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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

FIN David Hersh fundraiser Street-Indoor-Conditions-Combined-1024×576.png

Dining

RUMBA Partied for a Purpose in Patchogue to Help Fellow Islanders in Jamaica

Posted on December 30, 2025

Various village discussions ensued on how to honor former Patchogue trustee Joe Keyes, the quiet maverick of change, who passed away at age 73 just before he was set to march as Grand Marshal in the village’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year.

Patchogue Parks and Recreation Building Named in Memory of Joe Keyes

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

John Philpotts-Kerr, age 65, was seriously injured on Sunday afternoon, December 21, while handling fireworks inside his residence at 138 Pine Neck Ave. in East Patchogue. The firework unexpectedly detonated in his lap, injuring his groin. He was transported via medevac helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital for emergency treatment of burns and other serious physical injuries.

East Patchogue Man Injured in Firework Accident

Posted on December 22, 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

Hanukkah this year began on the evening of December 14, and continues through December 22—the first full day of winter. While some villages and hamlets opted for an early start, festivities in the Great South Bay neighborhoods that land within the holiday itself.

Hanukkah in Our Great South Bay Neighborhoods

Posted on December 15, 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

A true national treasure, Darlene Love’s career has taken her from being one of the late Phil Spector’s go-to studio weapons to becoming the Queen of Christmas despite what all those Mariah Carey memes may say.

The Queen of Christmas, Darlene Love, Comes to Patchogue Theatre

Posted on December 4, 2025

Free music at the best bookshop in Indy Sayville begins at 2 p.m. Featured bands include Dan Board Hula Mat, Ang, Pin Cushion, and Bad Guise. The bands might be edgy, but Tiny Raccoon Books is a family-friendly place, located at 277 Railroad Avenue in Sayville.

November Through Thanksgiving: South Shore Events Happening Before and After Turkey Day

Posted on November 20, 2025

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of an $8 million award from the Empire State Long Island Investment Fund couldn’t come at a better time for the Carriage House Development on Patchogue’s Main Street.

State Money Gives a Boost to Patchogue’s Carriage House Development

Posted on November 20, 2025

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