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🌊 $21M Flood Fix, Northwell Tops NY and Gelato That Tastes Like Cake

Sushi dreams come true. New Aldi opening. Free market money for Oyster Bay seniors.

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
A brand new week means fresh headlines, good news, and exciting local events across Nassau County. From major funding for flood prevention to the hidden gelato gem, here’s what’s happening around town—and what to keep on your radar.

Fun Fact Spotlight: The Saddle Rock Grist Mill

Did you know that Nassau County is home to the oldest continuously operating tidal grist mill in the United States? The Saddle Rock Grist Mill, built around 1700, sits in what is now the Village of Saddle Rock and operates as a working museum—whirring away just as it did centuries ago. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is lovingly preserved by the county for public enjoyment

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Today’s Edition: 
🌊 Long Island South Shore Gets $21M to Fight Flooding
🏆 Northwell Health Takes the Crown in NY Hospital Rankings
🍴 East Meadow’s Hidden Gelato Gem!
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

🌊 Long Island South Shore Gets $21M to Fight Flooding

Big news for Long Island residents! Governor Kathy Hochul just announced a huge $21 million investment to protect the South Shore from flooding. This money will make traveling safer for everyone who lives in or visits the area.

The plans focus on fixing up roads in both Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Workers will upgrade drainage systems on the Meadowbrook and Wantagh State Parkways. They'll also replace an old culvert on Merrick Road in Amityville that's been there for almost 100 years.

Photo by: LongIsland.com

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🏆 Northwell Health Takes the Crown in NY Hospital Rankings

Great news for New York residents! Northwell Health has been named the top health system in the NY Tri-State area by U.S. News & World Report. Seven of their hospitals made it to New York's best list, which is pretty awesome. The 2025-26 rankings show that Northwell really knows what they're doing. Northwell had 26 adult specialties ranked in the nation's top 50. That's a big deal!

His First Venture Sold for $120M – This Time’s Different

Austin Allison is familiar with using tech to disrupt real estate – his first venture, dotloop, was acquired for $120M. But despite bringing industry fame, one nagging regret remained.

"I always wished we gave retail investors the chance to invest in dotloop and share that success," Allison later said.

Now he’s doing just that. Austin built upon that experience to launch Pacaso, the co-ownership marketplace disrupting the $1.3T vacation home industry. And it’s working.

They’ve surpassed $110M in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth last year. They’ve earned backing from firms like Maveron and Greycroft. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO. And unlike dotloop, you can become an investor in Pacaso as a private company.

This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving the ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals.

NEWSBites

🍱 Sushi Dreams Come True at Great Neck Inn

The Inn at Great Neck teams up with Chef Benny to bring top-notch sushi to Marco Polo's restaurant. This team-up combines the Inn's classic style with Chef Benny's fresh sushi creations, giving local food fans something new to get excited about.

🛒 New Aldi Store Opens in Bethpage

Bethpage just got a new Aldi! The 22,000-square-foot store officially opened on August 7th at 3988 Hempstead Turnpike, replacing the former A.C. Moore space. Locals lined up early for gift cards, special treats, and opening-day savings. Aldi promises prices up to 36% lower than other stores—perfect for budget-friendly shopping right here in town.

🌾 Free Market Money for Oyster Bay Seniors

Hey seniors! Grab your free $25 Farmers' Market coupons today, Monday, August 11th. Stop by the Hicksville Community Center between 10 AM and 12 PM to get yours. Use them at local markets for fresh fruits and veggies all summer long.

In Partnership with

Helping local businesses (including service industries) in Nassau County grow fast and get more customers with 5-star reviews, seamless engagement, and stronger online visibility—all in one simple platform. Learn more at ReviewsToTheTop.com / email at [email protected] 

Subscriber Bonus: Mention 516 Update when you reach out and get a free trial with Reviews To The Top!

🌤️ WeatherWatch

⛅ 𝒜𝓊𝑔𝓊𝓈𝓉 11
High: 91°F | Low: 68°F
🌥️ Clouds rolling in — but the warmth sticks around for a mellow Monday!

☁️ 𝒜𝓊𝑔𝓊𝓈𝓉 12
High: 93°F | Low: 75°F
🌫️ Cloudy skies ahead — feels like the sun hit snooze today!

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🍴Featured Restaurant

🍨 Discover East Meadow’s Hidden Gelato Gem

Tucked into Hempstead Turnpike, Cheeks & Bean Gelato Co. began as a pandemic kitchen project and is now East Meadow’s go-to gelato destination. Bob and Teresa Fryer use Hudson Valley dairy and a hot-process method to craft small-batch gelato in both classic and creative flavors—think Sicilian pistachio to “Princess Cake.”

Beyond gelato, they serve crepes (sweet & savory), artisan coffee from Mongo’s, teas from Clipper Ship, and even custom gelato cakes.

Named after their daughters, this cozy shop brings family warmth and foodie flair to the neighborhood.

📍 2326 Hempstead Tpke, East Meadow

Next time you’re in East Meadow, treat yourself—you’ll be glad you did.

🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN
NASSAU COUNTY

Sun’s out, vibes are high, and the week is packed with fun! From live tunes to street fairs and pop-up surprises, here’s what’s turning up the heat across Nassau — don’t miss it! 👇

🎡Fair Days & Fun Ways

What’s Happening This Weekend in Nassau County

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15TH

Levittown Food Trucks
Levittown, NY | 5:00 PM – :00 PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH

Seaford Farmers Market 
Seaford, NY | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Farmers Market @ Eisenhower Park
East Meadow, NY
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17TH

Rockville Centre Farmers Market
Rockville Centre, NY |7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

North Bellmore 3rd Sunday Flea Market 
North Bellmore, NY | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

📣 Civic & Social Happenings

MONDAY, AUGUST 11TH

Artful Explorers Camp
Old Westbury, NY | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Stern Army @ Round 1
Hicksville, NY | 7:00 PM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12TH

31st Annual Clam Shucking Fundraising Event 
Bay Shore, NY | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Pokémon Skate Party
Seaford, NY | 4:30 PM

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

🏡 Brick Beauty in Bethpage: Flexible Living with Smart Upgrades

Welcome to 3895 Green Pl, a stunning brick split-level in Bethpage’s Hahn Estates. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full baths, a granite eat-in kitchen, and a huge den with separate entrance—this home offers flexible living that could easily accommodate a mother/daughter setup (with proper permits).

Enjoy new central air, solar panels (already paid off), and a beautifully landscaped yard with Trex deck and patio—perfect for entertaining or relaxing. With gas cooking, updated 200 Amp electric, and low taxes in the desirable Island Trees School District, this move-in-ready home is a smart investment.

Your forever home is waiting—are you ready to move in?

🏈 Sports Events 

MONDAY, AUGUST 11TH

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12TH

Long Island Ducks vs. York Revolution 
Central Islip, NY | 6:35 PM

Scroll down and tap “Click here to view all 516 Update events” to see all weekend fairs with more information.

🎸 Live Music

MONDAY, AUGUST 11TH

Summer Dream @ The Boat Yard
Massapequa, NY | 7:00 PM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12TH

In Partnership with 

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Let’s create a retirement plan built around your goals.

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