🔷 Local Crime – Franklin Square Robbery Arrest
Police from the Fifth Squad arrested 25-year-old Kevin Martinez on Wednesday evening after he allegedly stole merchandise from the 7-Eleven at 850 Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square.
Martinez, described as undomiciled, reportedly threatened a store employee with a broken bottle before fleeing the scene on foot. Officers quickly located and arrested him nearby.
Martinez has been charged with Robbery in the First Degree and is scheduled to be arraigned today at First District Court in Hempstead.
🌱 West Hempstead Resident Goes Native – And Saves Big
Newsday featured West Hempstead’s own Anthony Marinello, who has transformed his front yard into a native plant oasis over the past eight years.
Marinello now spends almost nothing on landscaping—down from $300/month—maintaining his 75-by-100-foot yard with minimal weeding and no mowing.
His colorful, low-maintenance garden features over 200 Long Island native plant species, attracting compliments from neighbors and supporting local biodiversity.
🍕 Dario’s Named One of Long Island’s Best Pizzerias – Again
Newsday’s “Feed Me” section once again includes Dario’s, located at 239 Nassau Blvd., on its list of the top 10 pizzerias on Long Island.
Led by chef and trained pastry artist Dario Carosi, the shop is known for its Roman-style “pizza al taglio” and refined Italian specialties.
Carosi, who moved to the U.S. from Italy in 2016, honed his craft at acclaimed bakeries and Brooklyn’s cult-favorite L’Industrie before opening Dario’s in West Hempstead.
✡️ Community Honors Rabbi Art Vernon
This past Sunday, West Hempstead honored Rabbi Art Vernon for 21 years of dedicated service as spiritual leader of Congregation Shaaray Shalom.
In addition to his religious leadership, Rabbi Vernon has been deeply involved in the broader community.
He retires with warm wishes from residents and congregants alike for his continued health and future endeavors.
🏗️ New Zoning Clears Path for Nassau Coliseum Casino
The Town of Hempstead has approved new zoning that could pave the way for a hotel and casino development at the Nassau Coliseum site.
This comes after Las Vegas Sands canceled its original 99-year lease with the county in April. A new, shorter-term 42-year agreement followed legal challenges and local opposition.
The zoning change revives hopes—and concerns—about bringing a major resort complex to the Nassau HUB.
🏆 Education Spotlight – Dara Perlow Wins NASTAR Award
Congratulations to Ms. Dara Perlow on receiving the NASTAR Award from NASTECH!
This prestigious recognition honors her outstanding leadership and innovation in education.
The community celebrates Ms. Perlow’s commitment to excellence and her impact on West Hempstead students and staff.
