Flesh-Eating Bacteria Found in Long Island Waters Pose Severe Health Risks A deadly "flesh-eating" bacteria, capable of killing people and dogs within 48 hours, has been detected in Long Island waters, according to a warning by Professor Christopher Gobler of the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Speaking at a press conference in Riverhead, Gobler highlighted the growing public health threat posed by the bacteria, which is linked to worsening water quality and climate change. Gobler, who presented findings at the annual State of the Bays Symposium, revealed that the bacteria, known as Vibrio vulnificus, has been spreading along the East Coast, reaching Long Island earlier than expected. While the bacteria was historically confined to the Gulf of Mexico, it has now been found in coastal waters, with hotspots including Sagaponac Pond, Mecox Bay, Georgica Pond, and areas on the North Shore. Gobler emphasized that the risk is particularly high for elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems, as they face a 20 percent chance of death within 48 hours of infection. The bacteria enters the body through open wounds, and Gobler urged people to avoid contact with contaminated water during the summer months. He also recommended wearing protective footwear to prevent cuts and open wounds. While no deaths have been reported in the region since 2023, Gobler warned that the situation remains critical. The presence of Vibrio vulnificus is tied to environmental factors, including rising water temperatures and nitrogen pollution from land-based sources like septic systems.#long_island #suffolk_county #vibrio_vulnificus #professor_christopher_gobler #state_university_of_new_york_at_stony_brock
Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann expected to plead guilty Rex Heuermann, a 62-year-old former architect accused of killing seven women and dumping their bodies along Long Island’s Gilgo Beach, is expected to plead guilty to the charges Wednesday, more than a decade after the discovery of human remains sparked national attention and deepened the mystery of the serial killings. The anticipated plea deal, which would spare him from a potential trial where he faced life in prison without parole, comes just five months before his original trial was set to begin. Heuermann’s attorney, Michael J. Brown, and Suffolk County prosecutors have not publicly commented on the plea agreement, though the court must approve the change of plea for it to proceed. The case centers on the deaths of seven women whose bodies were found between 2010 and 2011 along a beachside parkway in Gilgo Beach, a small oceanfront neighborhood on Long Island’s southern shore. Authorities believe the victims were primarily sex workers, though they have not confirmed all the killings are linked to a single perpetrator. Heuermann, who lived in Massapequa Park, a middle-class suburb about an hour east of Manhattan, was initially charged in the deaths of three women—Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello—who disappeared in 2009 and 2010. These women were among the “Gilgo Four,” a group of sex workers whose bodies were discovered in 2010, bound at the head, midsection, and legs with burlap. The investigation took a major turn in 2022 when Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney reopened the cases, leading to the identification of a Chevrolet Avalanche registered to Heuermann. A tip from an old witness connected the vehicle to the disappearance of Amber Costello, one of the “Gilgo Four.#long_island #suffolk_county #rex_heuermann #gilgo_beach #raymond_a_tierney
Wind Advisory Issued for Long Island with Gusts Up to 50 mph A wind advisory has been issued for Long Island, warning of potential damaging gusts and scattered power outages as a strong frontal system moves through the region. The National Weather Service in Upton reported that the advisory is in effect for Suffolk and Nassau counties from 2 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Tuesday. South winds are expected to reach 15 to 25 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph. Isolated gusts could exceed 55 mph, according to the weather service. The strongest winds are anticipated Monday afternoon through Monday evening as the area transitions into the warm sector ahead of the cold front. Forecasters also issued a dense fog advisory for Long Island, noting that visibility may drop below one mile at times. This advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Tuesday. Additional weather concerns include periods of showers and thunderstorms through Monday night, with the possibility of locally heavy downpours. The National Weather Service predicted storm-total rainfall in the 1- to 2-inch range, highlighting a risk of minor flooding in low-lying, urban, and poorly drained areas. Gusty winds could pose hazards by blowing around unsecured objects, downing tree limbs, and causing brief power outages. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, particularly with high-profile vehicles, while residents are advised to secure outdoor items. As the cold front progresses, winds are expected to shift to the west late Monday night, bringing colder air into the region. Conditions will turn drier on Tuesday, though breezy weather with west wind gusts up to 30 mph is likely in some areas.#national_weather_service #long_island #cold_front #suffolk_county #nassau_county
