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🏖️ Long Beach Gets Tough on Beach Pass Rules

Long Beach, NY is shaking things up with new rules to stop people from sneaking onto their beaches without paying. Starting this summer, beach visitors will need to wear special wristbands with barcodes that beach staff can scan.

The $15 daily beach fee helps keep the sand clean and facilities running smoothly for everyone. Local resident Nick Cascio says some folks try to skip paying, but the new system will put a stop to that. "We love when visitors come, but treat it with respect, that's all we ask,".

For the 30,000 people who call Long Beach home, these changes mean a lot. The beach is their backyard and summer hangout spot. Now, with digital passes and scanning systems starting on Memorial Day, everyone will need to chip in their fair share to enjoy the sun and surf.

The new rules aim to make sure both locals and tourists can have fun at the beach while keeping it nice for years to come. Beach patrol will be checking wristbands, so don't forget to get yours before hitting the sand!

🏘️ Long Island's $10M Housing Boost Brings Hope

New York State is stepping up to tackle Long Island's housing problems with a big $10 million plan. The Empire State Development just kicked off their Long Island Forward Housing Program, focusing on making homes more affordable in Nassau County.

Governor Kathy Hochul shared some good news at a recent press meeting. "We want every New Yorker to have a safe place to call home," she said. The money will go to builders who want to create affordable homes that fit well in local neighborhoods.

This is really good timing for Nassau County, where lots of people are having trouble finding homes they can afford. The program will create jobs and help build stronger communities. It's not just about putting up buildings - it's about making sure everyone has a fair shot at finding a good place to live.

🏗️ Hempstead's $209M Housing Boost Gets Everyone Talking

The Hempstead Industrial Development Agency just made a big splash in Nassau County. They're putting $209 million into new housing and jobs for 2024, giving locals something to look forward to.

At a packed press conference, IDA leaders shared their plans to build more rental homes people can actually afford. They're not just putting up buildings - they're creating jobs too, especially in construction work.

"This investment is about building a community," said the IDA chairperson.

This is huge news for Nassau County folks who've been struggling to find good homes they can afford. The investment aims to help regular people find decent places to live while giving the local job market a nice boost.

NEWSBites

Bots Snatch Golf Tee Times 🏌️

New York fights back against automated systems stealing public golf course bookings. The new BIRDIE Act aims to stop third-party services from reselling state-owned course tee times. Over 2,000 public courses are affected, with Bethpage State Park being hit hard.

Nassau Police Plans Huge 100th Birthday Bash 🚓

Nassau County wants to host the biggest police parade in U.S. history on April 27, 2025. The event will feature motorcycle units from all 50 states, plus Canada and Mexico. A block party with antique squad cars and helicopter flyovers will follow.

Oyster Bay Takes the Plunge for Special Olympics ❄️

The annual Polar Plunge at TOBAY Beach raised over $100,000 for Special Olympics New York. Brave participants jumped into cold water while wearing fun costumes. The money helps local athletes with intellectual disabilities access sports programs.

Chef Runs 350 Miles for Mental Health 🏃

A Long Island chef ran from Montauk to Manhattan to raise $20,000 for a local crisis center. The week-long journey got lots of community support and beat its fundraising goal. The money will help the Nassau County Crisis Center support more people in need.

🍽️ New Restaurants To Try

Mexican Vibes at Mamá Rosa 🌮

A local hit in Great Neck, NY, Mamá Rosa brings real Mexican flavors to the table. They're known for fresh ingredients, tasty tacos, and killer margaritas. Check them out on Instagram for food pics that'll make you hungry.

New Mediterranean Spot Opens in Island Park 🫒

Aura Mediterranean Restaurant just opened at the old Pearl spot on Austin Boulevard. They're putting a fresh spin on Mediterranean food with healthy dishes and local ingredients. The menu focuses on fresh flavors and good-for-you options that'll hit the spot.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

🌧️ Thursday, April 3
High: 75°F | Low: 45°F
💧 59% chance — sprinkles & overcast

Fair Days & Fun Ways 
Nassau County Week’s End Wonders

🏡 04/05 | 10am-8pm | Long Island Spring Home Show | Nassau Coliseum | Uniondale
Get inspired for your next home project with vendors, ideas, and renovations galore at this annual indoor expo.

🎨 04/05 | 10am-4pm | Hauppauge Spring Craft Fair | Hauppauge High School | Hauppauge
Support local artisans and find handmade treasures at this craft fair with over 80 vendors under one roof.

