BUSINESS · WEST BABYLON

The long-running question about the Chick-fil-A at the Great South Bay Shopping Center finally has an answer, and it is not the one anyone was waiting for.

It is not coming.

The company confirmed to Greater Long Island that it is no longer moving forward at 805 Montauk Highway, closing out a proposal that sat in front of the Town of Babylon for more than four years.

The site was the old Payless pad in the shopping center. The plan was to knock it down and put up a 5,000-square-foot restaurant in its place.

The Babylon Town Planning Board first approved it in April 2022. Chick-fil-A came back in September 2025 with a modified, expanded site plan, and the board approved that one unanimously. As recently as last fall it looked ready to go.

Then nothing.

“We are always evaluating potential new locations in the hopes of serving existing and new customers great food with remarkable service,” the company said in a statement. “We would very much like to have more restaurants in West Babylon, but we have no new locations to confirm at this time.”

The nearest consolation is one town over: the Bay Shore location, going into the vacant TGI Fridays at South Shore Mall, is still moving ahead.

Sources: Greater Long Island · Town of Babylon

HOMETOWN SPORTS · AMITYVILLE

John Hugh Niland was born on a leap day — February 29, 1944 — and grew up to be the best football player Amityville ever produced.

He died August 15 at his home in McKinney, Texas, surrounded by family. He was 82.

He started as an All-State fullback at Amityville Memorial High School. By the time he left the University of Iowa he was an All-American offensive lineman, and in 1966 the Dallas Cowboys took him fifth overall — the first offensive lineman the franchise had ever spent a first-round pick on.

What followed was eleven years and one of the best interior lines of its era: six Pro Bowls, three All-Pro selections, two NFC championships, and Super Bowl VI, a 24-3 win over Miami. He finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys, in their statement, called him a team-first player at the core of Tom Landry’s greatest teams.

He went into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and Iowa’s in 2006. The one that never came was Canton, and people who watched him play have never quite let that go.

“When you put Niland against some of the people that played his position or were offensive linemen,” former Cowboys personnel director Gil Brandt once said, “I think he deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as much or more than a lot of those people that are there.”

The Long Island memories that surfaced after his death were not about the Super Bowl. Butch Devine, who went through grade school, high school and Iowa alongside him, remembered the two of them driving the eighteen hours from Iowa City back to Amityville, stopping only for gas.

His family has made him a Legacy Donor. His brain goes to the Boston University CTE Center, for research into what the game does to the people who play it.

They also thanked Jackie, his full-time caregiver of more than six years, calling her an invaluable friend to John and to the family.

A Celebration of Life is set for Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m. Central at Grace Bible Church, 11306 Inwood Road, Dallas. It is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel. In place of cards, the family is asking for photographs, video and stories, sent to nilandmgmt@gmail.com.

If you have a memory of him from Amityville, that is where it should go.

Sources: Greater Long Island · Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame

BUSINESS · BABYLON VILLAGE

For more than a year, the marina on Post Place did no business at all. That is over.

Hampton Watercraft and Marine has bought five properties along the Babylon Village waterfront, on Post Place and Fire Island Avenue, and plans to run a full-service marine operation there. It is the company’s fourth location on Long Island and its first in western Suffolk.

Owner Tony Villareale, a lifelong Hampton Bays resident, said the plan is everything: selling, servicing, docking, storing, repairing. Services open gradually, starting with winter storage next month.

He bought it, he said, for the location — a village with a real connection to boating, with access to the Great South Bay and Fire Island and a Shell fuel dock on site.

The parcels run to nearly 1.6 acres with about 1,400 feet of dock space: room for roughly 46 boat slips, 10 Jet Ski slips, and winter storage for about 35 boats. Six buildings totaling around 11,000 square feet sit on it, including a sales office, a marine repair building, and a three-story office and apartment building.

How it nearly didn’t happen

Its previous owner, Rory Hogan of Riteway Marine Solutions, pleaded guilty in November to grand larceny and a scheme to defraud. Suffolk prosecutors said he took possession of clients’ boats to sell and then failed to hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds. In June he was sentenced to five years’ probation and paid a combined $477,000 in restitution to six victims.

Hogan told Newsday that personal troubles ran the business into the ground. “It snowballed into a mess,” he said. He says he has now paid more than $1 million in restitution, and he is back selling and repairing boats as Riteway Marine Solutions in Babylon, near his former properties. He would like to build it back up.

