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

What appeared to be a structure fire on Fire Island, in the community of Ocean Beach, became apparent at about 3:30 this afternoon, when black, billowing smoke caught the attention of onlookers in the village square and boaters on the Great South Bay. Ocean Beach Fire alarms sounded at approximately 3:15 p.m. Bystanders reported the location as being the bayside of Wilmot Road. The cause at this time is unknown. This is a story in development.

Fire Rages on Fire Island

Posted on April 24, 2026

Pained, fatigued, hot... unsure if she would survive... the would-be mother got moving. Rising from her rest, Florence had only one attempt left. If she failed, everything would be lost, including her young. But Florence did not fail. It might have been a mirage—glistening waters... swaying green branches... billowing cool wafts. Yes. She was home. Florence nestled down and gently moved forward. She released the first of the half-million eggs she would lay this spawning season. Florence knew her fluke line would continue after all.

Florence’s Forest: Rob Vasiluth Saving the Great South Bay, One Eelgrass Forest at a Time

Posted on April 20, 2026

A company founded by a Princeton University PhD has received a grant to test a new system to fortify Fire Island's soil and sand dunes, taking a fresh approach to combating accelerating coastal erosion. The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $305,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant to Foogly Corp. to use local food and solid waste to help prevent erosion of Fire Island dunes.

Fire Island Pines

Exploring a New Way to Fortify Fire Island’s Dunes

Posted on April 19, 2026

Already this year, Brookhaven has taken a straightforward approach to protecting our bays: make developers pay for what they damage.

Pearl of Policy Powers for Brookhaven’s Shellfishing Future

Posted on March 9, 2026

Suffolk County has enacted a comprehensive set of new regulations governing electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters, and motorized scooters (e-scooters), concluding several years of debate over safety, enforcement challenges, and the rapid growth of electric mobility devices on local roads and walkways.

Suffolk County Adopts Sweeping E-Bike and E-Scooter Laws After Safety Concerns

Posted on February 25, 2026

An adult male who has worked on Fire Island for many years was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on February 12, according to an anonymous tip recently received by the Schneps Media offices, this publication has learned.

Saltaire

Worker on Fire Island Detained by ICE

Posted on February 19, 2026

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

Will New York Governor Kathy Hochul sign or again veto a bill to protect horseshoe crabs that, by large majorities, passed again in the State Legislature earlier this year? Hochul vetoed the same bill last year.

Long Islanders Call on Gov. Hochul to Sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Bill into Law

Posted on November 21, 2025

“It is like surfing on dirt,” explained Michael Vitti, president of Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB). The multiple-trail systems, flowing like waves of the ocean, are built and maintained by CLIMB. They stretch from the South Shore, east to Montauk, the furthest point of the North Shore, and then west to Hollis Hills, Queens.

The 15th Annual Long Island CLIMB Mountain Bike Festival

Posted on November 18, 2025

During a routine inspection of the Smith Point Bridge on November 16, Michael Martino, spokesperson for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, announced a three-ton vehicle limit for the drawbridge that connects Shirley to the eastern end of Fire Island, including Smith Point County Park, via the William Floyd Parkway, and has been in service for 66 years.

Weight Limits Imposed on Smith Point Bridge Prompted by ‘Structural Deterioration’

Posted on November 17, 2025

Preventative measures were taken when nor’easter storm predictions surfaced, with a Long Island trajectory becoming apparent late last week.

Day in the Life

Fire Island Braces for the Coming Storm

Posted on October 12, 2025

The October edition of Great South Bay News will be available on newsstands just before Columbus Day Weekend, and this month's content is timely and season-appropriate.

Between the Canals

October Edition of Great South Bay News Examines the Working Waterfronts Law, a Bay Shore Business Leader, and All Things Halloween

Posted on October 8, 2025

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