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🌊Freeport Gets $1.1M for Flood Protection

🌊Freeport Gets $1.1M for Flood Protection

New flood-control upgrades are planned near the Nautical Mile, and Oyster Bay is reminding boaters to stay safe before the holiday weekend.

516 Update
July 03, 2026

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
Before the holiday weekend begins, we’re looking at two waterfront updates with real local impact. Freeport is getting $1.1 million for flood-control upgrades near the Nautical Mile, and Oyster Bay is reminding boaters to make safety part of the plan.

— Janine, Mo and Nick

Today’s Edition:
🌊 Freeport gets $1.1M for flood-control upgrades near the Nautical Mile
🚤 Oyster Bay reminds boaters to stay safe before the holiday weekend
🎆 Where to Watch Fireworks in Nassau County This Holiday Week
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

• Fun Fact Spotlight
Mill Neck Manor had one of Nassau’s most meaningful second acts. The 86-acre Sefton-Dodge estate was bought in 1949 for $216,000 so it could become a school for Deaf children.

Local and federal officials announce flood mitigation funding for Freeport

MajorFlood Control

Freeport gets $1.1M for flood-control upgrades near the Nautical Mile

Freeport is receiving more than $1.1 million in federal funding to help reduce nuisance flooding near the Nautical Mile and other waterfront areas. The money is expected to support five pump stations and tide-check valves designed to move floodwater back into waterways and reduce flooding from high tides and stormwater. The project is aimed at protecting homes, businesses, roads, emergency vehicles, and other local infrastructure in flood-prone parts of the village.

Read the official release

Image: Freeport flood-mitigation funding announcement via Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen/Patch.

516 Update Community Guide
High School Swim Team: What Nassau Families Should Know

Thinking about high school swim team in Nassau County? This guide explains tryouts, eligibility, practices, meets, dryland training, parent support, and recovery basics so families know what the season asks before committing.

Town and marine law enforcement officials demonstrate boating safety equipment

NewsbiteBoating Safety

Oyster Bay reminds boaters to stay safe before the holiday weekend

The Town of Oyster Bay is reminding boaters and personal watercraft operators to follow basic safety rules before the busy summer and July 4 boating season. Town marine officials demonstrated lifesaving equipment and urged residents to operate responsibly on local waterways, including Oyster Bay Harbor and the Great South Bay. The town also said bay constable patrols will increase during holiday weekends.

Read the town announcement

Image: Town and marine law enforcement officials demonstrate boating safety equipment via Town of Oyster Bay.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

Friday, July 3
High: 94°F | Low: 78°F
⛈️ Hot with a chance of afternoon storms — keep an eye on the sky

Saturday, July 4
High: 88°F | Low: 75°F
🌦️ 4th of July forecast: warm with scattered storms possible, so have a backup plan for outdoor fun and fireworks

Sunday, July 5
High: 83°F | Low: 74°F
⛅ A warm, partly cloudy cooldown to wrap up the holiday weekend

NewsbiteFood & Drink

Uncle Louie G opens in Wantagh

Wantagh has a new summer dessert stop. Uncle Louie G opened at 3580 Park Boulevard, in the former Otto’s Deli space, with Italian ice, ice cream, soft serve, espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccino, and crepes.

Quick details

Where: 3580 Park Boulevard, Wantagh

Who: The Aiello family, which helped grow the brand to nearly 60 stores across nine states

Next: More Long Island locations are planned, including Long Beach

The Wantagh shop is open seven days a week from noon to 10 p.m.

Read the full story

Image: Uncle Louie G storefront in Wantagh via Greater Long Island.

Want your new Nassau County business featured?
516 Update spotlights newly opened businesses, grand openings, and fresh local spots across Nassau County. Reach local readers looking for new restaurants, shops, salons, fitness studios, service providers, family-friendly stops, and neighborhood places worth checking out. Get your business in front of Nassau residents who want to shop local, book local, eat local, and support what’s new nearby.

Why Cranberry Alone Isn't Enough (And What Actually Works)

You've probably heard that cranberry juice helps with bladder health. And while cranberries do offer some benefits, they're not the complete answer—especially when it comes to stopping nighttime urination and regaining bladder control.

The real solution involves targeted nutrients that work together to strengthen your bladder, reduce nighttime urgency, and help you finally sleep through the night. It's simple, natural, and backed by science.

Discover what actually works to stop peeing at night →

Where to Watch Fireworks in Nassau County This Holiday Week

Looking for a professional fireworks display close to home? Here are Nassau County shows still ahead as of Friday, July 3. Check the host page before heading out, especially if weather changes.

Tonight: Valley Stream Annual Fireworks Show

When: Friday, July 3
Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.
Where: Firemen’s Memorial Field, 120 Albemarle Ave., Valley Stream
Cost: $12 advance, $15 at the door
Good to know: Tickets are required. Advance tickets are listed through Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, Valley Stream Pool Complex, and Valley Stream Village Hall.

Valley Stream’s annual fireworks show is one of the closest options for readers looking for a display tonight.

Jones Beach Fireworks Spectacular

When: Saturday, July 4
Time: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
Cost: Included with regular parking admission; parking listed at $10
Good to know: The soundtrack will be simulcast on WALK 97.5 FM and KJOY 98.3 FM. Arrive early, since lots can fill quickly.

The Jovia Financial Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular is the major Nassau County beach display, with fireworks launched offshore over Jones Beach.

Glen Cove Fourth of July Fireworks

When: Saturday, July 4
Time: Nassau Pops concert at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Morgan Memorial Park, Glen Cove
Rain date: Sunday, July 5 for fireworks
Good to know: Bring chairs or blankets for the concert and fireworks.

Glen Cove’s Independence Day celebration pairs a waterfront concert with fireworks at Morgan Memorial Park.

Empire State Fair Fireworks

When: Saturday, July 4
Time: Fair hours are 4 to 11 p.m. on July 4; fireworks are scheduled during the evening
Where: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale
Cost: $10 general admission; parking is free
Good to know: Fireworks are included with fair admission. Last admission is sold at 10 p.m.

The Empire State Fair will feature Grucci fireworks as part of its July 4 fair programming. I would not publish an exact launch time unless the fair confirms it directly.

Long Beach Fireworks Display

When: Friday, July 10
Time: At dark
Where: Long Beach boardwalk and beachfront
Cost: Free
Rain date: Saturday, July 11
Good to know: The display is visible from anywhere along the boardwalk and beachfront. Expect traffic near Broadway and Long Beach Boulevard. No glass or alcohol is allowed on Ocean Beach Park, and bags and coolers may be searched.

Long Beach’s fireworks are a strong beachside option for readers who want another display after the holiday weekend.

Nassau Events Worth Knowing This Week

Here are a few local events to keep on your calendar, including family activities, community gatherings, live music, food events, and weekend plans across the county.

Before you go, check the event page for registration, parking, weather updates, and schedule changes.

Want your new Nassau County business featured?
516 Update highlights newly opened businesses, grand openings, restaurants, shops, cafés, service providers, studios, and local storefronts across Nassau County. Reach local readers looking to discover what’s new, visit early, and support businesses opening close to home.

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