Clearing the sale meant resolving a foreclosure and a bankruptcy. Investment firm Bridgehampton Equities bought the five parcels for $4 million in June — closing days before a foreclosure auction was set to happen — and sold them to Hampton Watercraft in July. The price Villareale paid has not been disclosed and is not yet in property records.

Bridgehampton’s chief executive, Jason Zimmerman, said he had looked at combining neighboring parcels for condos, but the extra acquisitions and the zoning change would have made it long and expensive. He kept it a marina instead.

“Waterfront properties — they’re not making more of them,” Zimmerman said.

Why it matters past the sale

Marina land is exactly what tends to become condos. Suffolk County started a waterfront protection program last year, $9.5 million over three years, that pays commercial owners who agree not to develop their land beyond its current use.

Meanwhile the business itself is under pressure. Boat registrations on Long Island fell 7% last year, to 84,704. New York spending on new powerboats, engines, trailers and accessories dropped about 5%, to roughly $1.1 billion.

Villareale, who carries Boston Whaler and Tiara Yachts at his other locations, was blunt about the conditions. “Consumer confidence can swing so quickly either way,” he said. “Mentally, people need to feel good about the world to buy a boat.”

Richard Buono, the Island Associates broker who put the deal together, said marinas rarely come up, and when they do they sell fast — unless something is wrong. “This one not having any business for over a year made it very difficult to sell,” he said.

Villareale said he wants to join local organizations and bring the Babylon marina into his company’s annual Take a Vet fishing event, set for September 20.

“We’re the new guys,” he said. “We know that we need to earn our stripes there, and I just ask for a little bit of time.”

Sources: Newsday · Hampton Watercraft and Marine

REMEMBRANCE · TOWN OF BABYLON

Between Overlook and Cedar beaches there is a rectangular stone with fourteen names cut into it.

They belong to Town of Babylon residents who were at the World Trade Center and did not die that day. They died later, of the illnesses they got there.

The Town unveiled the memorial at its September 11 commemoration, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the attacks.

It sits just beyond the Town’s existing 9/11 memorial, the one with the metal plaques honoring the 48 residents killed in the attacks. Marble replicas of the Twin Towers flank the new stone, carrying two lines: Never Forget, and Sept. 11, 2001.

The inscription reads: “In solemn remembrance of all Town of Babylon residents who succumbed to illness as a result of their courageous rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Some towns and fire departments have added post-9/11 illness deaths to their existing memorials. Babylon’s is believed to be one of the first on Long Island built for those residents alone.

Thomas Wischerth is one of the fourteen. He was a federal investigator. He died of 9/11-related colon cancer in 2017, at 62.

“My dad was a humble person who would never want that kind of recognition,” his daughter Rhyan Wischerth said. “Just the fact that the town is acknowledging that these guys ultimately sacrificed their lives means a lot.”

Councilman Terence McSweeney put the reasoning plainly.

“They were every much a part of that day as the people who passed away actually on that day,” he said. “It’s important for the families to know their loved ones will be recognized.”

A name qualifies for the stone if the person was a Town of Babylon resident at some point, was at or near Ground Zero, and died as a result of what they were exposed to there. McSweeney was deliberate about how wide that is.

“It doesn’t matter if you were a first responder, if you were installing cable wire, if you were a plumber,” he said. “You were there getting New York, getting the United States back together after the greatest terror attack on this country since Pearl Harbor.”

The Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association drove the effort. It cost roughly $100,000, paid out of the Town’s capital improvements budget.

The memorial stands between Overlook and Cedar beaches, and it is open to anyone who wants to visit it.

Sources: Newsday · Town of Babylon

The beloved Babylon Village Craft Fair returned to Argyle Park after a week-long delay, drawing a record-breaking crowd of nearly 50,000 people.

This year's event carried a special, heartfelt significance.

It was formally dedicated to the memory of Village Trustee Sean Goodwin, who recently passed away after a battle with lung cancer, casting a bittersweet tone over the celebration.

Mayor Mary Adams spoke of Goodwin's deep commitment to the community.

In a touching tribute, the Babylon Beautification Society presented a commemorative plaque to his husband, Charles Torres, honoring Goodwin's impact.

