A preferred summertime spot on Lengthy Island didn’t permit anybody on the shore after police had been known as about scores of scholars doubtlessly heading there as a part of an unofficial skip day at faculties close by and in New York Metropolis.
Lengthy Seaside police drove up and down the boardwalk after town introduced the seashore was closed to the general public on Friday.
“This morning, NYPD school safety reached out to us and letting us know three schools in Queens were heading in our direction,” mentioned Wealthy DePalma, the appearing police commissioner for Lengthy Seaside.
Police mentioned as soon as they discovered Friday was an unofficial lower day for a lot of faculties in Nassau County and NYC, they closed the seashore and known as county police, MTA police and state police for assist,
“Took away fun for the kids, something they always look forward to doing, a traditional thing. They took it away,” mentioned Lengthy Seaside resident Michelle Nedric.
The choice to halt college students from heading to fashionable summertime spot got here after hundreds of children gathered on a seashore there in June 2024 for a skip day. That get together received out of hand, leading to a teen getting shot close to the boardwalk and pictures ringing out on the prepare station.
Officers mentioned then: by no means once more.
“We want people to come enjoy our beach…Enjoy yourself but senior cut day is not the day to come to Long Beach,” mentioned Metropolis Council President Brendan Finn.
It isn’t the one tri-state spot the place a crackdown has occurred. In Seaside Heights, New Jersey, officers additionally needed to shut the boardwalk after massive gatherings occurred over Memorial Day weekend. Three separate stabbings had been additionally reported over the vacation weekend.
Lengthy Seaside officers need to cease the get together earlier than it will get out of hand. However beachgoers had been divided over town’s newest transfer.
“I say, let the kids party open the beaches. Let them come out and have a good time. They’re gonna use it as a learning experience and hopefully stay safe,” mentioned Jared Ell, who was visiting Lengthy Seaside on Friday.
Town mentioned the seashore will reopen to the general public Saturday morning in time for the weekend. The official first day when the seashore is open and beachgoers can be charged is June 20.
