Ocean Bay Park News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

Bartley G. Horton was born on June 26, 1938, and was raised on Fire Island from the very beginning. Ocean Bay Park was not just his home; it was his life’s work. In a time before bridges connected the island to the mainland, Bartley grew up learning resilience, responsibility, and the importance of looking out for others.

Bartley G. Horton of Ocean Bay Park (1938-2026)

Posted on March 15, 2026

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Josh Goetz: Architectural Photographer

Posted on March 12, 2026

It was a mild and tranquil Christmas Day on Fire Island, as all who stayed here over the holiday can attest. However, after the holiday bliss, residents who live here year-round woke up to no electricity as early as 2 a.m. this morning. The outage appears to extend from the Atlantique community through the western half of Ocean Beach. PSEG Long Island has not responded to our questions about the cause of this outage. Power was restored at approximately 12:15 p.m. Over the past nine hours, affected households used their emergency power generators, if available—those who did not waited it out.

Power Outages and Ferry Service Suspensions Greet Fire Island the Day After Christmas

Posted on December 26, 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.

Books & Authors

TOUCHDOWN! The Rites of Autumn are Celebrated in the November Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on November 12, 2025

General Election Day is scheduled for November 4 this year, with early voting starting on October 25 and ending on November 2. Although 2025 does not include a Presidential Election, a midterm election, or a gubernatorial race, our local officials can greatly influence our lives through their decisions and policies.

Election Day on the Great South Bay: The 2025 Guide

Posted on October 23, 2025

In July, I had the honor of being invited to Edith Mendelsohn's hundredth birthday celebration. While interviewing our Fire Island centenarian population is always important, this was a rare opportunity for our Behind the Dunes section. Mendelsohn built a livelihood around the Fire Island real estate market and has a lifetime of knowledge to share.

A 100-Year-Old Perspective on Fire Island Real Estate with Edith Mendelsohn

Posted on October 2, 2025

The summer season is winding down, and construction season has begun. Blue Bay Contracting provides comprehensive construction services for island residents seeking to build, renovate, or enhance their homes. Now is the time to plan for next season. Blue Bay should be the company at the top of your mind to fulfill your dream build or renovation.

Sponsored

Blue Bay Contracting: From a Bike & Wagon to a Premier Fire Island Construction Company

Posted on September 23, 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 Fire Island beaches look as beautiful as postcards with plentiful dunes and wide expanses, in part due to massive amounts of sand used to replenish them. And summer winds have been shifting sand back to the beach ever since Super Storm Sandy and other storms took big bites out of the shore.

New York State Authorizes $1.7 Billion to Fund Fire Island to Montauk Point Storm Resilience

Posted on September 14, 2025

With fewer people around the island during the off-season, we can take our time showing homes during the cooler months. Buyers who come to see homes when the sun isn’t at its peak aren’t just browsing; they’re serious. Off-season showings offer a different lens on island life: streets are quieter, the beaches are less crowded, and the beauty of Fire Island’s year-round charm begins to shine through. Agents are now emphasizing features like winterization, off-season rental potential, and cozy interiors built for comfort beyond summer. While the drop in foot traffic means fewer spontaneous leads, agents turn to digital marketing and virtual tours to keep interest alive. Fall buyers are thinking about next summer or even a permanent escape from the mainland. For sellers, it’s a unique opportunity with fewer competing listings, more serious buyers, and a chance to showcase the island’s off-season appeal.

How do property showings and open houses change once the Fire Island summer crowds thin out?

Posted on September 2, 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

Ocean Bay Park brought its A-game to a weekend full of purpose, play, and community pride. With fundraising totals soaring and neighborly generosity on full display, Ocean Bay Park once again proved no Fire Island community does it quite like this one.

Ocean Bay Park Shows Up and Stands Out

Posted on August 20, 2025

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