High Tide

This is our last High Tide as publishers of The Rockaway Times. We truly cannot thank you, our loyal readers, enough for all of your support over the past few years. We have loved our time at this amazing newspaper, but we have decided the time has come to move on. Beginning June 1, we will be handing the reins over to Margaret Powers and Paul King, who we know will do a fantastic job. We are certain the transition will be seamless for everyone. The entire Rockaway Times “dream team”—Katie, Mary Ellen, Monica, and Fred—will all remain in place. Our very best wishes to Margaret and Paul. We know they will do great things.

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Well, Memorial Day weekend was certainly a washout! But it was wonderful to see the community come together on Monday to honor what Memorial Day is truly about—remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country. Despite the rain, there were still so many people lining Rockaway Beach Boulevard and the boardwalk for the parade.

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Let’s party like it’s 1999! The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. After dominating their opponents through the first three rounds of the playoffs, the Knicks will face the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and Thunder. The Knicks are seeking their first NBA Championship since 1973 (53 years ago!).

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Congratulations to the Manganos, the new owners of Grassy Point in Broad Channel, which officially opens on Saturday, May 30, at 3 p.m. with bar service only. They’ll reopen Sunday, May 31, at 12 p.m., and the following week they’ll begin serving food. Best of luck to them!

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Last Saturday marked the return of lifeguards, who are now officially on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at designated beach locations. Please remember to stay safe and remind your children to swim only where lifeguards are present.

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The Patrick Brady Foundation was established earlier this year in honor of Firefighter Patrick Brady, who died in the line of duty in November. Follow @thepatrickbradyfoundation on Instagram for updates. The Foundation is selling shirts, sweatshirts and stickers featuring an illustration of Brady riding his bike on the boardwalk while holding the American flag. All proceeds from the merchandise, created by Prints Charles, benefit the Foundation. To purchase, visit www.ffpatbrady.myshopify.com

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Be sure to check out the Top 30 finalists in the 2026 Rockaway Times Photo Contest, displayed along the boardwalk in the mid-beach 90s. We’ll announce the Top 10 later this summer, with the grand prize winner revealed in August. The photos will remain on display all summer, along with five honorable mentions at the ferry landing.

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There are so many great things happening around town this summer. How do you keep track of it all? By reading your Rockaway Times 2026 Summer & Community Guide, of course! Didn’t grab one yet? More copies will be dropped off at the usual pickup spots throughout the summer, and if those run out (it is the hottest ticket in town), you can stop by our office for a copy. And please, please support our loyal advertisers. Without them, we would not be able to provide our weekly paper or Summer Guide for FREE.

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On Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m., stop by the Knights of Columbus for a fundraiser for Rockway Warriors Weekend. Wine With Sue will be performing. $20 donation at the door.

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St. Francis de Sales has announced its summer beach Mass schedule. Beach Masses will take place on July 5, August 16, and September 6.