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

In 1927, five determined swimmers set out to swim across the Great South Bay. One hundred years later, the Maggie Fischer Memorial Cross Bay Swim is a nationally treasured event that has raised over a million dollars for the Hospice Care Network's Children and Family Bereavement Program and funds an annual scholarship at St. Anthony’s High School. The 5.6-mile trek from the Fire Island Lighthouse to Gilbert Park in Brightwaters is no easy feat — yet over 100 athletes conquer it every summer.

sports

100 Years of Swimming Across the Great South Bay: The Maggie Fischer Memorial GSB Cross Bay Swim 2026

Posted on August 15, 2026

Fire Island National Seashore hosted a public workshop, "Discussing Potential Pathways Connecting Communities," on July 24 at Whyte Hall in Fire Island Pines. The workshop introduced two potential community connections for future study: Fire Island Lighthouse to Kismet and Cherry Grove to Fire Island Pines. Superintendent Alexcy Romero emphasized that the meeting was the first in a series of public discussions to gather community input before any formal planning or design begins.

Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island Communities Discuss Future Access Through the Carrington Tract and Kismet

Posted on August 13, 2026

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

The William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach will commemorate a lesser-known moment in Long Island history on Aug. 2 with a full day of free historical programs marking the 250th anniversary of William Floyd’s signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Fire Island National Seashore

William Floyd Estate to Commemorate 250th Anniversary of Declaration Signing

Posted on July 31, 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

Whalehouse Point Watch Hill

Fire Island National Seashore

Whale of a Grand Opening at Watch Hill

Posted on July 7, 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

Saturday, June 20 Bromley Caldari House Tour (1-4 p.m.) The Fire Island Pines Historical Society will host the Bromley Caldari House Tour on Saturday, June 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., offering a rare opportunity to step inside seven notable Fire Island Pines homes designed by renowned architects Scott Bromley and Jerry Caldari. Known for helping shape the distinctive architectural character of the Pines, Bromley Caldari’s work has influenced some of the community’s most recognizable modern homes. You’ll receive a map for a self-guided tour, and along the way, attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a “Margarita from Hell” at 519 Porgie Walk. Tickets are $40 per person. For tickets and more information, visit pineshistory.org.

Fire Island Pines

Third Week of June, First Week of Summer: All that There is TO DO on Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay

Posted on June 19, 2026

Schneps photo

Oakdale

Fire Island and Great South Bay News take home PCLI and NYPA Journalism Award Accolades

Posted on June 17, 2026

As the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society invites visitors to explore the stories that shaped both Long Island and the country through its 250/200 Celebration Evening Presentation Series.

Fire Island National Seashore

William Floyd Lives Again at Fire Island Lighthouse on June 20

Posted on June 11, 2026

Long Island-based digital creator Matt Dolitsky now has his name cleared, as a New Jersey State Superior Court Judge overturned his guilty verdict for criminal trespass on June 8.

Fire Island National Seashore

Long Island YouTube Vlogger Vindicated as Trespass Ruling Overturned in Higher NJ Court

Posted on June 9, 2026

Sunday, May 31 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) The Sagtikos Manor Historical Society will host The Peony Path Tour at Sagtikos Manor, 677 West Montauk Highway, Bay Shore. Attendees will take a private tour of the Manor’s walled garden and learn the history and horticulture of the Peony, the Sagtikos Peony Project, and other restoration efforts. Cap the day off with a stop at the magnificent peacock fountain and waterlily pool. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission: $20. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For details and reservations, visit sagtikosmanor.org

Dining

Say So Long to the Month of May, and Hello to June! Things To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on May 28, 2026

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Long Island Press

Tunnel to Towers carries 9/11 legacy into 25th anniversary

group of people sitting at a table at Windows on the World

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Mount Sinai's agreement with the Department of Justice comes more than a year after the provider first started restricting youth gender-affirming care in response to pressure from the Trump administration.

Mount Sinai agrees to end youth gender-affirming care and pay millions to patients, DOJ says