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New York Post
04-07-2025
- New York Post
Long Island on high alert for sharks as thousands head to beach for Fourth of July
This is a 'Jaws'-dropping effort. Officials are on high alert for sharks as thousands are expected to head to Long Island beaches for Independence Day — after one predator took a bite out of a swimmer. New York State and local authorities are beefing up shark patrols for the holiday weekend — and beachgoers will see more drones and helicopters in the air as well as shark-spotting crews stationed along the shoreline. 3 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman takes a swim as Nassau Marine Police patrol Nickerson Beach on June 30, 2025. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 'Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors,' Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. 'We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions,' she said. 'I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.' The state has added six new drones to its shark-hunting arsenal, bringing the total to 28 — along with eight newly trained drone pilots and a high-tech drone for park police equipped with night vision, thermal imaging, and laser range-finding. 3 Nassau Marine Police patrol Nickerson Beach on June 30, 2025. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Lifeguards, marine officers, and surveillance teams from Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as state park officers will scan the waters by land, air and sea with protocols in place to pull swimmers from the ocean anytime a shark is spotted and keep them out for at least an hour after the last sighting. On the county level, Suffolk officials told The Post that the authorities will be conducting routine monitoring. But Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Monday that the county's marine police would be all hands on deck with added patrols, more drones used than ever before, longer air times for helicopters, and additional boats on the water. 3 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks at a press condernce after swimming as Nassau Marine Police patrol Nickerson Beach on June 30, 2025. Brandon Cruz/NY Post State park police will now be assisting both counties with added patrols of their own using the new high-tech drone to spot sharks and send out alerts that would be sent to a coastal awareness network of more than 200 agencies, beach operators, and municipalities stretching from Brooklyn and Queens to the East End. 'Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season, and we're excited to adopt the latest technology to be even more effective,' said New York State Parks Commissioner Randy Simons. Officials are urging beachgoers to stay close to shore, swim in groups, and avoid murky waters or areas with diving birds and schools of fish — where sharks may be lurking out of sight. Swimmers should always follow instructions from lifeguards and park staff, they said.
New York Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Long Island launches new anti-shark patrols after beach bite — as top official dives in to defy ‘Jaws'
You've been warned, Jaws. Nassau County's top elected official took a dip at Nickerson beach Monday to prove the waters were safe — as new anti-shark patrols were launched after one of the predators took a bite out of a swimmer. County Executive Bruce Blakeman said anti-shark patrols would scan local beaches while air- and sea-borne police would also keep an eye out for summertime hazards like riptides. 5 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman took a dip at Nickerson Beach on June 30, 2025 to prove that the waters are safe after a reported shark bite. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 5 Blakeman announced that new anti-shark patrols will be launched for Nassau County beaches. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 'There are sharks in the water,' the Republican told reporters. 'We are increasing our patrols this summer on the oceans as we do every summer, but we're putting up more drones than we have before, keeping our helicopters in the air longer, and our boats on the water longer.' The announcement came about two miles from the spot on Jones Beach where a woman was bitten by a small sand tiger shark last week — a minor incident, though Blakeman said sharks and riptides have become increasingly common on Long Island. . Blakeman said the ultimate goal is safety — and that these increases make sure the marine police can flag any issue in the water that could affect the safety of people swimming before the situation has a chance to escalate. 5 The patrols will work to spot sharks and other hazards like riptides. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 5 Blakeman declared that Nassau beachgoers will have a safe summer if they use common sense. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Beachgoers told The Post they're all for the extra eyes on the ocean. 'I like that there is another set of eyes out on the water so we can just enjoy our time here and not really have to worry about sharks as much,' said Caitlin Rinaldi, a 23-year-old self-described beach bum. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! But others said they felt safe for a 'little while' when the new patrols launched Monday but they feared it was all for show. 'Once [Blakeman] left, so did the patrol,' said Lauren Porcelli, who was visiting the beach with her children. 5 Nassau County will use helicopters and drones to help patrol the shores. Brandon Cruz/NY Post However, Blakeman said he timed the press conference to line up with the Nassau Marine Police's scheduled patrol of Nickerson Beach, and said that they left to patrol another area close by. Blakeman himself took a dive in the ocean and went for a brief swim, declaring beachgoers were in good hands. 'If you just use common sense, you'll have a very safe and fun summer,' Blakeman said.
New York Post
05-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Tech company breaks ground on LI, makes big pledge to bring jobs back from China, India
A Long Island-based tech company said its bringing jobs back home from China and India, pledging to open four factories in Suffolk County. Orbic North America announced its 'Project Patriot' Wednesday — that would mean three new solar-powered factories in Hauppauge and one in Bay Shore opening their doors at the start of next year, bringing 1,000 manufacturing jobs back to America. 'I keep getting asked, 'why,' but I don't think I need to debate with anyone,' Narula said of moving manufacturing to New York and possibly seeing a cut in profits to do so. Advertisement 3 Orbic North America, a Long Island-based tech company, is bringing jobs back home from China and India, while also planning to build four factories across Suffolk County. Brandon Cruz 'We're going to be able to produce more volume and sell more units, so it will offset everything — there will be no loss in profits,' he told The Post. Narula said the company — whose products include phones, computers and parts — will now be able to pump out over 5,000 units a year, thousands more than they were making overseas. Advertisement James Gowen, senior vice president of Supply Chain for Verizon — who is partnered with Orbic North America to power their tech — said that Verizon unequivocally supports the move. 'Our commitment is to invest in America,' he said. Narula said the move had nothing to do with Trump's tariff policy, and said the move was in the works prior to the election. 3 CEO Mike Narula said he isn't debating anyone about relocating manufacturing to the Big Apple, despite potentially seeing a cut in potential profits. Brandon Cruz Advertisement 3 Narula told The Post, 'We're going to be able to produce more volume and sell more units, so it will offset everything — there will be no loss in profits.' Brandon Cruz 'We couldn't have gotten this far if this was just a reaction to his announcement in January,' he said. 'But we need to take control of the supply chain and other manufacturing that needs to be done here.' Advertisement Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine attended the announcement and shared his appreciation for the company 'leading the way and providing the future' for other businesses and Long Islanders. 'Orbic will play a key role in helping define a new era in the Long Island business community,' Romaine told The Post. 'We're looking forward to seeing them open their doors and create hundreds of jobs for Long Island.'
