East Islip News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

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

Paul Lucia, 60, of Islip Terrace was arrested on Nov. 21 on second-degree arson charges in connection with an incident that occurred the night before at Riley Fibbers bar, on Carlton Ave. in East Islip.

East Islip’s Riley Fibbers Grill and Pub is Now Reopen After November Arson Incident

Posted on December 11, 2025

8th Annual Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Thanksgiving Food Distribution

County, Town, and School Districts Help Bring Thanksgiving Dinner to the Table for Those in Need

Posted on December 7, 2025

Bayport-Blue Point High School

Homecoming Celebration Take Center Stage Across Great South Bay School Districts

Posted on November 23, 2025

An Islip Terrace man was arrested today for an East Islip fire, believed to be arson, following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department after a structure fire took place at a popular bar/restaurant on Thursday night.

Man Arrested for Setting Fire to an East Islip Restaurant

Posted on November 21, 2025

November feels nostalgic along the Great South Bay, as the cool, salty coastal breezes blend with the scent of smoky fireplaces inviting us home. Our latest edition of Great South Bay News honors these cherished autumn traditions.

Books & Authors

TOUCHDOWN! The Rites of Autumn are Celebrated in the November Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on November 12, 2025

The Suffolk County DA's Office is seeking information about a cold case from 1978 and is appealing to the public for help that could assist in bringing closure to the victim’s family. On April 7 of that year, a man walking his dog along the beach at Heckscher State Park was about 150 feet from the water when his dog started scratching in the loose sand, revealing the top part of a human skull. Law enforcement arrived and uncovered additional skeletal remains. A belt was also found, tightly bound around the deceased's neck.

Suffolk County DA Seeks Help to Identify East Islip’s ‘Heckscher Park Jane Doe’ Cold Case

Posted on November 6, 2025

General Election Day is scheduled for November 4 this year, with early voting starting on October 25 and ending on November 2. Although 2025 does not include a Presidential Election, a midterm election, or a gubernatorial race, our local officials can greatly influence our lives through their decisions and policies.

Election Day on the Great South Bay: The 2025 Guide

Posted on October 23, 2025

The Fire Island beaches look as beautiful as postcards with plentiful dunes and wide expanses, in part due to massive amounts of sand used to replenish them. And summer winds have been shifting sand back to the beach ever since Super Storm Sandy and other storms took big bites out of the shore.

New York State Authorizes $1.7 Billion to Fund Fire Island to Montauk Point Storm Resilience

Posted on September 14, 2025

Beyond-The-Sea-Square

In the Heart of September: Things Happening This Week in the Great South Bay Neighborhoods

Posted on September 11, 2025

Keith Snedecor was scheduled to give a lecture about the history of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club in late June. The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet was excited to host it, and I had planned to assign a correspondent to cover the talk. The subject was interesting, and the promotional materials displayed a picture of his warm, friendly face. The heart attack that took him on May 11, at the age of 62, shook the South Shore Long Island historical community.

Keith Snedecor, Local Historian (1963-2025)

Posted on September 7, 2025

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