Medford, NY|News|
'LA Hip And New York Cool:' Dirty Taco Brings Unique Food to LI
Also: Amazing photos of a whale frolicking in LI waters / Big Lots coming to former Toys R Us location / Aquarium employees robbed

Ryan Bonner is a regional editor at Patch, managing a team of editors who cover more than 80 sites on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. He launched Merrick Patch, the first Patch site in New York, in December 2009. Ryan grew up on Long Island and then headed south to the University of Richmond, where he graduated with majors in journalism and political science. He spent two years as a reporter at a community newspaper in the Richmond suburbs before heading to Seoul, South Korea, where he taught English for a year. After deciding to leave teaching to those with more skills (and patience), Ryan returned home and earned a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. In his free time, Ryan is bossed around by his 7-year-old daughter Brooklyn, 4-year-old son Finn and 1-year-old son Milo. He can be reached at ryan@patch.com
Also: Amazing photos of a whale frolicking in LI waters / Big Lots coming to former Toys R Us location / Aquarium employees robbed

Here's what to expect on Long Island as the remnants of Hurricane Florence head our way.
The single-car crash occurred Sunday evening, police say.
The former Port Jefferson resident is survived by 7 children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
The remnants of Hurricane Florence may cause some issues in our area early next week. See the full forecast.
Four people were killed and one person was seriously injured in a series of tragedies on Long Island roadways.
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Evelyn Rodriguez was hit by an SUV following a confrontation with a driver just before a memorial was to begin for her daughter.
A high surf advisory is in effect as Hurricane Florence churns up seas from hundreds of miles away.
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It happened early Monday morning, police say.
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BREAKING: Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly with strong thunderstorms in the area.
The woman, who was shot in the head, is in critical condition, police say.
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The local burrito joint is under new ownership.
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Mandatory evacuations are underway in the Carolinas as Florence has rapidly intensified into an extremely dangerous hurricane.