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

Have you ever looked out over the Robert Moses Bridge and wondered what lies below the surface of our waterways? Well, researchers at Stony Brook University in the Frisk-Shipley Laboratory can tell you using something called “acoustic telemetry.” The researchers have granted me access to their data from 2023 to 2025 for their equipment located off Ocean Beach and beneath the Robert Moses Bridge.

Acoustic Telemetry Explores Beneath the Surface of the Shores of Long Island and Beyond

Posted on June 8, 2026

2026 is a mayoral election year for the Incorporated Village of Ocean Beach. With seven candidates vying for four seats on the Ocean Beach Village Board, this is one of the more competitive races in recent memory. The election is scheduled for June 5 at the Ocean Beach Community House from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Meet the Candidates Running for Election to Lead Ocean Beach

Posted on May 27, 2026

In Room 808 at Bay Shore Middle School, Philip M. Carpenter Jr. shaped, influenced, and enriched generations of students for over 36 years, becoming an institution in the Bay Shore community. Carpenter died April 2 at his home in Bay Shore, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 84.

Philip M. Carpenter Jr., beloved educator and philanthropist; dies at 84

Posted on May 25, 2026

Ocean Beach village residents have been closely watching what has become a competitive mayoral and trustee election. However, a surprise came out of left field when the Village Court Justice race heated up in recent weeks, bringing both candidates into a Riverhead courtroom and reopening a perennial question about election law and residents’ legitimacy in the history of this incorporated village on Fire Island.

NYS Supreme Court Dismisses Filing to Remove Ocean Beach Village Justice Court Candidate from the Ballot

Posted on May 19, 2026

From what I’ve seen, South Shore buyers have largely adjusted to the current rate environment. While borrowing costs remain elevated relative to the ultra-low rates of prior years, today’s buyers are demonstrating greater confidence and a willingness to move forward despite lingering uncertainty.

Behind the Dunes

Mortgage rates have dipped slightly compared to last year but remain relatively high. Are South Shore buyers adjusting to this new rate environment, or are many still waiting for rates to drop before making a move?

Posted on April 28, 2026

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

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