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🚗 Hamptons Gets Smart About Traffic Jams

The Hamptons recently rolled out a new plan to tackle those frustrating traffic backups that used to drive everyone crazy. On Monday morning, local officials launched changes aimed at easing congestion, especially ahead of the busy summer season.

So, what changed? Traffic lights were adjusted, special lanes were added just for buses, and clearer signage went up to help drivers navigate more efficiently. The goal was to make travel smoother and faster for both locals and the wave of tourists who head to the beach towns each year.

Local leaders expressed excitement about the improvements. As one official said, "We're making our roads safer and easier to use for everyone. We know how frustrated people get stuck in traffic, and we're doing something about it."

These upgrades are a big deal for the Hamptons. With a reputation for stunning beaches and summer fun, the last thing anyone wants is to be trapped in endless traffic. The new measures are expected to help residents get around more easily and keep visitors coming back.

🏡 Town of Oyster Bay Takes Action Against 'Zombie Homes'

The Town of Oyster Bay kicked off a big cleanup project on March 31, 2025, going after run-down properties that have been giving neighbors headaches. These abandoned houses, known as "zombie homes," had become real eyesores in the community.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino is leading the charge, working with local groups and volunteers to fix up these forgotten spots. "We're taking back neighborhoods and removing eyesores from the Town of Oyster Bay," he said, showing his commitment to making things better for everyone who lives there.

The cleanup isn't just about making things look nice - it's about keeping people safe too. Empty, neglected properties can bring down property values and attract crime. Teams are now hard at work clearing out junk, cutting overgrown yards, and making sure buildings follow local rules.

Local news stations have been covering the story, showing lots of community members pitching in to help. It's great to see everyone working together to make their town a nicer place to live.

🌯 Tasty Deals Rolled Out on Burrito Day

April 3rd marked National Burrito Day, and restaurants all over Long Island served up some seriously tasty deals.

Chipotle brought the fun with their Burrito Vault game, where customers had the chance to win BOGO deals or even free burritos for an entire year.

Moe's Southwest Grill offered BOGO burritos and bowls, while QDOBA gave away a free burrito with the purchase of any meal. Taco Bell rewards members scored $2 burritos with a $15 spend, making it a great day for savings.

Baja Fresh, Chronic Tacos, and Del Taco joined the celebration too, each rolling out their own special offers. Whether you tried something new or hit up your favorite spot, Long Islanders made the most of the day.

April 3rd turned out to be more than just another Thursday — it became a delicious reason to connect with friends, enjoy good food, and take advantage of some mouthwatering deals.

🚤 Free Boating Safety Classes Come to Hempstead!

The Town of Hempstead is making a splash with their new boating safety classes. These classes welcome everyone - from first-timers to seasoned sailors - and teach the basics of staying safe on the water.

You'll learn all the must-knows: how to handle your boat, what to do in emergencies, and why life jackets are so important. The Town Supervisor put it best: "We want to ensure that everyone who enjoys our beautiful waterways does so safely."

The classes are happening at different spots around town, making it easy for folks to join in. It's a hands-on experience too - you won't just sit and listen, you'll get to practice what you learn.

With more boats out on the water these days, knowing how to stay safe is super important. These classes help create a community of smart, responsible boaters who can have fun while keeping everyone safe.

NEWSBites

🍽️ New Restaurants To Try

New Mexican Hotspot Spices Up Baldwin 🌮

Tulum Tacos and Tequila just opened in Baldwin, bringing beach vibes and amazing Mexican food to town. The menu features fresh tacos and over 100 tequilas, plus there's a cool outdoor patio. Don't miss their house special "Tulum Taco Trio" with homemade salsas.

Double-Fried Chicken Takes Over Long Island 🍗

Bonchon's famous Korean fried chicken has landed in Centereach, with a Westbury spot. Their super-crispy chicken was such a hit, they sold out on day one! A mixed box with wings and drums goes for $24.98, served with pickled radishes.

🌤️ WeatherWatch

🌧️ April 7
High: 54°F | Low: 41°F
💧 68% chance — rain early, overcast skies

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

🐰 Easter & Spring Fairs

🎉 04/12 | 11:00 AM | Easter Egg Hunt | Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattress Store | East Farmingdale
A fun family-friendly hunt with games, activities, and special furniture deals.

🎉 04/12 | 01:00 PM | Annual Easter Event | Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes | Hicksville
Celebrate Easter with treats, games, and a warm community gathering.

🎉 04/12 | 11:00 AM | WH Lions Club’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt | Hall's Pond Park | West Hempstead
A festive tradition with an egg hunt kicking off right at 11 AM—arrive early!

🛍️ 04/12 - 04/19 | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | Easter Eggstravaganza Market & Egg Hunt | Samanea Mall | Westbury
Browse the market, enjoy festive entertainment, and join a family egg hunt—all under one roof.

🎉 04/12 | 11:00 AM | Orient Beach State Park Spring Egg Hunt | Orient Beach State Park | Orient
Kids enjoy a prize-filled egg hunt in the park!

🎉 04/12 | 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM | Belmont Lake State Park Spring Egg Hunt | Belmont Lake State Park | North Babylon
Egg hunt with fun springtime activities and prizes for kids.

🌼 04/12 | 11:00 AM | LI-DOG Pack Walk™ at Old Westbury Gardens' Spring Dog Festival | Old Westbury Gardens | Old Westbury
Leash up your pup and enjoy a spring walk through scenic gardens during this dog-friendly festival.

🧪 04/12 | 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM | STEM Adventures | Kiddie Academy of Bethpage | Bethpage
Hands-on science and tech fun for curious kids at this free educational event.

