High Tide

The Rockaway Times would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who helped make the 51st Annual Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day Parade yet another smashing success. As always, a good time was had by all. And thank you to Mother Nature, who cooperated—for the most part—by melting the snow and even allowing some sunshine to shine down on all those Irish smiles early in the day!

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This Tuesday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day. Like many great things in Rockaway, we love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day twice. So enjoy the corned beef once more and pour another round of Guinness. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Sláinte!

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On St. Patrick’s Day, Councilwoman Joann Ariola and the Irish Arts Center are promoting Irish literature by handing out free books starting at 8 a.m. and until supplies last, outside of the Beach 116th train station.

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Losing an hour this past weekend may have hurt a little on Sunday morning after Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day. While daylight saving time may wreak havoc on the body’s routine, there’s no denying how nice it is to have an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day.

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With daylight saving time comes another welcome milestone—spring arrives in just eight days, next Friday, March 20. And how nice it is to finally feel like it’s on the way with the first taste of spring weather we’re enjoying this week.

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The large vacant lot across from the ferry landing at Beach Channel Drive and Beach 108th Street is officially on the market. According to LoopNet.com, the 8.6-acre parcel of commercially zoned land is listed for a cool $24 million. With the ferry dock just across the street and the Rockaway Hotel around the corner, the property certainly sits in a prime location on the peninsula.

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March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the trailblazers—past and present—who have made, and continue to make, a difference in our society. Thank you to all the women who have made an impact.

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Calling all advertisers! We repeat—calling all advertisers! Start thinking about your ad for The Rockaway Times Summer & Community Guide, the one can’t-miss publication of the year. The summer magazine comes out the Thursday before Memorial Day, and advertising deadlines will be in early May. Thank you for your continued support and participation!

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Councilwoman Joann Ariola has announced a Spring Food Distribution on Wednesday, April 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at her office at 114-12 Beach Channel Drive. Individual meals of chicken, a side vegetable, and dessert will be distributed. You must live in District 32 to register. Call 718-318-6411.

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Just a few reminders from the 101st Precinct on safeguarding your vehic­les: always shut the ignition off when exiting, close windows and secure doors, remove all valuables, and take your keys and key fobs with you.

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Some business news. Rockaway Beach Bakery closed up shop in February but owner Tracey Obolsky says to look out for something in the future. Also, the former 101 Deli, is now open as Rockaway Beach Market, a deli with sandwiches for lunch and breakfast, acai bowls, smoothies, and more.

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Our thoughts and prayers continue, as always, for our troops around the world. We especially pray for those serving in the Middle East and for peace in the region.

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Submissions for the 2026 Rockaway Times Photo Contest are rolling in, and the photos have been fantastic so far. Keep them coming! To be eligible, photos must be emailed to Contest@RockawayTimes.com. We will continue to run our regular Local Color pages, but those photos should be sent to Mail@RockawayTimes.com. We look forward to reviewing your submissions. For more details, see page 33.