Island County

What's Up Newp reports that 19 homes changed hands across Newport County, Rhode Island, between September 28 and October 2. The roundup is part of the outlet's regular coverage of local real estate transactions, listing which properties sold in cities and towns across the county, including Newport.

The James in Garden City has introduced a new lunch service, featuring a $39 executive menu. The offering is aimed at business diners and shoppers looking for a midday option on Long Island's restaurant scene. The hotel-and-dining venue's move adds to the growing lunch competition in the Nassau County area.

A Pine Island builder says Beaufort County has weaponized zoning rules against his development plans, while opponents of the project are standing their ground. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over development and land use on the South Carolina coast, with the builder framing county decisions as punitive and critics insisting the zoning process is being properly enforced.

Collier County commissioners have approved conservation purchases on Marco Island aimed at protecting wildlife habitat. The move will add environmentally sensitive parcels to public conservation land on the barrier island, which is home to species such as burrowing owls and sea turtles that face pressure from development. The decision has drawn attention from Southwest Florida residents following growth and environmental debates in the region.

Attention is turning to Bruce Blakeman's potential agenda should he run for governor of New York. The Nassau County executive, a Republican who has drawn notice for his policies on Long Island, faces questions about what his priorities would be statewide, from taxes and public safety to housing, as speculation about a gubernatorial bid grows.

Kaua'i County ocean safety officials are urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water as multiple brown water advisories remain in effect across the island. Brown water, typically caused by storm runoff, can carry debris, sewage, chemicals and bacteria, posing health risks to swimmers. Officials advise avoiding all flood-affected coastal waters until conditions improve and advisories are lifted.

North Carolina's Outer Banks voters are being reminded of the key dates for the upcoming election, including early voting periods, voter registration deadlines, and Election Day itself. Local outlet Island Free Press has published a guide laying out when residents of Dare County and surrounding communities can register, cast early ballots, and vote in person, helping coastal voters plan ahead.

Dare County, North Carolina released Thursday updates on access to N.C. 12, current travel conditions and ferry service along the Outer Banks. The announcement gives residents and visitors the latest information on road availability and ferry operations, which can change quickly due to weather, overwash or construction affecting the vulnerable stretch of highway that links the barrier islands.

A man from Brevard County, Florida has been arrested following an attempted armed carjacking on Merritt Island. Authorities took him into custody after the incident, though further details about the suspect or circumstances have not yet been released. The story is circulating in local Florida news coverage.

Republic Claims Associates, a public adjuster firm based in Ocean County, New Jersey, has opened dedicated claim assistance for property owners flooded by a recent nor'easter, focusing on Long Beach Island and other shore communities. The service helps homeowners and businesses document damage and navigate insurance claims after coastal flooding struck the Jersey Shore.

Local reporting from Island County, Washington, says the growing number of vacation homes is pushing up pressure on the area's housing market. The Whidbey News-Times and South Whidbey Record both cover how second homes bought by non-residents tighten supply for year-round residents, adding to affordability strains in a county already short on available housing.