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  • 🌊 LIU’s $30M Science Center, MacArthur Ranked Top 50 & Italian Brunch

🌊 LIU’s $30M Science Center, MacArthur Ranked Top 50 & Italian Brunch

Palm Trees at Pools, Tony’s Di Napoli & Sunday Circus News

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next
Summer’s in full swing, and this week’s 516 Update is packed with feel-good news, free concerts, fresh eats, and local happenings to brighten your day. Whether you're looking for weekend plans, community updates, or just want to know what’s buzzing around town—we’ve got you covered.

🌊 Fun fact: Nassau’s iconic beaches are legendary—Jones Beach State Park, stretching 6.5 miles along the Atlantic, welcomed over 8 million visitors in 2020, making it the busiest beach park on the entire East Coast.

šŸ“£ Like what you’re reading? Share it with a neighbor— we appreciate the love.

— Janine, Sue, Via, Mo & Nick

šŸŽ§ Prefer to listen? Tap here to hear this edition on the go.

Today’s Edition:
šŸ›« MacArthur Airport Lands in the National Spotlight
šŸ”¬ LIU Breaks Ground on $30M Science Center in Brookville
šŸ“ Brunch Spot
šŸ—“ļø Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

šŸ›« MacArthur Airport Lands in the National Spotlight

Our local airport just got a serious nod from The Washington Post— and it’s giving JFK and LaGuardia a run for their money.

Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip just ranked #46 on the Post’s list of the top 50 airports in the U.S., standing out among more than 450 contenders. The ranking focused on traveler-friendly features like parking ease, gate capacity, and passenger experience. Officials are calling it a major win for the entire Long Island community. With nonstop destinations more than doubling since 2011 and expansion plans on deck, this hidden gem may just be Nassau’s best-kept travel secret.

Photo by: Town of Islip Press Release

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.

šŸ“© [email protected] | šŸ“ž 516-935-3434 x240 / 516-413-1201
Your secure retirement starts now—reach out today.

🚨 We’ve Hit 20,000 Subscribers!

šŸŽ‰ We’re thrilled to share some exciting news — our community has officially grown to 20,000 subscribers!

From day one, our mission has been to keep you informed, inspired, and in-the-know — and this milestone proves we’re on the right path.

šŸ’Œ Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of our journey. We couldn’t have done it without YOU.

Here’s to growing stronger together. Onward to 30K! šŸ’Ŗ

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

šŸ”¬ LIU Breaks Ground on $30M Science Center in Brookville

A brand-new science hub is rising at LIU— and it’s set to shape the next generation of innovators. Long Island University just broke ground on a $30 million science facility that’s aiming to put Brookville on the national innovation map. Backed by state funding and a global tech partner, the center will bring big changes to campus life— and Long Island’s research future.

It’s bold, it’s high-tech, and it’s bringing some serious buzz to Brookville.

NEWSBites

🌓 Palm Trees Are Coming to Hempstead Pools

Your summer swim just got a tropical upgrade. Forty palm trees are being added to Hempstead town pools this week, thanks to a sunny donation from Peter’s Clam Bar owner Butch Yamali. The idea sparked over lunch— and now, families can soak up Caribbean vibes without leaving Long Island.

šŸŽŖ North Hempstead Lifts 74-Year Circus Ban

Sunday fun days just got a little more festive in North Hempstead. The town officially repealed its decades-old ban on Sunday circuses and carnivals— part of a push to modernize outdated laws. The revised code also extends event hours and updates application rules, signaling a more festive (and flexible) future for local events.

šŸ Tony’s Di Napoli Is Coming to Long Island

A slice of NYC's old-school Italian charm is heading to the suburbs. After decades in Manhattan, Tony’s Di Napoli is setting its sights on Manhasset’s Miracle Mile, with plans to open in the former TGI Fridays spot by early 2026. Locally rooted and family-run, the restaurant promises classic NYC vibes— minus the pizza, but with plenty of pasta.

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!

šŸŒ¤ļø WeatherWatch

ā›… Friday, July 18
High: 84°F | Low: 73°F
šŸŒ„ļø Mostly cloudy but totally comfy — the perfect weather to kick off a fun weekend!

ā˜ļø Saturday, July 19
High: 84°F | Low: 70°F
šŸŒ«ļø Cloudy skies, cool breeze — ideal for brunch, errands, or a lazy day out.

šŸŒ§ļø Sunday, July 20
High: 84°F | Low: 73°F
ā›ˆļø Thunder’s in the forecast, but so is the perfect excuse to relax, recharge, and binge your favorite series!

Please follow us on Instagram here! @516Update

šŸ“Featured Restaurant

 šŸ· Discover the Art of Italian Dining

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Palazzo Ristorante, now open in Port Washington. Savor handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seafood favorites like squid ink frutti di mare and grilled branzino. Our elegant setting is perfect for date nights or group gatherings. Enjoy curated Italian wines and craft cocktails in a refined, welcoming atmosphere. Located at 286 Main Street, we’re open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, with extended hours Thursday through Saturday.

Reserve your table now and elevate your evening.

šŸ“ 286 Main Street, Port Washington
Open for dinner Tuesday–Sunday, with extended hours Thursday–Saturday.

šŸŽ‰ 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! šŸ‘‡

šŸŽ”Fair Days & Fun Ways

What’s Happening This Weekend in Nassau County

Saturday, July 19th

Roslyn Farmers Market
šŸ“ Roslyn

Scroll down and tap ā€œClick here to view all 516 Update eventsā€ to see all weekend fairs with more information.

šŸ“£ Civic & Social Happenings

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

Iron Horse
šŸ“ East Meadow

Scroll down and tap ā€œClick here to view all 516 Update eventsā€ to see all weekend fairs with more information.

šŸˆ Sports Events 

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Scroll down and tap ā€œClick here to view all 516 Update eventsā€ to see all weekend fairs with more information.

šŸŽø Live Music

Friday, July 18th

PUNCH live at Memories
šŸ“ Williston Park

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

🐾 Help Save a Shelter in Crisis

Cove Animal Rescue in Glen Cove urgently needs your support. With soaring vet costs, rising surrenders, and stagnant funding, the no-kill shelter faces a $60K shortfall. Known for compassionate care, Cove houses over 60 cats and 7 dogs, many elderly and in need of costly treatment. City support covers less than half of their needs. Without more donations, unfortunately Cove may be forced to shut its doors.

šŸ“¢ Donate today to help save this vital community sanctuary. Every dollar makes a difference.

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!