High Tide

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Sean Sheridan, owner of the BayHouse in Breezy Point, last week. Our thoughts are with his family and friends—especially his wife, Maureen, and their two sons. Sean was a friend of The Rockaway Times and always greeted visitors to the BayHouse with warmth and kindness. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

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Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s Sandcastle Contest, and to Councilwoman Joann Ariola for ensuring the event happened! The Rockaway Times and NYC Parks were proud to help. The creativity and talent on display were, as always, very impressive.

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A big shoutout to our columnist Kailey Aiken (“Day in the Life(guard)”), who competed in the Town of Hempstead All-Women Lifeguard Tournament last week, alongside other Rockaway Beach lifeguards. Great job, ladies! And to all our lifeguards—thank you for your hard work and for keeping our beaches and pools safe.

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The Graybeards Family Run returns this Friday, August 8, at St. Francis de Sales. The Kids’ Run starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Special Olympians at 6:45 p.m., the 1-Mile at 7 p.m., and the 5K at 7:15 p.m. A celebration in the schoolyard follows. For details, see their ad on page 15.

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Championship Saturday is coming to Riis Park on August 9, when the Rockaway Beach Volleyball League wraps up its season with a full slate of final tournament action. Stop by for a day of top-level volleyball and beachside fun. And don’t miss the great food at the concessions.

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Local swimming phenom Sean Green made waves at the USA Speedo Junior Nationals in Irvine, California. He shattered the men’s 1500 freestyle meet record with a time of 15:07.49—beating the previous record by nine seconds and winning by an astonishing 15-second margin. Sean also set a meet record in the 800 freestyle (7:55.94) and won gold in the 400 IM (4:15.53). Congratulations, Sean!

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Back-to-school events are already kicking off. On Friday, August 15, from 3 to 6 p.m., EHS will host a Children’s Oral Health Improvement Program. Kids ages 1 to 12 can get free toothbrushes, toothpaste, and learn about dental hygiene through fun activities.

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On Sunday, August 3, at around 6 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire near Beach 61st Street and the boardwalk. No one was injured, but there was property damage. Witnesses said the shooting followed an argument between youths. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

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On Monday, August 4, the NYPD confirmed that the body discovered on July 20 at Beach 98th Street was that of the man who went missing in the water off Beach 97th on the night of July 12. The 37-year-old was identified as Jimmy Rambally of Ozone Park. The body found July 28 on Beach 25th Street was also confirmed to be the 23-year-old African immigrant who went missing in the water on July 25.

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Also on Monday night, around 10 p.m., two NYPD cruisers collided near Seagirt Boulevard and Beach 34th Street while responding to a shots-fired call. Four officers were injured and taken to Jamaica Hospital. As of Tuesday morning, all were reported to be in stable condition.

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There was video posted to Friends of Rockaway Beach of a man showering in the sprinklers at Sandpiper Playground on Beach 106th this week. Adults are prohibited in the playground unless accompanying a child aged 12 and under. It is a misdemeanor. If you see an unaccompanied adult in the playground, please report it to 311, so a Parks Enforcement Patrol officer or police officer can respond.