Fire Island News

12/19/2025

Christmas is coming, and there are so many fun-filled things happening. The information is at your fingertips... Don't miss out! Please find the link to all neighborhood events in the comment thread.

12/18/2025

Namesake of the parkway, a high school, and Suffolk County's only signer of the Declaration of Independence. His family estate is part of Fire Island National Seashore, and he was born 291 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1734.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1321737509966019&set=a.460814356058343

On December 17, 1734, Suffolk County native William Floyd was born. Best known as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Floyd was also a farmer who owned thousands of acres across what is now Suffolk County. His Mastic Beach home remains preserved today as the William Floyd Estate under the care of the National Park Service.

Beginning this year, Suffolk County has officially declared December 17 as William Floyd Day.

Learn more about William Floyd: https://www.nps.gov/fiis/learn/historyculture/williamfloyd.htm

Learn more about the Estate: https://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/williamfloydestate.htm

Image: Portrait of William Floyd by Ralph Earl. Floyd stands near a tree holding a walking stick with his home and outbuildings in the background.

NPS / Independence National Historical Park Collection

12/18/2025

The debut of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show was so exciting, and now we can hardly believe there are only a few days left to see it. Don't miss your chance! Please find our complete coverage in the comment thread below.

12/17/2025

You have been a good and loyal reader to us all year, or maybe you are just discovering now... either way, we have made a gift for you. Claim yours at newsstands now! 🎁 Read the article in the comments thread for more information.

12/16/2025

To the young woman who asked me to try her gingerbread cookies at the Ocean Beach Fire Department, potluck over the weekend. Thank you, they were terrific!

Fifth-grade students at Manetuck Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District kicked off the holiday season with a festive, hands-on

12/15/2025

Menorah lighting this week happening near you!

Hanukkah this year began on the evening of December 14, and continues through December 22—the first full day of winter. While some villages and hamlets opted

12/15/2025

On this first day of Hanukkah, we express our sadness and grief for the souls lost to the violent acts in Australia, at Bondi Beach, as well as those closer to home at Brown University over the weekend. Believe in the strength of light over darkness, and the miracle of peace.

Photo by Craig Low.

12/12/2025

Christmas along the Great South Bay is done just a little differently. See what's going on the weekend and the week ahead! Click on the link in our comment thread!

12/11/2025

The new injectable drug is being hailed as a game-changer in HIV protection.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a groundbreaking new option for preventing HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

12/11/2025

It is always great to see a neighborhood establishment rebound after an awful incident. Congratulations to Riley Fibbers on the swift reopening of their East Islip pub, and a heartfelt thanks to East Islip Fire Department, Suffolk County Police Department, and all the neighboring fire departments whose swift actions brought about this successful outcome.

Paul Lucia, 60, of Islip Terrace, was arrested on Nov. 21 on second-degree arson charges in connection with an incident that occurred the night before at