🌱 NYC Beaches Open For Summer + Lawsuit Filed Over Firehouse Damage

Good morning, Queens! Like many of you, the Patch team is taking some time off to celebrate Memorial Day, so you won't see a newsletter in your inbox on Monday morning. We will be back on Tuesday with your next update, but in the meantime, here's what's happening around town this holiday weekend.

First, today's weather:

A shower and t-storm; breezy. High: 77 Low: 61.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Queens:

1. Summer has arrived in New York City—this weekend, beaches in the city officially open to swimmers every day, with lifeguards present from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beach capacity will not be limited this season, but masks are recommended inside NYC Parks comfort stations. The city is also reminding beachgoers that swimming when lifeguards are not present is unsafe and strictly prohibited. (WABC-TV)
2. Queens Botanical Garden has brought back its outdoor movie night series and a lineup of other summer activities. During the movie nights, QBG offers a $5 snack voucher and either a hands-on craft activity or a live performance, which varies based on the featured film. QBG will also host other events including "Queens in the Garden," featuring NYC drag artist, activist, and TV personality Marti Cummings. (QNS.com)
3. New York City is suing contractors and developers for damage to a Queens firehouse. The New York City Law Department, which represents the mayor and city agencies, filed a lawsuit this month seeking to recover $23 million. Meanwhile, the city built a shelter across from the firehouse to park the heaviest vehicles, but neighbors fear the firehouse will have to close. (PIX11 New York News)

Today in Queens:

• Neversink Reservoir Inaugural Paddle! - HarborLAB (10:00 AM)
• Pop-Up Food & Essentials Pantry - 130-01 Liberty Ave (1:00 PM)
• Soca & Reggae Brunch At Cavali New York (2:00 PM)
• ZERO 10 Year Anniversary Summer: Andhim At Ruins Of Knockdown Center (3:00 PM)

Check out Patch's roundup of Memorial Day Weekend events happening all over the five boroughs, including Monday's Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade in Queens, here.

From my notebook:

• Enjoy some local eats! Flushing Restaurant Week will run through Tuesday, with 15 eateries participating. Get lunch or dinner for two for just $20. (Facebook)
• Support small business owners at Queens Rises Higher on Jun. 25. The street fair-style celebration will feature food vendors, artisan crafts, and live entertainment in the Kaufman Arts District. Admission is free! (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade (May 30)
• The Learning Experience- Summer Camp Ages 2-10 years old LIMITED Space Available (May 31)
• Herbert Holler's Freedom Party® NYC (June 3)
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Announcements:

• 50% Off tickets this week only! NFT Expoverse Los Angeles (Details)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.