Eye on FI News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

The version of me that emerges each June awakens in the Atlantic Ocean’s salty mist. My first trip to the beach each season resets my brain into summer mode. After months spent away during the winter, I wander through my seasonal stomping grounds, taking note of what’s changed and what somehow never does.

Signs and Rituals Summer Has Begun: Things Locals Notice First on Fire Island

Posted on June 20, 2026

A boating party of four adults endured over three harrowing hours off the coast of Fire Island, in the open Atlantic Ocean, before the dramatic U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) water rescue was safely achieved.

Boat Collision Offshore of Fire Island Involves U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD in Rescue – One Hospitalized

Posted on September 25, 2025

Just because school is back in session and the calendar reads September doesn’t mean that the fun stops on Fire Island. This stretch of time—after the bustle of summer crowds but before you need a coat to leave the house—is often called the “shoulder season,” or, as locals lovingly say, “Local’s Summer.” It’s a period when you can roam the streets without dozens of visitors, boat across the Great South Bay without weaving through a million others, and enjoy the island at a calmer, more authentic pace. There are still plenty of exciting events and local spots worth checking out during this unique time, which could be even more enjoyable than before!

Local’s Summer: Shoulder Season Magic on Fire Island

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

On August 15, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and her husband William J. Hochul Jr. were hosted by Fire Island Pines Property Owners’ Association (FIPPOA) President Henry Robin and his husband, Bob McGarity, at a gathering at their Fire Island home to thank her and her Administration for the incredible work they have done in convincing the Army Corps to restore our beaches. Over the winter, $3 million was granted to place trap bags in the most damaged areas of the Pines and elsewhere on Eastern Fire Island. She compelled her administration to include up to $1.7 billion in future state funding to cover routine renourishment for future erosion as part of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Reformulation Plan, if and when necessary.

Fire Island Pines

Governor Kathy Hochul Visits Fire Island

Posted on September 4, 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

Issie 6 8/1/2025

The Sunday of Summer: Fire Island News, the August 1st Edition

Posted on July 30, 2025

Summer tunes are in the air and making a splash in our July 18 edition of Fire Island News. Glyn Emmerson writes about the bands that jammed in Kismet and Atlantique over the July 4th Weekend. Robert Levine covered the world-class opera singer who recently performed at Whyte Hall in Fire Island Pines. Then, Rob Verbeck ventured out with his camera to catch the action at Alive After Five in downtown Patchogue. The music continues over the weekend of July 24 as the Great South Bay Music Festival comes back for its 17th summer in Shorefront Park in Patchogue Village. Omar Drissi gives us a rundown of what to expect for this upcoming crown jewel event in the Long Island music calendar. Fire Island News is also proudly working with the Great South Bay Music Festival on a special sweepstakes for our readers. One lucky person will win two VIP tickets to this extravaganza, featuring 55 performers on four stages over four days. No purchase is necessary to enter.

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Music, Sweet Music, Takes Center Stage in June 18 Edition of Fire Island News

Posted on July 17, 2025

Fire Island Ferries terminal Bay Shore

How To Get to Fire Island

Posted on June 25, 2025

Saltaire Village Hall

Saltaire

Saltaire Garbage Collection Lawsuit Remains Unresolved

Posted on June 24, 2025

Fire Island News Volume 69 Issue 3

Books & Authors

Summer Solstice Edition of Fire Island News Previews Everything Fourth of July and More

Posted on June 18, 2025

Fire Island Lighthouse

Living Like a Local: A Bird’s-Eye View from Fire Island Lighthouse

Posted on May 21, 2025

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