Posted on December 23, 2025

Saturday, December 20 Meet Santa at Willy Nilly Trading Cue the sleigh bells—the magic of the holiday season comes alive. Santa will make one last appearance at the Willy Nilly Trading Christmas Store on December 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., before he prepares for his busy week ahead! A visit with Santa is free, and there is a complimentary candy cane for the kids! Plus, you can take magical photos with Santa on your mobile device. Friends and family are welcome. Willy Nilly Trading is located at 153 West Main Street in Bay Shore.

Countdown to Christmas Day on the Great South Bay: December Things Do This Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on December 18, 2025

In the heart of December, the holiday edition of Great South Bay News is on its way to newsstands, and we are confident it will enrich your celebrations.

Holiday Cheer is Here with Our December Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on December 17, 2025

Bay Shore’s high-octane hamlet needs to be fueled, and it is no surprise that coffee cafés keep sprouting up with no end in sight. However, no two are the same; each has its own distinct vibe, and all are wonderful in their own way. Enjoy our mini-guide!

Dining

The Bean Business in Bay Shore

Posted on December 10, 2025

Downtown Islip’s Harp & Hound remains closed after a damaging fire last month, which is a severe loss for the local business during the holiday season. It has affected the family-owned Irish-American pub's revenue, resulted in lost wages for staff, and deprived patrons of a popular gathering spot.

Dining

Great South Bay Community Comes Together to Support Downtown Islip’s Harp & Hound After Fire

Posted on December 8, 2025

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

Posted on December 5, 2025

Tritec's recent big deal involves people, not places. In a shift from one major real estate construction development business to another, Tritec Real Estate Company has named former RXR Realty Chief Financial Officer Michael O'Leary as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Sayville

Tritec Names Former RXR Executive CFO Michael O’Leary as their new CFO

Posted on November 30, 2025

More from our sister sites

Local politicians and members of the Jewish community attended a speaker event at the Manes JCC on the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks and heard from a former hostage.

Long Island Press

Former Israeli hostage, Or Levy, shares his story at Manes JCC on third anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks

ICE agent in Bronx at scene where person was shot

ICE agents shoot and wound man in Bronx, leaving community and officials outraged

Schneps Podcasts

Stuart Salembier, SVP of Member Engagement & Channel Delivery at MCU: Branch Expansion and Growing Presence Across NYC

IMG_9827-scaled

Pride In Dallas was a weekend of unabashed joy for Texas’ queer community