With over 300 craft vendors, the fair was a vibrant showcase of local artisanship and community connection.

The day served as a dual celebration of community life and a life well-lived in service to Babylon.

Long Island is bracing for a powerful nor'easter set to batter the region this holiday weekend with a trifecta of threats.

The National Weather Service has issued multiple alerts, including a High Wind Watch and a Coastal Flood Warning, cautioning that the most severe impacts will arrive Sunday.

Forecasters are predicting damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, which, combined with saturated ground, dramatically increases the risk of downed trees and widespread power outages.

Significant coastal flooding is expected in southern Nassau and southwestern Suffolk counties, likely causing road closures.

In response, Fire Island Ferries has suspended service from Sunday afternoon through Monday.

Governor Kathy Hochul urged all New Yorkers to stay alert and prepare for what could be rapidly changing and dangerous conditions.

A festive white bunny is hoping to find his forever home this October in Amityville.

Meet Robinson, a gentle rabbit with striking white fur and curious pink eyes, who has been waiting at the Babylon Animal Shelter since August 25.

This friendly boy loves getting head scratches and is not shy about begging for a treat.

He is already neutered and microchipped, making him fully prepared to join a loving family immediately.

Robinson would thrive in a calm environment where he can feel safe and explore.

Interested adopters over 18 can visit this sweet companion at the shelter, located at 80 New Highway in Amityville.

His adoption fee is just $35, payable in cash.

He’s more than a seasonal cutie; he’s a wonderful companion waiting for the perfect home.

Students in the Lindenhurst High School Marine Corps JROTC program are being celebrated for their outstanding community service.

The distinguished group of cadets received a formal commendation from the Suffolk Police Veterans Association (SPVA) for their invaluable contributions during a recent event.

Their efforts were critical to the success of the association's annual Veterans BBQ at the Northport VA Hospital, an event that served nearly 2,000 local veterans and their families.

SPVA officials praised the students for their sharp initiative, professionalism, and genuine commitment to honoring the veteran community.

Superintendent of Schools Vincent A. Caravana called the honor a well-deserved recognition for the Bulldog cadets.

He expressed immense pride in their dedication and leadership skills.

This commendation highlights the powerful impact of Lindenhurst’s youth and the JROTC program's success in building character and civic duty.

A quiet but powerful shift is transforming the wellness landscape across the Town of Babylon.

Residents are increasingly seeking more than just a workout; they're searching for community, balance, and mental clarity.

This has sparked a remarkable boom in local yoga studios and wellness centers, turning them into vital community hubs from Amityville to Lindenhurst.

The variety caters to everyone, with intense hot yoga at places like Ash Hot Yoga and specialized prenatal support offered at studios such as The Nesting Place.

This movement is fueled by local entrepreneurs who are deeply invested in their neighbors' well-being, strengthening our community from within.

Ultimately, this expansion reflects a powerful community commitment to holistic health, connection, and long-term resilience.

Hip-hop superstar Cardi B created a major frenzy in West Babylon this past Friday, hosting an exclusive promotion at the legendary Looney Tunes Record Store.

The event celebrated her new album, "Am I the Drama?", drawing hundreds of dedicated fans who lined up for hours.

Despite a delayed arrival, the energy was electric.

Cardi B emerged proudly showing off the baby bump from her recently announced pregnancy.

This will be her fourth child, and her first with New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

The high-profile appearance solidifies the beloved Suffolk County store’s reputation as a top-tier destination for major artists on Long Island.

It was an unforgettable day for the local music scene.

A new chapter begins for a beloved East Farmingdale eatery.

Bellagio Pizzeria Restaurant & Catering has officially moved from its longtime home in Airport Plaza, now firing up its ovens at 1249 Melville Road.

The new establishment takes over the space formerly occupied by Talluci's Pizzeria.

This transition ensures that a local favorite continues to be a staple in the neighborhood, preserving great pizza options for residents.

The community has already shown tremendous support for the move.

The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand reopening with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially welcoming the business to its updated spot.

Bellagio promises the same commitment to quality, serving its well-known menu of fresh pizzas, classic pastas, and other Italian comfort foods that earned it a loyal following for years.

For Long Island drivers, the daily battle with bridge construction in Babylon just saw a major victory.

