By Mike White · Aug 12, 2025

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☕ Good morning, Long Island!

🚗 Remember that Belt Parkway scam from last year, where people were staging accidents to cash in on hefty insurance settlements? These Brooklyn men have since been charged, thanks to a dash-cam video.

They are now facing up to 15 years if convicted.

🍟 And remember the outdoor playgrounds at McDonald's? East Patchogue actually had one of the few remaining ones on the Island. But no more.

☀️ Today will be sunny with a high near 86 (but after a little morning fog).

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

📜 You'll also find a nice local history post at the bottom today.

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Huntington • Babylon • Port Jefferson

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ENVIRONMENT

First, Massive buoy linked to offshore wind company washes up on Fire Island

🛟 A mysterious buoy that washed up on Fire Island this weekend has been identified as property of Boskalis, a dredging and offshore marine services company extremely active in the growing offshore wind industry.

🌊 Meanwhile, Empire Wind 1 is moving full speed ahead in the Atlantic, with wind turbine foundations now visible off the coast of Long Island.

🦢 Swans, ducks and fish in East Rockaway have been dying after an underground transmission oil spill on July 14 leaked dielectric fluid into Mill River.

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FOOD & DRINK

Second, Long Beach boardwalk gets a colorful new spot for clean eating

🎨 Healthy doesn't have to mean dull. That's the idea behind the new Barrier Beets, which has just opened steps from the sand in Long Beach.

🍜 What became a fast-favorite in Queens has arrived in Great Neck, offering a fresh take on Chinese cuisine, with dishes designed for sharing.

🍨 And meet the new owners of Kilwins in Patchogue.

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Third, more headlines to highlight

⚾ The former Hofstra softball star who became the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game, has donated the cap she wore Saturday in Atlanta to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

🛝 Centennial Park in Roosevelt has reopened after nearly two years. The park went through a complete $5 million makeover. This is also where basketball legend Dr. J honed his skills as a youth.

🚓 A homeowner in Amagansett last Friday noticed a stranger fast asleep in their backyard. This is the second time in less than a week.

⛑️ It was a frantic Sunday evening on the Long Island Sound, as the Smithtown Harbormaster and Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau rescued six people from danger in two simultaneous water emergencies.

✝️ And this Chaminade teen got a surprise blessing from the Pope.

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LOCAL HISTORY

The summers of genius on Long Island, from Einstein to Paul Simon

Paul Simon was a camp counselor in Brookhaven Hamlet. Truman Capote would entertain at his summer home in Sagaponack. There’s also E.B. White, Shel Silverstein, even Helen Keller. They all had one thing in common: Long Island summers. Click here to read.

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