Rabbis Say Get Vaccinated + Power Outages + FOIL Request Overload

Good morning, Five Towns! It's Friday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Five Towns today.

Nassau County got hit by storm Ida Wednesday night but most power outages were restored quickly. Nassau Police will add extra patrols to make sure those observing Jewish holy days are safe. Thirteen local rabbis had one unified message in a recent video: get the COVID-19 vaccine. And find out what village government is working overtime to fulfill a large number of FOIL requests from a handful of residents.

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First, today's weather will be clear throughout the day with a high of 74 and a low of 61 degrees.

Here are the top stories in Five Towns today:

1. Jerry Barmash looks at how many Long Islanders lost power late Wednesday night from Ida the storm. The wind, rain and flooding hit Nassau County harder. PSEG LI reported 24,000 customers had their power restored by 7 a.m. Thursday morning, leaving 6,650 customers without electricity as of 9:20 a.m. (Patch)
2. Alex Costello reports that Nassau County Police will step up patrols for the Jewish holy days at houses of worship and created a 24-hour hotline to call with any issues. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran told Jewish residents that they will be able to worship in peace and safety with a "zero tolerance policy for antisemitism." (Patch)
3. Ed Weintrob looks at a recent video from 13 rabbis from the Five Towns and Far Rockaway encouraging their communities to get vaccinated. The video was shared on social media this week. (LI Herald)
4. Jeff Bessen has the details on a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle near the Young Israel of Woodmere synagogue between Island and Longacre avenues on Peninsula Boulevard in Woodmere. The 6 a.m. accident on Wednesday morning left him injured. (LI Herald)
5. The Herald also looks at how Hewlett Harbor is receiving a high number of Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, resulting in the village needing to hire more staff. The small village says it's been inundated for years with FOIL requests from resident John Novello and others. (LI Herald)

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Five Towns Patch Notebook

• Have you thanked a crossing guard lately? Meet 8th Precinct Crossing Guard Michael Kearney, who mans a post on Wantagh Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike in Island Trees. (Facebook)

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— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Five Towns Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at fivetowns@patch.com.