Suffolk Notebook: Foley Sale Idea Returns; Fire Island Surcharge Nixed

Facing serious cash problems for the county, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is looking into an idea that's pit county executive versus legislators in the past: the sale of the Foley Skilled Nursing Facility in Yaphank.

Bellone has hired a consultant to look into the sale option, according to a Newsday report.

The idea to sell the county-run service was long touted by former County Executive Steve Levy, but was sharply opposed by legislators.

That includes Legislator Kate Browning, WFP-Shirley, who told Newsday it appeared Bellone was trying to go behind the legislature's back.

No Surcharge for Fire Island Ferry
Going to the beach won't cost an extra 25 cents this year after Suffolk County this week .

The surcharge would have raised $750,000 for the cash-strapped county.

Bus Service Connects the Forks
Suffolk's Sunday Bus service has picked back up starting on Memorial Day, giving locals and visitors a way to get from Montauk to Orient using public transportation.

The service consists of two lines. The S92 bus line runs from Orient Point to East Hampton, stopping in Sag Harbor, Water Mill, Southampton Village, Hampton Bays, Flanders and Riverhead.

To go on from Riverhead, riders must transfer to the 10C, which stops in East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk.

Grand Jury: Drug Tests Should Be Mandatory
A Suffolk County grand jury this week released a report calling for mandatory drug tests for anybody who causes an accident that kills or injures another person.

The change would mean police could conduct the test without first getting a search warrant, according to an Associated Press story.

The recommendation stemmed from the jury's consideration of the spread of prescription drug abuse on Long Island.

Huntington Beach Shut
The Suffolk County Department of Health on Friday shut down the Huntington Beach Community Association due to high bacteria levels found in the water. The beach will reopen when the levels fall.

In Nassau County, in a row due to bacteria levels.