🎣 04/05 | 10am-4pm | Belmont Lake Spring Family Fishing Festival | Belmont Lake State Park | West Babylon
Enjoy a day of free fishing, activities, and outdoor fun with the family—no license needed!

🎲 04/05-04/06 | 10am-9pm on 4/5, 10am-5pm on 4/6 | Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo | Cradle of Aviation Museum | Garden City
Calling all gamers! Dive into a weekend of board games, RPGs, and card games at this lively and interactive event.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 04/06 | 10am-4:30pm | 14th Annual All Kids Fair | Hilton Long Island/Huntington | Melville
A kid-focused extravaganza with bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, shows, and family-friendly exhibits.

👩‍👩‍👧 04/04 | 5:30pm | Bad Momz of Comedy – Special Event | Governor's Comedy Clubs | Levittown
Catch this hit comedy act for a night of nonstop laughs in the Giggle Room!

🎙️ 04/04 | 6:30pm | Frankie Valli Tribute Night | Sergio’s Italian Restaurant | East Massapequa
Sing along to classics with Dominick Paradise as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons—an unforgettable night of music and vibes! ***Family friendly

🤣 04/05 | 8pm | Gabriel Iglesias: Don't Worry Be Fluffy | UBS Arena | Elmont
Laugh out loud with Gabriel Iglesias in this side-splitting comedy night packed with charm, wit, and Fluffy flair.

🦇 04/05 | 7:30pm | Cemetery Cinema™ presents The Bat | Sparkle On Stage | Freeport
Enjoy a chilling night of horror mystery as The Bat returns to the screen—featuring a classic performance by Vincent Price!

📜 04/05 | 2pm | Celebrate National Poetry Month | Bellmore Memorial Library | Bellmore
Join local poets, songwriters, and spoken word artists for an inspiring open mic event in honor of National Poetry Month! ***Family friendly

🎭 04/05 | 2pm | The Show Must Go On! | Elmont Memorial Library | Elmont
 ***Family friendly

🏒 04/04 | New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild | UBS Arena | Elmont
Islanders vs. Wild—high-energy NHL action on home ice. ***Family friendly

🎱 04/05–04/06 | 12pm | L.I. Billiards Elite Road Tour | Raxx Pool Room, Sports Bar & Grill | Garden City South
Competitive Fargo-rated 9-ball weekend—Scotch Doubles and Calcutta kicks off.

🥅 04/06 | New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals | UBS Arena | Elmont
Islanders vs. Capitals—fast-paced face-off full of hockey excitement. ***Family friendly

🎧 04/05 | 7:30pm | Louder Than Love (Freestyle Concert) | Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair | Westbury
High-energy freestyle concert with a star-studded lineup at a legendary venue.

🕺 04/05 | 7pm | T80s Coming Out of Hibernation! | Plattduetsche Park | Franklin Square
Throwback ’80s night with Touch the 80s—retro tunes, dancing, and good vibes.

🌊 04/05 | 8pm | The Chain – Debuts at EGP Land & Sea | EGP Land & Sea | Island Park
Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks tribute with Rumours-era hits by the water.

🎸 04/05 | 8pm | Radio Flashback rocks Nutty Irishman | The Nutty Irishman | Farmingdale
Ultimate ‘70s & ‘80s rock tribute—Radio Flashback brings the classics.

🍻 04/05 | 8pm | Gig at Centre Station | Centre Station | Rockville Centre
Kick back with great music, good drinks, and fun vibes courtesy of Old Dogs, New Tricks!

🍽️ 04/05 | 8pm | Hohw at Swing The Teapot | Swing the Teapot | Floral Park
Cozy night with great food and live music from Hell or High Water Band.

🍸 04/05 | 7:30pm | Hardknocks Rocks the Knight Owl Lounge | Knight Owl Lounge | Oceanside
Get ready for a night of great classic rock with HardKnocks NY at this lively local spot.

🌅 04/05 | 8pm | The Breakfast Club Debuts at Sonny’s Canal House | Sonny’s Canal House | Baldwin Harbor
’80s New Wave and rock hits live at this scenic waterfront spot.

🍔 04/05 | 7pm | Grooving The Rail | The 3rd Rail | Bellmore
Porch Groove brings live jams, tasty bites, and good vibes to this lively Irish pub.

🎷 04/05 | 8pm | Joanne Shaw Taylor Live | Landmark on Main Street | Port Washington
Soulful vocals and bluesy guitar magic from Joanne Shaw Taylor.

Find Your Forever Friend at
The Shelter Connection 🐾

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