Community Corner

Outer Beaches To Open Memorial Day Weekend

Will you be driving on the beach this weekend?

Those looking to pack out their four-wheel drive vehicle and head to one of Suffolk County's outer beaches will be able to do just that this weekend, despite earlier predictions that the outer beaches would be closed this season. 

In January, the Suffolk County Parks Department said many of the 17 miles of outer beach were badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy and it was unlikely that all the beaches would open. 

However, after evaluating the beaches, the department determined that they can open with some restrictions. 

At Cupsogue in West Hampton Dunes, off-roaders will only be able to go as far as the camping area, beyond that line, four-wheel drive vehicles will be prohibited. 

At Smith Point, the outer beach will only be available to 700 cars and will likely be closed in the next few weeks as Piping Plovers move in. 

The Outer Beaches at Montauk County Park is open as usual as is Shinnecock East. However, Shinnecock west will remain closed, according to the parks department.

Over recent years, the county's outer beaches have become more popular with hundreds flocking to them. In 2012, 11,500 annual outer beach permits were issued — 300 more than in 2011. 

For information on Suffolk County outer beach permits, click here.

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