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  • 🌊 $7M for EV Upgrades, New Hyde Park's $1.2M Makeover — And Tapas Magic in East Rockaway

🌊 $7M for EV Upgrades, New Hyde Park's $1.2M Makeover — And Tapas Magic in East Rockaway

New solar savings for Nassau. A top-ranked accent. A ‘90s band back on tour.

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516 Update
July 16, 2025

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
This week’s 516 Update is packed with local energy — from smarter EV charging coming to New York roads, to a splashy park reopening in New Hyde Park, to a Mediterranean-inspired brunch that’s pure summer on a plate.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun or planning your next neighborhood hang, we’ve got what you need to stay in the loop and on the move.

🧬 Fun fact: Nassau County is a hub for science and medicine, housing Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NYU Langone’s Long Island campus, and the Feinstein Institutes.

Love the 516 Update? Share it with a neighbor—we appreciate the support!

— Janine, Sue, Via, Mo, and Nick

🎧 Prefer to Listen? Tune In On the Go
Driving, walking, or multitasking? Click to listen to this week’s episode.

Today’s Edition:
🚗 State Puts $7M Toward Smarter EV Charging
🎉 Broadway Park Just Got a $1.2M Makeover
🍴 Brunch Spot
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

🚗 State Puts $7M Toward Smarter EV Charging

Governor Hochul just announced major funding to boost how electric vehicles plug into New York’s power grid, and it could mean more efficient, affordable charging right here in Nassau. Three projects are getting a combined $3 million to test new tech, including ways to better manage school bus charging and retrofit street infrastructure. Another $4 million is now up for grabs for teams solving data and grid coordination challenges. It’s all part of New York’s push toward zero-emissions transit. Here’s how it could impact your commute.

Photo by: LongIsland.com

In Partnership with 

Retire with Confidence. Secure What Matters Most.
Planning for retirement shouldn’t feel overwhelming. I’m Paul Stock, a financial advisor with Vanderbilt Financial Group, helping people just like you protect their future. Whether you’re rolling over a 401(k), seeking guaranteed lifetime income through annuities like RILAs, or need life or long-term care insurance, I’ll guide you with personalized, tax-efficient strategies. Business owner? Ask about our competitive group health plans.

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

📩 [email protected] | 📞 516-935-3434 x240 / 516-413-1201
Your secure retirement starts now—reach out today.

If you’d like to sponsor 516 Update, please reach out at [email protected]

🎉 Broadway Park Just Got a $1.2M Makeover

Broadway Park in New Hyde Park has officially reopened — and locals are already loving the splash pad, new play structures, and smoother paths. The park had been closed since October for a full renovation, its first major upgrade in decades. Officials say the improvements were badly needed, especially for one of the few fully free, accessible parks in the area. The project wrapped early and under budget thanks to creative funding.

NEWSBites

☀️ Hauppauge Firm Joins State Solar Push

Elecnor Hawkeye, based in Hauppauge, is now a certified NY-Sun contractor. That means more solar options (and savings) for Nassau homeowners and businesses. The company helped build a 22.9MW solar site in Calverton — and now it’s bringing that expertise to a state-backed solar push.

🗣️ Long Island Accent = Seriously Attractive

A new study ranked the Long Island accent the second most attractive in the U.S., just behind Cajun. With nearly 28% positive reactions, it’s proof our hometown sound still turns heads.

🎶 Goo Goo Dolls Go Viral — And They’re Coming to Jones Beach

After viral performances at Stagecoach and on American Idol, the Goo Goo Dolls are back in the spotlight — and they’ll hit Jones Beach Theater on August 2. Ticket sales have quadrupled in recent weeks thanks to the buzz around “Iris.”

In Partnership with

Reviews To The Top

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

🌩️ Wednesday, July 16
High: 89°F | Low: 75°F
💧 21% chance — a few storms may sneak in late under mostly cloudy skies

⛈️ Thursday, July 17
High: 90°F | Low: 77°F
💧 53% chance — thunderstorms could crash the party as clouds roll in thicker

Please follow us on Instagram here! @516Update

🍴Featured Restaurant

 Mediterranean Magic at Speakeasy Tapas Bar

Discover Speakeasy Tapas Bar — East Rockaway’s cozy hideaway where bold bites and neighborhood charm collide. Right now, summer’s starring dish is the Mediterranean Fruit Salad: a vibrant mix of juicy watermelon, blueberries, raspberries, pistachios, and feta, kissed with lemon, sea salt, Tajín, and olive oil. It’s zesty, creamy, crunchy — the ultimate warm-weather plate. Created by co-owner Frank Pollack and his team, this bistro-inspired spot also serves up signature cocktails, tapas, and local vibes in a dark, tavern-style setting you’ll want to return to.
Find us at 451 Atlantic Ave, East Rockaway. Taste summer, one forkful at a time.

Speakeasy Tapas Bar

🎉 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

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

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

📣 Civic & Social Happenings

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

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

💍 Covet Beauty Co. – Your Dream Bridal Beauty Team

Tired of searching endlessly for a hair and makeup team that gets you? We were too. That’s why we created Covet Beauty Co. — where every bride, regardless of skin tone or hair type, feels seen, celebrated, and stunning.

We’re Jazmin and Isabelle, two beauty pros with 20+ years in bridal, TV, and editorial. We’ve worked every style and solved every stress — and now, we’re here to make your getting-ready moment effortless and unforgettable.
Glowing skin, timeless hair, and zero stress. From hotel suite to aisle, we’ve got you.

✨ Ready to feel like your best self? Let’s make magic together.

🏈 Sports Events 

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

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

🎸 Live Music

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

🌟 Meet Jobbe – Your Summer Adventure Buddy Awaits! 🌟

Every hero has a beginning—and Jobbe's starts with you. This house-trained, medium-sized pup can be your hiking pal by day and cuddle champ by night. Equal parts calm and energetic, Jobbe's got the best of both doggy worlds!

🐾 Visit him at North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, NY.
🐾 Plus, enjoy post-adoption medical care, discounted vet services, and support from our expert trainers!

Make your summer unforgettable. Adopt a forever friend who’s been waiting just for you.

Thanks for reading this week’s 516 Update! We hope you found something to enjoy, explore, or share. Please share this with a friend or family member-we would really appreciate it!