Kismet News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

After a week that went from sizzling to drizzling, Kismet celebrated America’s 250th anniversary on July 5. The annual parade included two mainland fire department bands, the Kismet Fire Department (KFD) color guard, mainland Kismet Shriners, parents with babies in arms or strollers, and older children riding on parent-built, wagon-based floats. Some of the prize-winning floats featured themes such as the NBA Champions (Mandels), the current World Cup (Romanzis), the Travis-Tyler wedding (Licaris), Storybook Summer (Padovanos), Pasta Sunday, From Sea to Shining Sea, Founding Toddlers, and many more.

Kismet

Kismet Kids on Parade

Posted on July 16, 2026

While there is always great excitement and investment in our July 4 Weekend issue of Fire Island News, the fun really begins in the issue that follows. So much so that this issue practically wrote itself. Here you’ll find all the fun pictures, and our community columnists recap all the action. However, this is not just an issue about what was; it's also about all the great things still ahead for the summer of 2026.

The Mid-July Issue of “Fire Island News” Makes its Way to Newsstands this Week

Posted on July 15, 2026

As communities across Long Island and Fire Island prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, this year’s festivities carry added significance as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The holiday remains both a celebration of the country’s founding and a recognition of the freedoms at the heart of American life. From parades and picnics to fireworks and concerts, these America 250 events offer residents and visitors a chance to come together and honor the occasion in true summer fashion.

Fire Island Pines

Fireworks and More Fourth of July Fun on Fire Island and South Shore Long Island

Posted on June 28, 2026

Weeks after a stretch of Kismet’s oceanfront beach was carved away by unusually concentrated wave action, local officials say the community may have little choice but to wait.

Kismet

What’s to Be Done About Kismet’s Localized Beach Erosion?

Posted on June 23, 2026

Participants in the event were encouraged to wear pink.

Kismet

Kismet Kapers

Posted on June 21, 2026

In the annals of my Kismet experiences, the past Memorial Day weekend brought some of the worst weather in memory, a total wipeout. At the same time, this holiday was established as a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives to defend our lives and liberties. This year, the holiday dates fell a week earlier than usual. Additionally, Labor Day will be late this season: Our beaches are almost always better in September than in May.

Kismet

Kismet Come What May

Posted on June 9, 2026

June 5 West Islip Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert (8 p.m.) The West Islip Symphony Orchestra will perform America: A Story in Three Acts, under conductor Paul Little at Beach Street Middle School, 17 Beach St, West Islip, at 8 p.m. The concert will bring together the sounds across America’s history. The concert will include three parts: The Old West, The Big City, and America’s True Voice, each highlighting an influential aspect of America. Joining the orchestra is world-renowned harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He. Tickets are $10 for guests and free for students.

Fire Island Pines

June in Bloom: Where To Go and What To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead on Fire Island and the Great South Bay Long Island Hamlets

Posted on June 5, 2026

From Kismet to Davis Park, the Fire Island business market is looking strong this summer. Vacant storefronts rarely stay vacant for long in our communities, and this season is no exception. We spoke with the owners of several new businesses that will be opening for the first time this season or have recently opened.

Business is Booming: Fire Island’s Newest Stores and Services

Posted on May 27, 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

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

It’s time to think of those who fought for our freedom. To celebrate this year’s Veterans Day holiday, Canine Companions, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs to help with children and veterans in need, is coming together to host their annual “Salute Independence” event in Bay Shore.

Kismet

Canine Companions to Honor Veterans in Salute Independence

Posted on October 30, 2025

2026 is a mayoral election year for the Incorporated Village of Ocean Beach. With seven candidates vying for four seats on the Ocean Beach Village Board, this is one of the more competitive races in recent memory. The election is scheduled for June 5 at the Ocean Beach Community House from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Election Day on the Great South Bay: The 2025 Guide

Posted on October 23, 2025

More from our sister sites

The Cornerstone, a $61 million 106-unit apartment complex in downtown Hicksville, has been approved for financial assistance from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency.

Long Island Press

Nassau financial agency OKs Cornerstone apartment complex

The Small Business Development Centers across New York State offer small businesses and entrepreneurs free help with planning, finances, compliance, marketing and more with mostly no-cost options. Governor Kathy Hochul released Friday the annual impact report.

REPORT: NYC Small Business Development Centers spurred hundreds of new businesses and millions in funding

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