Ocean Beach News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

Weekly in August on Thursday and Saturday (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) NY State Parks Shark Shack Sharks are an extremely diverse group of animals on the planet, yet they’re also among the most feared. In this hands-on program at Robert Moses Field 5, near the playground (weather permitting), patrons will learn that this group of fish is full of diversity! The Shark Shack is meant to educate the public about the shark species native to New York while also introducing other marine life in our waters and how to guide a shark interaction. Experience the pop-up display full of shark-related items, turning what once was fear into fascination! This event is FREE to attend. For details, visit parks.ny.gov/visit/events/ny-state-parks-shark-shack.

Fire Island Pines

Hello August: Things To Do Over the Weekend and Week Ahead on Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay

Posted on July 31, 2026

During the July 18 Ocean Beach Board of Trustees meeting at the Village Boathouse, garbage management remained a major topic of discussion.

July 18 Ocean Beach Village Board Trustees Meeting Explores Garbage Collection, Dune Funding, and Seaview’s Low Water Levels

Posted on July 30, 2026

aggie Fischer Memorial Cross Bay Swim Friday, July 31 (7 a.m.) Since 1927, the Cross Bay Swim has been the signature athletic event on the Great South Bay, drawing swimmers from across the country to a 5.6- mile course from the Fire Island Lighthouse to Brightwaters. The endurance event starts at 7 a.m., when swimmers begin their journey across the Great South Bay and arrive at Gilbert Park in Brightwaters between 10 and 11 a.m. Cheer on the swimmers as they cross the finish line, or catch the action virtually as @maggies_swim posts in real time on Instagram!

The Last Week of July: Things To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead Around Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay

Posted on July 25, 2026

Perhaps it is just a coincidence that the colorful floral artwork on the cover of our July 17 edition of Fire Island News is named Lori Bloom—then again, maybe it isn't! Active on Fire Island both artistically and civically, she is part of a two-person art exhibition at the Ocean Beach Historical Society, opening July 18 and running through August 9. This is her story.

Meet the Fire Island News Cover Artist: Lori Bloom

Posted on July 18, 2026

Hundreds of residents from Ocean Beach, Ocean Bay Park and the surrounding area participated in and watched the annual Fourth of July Children’s Wagon Parade as the vehicles used to transport supplies onto the barrier island became the framework for the island’s own version of floats. A total of 67 Fire Island wagons were fitted out as floats; some played music, as each wagon became its own world, often with a roof designed to provide shade from the sun. Wagons named Never Never Land, Firecracker, Spiderman, Candyland, Flower Girl, What about Bob? and The Mermaid passed by. Children, adults, and an occasional dog wore costumes. Organized by the Ocean Beach Community Fund and the Village of Ocean Beach, the parade has become as much of a July Fourth tradition as the fireworks in neighboring communities.

Fourth of July Children’s Wagon Parade Beats the Heat in Ocean Beach

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

On June 27, the Ocean Beach Board of Trustees convened in the Boat House for the incorporated village’s monthly meeting, where officials discussed follow-up after the Windswept fire damage, authorized a contract regarding the recycling of used cooking oil, and held a public hearing on a proposed fire safety law.

Cooking Oil, Fossil Fuels, and Excessive Permit Information were Items Discussed at the Ocean Beach Board of Trustees Meeting

Posted on July 14, 2026

Last Ferry, First Lady, Rose Levine Live! Saturday, July 11 (8 p.m.) The Guinness World Record-holding Rose Levine wows the Cherry Grove Community House Theater once again with an all-star musical cast, including Seth Sikes and Daniel Reichard. The show takes place on July 11, beginning at 8:30 p.m. The Cherry Grove Community House Theater is located at 180 Bayview Walk in Cherry Grove.

Fire Island Pines

Midway in July: Things To Do on Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay this Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on July 10, 2026

On Saturday, June 20, eight local home chefs competed in Ocean Beach’s third annual Top Toque competition at the Ocean Beach Community House. Each chef received a box of mystery ingredients, unknown even to the organizers, and crafted a dish judged on presentation, creativity, and taste. News 12 anchorwoman Erin Colton reprised her role as emcee, bringing indispensable energy and lucidity. “Same rules as Chopped, everyone!”

Top Toque the Big To-Do in Ocean Beach

Posted on July 7, 2026

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After the Fourth of July: Where to Go and What To Do After the Big Holiday

Posted on July 5, 2026

Nearly five years after the loss of Sayville teenager Jeyson Reyes, his legacy continues to grow through scholarships, community outreach, and acts of kindness in his name.

Kindness Continues to Lead the Way Through the Live Like Jeyson Foundation

Posted on July 5, 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

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