Fire Island National Seashore News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) has announced that professional sharpshooters will be deployed to the grounds surrounding the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach and National Park Service (NPS) tracks (including but not limited to Watch Hill, the Sunken Forest, and Fire Island Lighthouse) on Fire Island proper, as they commence their eighth winter of deer culling operations for the remainder of this month.

Fire Island National Seashore

National Park Service Winter Deer Culling Scheduled for Mastic Beach and Fire Island National Seashore Properties

Posted on January 17, 2026

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

On October 1, 2025, the United States government shutdown began. Republicans and Democrats couldn't reach an agreement on arbitration and federal funding. While the average person might not pay much attention, this event affected countless lives. Federal agencies had to halt operations and lay off employees considered “non-essential.”

Sayville

The 2025 Government Shutdown and its Impacts on South Shore Residents

Posted on December 28, 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

Saturday, December 13 23rd Reenactment of the Flying Santa at Fire Island Lighthouse Santa arrives at the lighthouse for his commemorative reenactment of the historic event at the Fire Island Lighthouse, off Field 5. A great photo opportunity, this event offers the chance to form lifelong memories with your little ones! Arrive early and dress for the weather; temperatures and wind can be intense during the off-season months. This event is FREE to attend. For more information, visit fireislandlighthouse.com

What’s SUP Santa? Things to Do This Week, In the Heart of December, Along the Great South Bay

Posted on December 12, 2025

Classic holiday tunes come to life as Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet take the stage in A Swingin’ Little Christmas, showing at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, at 8 p.m. The hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza is a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a ‘swingin’ good time for all audiences! This group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country—experience the showstopper for yourself this holiday season! Admission: ~$60-$90 including fees. For tickets and more details, visit patchoguetheatre.org.

The November to December Holiday Miracle Across the Great South Bay

Posted on November 26, 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

Sunday, October 12 Fall Festival & Mourning at the Manor Reel in the fall with a day of activities at Sagtikos Manor, 677 West Montauk Highway, Bay Shore, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy craft demonstrators, sheep shearing, children’s activities, a puppet show, live music, and food vendors. Featured is Mourning at the Manor, a historic reenactment of a Victorian wake. Join in the reenactment of the funeral procession and meet some of the family spirits along the way! Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for children.

Columbus Day Weekend and Beyond: Great South Bay Area Events Through mid-October

Posted on October 10, 2025

Keeper’s Craft

Hello October! Things to Do this Week on Fire Island and around the Great South Bay

Posted on October 3, 2025

The wildlife rehabilitation organization based in Smithtown visited the Great South Bay on September 16 to assist a barn owl that had become trapped in the Fire Island Light Tower. The bird of prey sought refuge in one of the carved windows along the shaft of the lighthouse tower —possibly in search of a nesting site, according to Sweetbrier’s report on social media—when it became trapped behind wire fencing, which has surrounded the tower for more than a year as repairs to the lighthouse remain unfinished.

Fire Island National Seashore

Barn Owl Trapped in Fire Island Lighthouse Rescued by Sweetbrier Nature Center

Posted on September 29, 2025

4145114_1_l

September Still Solid: Things to Do on Fire Island and Around the Great South Bay This Week

Posted on September 19, 2025

The first Fire Island lighthouse was built in 1826. Only 74-feet tall, the octagonal, cream-colored structure would only stand about 30 years, most likely deemed not tall enough for the job it had to do on the barrier beach. Such replacements were not uncommon on Long Island. Old Field Point also had a forerunner to the structure that overlooks the North Shore today. The first Fire Island Lighthouse is still with us. Its footprint still exists on the property grounds and is skillfully showcased in the north-facing window of the Lens Building. Additionally, its stones were repurposed to construct the deck, which today's Fire Island Lighthouse has proudly stood for over 165 years, so that first lighthouse is still very much with us.

Fire Island National Seashore

A Birthday Celebration for a Fire Island Lighthouse Past

Posted on September 15, 2025

More from our sister sites

Derek Jones, Robert Krakehl, and Laura Petras (L to R)

Long Island Press

Manhasset teacher Laura Petras selected for STEM program

Rev. Al Sharpton stands with striking nurses in Upper Manhattan on MLK Day, Jan. 19.

MLK Day: Striking nurses get boost of support from Reverend Al Sharpton stands in Upper Manhattan

Nancy Burner_Podcast ads_Schneps Communications_VL_Web Banner

Schneps Podcasts

Nancy Burner is the Founding Partner of Burner Prudenti Law

The Madison Square Garden jumbotron lit up in rainbow colors during Knicks' Pride Night in 2020.

Knicks set to host Pride Night at Madison Square Garden Jan. 27