High Tide

The people have spoken: Zohran Mamdani will be the next mayor of New York City. As we went to press, with 91% of the votes counted, Mamdani had secured 50.4% of the vote. Runner-up Andrew Cuomo received 41.6%, and Curtis Sliwa finished with 7.1%. In addition to Mr. Mamdani’s victory, five of the six ballot proposals were approved. The only one that did not pass was the measure to move NYC elections to coincide with presidential election years. Proposal 1, a state proposal, didn’t pass in the city, but passed overall in the state. Locally, Joann Ariola, representing District 32, and Selvena Brooks-Powers, representing District 31—both running unopposed—will retain their City Council seats. For a full breakdown of the election night results, see our coverage on page 2.

*****

Happy Veterans Day! Next Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day. To all who have served—thank you for your service and sacrifice. It can never be overstated how vital our veterans are to this great nation and our way of life.

*****

Next Wednesday, November 12, marks the 24th anniversary of the crash of Flight 587 in Belle Harbor. It was a tragic and terrifying day for our community, coming so soon after 9/11. Two hundred sixty people aboard the flight lost their lives, along with five local Rockaway residents in their homes. We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends who mourn their loved ones.

*****

Have you checked out our Business Directory lately? Pages 27 and 28 have you covered for just about anything you need! Take a look—and when you call one of these businesses, be sure to tell them you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times.

*****

It’s that time of year again! Many of our advertisers are offering holiday specials for the upcoming season. From sales to parties, you’ll find some great deals right here in The Rockaway Times. The peninsula has so much to offer—so when you shop local or take advantage of these specials, remember to mention that you saw their ad with us. We greatly appreciate your support!

*****

Councilwoman Joann Ariola is hosting a Thanksgiving Feast food giveaway. If you or a family you know is in need this Thanksgiving, her office will be distributing pre-cooked meals for families of four experiencing food insecurity. Pick-up is Wednesday, November 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at either her Ozone Park office (93-06 101st Ave.) or Rockaway office (114-12 Beach Channel Drive). You must pre-register by calling Jessica at 718-738-1083. Supplies are limited, so call soon!

*****

November is here and there are only 49 days until Christmas! Mark your calendars: The Little North Pole Lighting is Saturday November 29 and Christmas in Belle Harbor is Sunday, December 7, on Beach 129th Street.

*****

Red Hook Lobster Pound at the Beach 97th Street Concession has announced that they’ll remain open on weekends through November (Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Follow @RockawayClamBar on Instagram for daily updates and weather-related closures. With that, Beach 97th Concession in general has a full music lineup every weekend, all month long!

*****

On Saturday, November 8, at 4 p.m., join your neighbors at the VFW Hall in Broad Channel (705 Shad Creek Road) for an afternoon of community, support, and hope at the Friend in Need Fundraiser. Enjoy DJ entertainment, delicious food, a cash bar, and 50/50 raffles—all for a great cause.

*****

Note that due to Election Day and Veterans Day, this month’s Community Board 14 meeting was rescheduled to last night, November 5. We’ll have a recap next week.