When the skies opened up Saturday evening, hundreds of people were on line for the ferry out of Rockaway. Where do you go when the rain and lightning start falling? Sunoco! A large crowd huddled for shelter near the gas pumps. They still got drenched but took it in stride. After the storm, many happily splashed in puddles while others got out their cell phones to film the amazing, bright orange sunset that followed. It gave new meaning to “service station.”
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With the US Men’s National Team’s loss to Belgium on Monday, all three host countries were eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16. Canada lost on Saturday and Mexico on Sunday. The 2026 World Cup will continue until July 19 with the final game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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The Rockaway Times is grateful for all the positive feedback we received about last week’s America 250 Commemorative edition. We believe it is important to celebrate our common history and honor America’s founding ideals – the true foundation of our success since 1776. The RT will donate copies to local schools.
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Our thoughts are with the family of Lissa O’Shea. The beloved longtime owner of JKS Printing, which closed in May, died on July 5. A wake will be held at O’Connor Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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Two weeks ago, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation issued guidance on how to reduce the risk of shark interactions. It seemed a funny concept until bull sharks started showing up close to shore. Great job by the lifeguards. The repeated closures during the holiday weekend only bolstered the case for a PA system along the boardwalk.
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Lemonade stands are making a comeback! Once a symbol of a bygone era, hardly a weekend goes by without boys and girls selling cool drinks on a hot sidewalk. The difference is that these kids accept Venmo!
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We must be doing something right. According to Google Analytics, the number of users on the Rockaway Times website increased by another 74.8 percent last week with an overall increase in page views of 80.7 percent. Look for new features to be added this month.
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America 250’s Red Glare: Have you ever seen so many fireworks as were shot into the night sky from Rockaway beaches on July 4? If there was a way to measure it, Rockaway would be in the Guinness book.
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The Rockaway Times 2026 Summer & Community Guide is still available. Copies are at the usual pickup spots or stop by our office for a copy. Please support our loyal advertisers. Without them, we would not be able to provide our weekly paper or Summer Guide for FREE.
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Do you need a few days away from the beach but still want to be on the cool water? Paddle out onto Jamaica Bay with the Community Boathouse. View their schedule at www.communityboathouse.org
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For a less strenuous way to be on the water, try NYC Ferry’s Unlimited 2-Day Ticket. For $15, it allows unlimited rides anywhere in the ferry system. It is a fun way to explore the city by water.
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Every third Thursday through August, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers and RDRC host The Arts at Beach 20th Street Plaza. It is a free program that may include live jazz, spoken word, comedy or gospel music.
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The St. Francis de Sales beach Mass was well attended on Sunday, despite the hot weather. The next beach Mass will be on August 15.
