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By Mike White 🎄 Dec. 23, 2025

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☕ Good morning, Long Island!

🎁 Merry Christmas! This will be my last email before the holiday but I'll be back on track next week. Hope you all are enjoying a blessed holiday season and have a wonderful New Year.

✍🏼 Feel free to respond to this email with feedback!

Weather: Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 10 a.m., then gradually ending. High near 40. Christmas will be mostly cloudy with a high near 42.

First, a ‘deranged deer’ runs amok in Lake Ronkonkoma neighborhood

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🦌 What neighbors are describing as a “deranged deer” has been running amok through a Lake Ronkonkoma neighborhood, damaging cars, fences and even homes — all while repeatedly evading authorities.

Second, The Greenery quietly opens second LI location in downtown Islip

🥗 After building a loyal following in downtown Sayville, the healthy bowl and salad spot has quietly opened a second Long Island location in downtown Islip at 454 Main St.

Third, community push helps keep DII Deals & Discounts open in Bellmore

🛒 After months of uncertainty tied to a rent dispute with the property’s landlord, DII Deals and Discounts in Bellmore appears to be staying open.

More headlines to highlight

🕎 Families in the Hamptons came together to build a towering 10-foot LEGO menorah. The colorful creation lit up Hanukkah with tens of thousands of bricks and plenty of community spirit.

🍦 A new Mister Softee ice cream shop is heading to the Aliano Shopping Center in Miller Place this spring. Locals won’t have to wait for warm weather to enjoy soft serve and treats close to home.

🌮 A Long Island-born restaurateur has opened the NY flagship of Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar at Walt Whitman mall. The lively Mexican-inspired spot marks the brand’s return home after nine Florida locations.

🍺 Destination Unknown Beer Co. owner Chris Candiano shared an emotional goodbye as the Bay Shore brewery prepares to close.

🎸 Record Café is bringing vinyl, guitars, and coffee together in a new Patchogue hangout. It’s a blend of music culture and cafe vibes.

🚨 A man was seriously injured in an East Patchogue fireworks explosion. He was airlifted to the hospital with severe lower-body injuries.

Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to Annie.