High Tide
Happy Spring! It’s that unpredictable time of year when you’re not sure whether to break out your summer wardrobe or keep those winter clothes handy — just in case. Hopefully, these chilly days won’t stick around for long.
*****
We hope everyone had a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day! A big congratulations, once again, to Rockaway’s own Mike Benn on the incredible honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the New York City parade. Thanks for representing Rockaway with pride!
*****
Calling all advertisers! Now’s the time to start planning your ad for The Rockaway Times Summer & Community Guide — the must-have publication of the year! The summer magazine hits the stands Thursday before Memorial Day, and advertising deadlines are in early May. Thank you for your continued support!
*****
How about that St. John’s Basketball Team?! Tonight, the Johnnies take on the Omaha Mavericks from the Summit League in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It won’t be a walk in the park, but if they pull off a win, they’ll face either Arkansas or Kansas in the next round. Let’s go Red Storm!
*****
Reminder: Starting April 1, all NYC residents will be required to separate yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper from trash and recycling. Items must be placed in brown bins and put out on the same day as recycling. Property owners will be subject to fines for noncompliance. Those who utilize backyard composting will not be penalized. Need a bin? Purchase a DSNY brown bin at bins.nyc or order a free composting bin decal if using your own container.
*****
On April 2 at 6 p.m., Perfect Piece of the Puzzle Inc. will host “Light Up the Night” at the Beach 94th Street Amphitheater in honor of World Autism Awareness Day and Neurodivergent Awareness Month. As part of the global Light It Up Blue campaign, the amphitheater will glow blue at sundown.
*****
Please don’t call 911 for crimes you read about on social media and are not witness to. Last week, the 100th Precinct responded to two 911 calls at Hammel Houses for active dog fighting in the hallways. After police found nothing going on, the callers admitted that they called 911 after reading about the alleged dog fighting activity there on a local rescue group’s Facebook page. Only call 911 for active emergencies!
*****
Also, leash your pets, and please take caution of loose dogs. There have been a few recent instances of loose dogs biting people around Rockaway. If attacked by a dog, call 911 and report any dog bites to the Department of Health by calling 311. NYC Parks will be doing more patrols on the beach and boardwalk after a woman and her dog were attacked by two loose pitbulls last week.
*****
After Community Board 14 announced that the city claims the new firehouse slated for Beach 116th and Beach Channel Dr. was never a thing, Councilwoman Joann Ariola followed up and was told shovels will be in the ground for the project starting in August.
*****
The Queens Public Library (312 Beach 54th Street) is expanding its facilities. The new space will include two multi-purpose meeting rooms, restrooms, and other essential amenities. The project is expected to be completed by 2027. The library will remain open for most of the construction!
*****
The Rockaway Times 2025 Photo Contest is in full swing! Keep those amazing photos coming. For full details, check page 14. A quick reminder — follow the rules! Submit contest entries (up to four per person) to Contest@Rockawaytimes.com.
*****
Didn’t get your Rockaway Times this week? Take another look! When the forecast calls for inclement weather, your copy of The Rockaway Times will be inserted in the same bag as the coupon circular. If you would rather read the paper online, send an email to mail@rockawaytimes.com and we will sign you up for our free weekly email blast.
