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🌊Hicksville Schools Propose $186.3M Budget

Hicksville is weighing a $186.3 million school budget with a 2.58% tax levy increase, while North Hempstead adds the Dragon Boat & Lantern Festival to its annual events calendar.

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516 Update
March 17, 2026

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Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
Tuesday brings another round of local news and updates from around Nassau County. Some of it is routine, some of it signals bigger shifts, but all of it helps paint a clearer picture of what’s happening now and what’s coming in the days ahead.

Fun Fact Spotlight:
Jerusalem District No. 5 Schoolhouse in Levittown entered the National Register of Historic Places on March 1, 1996.

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Today’s Edition: 
📚 Hicksville Schools Propose $186.3M Budget
🐉North Hempstead Gets Dragon Boat Festival
📍A Hidden Escape in the Middle of Massapequa
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

Katie L., happy birthday. I hope today feels easy, fun, and full of the people you love most. You deserve a good one.
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Brian T., they made the right call. Congratulations on the promotion. You earned this by showing up and doing the work.
Chris P.

Major News

📚 Hicksville Schools Propose $186.3M Budget

Photo provided by Hicksville Public Schools

The Hicksville School District wants to spend $186.3 million next school year, with a 2.58% tax levy bump. The money will go toward educational programs and improvements as costs keep climbing. This comes alongside major town revitalization efforts, including $16.2 million in recent funding for infrastructure upgrades.

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🐉North Hempstead Gets Dragon Boat Festival

North Hempstead is launching its first Dragon Boat & Lantern Festival, featuring traditional boat races and glowing lanterns that light up the night. The event will bring together racing teams, food vendors, live performances, and arts and crafts for a family-friendly celebration. It's designed to celebrate cultural diversity while boosting local tourism.

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🌤️ WeatherWatch

☀️ Tuesday, March 17
High: 53°F | Low: 29°F
💧 1% chance — sunny with a few afternoon clouds

⛅ Wednesday, March 18
High: 36°F | Low: 25°F
💧 0% chance — intervals of clouds and sunshine

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A Hidden Escape in the Middle of Massapequa

Massapequa Preserve doesn’t feel like it belongs in the middle of suburbia. Spanning 432 acres, this local favorite is known for its tree-lined bike path, quiet walking trails, and lake views that make it feel more secluded than its location suggests. It’s one of those Nassau County spots that’s easy to overlook until you actually spend an afternoon there.

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From hidden gems to weekend favorites, we highlight places Nassau locals actually enjoy.
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🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN
NASSAU COUNTY

🌦 Rain or shine, Nassau is full of things to do!
From local fairs to live music and community events, there’s always something happening across the county. Grab your calendar — and maybe an umbrella — and see what’s coming up this week 👇

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