May 7, 2020 Newsletter

Greetings!

As we start the month of May, and the weather starts to feel a bit more like spring, we have some updates to report.

Sayville Ferry

On Monday, FIPPOA joined a new weekly call about the Fire Island ferries. We want to make sure that you understand the basic guidelines for ferry operations, which are set by the US Coast Guard. The Fire Island ferry companies are making great efforts to exceed these guidelines in order to keep passengers and crews healthy and safe.

Ferry capacity: While there are no capacity reduction requirements for ferries (or for any essential public transportation, like trains and subways), Sayville Ferry and Fire Island Ferries have voluntarily decided to run at 50% capacity. Even though they are not mandated to do so, they believe it is the right thing to do. We urge you to do your best to maintain social distancing at the docks and on the ferries. Please note that if you choose to take the ferry, you may encounter situations where social distancing is not possible.

Masks: Masks are mandatory on the ferries. The CDC is requiring that everyone wear a mask where there is a possibility of being within six feet of another person—which will most likely be the case on the ferries. Masks protect you and the people around you.

Carry-On Limits: Sayville Ferry has not yet set strict guidelines regarding carry-ons. If passengers do not take it upon themselves to limit carry-ons, it will be forced to set firm restrictions. The other ferries have limited carry-ons to two per person in order to save space for social distancing. To help maintain space on the ferries, we recommend that you ship non-perishable items to the Pines via Coastline.

Schedule : Sayville Ferry monitors passenger capacity on every ferry, and SFS will adjust the schedule to meet demand. SFS hopes to add additional ferries starting May 15th—the new schedule will be published tomorrow. SFS may not operate on a full spring schedule, but it will probably add ferries during peak times. We will report when we have updated schedule information.

Pines Care Center

The Pines Care Center will open on May 15th for telemedicine visits. The office will remain closed, and there will be no doctor onsite until restrictions are eased. Patients can make appointments by calling 631.597.6160 or going to the PCC website and following the instructions. If you have an emergency, please call 911.

Pines Post Office

The Pines Post Office is now open for the season. Due to the limited ferry schedule, the Post Office counter will be open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm. The Post Office lobby will be open daily from 9 am to 4 pm for access to post office boxes. As the ferry schedule allows, the Post Office will return to its Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday schedule, as in previous years. Masks and gloves are required to enter the Post Office. Please follow social distancing guidelines at all times in the Post Office and on its front deck.

Landscaping Debris

Please do not bring your landscaping debris to the Boulevard! FIPPOA is making a big push to clean up the Boulevard this spring, and debris only contributes to the problem. Tony’s Barge will pick up your debris if it is properly bagged or bundled. Please review the pick-up guidelines on the Tony’s Barge website .

Police Enforcement

Kevin Degnan, Deputy Inspector at the Suffolk County Police Department, joined the weekly call with Fire Island community leaders last night to discuss police enforcement of social distancing and masks on the beach, in the harbor, and at house parties. Degnan said that police will use a soft approach at first, informing and educating anyone not following the rules. If the police receive resistance, they will issue a summons and, if pressed, they will arrest offenders. Police will not enforce social distancing requirements at house parties if attendees are wearing masks. The SCPD plans to increase staff for the Memorial Day weekend and subsequent weekends. It will have a strong presence in every Brookhaven community.

Please Follow the Guidelines

As more of residents return to the Pines, we want to urge you to respect the Governor’s Executive Orders and the CDC guidelines. While I cannot tell you what to do or not do, I also urge you to use your common sense. If you return, we ask you to please:

• Wear a mask on the ferry

• Wear a mask in places where you can’t practice social distancing, especially in the harbor

• Practice social distancing where practical

• Refrain from hanging out in large groups

• Come out and plan to stay; avoid travelling back and forth on weekends

And, on a final note, I want to emphasize how fortunate we are in our community. Despite the pandemic, we have beautiful homes, a beautiful new beach, and the ability to enjoy the outdoors safely. Let’s all protect and support each other, and together we’ll make this a great summer.

Best,

Jay

Waren Gluck

DJ Warren Gluck passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2020. Gluck was a mainstay of NYC and Fire Island night life for decades. His music enraptured thousands at The GMHC Monring Party, The Pines Party, The Saint, The Pavilion, The Ice Palace and countless parties across the country. Warren's music was the soundtrack to many summers that his followers spent in the Pines. He will be missed.