An $8.7 million rehabilitation project on two critical crossings—the Robert Moses Causeway over Ocean Parkway and the Great Neck Road bridge over Sunrise Highway—is officially complete.

The upgrades targeted aging joints and bearings, creating a much smoother ride for commuters and beachgoers alike.

That frustrating ‘thump-thump’ sound on the Robert Moses Causeway is finally gone, thanks to new high-performance concrete.

Meanwhile, the overhaul of the Great Neck Road bridge provides a more stable and secure crossing over Sunrise Highway, easing traffic for residents in Copiague and North Amityville.

These crucial repairs are designed to last for the next 50 years, ensuring a safer and less stressful commute for thousands.

Wing It On! on Montauk Highway in Copiague is shaking up the local food scene with its flavor-packed wings, hand-breaded tenders, and standout sandwiches.

With an incredible 24 sauces and rubs on offer—from feisty Buffalo heat to smoky-sweet favorites—there’s something for every craving.

Burgers and stacked sandwiches are made fresh to order, and the speedy, friendly service makes dining in or taking out a breeze.

Locals flock for their Family Packs, loaded with wings, carrots, and celery—perfect for sharing on game day or family nights.

Pressed for time? Grab a Buffalo Chicken Snack Wrap or savor the Famous Loaded Fries for a truly indulgent bite.

Wing It On! has quickly become a Copiague favorite and Babylon Eats must-try for anyone craving bold flavors and a relaxed vibe.

In Babylon Village, two residents were recently honored at Village Hall for their profound community impact.

Anca Radoi was named the 2025 Babylon Village Woman of Distinction.

A former PTA president, Radoi is celebrated for her selfless dedication, including organizing donation drives for local families in need since arriving from Romania years ago.

The village also presented Jack Monteleone with the Good Citizenship Award for his inspiring advocacy.

After losing his mother, Leslie, to adrenal cancer, he channeled his grief into action by organizing a fundraiser at the Village Gazebo.

His incredible efforts raised $21,000 for adrenal cancer research.

Mayor Mary Adams praised both honorees, noting that their passion and generosity represent the true heart of the Babylon Village community.

A new era of law enforcement surveillance has taken flight in Suffolk County with the launch of a sophisticated, county-wide drone program.

Unveiled at police headquarters in Yaphank, the drones provide rapid, real-time video intelligence to dispatchers, often arriving at a scene within a minute of a 911 call.

County Executive Ed Romaine called the $600,000 state-funded initiative a critical investment in modern policing.

Each unit is equipped with advanced technology, including thermal imaging for locating missing people and powerful zoom lenses.

Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said the program provides crucial situational awareness for officers on the ground.

The program is already being tested in the Huntington area, with expansion planned for West Babylon and Bay Shore soon.

The geographically large Seventh Precinct on the South Shore is expected to receive drones next year.

The Ryder Cup may not have ended in a victory for the American team, but for Farmingdale, the event was a roaring success.

The prestigious tournament, hosted at the iconic Bethpage Black course, delivered a powerful economic boost to the village.

Downtown Main Street saw a tremendous surge in activity as visitors from across the country and Europe filled local restaurants, pubs, and shops.

The energy was electric all weekend.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce President, Joseph Garcia, described the bustling crowds as "next level," noting that tourists consistently raved about the village's charm and hospitality.

While the event brought traffic challenges, officials and business owners were well-prepared.

It was a moment for Farmingdale to shine on a global stage, and the community delivered a major win for the local economy.

A wave of pure excitement swept through West Babylon on Tuesday as hometown legend Mariah Carey made a triumphant return.

The global superstar held a blockbuster meet-and-greet at the iconic Looney Tunes Record Store to promote her new album.

Hundreds of devoted fans, some waiting since early morning, gathered for the unforgettable moment.

The appearance was a true homecoming for the singer, who was raised in nearby Huntington and is a graduate of Harborfields High School.

For Looney Tunes owner Karl Groeger, the sold-out event was the incredible result of a 25-year effort to bring the Long Island icon to his shop.

Amid tearful encounters and fulfilled dreams, the visit solidified the local record store’s status as a premier destination for music royalty and celebrated one of the community’s brightest stars.

Meet Travis, a handsome Boxer mix at the Babylon Animal Shelter who is our latest Pet of the Week.

He has been waiting patiently for a forever home since late August.