💪 04/12 | 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM | Port Jefferson Health & Wellness Fest | The Meadow Club | Port Jefferson Station
Learn from health pros, enjoy wellness demos, and explore how “Health is the Greatest Wealth.”

🎉 04/13 | 10:00 AM | Pancakes with the Easter Bunny | Sonny's Canal House | Baldwin Harbor
Enjoy pancakes, crafts, photos with the Bunny, and raffles at this family fundraiser.

🌸 04/13 - 05/04 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Tulip Festival at Heritage Farm & Garden | 6050 Northern Blvd | Muttontown
Wander through colorful tulip fields daily in a stunning spring celebration for families and flower lovers.

🎉 04/13 | 11:00 AM | Egg Hunt at St. Andrew’s | St. Andrew's Lutheran Church | Garden City South
Community Easter egg hunt hosted by St. Andrew’s and local moms’ group.

🎮 04/07 | 7:00 PM | Stern Army hosted by Long Island Pinball Society | Broadway Commons | Hicksville
Join the pinball action at Round 1 inside Broadway Commons—an evening of games, competition, and arcade fun!

🎤 04/08 | 8:00 PM | Stand-up Comedy featuring James Grimm | The Brokerage Comedy Club | Bellmore
Laugh the night away with James Grimm at this fun comedy night—perfect for singles and comedy lovers alike.

🥂 04/09 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Policy & Culture: Evening of Impact w/ Fabolous | Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum | Uniondale
A stylish night of conversation, culture, and community with music by Fabolous, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live DJ.

🎫 04/09 | 6:30 PM | Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Annual Raffle Dinner | Palm Island Restaurant & Lounge | Baldwin
Join the Baldwin Chamber for an evening of community and excitement at their Annual Reverse Raffle Dinner.

👧 04/09 | 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM | Another Year of Fun Awaits! | Lynbrook Kindergarten Center | Lynbrook
Join the Girl Scouts of Nassau County for an inspiring membership renewal session full of friendship, creativity, and new adventures!

🎓 04/10 | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM | 14th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner | Stewart Manor Country Club | Stewart Manor
Celebrate excellence in education with St. John's University Alumni at their annual awards dinner.

💃 04/10 | 7:00 PM | DJ Smoke's Latin Rhythms Party | Sangria 71-Williston Park | Williston Park
Spice up your Thursday night with tapas, sangria, and Latin beats by DJ Smoke.

🤠 04/11 | 7:00 PM | Tipsy Rodeo – the Authentic Nashville Experience | Mulcahy's Long Island | Wantagh
Grab your cowboy hat for a boot-stomping night of country tunes and Nashville vibes, 21+ only!

🥞 04/13 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Boozy Hip Hop Brunch | VFW Post 5199 | Oceanside
Bottomless brunch, hip hop beats, and Sunday party vibes.

🐠 04/14 | 6:30 PM | Exploring Long Island's Underwater World | Island Park Public Library | Island Park
Join the “Fish Guy” for an underwater tour of Long Island’s marine life.

🎨 04/14 | 7:00 PM | Blooming Elegance: Decoupage Eggs | Gold Coast Public Library | Glen Head
Create beautiful spring eggs using decoupage in this hands-on workshop.

🏒 04/10 | 7:30 PM |New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers | UBS Arena | Elmont
A heated NHL rivalry game between the Islanders and Rangers.

🎯 04/11 |  7:00 PM -  11:00 PM |Darts Tournament | Mer's Pub | Farmingdale
Take aim for a good cause during this competitive pub event.

⛳ 04/12 | 3:00 PM | Masters Tournament Putting Contest | Borrelli's Taproom | Long Beach
Putt for prizes and sip on specials while the Masters play all weekend.

🏃‍♀️ 04/13 | 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Farmingdale Ram Run 5K | Farmingdale State College | East Farmingdale
Walk or run—this inclusive 5K supports a great cause and all skill levels.

👑 04/10 | 8:00 PM | Mary J. Blige | Madison Square Garden | New York
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul lights up MSG with an unforgettable night of R&B.

🤘 04/10 | 7:00 PM | Punk Rock Show | Massapequa VFW Post 7277 | Massapequa
Half Earth, The Great Lie, Olby, and Bed Maker rock the stage punk-style.

💃 04/11 | 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM | The GOOD TIMES BAND Returns | Memories Bar & Grill | Williston Park
Dance, party music, and a night of good vibes with tasty eats and drinks.

🎸 04/11 | 7:00 PM | Zocial @ Coco Bongo LI | Coco Bongo Long Island | Levittown
Decades of rock hits ignite the night at Coco Bongo.

🌮 04/12 | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Pagman & Robin return to Coco Bongo LI | Coco Bongo Long Island | Levittown
Dance, eat, and party all night with Long Island’s newest music duo.

🧙 04/12 | 8:00 PM | A Witch's Brew Live | JJ Coopers LBNY | Long Beach
Spellbinding rock and groove vibes take over JJ Coopers.

🎶 04/12 | 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM | FiveStone at Dox | DOX | Barnum Island
Saturday night waterside tunes—free and fabulous.

🎤 04/12 | 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Once Believed Returns | Paddy Power | Merrick
From classic rock to grunge—relive your favorites with this local band.

🎧 04/12 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | The Shoobies Live | Holiday Inn Plainview-Long Island | Plainview
Catch The Shoobies live at Bistro 495 for a night of covers and good vibes.

🎙️ 04/13 | 6:30 PM | Everything's Fine Tour 2025 | Massapequa VFW Post 7277 | Massapequa
Crash The Calm and more deliver a high-energy live music showcase.

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