From the I Love Babylon News desk we are proud to bring you Babylon Local! Our Mid-week Magazine of all things Local to the Town of Babylon, NY!

Which Village or Hamlet in Babylon Town has the largest population?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

September in the Town of Babylon marks a vibrant shift from summer warmth to autumn festivities.

The month is packed with community events, offering something for everyone who says “I Love Babylon.”

Headlining the season is the massive Long Island Family Festival at Tanner Park from September 12th to 14th, featuring rides, food, and entertainment on the Great South Bay.

Cultural celebrations are also prominent, with the 8th Annual Ujamaa Fest on September 20th celebrating heritage and community spirit.

For the creative crowd, the Q31 Film Festival offers an outdoor showcase of local talent on September 27th.

From weekly farmers' markets in Amityville and Babylon Village to free concerts in Lindenhurst, September is the perfect time to connect with neighbors and celebrate local life.

7 Day Weather Forecast

That familiar sweet aroma has returned to Babylon Village.

Kilwins, a downtown staple, has officially reopened at 130 Deer Park Avenue under the surprising new ownership of Teja and Manimalika Tunuguntla.

Teja, a chemist, and Manimalika, a pharmacist, fell in love with Babylon's vibrant atmosphere and decided to take over the beloved local business when they saw it had closed.

Since taking the reins in July, the couple completed a light renovation and, in a move celebrated by the community, rehired the shop’s original employees.

Even better for locals, they have lowered prices on their popular fudge, chocolates, and ice cream selections.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, promising plenty of free samples for everyone to enjoy this sweet new chapter.

A gentle, one-year-old rabbit named Whopper is hoping to find her forever family at the Babylon Animal Shelter.

With a calm and curious personality, this fluffy, golden-brown bunny makes an ideal companion for anyone seeking a quiet pet.

Whopper arrived at the Amityville shelter in August and is ready to go home right away.

A major benefit for her new family is that she has already been spayed and microchipped.

Anyone 18 or older is invited to visit the shelter on New Highway to meet her in person, and no appointment is necessary.

The adoption process is simple, with a cash-only fee of $35.

This is a wonderful local opportunity to give a deserving animal a loving home and a second chance at happiness.

Mangia Pizza & Italian Restaurant

A new state law is transforming the school day for students across the Town of Babylon.

The “Distraction-Free Schools” Act mandates a strict bell-to-bell ban on personal electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, which must now be powered off and stored away for the entire day.

State officials championed the law to reduce classroom distractions and improve student mental health.

Local districts are implementing the rule with different methods.

For example, Amityville UFSD is using special storage pouches, while schools in Copiague and Wyandanch are utilizing lockers and backpacks.

Parents who need to contact their child during school hours, even for emergencies, must now go through the main office.

The goal is to foster a more focused learning environment with more face-to-face interaction and far less screen time.

Community Mourns Loss of Trustee Sean Goodwin and Gathers to Honor His Memory

Babylon Village is grieving the loss of Trustee Sean Goodwin, who passed away.

The community is coming together to honor his memory and express their sadness.

Goodwin was known for his dedication to public service and will be deeply missed.

The village is rallying around his family and remembering the impact he had on their lives. Read More...

A profound tragedy has shaken the Town of Babylon community after a man died by suicide at the historic Fire Island Lighthouse on Friday afternoon.

Authorities reported that the unidentified man jumped from the 168-foot tower's observation deck around 1:45 p.m.

The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad and the National Park Service.

As a result, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society closed the popular landmark, disrupting plans for many visitors arriving for the holiday weekend.

The event cast a somber shadow over a location typically celebrated for its scenic beauty and Long Island history.

While the lighthouse was expected to reopen by Sunday, the memory of the tragic event will undoubtedly linger.

The dining scene around Babylon is buzzing with exciting new energy this year.

In nearby Amityville, Mesita has transformed a historic bank into a lively Mexican restaurant boasting over 200 tequilas.

For a more secretive vibe, The Green Door in Lindenhurst serves Latin-inspired small plates in a Prohibition-style speakeasy atmosphere.

Marking a welcome return, Dominican Restaurant 5 is once again serving its beloved authentic cuisine in Deer Park.

And right in town, Babylon Social has become the new go-to hub on Deer Park Avenue, offering craft cocktails and elevated pub fare in a chic, industrial setting.

These fresh spots provide locals with bold new flavors and unique atmospheres for any night out.

An urgent rescue mission is underway after a mother duck and her ducklings were discovered coated in a petroleum product in a Town of Babylon creek.

A local resident alerted authorities, prompting Environmental Conservation Officer DeRose to respond.

The distressed duck family was carefully captured and rushed to the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown for emergency care.

Wildlife rehabilitators at the Suffolk County facility worked to wash the hazardous substance off the birds.

Thankfully, the ducks are showing hopeful signs of recovery and are eating well.

They will remain at the center until they are healthy enough to be released back into the wild.

An investigation is now underway by the DEC and town officials to find the source of the dangerous creek pollution.