Community Corner

Special Holiday Visitor Stops by Gilgo Beach

A seal hit the local beaches, delighting holiday beach goers but raising some concerns.

Gilgo Beach was packed for Memorial Day and the hot temperatures had local residents reveling. Some partying got out of hand, as the police were called earlier in the day to break up a fight and underage drinkers were targeted. But the biggest seaside thrill came around 4 p.m., when a large seal, either lost or adventurous, came near shore, heading eastward along the Gilgo beachfront.

Crowds followed his progress, wondering about his health. Park managers called the Riverhead Foundation's stranding hotline, and as of 6 p.m. a rescue team was on their way, according to a representative of the non-profit. Marine patrol and 911 were also called in the inital scramble and confusion to locate the correct help.


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