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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

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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

Beyond-The-Sea-Square

In the Heart of September: Things Happening This Week in the Great South Bay Neighborhoods

Posted on September 11, 2025

With less than two weeks to go before the autumnal equinox sets in, our September issue of Great South Bay News closes out the summer season for our modest newspaper family with strength and verve, thanks to the contributions of a talented team of Schneps Media writers who have a presence in it.

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Powerful Women, Blue Point Oysters, and the State of the Beach Define the September Issue of Great South Bay News

Posted on September 10, 2025

Running from the western tip of Fire Island to the eastern tip and back again is 65 miles total. It's not for the casual jogger or the faint of heart. However, Adam Gibbs, Niki Gibbs, Dan Ziluca, and Tim O'Donoghue have been doing it for the past 10 summers.

Saltaire

Point-to-Point Run on Fire Island

Posted on September 6, 2025

Fire Island National Seashore is considered a go-to destination for so many Long Islanders, both seasonally and year-round, especially for its beaches, picnic spots, and parks. Though there are many different rules visitors keep in mind as prescribed by the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS), some exist quietly on the books. Still, the public is expected to adhere to them, regardless of whether they are visiting these National Park Service (NPS) territories at the height of summer or on a starkly beautiful winter’s day.

Fire Island National Seashore

Four Curious Rules When You Visit Fire Island National Seashore

Posted on September 4, 2025

The National Park Service has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Environmental Assessment at Fire Island National Seashore. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of proposed changes to the seashore's driving regulations.

Fire Island National Seashore

National Park Service Chooses “Option B” for Fire Island National Seashore Driving Regulations

Posted on September 3, 2025

Help Wanted

HELP WANTED: Do You Have the Right Stuff? Great South Bay News Seeks Contributors

Posted on September 2, 2025

Over the last eight months, as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to slash the federal bureaucracy, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has targeted the National Park Service (NPS) with unprecedented funding disruptions and staffing reductions. These abrupt cuts have sown chaos across the National Park System, and Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) has not emerged unscathed. FINS staff are stretched thin and existentially stressed; the Fire Island Lighthouse renovation has been delayed by years, and the seashore has been pushed into unprecedented territory.

National Park Service Cuts Push Fire Island National Seashore Into Uncharted Waters

Posted on August 31, 2025

Fire Island Lighthouse was suddenly closed to the public around 2 p.m. today. Rumors spread that someone jumped from the lighthouse, resulting in a fatality. New 12 confirms that the West Islip Fire Department was called to respond to a fall. Calls to officials at the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society are currently not being returned. This is an ongoing story, and updates will be shared when more information is available.

Fire Island National Seashore

Possible Suicide at Fire Island Lighthouse

Posted on August 29, 2025

Enjoy Labor Day Weekend with the last issue of Fire Island News for the 2025 season at the beachside or on your breakfast table, with 64 pages of rich summer reading. Here, you will find the latest news updates, events happening on Fire Island and in the Great South Bay neighborhoods over the weekend and into September, as well as thoughtful essays on a range of subjects.

Fire Island News Closes Out 2025 Summer Season with Labor Day Weekend Edition

Posted on August 28, 2025

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