Though he may seem stoic, shelter staff describe him as a curious and deeply loyal companion just waiting for the right person.

Imagine taking this devoted friend on autumn walks through Amityville.

Travis is more than ready to bond with a new family and leave his shelter days behind him.

The Babylon Animal Shelter makes adoption straightforward for adults over 18.

Each adoption includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping to ensure a great start.

If you already have a dog, a meet-and-greet is required.

Could you be the hero this incredible dog has been waiting for?

Travis (Animal ID #25-372) is waiting to meet you at the shelter on New Highway.

The autumn sports season is in full swing across Babylon Town, with local high school athletes showcasing incredible talent and determination.

On the gridiron, the Copiague Eagles recently secured a decisive 31-13 victory over their rivals, the West Babylon Eagles.

That loss for West Babylon followed an impressive 23-20 nail-biter win against Deer Park just a week prior.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on the North Babylon Bulldogs, who are navigating a tough schedule as defending Suffolk Division II champions.

The intensity is just as high on the soccer pitch.

The Wyandanch boys’ team demonstrated incredible heart in a narrow 2-1 loss to Mount Sinai, while the Babylon Panthers girls’ team continues to be a formidable opponent with a 3-3-2 record.

In another tight contest, the Copiague boys fell 3-2 to Patchogue-Medford despite an outstanding nine-save performance from their goalkeeper, Kendal Serranno.

These games highlight the spirit and resilience defining local sports this season.

October is kicking off with a packed events calendar across the Town of Babylon.

Leading the spooky season celebrations is a historic milestone for the Lindenhurst Fire Department, which is hosting its 100th Anniversary Halloween Costume Party.

This is a once-in-a-century community event.

For more autumn fun, families can enjoy the Copiague PTA Fall Festival, promising an evening of games and neighborhood connection at the local high school.

The festivities don't end there.

Residents can also find a fresh pasta-making class, a screening of Practical Magic in Babylon Village, and even career opportunities at an Ulta Beauty hiring event in Farmingdale.

Live music will also be featured throughout the area, with bands like The Durdy Rockas playing at Great South Bay Brewery.

A new generation of local athletes is bringing incredible pride to the Town of Babylon.

In Lindenhurst, competitive diver AJ Palladino is aiming for the 2028 Olympic Trials after the village honored him with his own day on August 12th for his multiple national titles.

Meanwhile, North Babylon is celebrating baseball phenom Tobias Young, a top finalist for the Youth Athlete of the Year award.

The standout pitcher, who threw a no-hitter in June, is also an honor student and local business owner.

Over in Deer Park, the soccer season kicked off with a dramatic 3-1 win powered by two clutch assists from team leader Noah Romero.

These young stars powerfully represent the grit and spirit defining athletics across our entire town.

Meet Jonesy, a sleek black cat in Amityville who is patiently waiting for his second chance.

This two-to-four-year-old was rescued during a Sheriff's eviction and is now safe at the Babylon Animal Shelter.

After months of dedicated care, he is healthy, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

However, Jonesy's past has left him very shy and in need of a special home.

He requires a patient and experienced person who understands that trust takes time to build, especially after trauma.

A quiet, low-stress environment is essential for him to finally feel safe and come out of his shell.

Adopting Jonesy is a chance to truly save a life right here on Long Island.

If you are over 18 and can offer him the peaceful home he deserves, the Town of Babylon shelter is ready to introduce you.

A new public safety program in the Town of Babylon had a dramatic and immediate impact, saving a local business owner's life.

On Sunday, 72-year-old Greg Kronrad went into anaphylactic shock from a bee sting at his Wyandanch business.

Suffolk County Police officers arrived to find him struggling to breathe and quickly administered an Epi-pen, reversing the life-threatening reaction.

Amazingly, the police had received the emergency kits just two days prior as part of a new initiative.

This program is a direct result of “Gio’s Law,” a state measure named for Giovanni Cipriano, a Long Island teen who tragically died from an allergic reaction.

Suffolk County is the first major municipality to adopt the expanded law, and this harrowing incident in Wyandanch proves its vital importance for the community.

Suffolk County is launching a critical public health campaign after raccoon rabies was detected locally for the first time since 2009.

This aggressive response follows the discovery of nine rabid raccoons, primarily in the Amityville and Deer Park areas.

