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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

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.”

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The 2025 Government Shutdown and its Impacts on South Shore Residents

Posted on December 28, 2025

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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

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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