New York Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Nassau County holds Memorial Day tributes to fallen troops with parade, moment of silence: ‘Say a prayer for them'
Nassau County paused in solemn tribute this Memorial Day honoring Long Island's fallen troops with a county-wide moment of silence, a patriotic parade, and heartfelt words from veterans and elected officials alike. County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside members of the county legislature — spoke to a crowd of roughly 150 people in Glen Cove Monday afternoon, honoring the area's historic veteran population for the third year in a row. 'This is the day where we remember those who died in the line of duty defending our country,' Blakeman told The Post. 'Say a prayer for them, for their soul, for their families.' 6 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman marching in the Memorial Day parade in Glen Cove on May 26, 2025. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 6 Blakeman was joined by other Long Island officials for a county-wide moment of silence for fallen troops. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Veterans and civilian residents alike came to the ceremony to honor those who gave their life for the country. Michael Renga, a 17-year-old high school student from Glen Cove who was rocking a full-blown American Flag suit jacket, said the county's celebration is important to him and his 'patriot family.' 'We enjoy this weekend for being the unofficial start to summer, but these ceremonies are important so we can reflect on what the day truly means and how much sacrifice has gone into protecting the freedoms that we have,' Renga, whose grandfather served in World War II, told The Post. But the day means more to those who served — like Howard Stillwagon, a disabled combat veteran who fought in Vietnam. 6 Blakeman encouraged county residents to keep the fallen soldiers in their prayers. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 6 Nassau County residents waiving flags during the Glen Cove parade. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 'I saw about 20 soldiers get killed over in my time in the jungle,' Stillwagon solemnly remembered. 'It really bothered me to see them in a bag going home to their families.' 'It's a party day full of barbeques, but you have to stop and think of the guys that sacrificed their lives.' After the ceremony, Stillwagon led his troop of local combat veterans in the city's parade alongside Blakeman down Glen Cove's Main Street — where businesses were offering deals and specials after the march. 6 Blakeman shaking hands with 95-year-old Ben Farnan — the oldest veteran in the parade. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 6 Blakeman greeting local Vietnam vet Howard Stillwagon and his service dog Cruiser. Brandon Cruz/NY Post A second county-wide moment of silence was scheduled for 6 p.m. later that day, alerting residents with church bells and fire alarms from departments and houses of worship all over Nassau.
New York Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
‘516 Day' has $5.16 beers, clams and anything else honoring the Long Island area code
Long Island's first-ever '516 Day' on Friday will include businesses serving $5.16 beers and clams — and selling other items to honor the local area code. The business-boosting event will actually go for three days with 30 stores participating and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he's hoping it becomes an annual event. '516 Day is a brand-new celebration of everything that makes Long Island and Nassau County great,' Blakeman told reporters at a press event at Oyster Bay Brewery on Thursday. 'It's a time to commemorate our amazing small businesses, tight-knit communities, and vibrant attractions and amenities.' Advertisement 5 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announcing the first '516 Day' celebrating the county's zip code. NY Post/Brandon Cruz 5 Blakeman sampling a 516-themed donut from Vice Donuts in Farmingdale. NY Post/Brandon Cruz Blakeman unveiled the new three-day party Thursday at Oyster Bay Brewery, which is just one of the roughly 30 businesses already participating. Advertisement Shoppers can buy 516-themed items at participating local businesses, which will offer 5.16% discounts and various $5.16 food specials, he said. Vice Donuts will be offering a special sweet-cream filled 'everything bagel' donut for the occasion. 'We wanted something to represent Long Island, and when I think of Long Island I think of a bagel with cream cheese,' said Gina O'Brein, who owns the Farmingdale spot with her husband. 5 516 Day cookies celebrating Long Island small businesses. Advertisement Deals will run through the weekend and vary by location, with some promotions extending beyond food — including discounted chiropractic visits, boutique jewelry, and even two-for-one tickets to see the local arena football team, the New York Dragons. Oyster Bay Brewing Company is also raising a glass to the occasion with a limited-run beer made using local honey from Backyard Bees. The custom brew, created exclusively for 516 Day, comes wrapped in a can featuring the historic Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, blending local flavors with hometown pride. 5 A 516 Lager from Oyster Bay Brewery. NY Post/Brandon Cruz Advertisement 5 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman trying the beer with County Comptroller Elaine Phillips. NY Post/Brandon Cruz 'We want people to celebrate Long Island, shop, eat, explore — and rediscover their own backyard,' Blakeman said
