High Tide
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Next Sunday, October 29th is the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.
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As a wise man once said, rain, rain, go away. We sound like a broken record, but enough is enough. It has rained at least one day the past six weekends and we do not appear to be out of the woods yet. In fact, Central Park has seen rain 10 of the last 12 weekends and since July 1, NYC has received about 175% of its historic rainfall average.
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At least last Sunday we actually saw the sun shining while enjoying the first annual Beach 116th Street Fall Festival. The reviews are coming in and it seems to be a consensus success! Congratulations to all who made it happen and a special thank you to all of the business owners from the block who are working tirelessly to make 116th the block it deserves to be. Well done!
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This Saturday, October 21, our friends from the Harbor Light, Callie’s, Pico, Jamesons and Panini Rustico-Baya Bar will be hosting the Second Annual Fall Freedom Fest. Last year was full of good fun, music and company, and we are sure it will be again this year. Fingers crossed on the weather for them. But we have been told it’s rain or shine, so either way, get out and enjoy Freedom Fest. You can check out our article on page 6 and their ad on page 9 for more details.
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After a few weeks of “no news” concerning Floyd Bennett Field, on Monday, the federal court remanded the injunction case back to state court. This is all happening as workers have been spotted this week for the first time beginning to construct the housing structures. As of press time, there had not been a new hearing date set by the state court. Councilwoman Joann Ariola has been at the forefront of these efforts requesting the court to disallow the use of federal land to house a migrant camp. On Tuesday, we also learned that the city’s plan has changed from housing single adult migrants to housing 500 migrant families at Floyd Bennett Field. This is an interesting development given the lack of schools and medical facilities nearby, not to mention the constant flooding at Floyd Bennett.
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Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, through a partnership with the NYC DEP, has arranged for the giveaway of inflatable flood barriers for her constituents of the 23rd Assembly District. The barriers range in size and are meant to prevent flood water from entering your property. Those interested in getting a flood barrier must call the Assemblywoman’s office at 718-945-9550 to RSVP and live within the bounds of the 23rd Assembly District.
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After many years, one of Rockaway’s Mr. Softees, John, will be retiring. We speak on behalf of the community when we say thank you for countless treats throughout the years. Whether it was at the beach wall or after leaving school, John was always around when needed. Enjoy retirement!
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The 100th Precinct is hosting a Children’s Parade and Trunk or Treat event this Sunday, October 22. The parade starts at 12 p.m. at the Boardwalk and Beach 102nd St. and will be immediately followed by the Trunk or Treat at the precinct.
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St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy is hosting the Franny Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, October 21. We have been advised that the westbound lane of Rockaway Beach Boulevard from Beach 127th Street to Beach 139th Street, as well as Beach 129th Street from Newport Ave. to the boulevard will be closed from about 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