Beginning this month, officials will distribute more than 250,000 oral rabies vaccine packets to create an immune barrier in the local wildlife population.

The effort will target the towns of Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, and Islip to stop the virus from spreading further east from Nassau County, which is facing its own outbreak.

County workers will be seen tossing the small, fish-flavored baits into storm drains and wooded areas.

While the baits are not harmful to pets, residents are advised to avoid handling them with bare hands and to move any found on lawns into more secluded spots.

Anyone bitten by a wild animal should seek immediate medical attention.

A new state law is transforming the school day for students across the Town of Babylon.

The “Distraction-Free Schools” Act mandates a strict bell-to-bell ban on personal electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, which must now be powered off and stored away for the entire day.

State officials championed the law to reduce classroom distractions and improve student mental health.

Local districts are implementing the rule with different methods.

For example, Amityville UFSD is using special storage pouches, while schools in Copiague and Wyandanch are utilizing lockers and backpacks.

Parents who need to contact their child during school hours, even for emergencies, must now go through the main office.

The goal is to foster a more focused learning environment with more face-to-face interaction and far less screen time.

A gentle, one-year-old rabbit named Whopper is hoping to find her forever family at the Babylon Animal Shelter.

With a calm and curious personality, this fluffy, golden-brown bunny makes an ideal companion for anyone seeking a quiet pet.

Whopper arrived at the Amityville shelter in August and is ready to go home right away.

A major benefit for her new family is that she has already been spayed and microchipped.

Anyone 18 or older is invited to visit the shelter on New Highway to meet her in person, and no appointment is necessary.

The adoption process is simple, with a cash-only fee of $35.

This is a wonderful local opportunity to give a deserving animal a loving home and a second chance at happiness.

An urgent rescue mission is underway after a mother duck and her ducklings were discovered coated in a petroleum product in a Town of Babylon creek.

A local resident alerted authorities, prompting Environmental Conservation Officer DeRose to respond.

The distressed duck family was carefully captured and rushed to the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown for emergency care.

Wildlife rehabilitators at the Suffolk County facility worked to wash the hazardous substance off the birds.

Thankfully, the ducks are showing hopeful signs of recovery and are eating well.

They will remain at the center until they are healthy enough to be released back into the wild.

An investigation is now underway by the DEC and town officials to find the source of the dangerous creek pollution.

Babylon's digital community is experiencing a massive surge in engagement, creating a powerful new opportunity for local entrepreneurs.

A local platform's online visibility has rocketed to 134,000 impressions in a single month — a staggering 57% jump in growth.

This shows a huge portion of the Town of Babylon's population is actively searching for local information online.

In response, the new Babylon Local Business Directory has been launched to connect residents directly with hometown companies.

The initiative aims to give businesses consistent and prominent exposure.

More than just a listing, the platform is also expanding with a news section and a local job board.

This growth ultimately means more phone calls, more bookings, and more foot traffic for the businesses that make our town unique.

September in the Town of Babylon marks a vibrant shift from summer warmth to autumn festivities.

The month is packed with community events, offering something for everyone who says “I Love Babylon.”

Headlining the season is the massive Long Island Family Festival at Tanner Park from September 12th to 14th, featuring rides, food, and entertainment on the Great South Bay.

But the fun starts even earlier with the Foodie Fest at Tanger Outlets in Deer Park.

Cultural celebrations are also prominent, with the 8th Annual Ujamaa Fest on September 20th celebrating heritage and community spirit.

For the creative crowd, the Q31 Film Festival offers an outdoor showcase of local talent on September 27th.

From weekly farmers' markets in Amityville and Babylon Village to free concerts in Lindenhurst, September is the perfect time to connect with neighbors and celebrate local life.

A profound tragedy has shaken the Town of Babylon community after a man died by suicide at the historic Fire Island Lighthouse on Friday afternoon.

Authorities reported that the unidentified man jumped from the 168-foot tower's observation deck around 1:45 p.m.

The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad and the National Park Service.

As a result, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society closed the popular landmark, disrupting plans for many visitors arriving for the holiday weekend.

The event cast a somber shadow over a location typically celebrated for its scenic beauty and Long Island history.

While the lighthouse was expected to reopen by Sunday, the memory of the tragic event will undoubtedly linger.