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Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth celebrates freedom and provides an opportunity to reflect on African American history, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Communities across Long Island will mark the occasion with educational programs, cultural events, performances, and celebrations honoring the day's significance.

Fire Island Pines

Celebrate Juneteenth Weekend with Events Across Long Island and Fire Island

Posted on June 12, 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

Press Club of Long Island

LI Press

Schneps Media publications win 17 Press Club of Long Island awards

Edie Windsor

Dan’s Papers

Remembering Edie Windsor and the Fight for Marriage Equality

June 5 West Islip Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert (8 p.m.) The West Islip Symphony Orchestra will perform America: A Story in Three Acts, under conductor Paul Little at Beach Street Middle School, 17 Beach St, West Islip, at 8 p.m. The concert will bring together the sounds across America’s history. The concert will include three parts: The Old West, The Big City, and America’s True Voice, each highlighting an influential aspect of America. Joining the orchestra is world-renowned harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He. Tickets are $10 for guests and free for students.

Fire Island Pines

June in Bloom: Where To Go and What To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead on Fire Island and the Great South Bay Long Island Hamlets

Posted on June 5, 2026

Toasted Oysters AKA

New York State Awards $3 Million Long Island Aquaculture Grants

Posted on May 14, 2026

On May 11, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster & Recovery Resilience announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New York to offset economic losses caused by freeze, ice floes, and tidal surge incidents between Jan. 26 and February 23. Suffolk, Nassau, and New York City counties are all eligible. The Declaration Number is NY-20032, and the filing deadline is Dec. 21, 2026.

Small Business Administration (SBA) is Offering Low-Interest Loans for New York and Long Island Organizations that Suffered Winter Storm Hardships

Posted on May 13, 2026

May arrives at the Great South Bay with familiar signs of the season—the days are longer and friendlier, boats are returning to the water, and communities are easing into the peaceable rhythm of late spring. It’s a time when neighbors reconnect, when outdoor spaces fill again, and when our calendars begin to hum with the quiet anticipation of summer’s respite. However, May has yet another layer of significance: Mental Health Awareness Month. Once observed more quietly, it has become an increasingly visible part of community life across the South Shore, marked not just by clinical messaging, but by active conversation, education, and, perhaps most importantly, connection.

OP ED: May and its Meaning During Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted on May 9, 2026

Choppy waters loom ahead for West Marine as talks about the boating and fishing retail supply mega-giant heading for Chapter 11 appear imminent. The nautical empire has over 230 stores across the country, with nine locations in New York state, five of which are on Long Island, including Huntington, Patchogue, Port Washington, Riverhead, and West Islip. The state of Florida boasts the largest number of franchises in the U.S, with 54 stores across the Sunshine State, including one in North Palm Beach.

Boating World Rocks as West Marine is Veering Towards Bankruptcy

Posted on May 7, 2026

A golden hue lit the flora blue at Mama Farm land and the surrounding acres as Rowan Loren dug up purple, white-tipped tulips, coaxed from seed on the three-quarter-acreage she and partner Christian Roarke rent in Brookhaven. Roarke was working the soil nearby to grow the specialty herbs he sells to Flynn McGarry, the owner and chef of Cove NYC. Besides tulips and daffodils, there were other colorful blooms that would wind up in wedding bouquets and cheery vases.

Features

Flora Blue: Tilling the Land Regeneratively for Gorgeous Blooms and Herbs

Posted on May 4, 2026

A walk past Argyle Lake in Babylon after the blizzards revealed the mute swans no going anywhere—massive white birds, with their reddish-orange bills and black face patches, gliding through half-frozen water as if it was just another day at the park.

Swan Story: Those Beautiful Birds Are Staying Put

Posted on May 3, 2026

Opening Friday, May 1 Awakenings The BAFFA Art Gallery will feature a multi-media exhibit by Women Sharing Art in May. The exhibit includes painting, photography, mosaics, sculpture, fiber arts, and mixed media. “Awakenings explores moments of transformation, discovery, and renewed awareness.” The show can be viewed at the Gallery, Thursdays through Sundays, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. An artists’ reception and awards for students whose work was exhibited at the student art show will take place on May 2 from 1 - 4 PMp.m. The BAFFA Gallery is located in the historic Gillette House at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville. This exhibition runs through May 31. The gallery is open Thursday-Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For further information: www.baffa.org or www.womensharingart.org.

Books & Authors

May Day and More: Things To Do this Weekend and Week Ahead Along Great South Bay Long Island

Posted on April 30, 2026

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