🌊 LIRR Upgrades Coming to Floral Park and Bellerose, Pizza Fest Returns

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next

Tuesday check-in, Nassau!

We’re in that stretch of summer where weekends fill up before they even arrive.

So let’s get you caught up and put a few things on the calendar.

Grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s happening around Nassau.

— Janine, Mo and Nick

Today’s Edition: 
🚆 Floral Park and Bellerose LIRR Stations Are Getting Accessibility Upgrades
🍕 Long Island Pizza Festival Returns to Nassau Coliseum
💼 Hicksville Nonprofit Gets $1.5M to Help People in Recovery Find Work
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

🚆 Floral Park and Bellerose LIRR Stations Are Getting Accessibility Upgrades

Floral Park and Bellerose riders have been waiting on this one.

The two stations are the first accessibility projects awarded under the MTA’s 2025–2029 Capital Plan, with major improvements planned at both stops.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Floral Park: A wider 32-inch escalator, rebuilt and extended platforms, new waiting rooms, and additional canopy coverage

• Bellerose: A new elevator, ADA-compliant ramps at both entrances, new stairs, and a longer platform with a built-in snowmelt system

Floral Park already added three accessible elevators in 2021, but the new work is designed to close the remaining gaps.

The broader MTA plan includes $7.1 billion for accessibility and is expected to make more than 90% of LIRR stations ADA-accessible. The construction contract went to a joint venture between companies based in Freeport and Wantagh.

Click here: See the full list of improvements planned for both stations.

Source: Long Island Press

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🍕 Long Island Pizza Festival Returns to Nassau Coliseum

Long Island can argue about pizza forever. On Saturday, Sept. 19, a lot of those arguments will be in one place.

The Long Island Pizza Festival is returning for its second year at the Nassau Coliseum Outdoor Plaza after selling more than 2,500 tickets during last year’s debut.

What’s new this year:

• New vendors including Dario’s, King Umberto’s, and Pizza by Tano

• Every participating pizzeria from the first festival returning

• Chef demonstrations and tips for home cooks

• Additional bars designed to speed up beverage service

• An expanded music lineup headlined by Long Island native Mike DelGuidice

The festival will also support L.I. Pizza Strong and the Dine-LI Foundation, which work with local pizzerias to help first responders, fire departments, and families affected by tragedy.

After last year’s sellout, this is one to plan early.

Click here: See ticket options, participating pizzerias, and the full festival lineup.

Source: Long Island Press

💼 Hicksville Nonprofit Gets $1.5M to Help People in Recovery Find Work

Treatment can help someone get stable. A job can help make that stability last.

Hicksville-based CN Guidance & Counseling Services has received more than $1.5 million over five years from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports to expand employment services for people in treatment and recovery.

The nonprofit plans to hire two vocational rehabilitation counselors who will work alongside its addiction treatment and recovery programs.

They’ll help clients:

• Build resumes and job-search plans

• Prepare for interviews

• Identify employment and career goals

• Connect with local employers and workforce programs

• Develop the skills needed for long-term workplace success

The counselors will also work with employers to reduce stigma and create more opportunities for people in recovery.

The bigger point is that recovery does not end with clinical care. Meaningful employment can provide income, confidence, purpose, and greater independence.

Click here: See how CN Guidance plans to build employment support into recovery care.

Original report: Long Island Business News. Subscription may be required.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

Tuesday, August 11
High: 87°F | Low: 73°F
⛅ Morning sunshine, then clouds with a stray storm possible

Wednesday, August 12
High: 84°F | Low: 71°F
🌤️ Partly cloudy and warm, with storms possible overnight

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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.

Fair Days and Fun Ways

Tuesday, August 11
Kids Puppy Beach Painting Workshop
1:30 PM | Hue Studio, 326 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre

Thursday, August 13
Kids Hamburger Painting Workshop
1:30 PM | Hue Studio, 326 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre

Friday, August 14
AmpSurf NY Adaptive Learn-to-Surf Clinic
7:00 AM | 1 Riverside Boulevard, Long Beach

Civic and Social Happenings

Tuesday, August 11
Native American Culture and Our Natural World
9:30 AM | Garvies Point Museum, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove

Tuesday, August 11
Evening Book Discussion
7:30 PM | Syosset Public Library, 225 South Oyster Bay Road, Syosset

Wednesday, August 12
Tap Room Fundraiser
3:00 PM | Tap Room, 47–51 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre

Sports

Tuesday, August 11
New York Boulders vs. Trois-Rivières Aigles
7:05 PM | Stade Quillorama, Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Tuesday, August 11
New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners
7:05 PM | Yankee Stadium, Bronx

Wednesday, August 12
Staten Island FerryHawks vs. Lancaster Stormers
6:30 PM | SIUH Community Park, Staten Island

Live Music

Tuesday, August 11
Music Under the Stars: Classic Stones Live
8:00 PM | John J. Burns Town Park, 4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa

Wednesday, August 12
MAMAMOO
7:30 PM | UBS Arena, Elmont

Thursday, August 13
School of Rock at Lynbrook Cruise Night
6:00 PM | Lynbrook

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