NYC Mayor Bloomberg has announced that all 14 miles of the city's beaches in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx are now open for summer fun.

NYC has spent more than $270 million to restore these beaches, with $386 million budgeted for future work to fix damaged boardwalks and increase shoreline protection.

New York City beaches include Coney Island, Brighton and Manhattan Beaches in Brooklyn; Rockaway Beach in Queens; Orchard Beach in the Bronx; and Midland, Wolfe's Pond, Cedar Grove and South Beaches in Staten Island.

As we approach Memorial Day, let us remember what this day stands for. This is not a holiday weekend which marks the beginning of summer vacation season.

This, ladies and gentlemen is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor every man and woman, regardless of he color or creed who unselfishly gave up their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

It was first known as Decoration Day and it originated in the years following the Civil War. This then became an official federal holiday in 1971.

The Atlantic hurricane season outlook issued at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an active or extremely active season this year. An era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes in expected to continue.

For the six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook says there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

Flash floods and severe weather warnings are now in effect for parts of NY, NJ, CT as a round of potentially damaging storms moves through our region, according to government forecasters.

NYC, Westchester, Rockland, Hudson and Bergen counties in NY and NJ are being warned that heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods during the evening hours. Some have already reported roads flooded in their area.

Severe weather is possible across the region before midnight. Forecasters say heavy downpours, lightning, hail and damaging winds could also come along with this severe weather system.

City Island is the least known gem of NYC. This a small island is about a mile and a half long by a half mile wide. The population is approximately five thousand residents living on about 253 acres.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6uvT_rd8S4

This charming and quaint Island is located at the extreme western end of long Island Sound, just south of Pelham Bay and east of Eastchester Bay.

Who ever said most pledges made by politicians are all but “empty” promises should reconsider.

NYC Council member Jimmy Vacca has announced the City Council today approved an honorary street re-namings in his district: 'Ed Sadler Way' at the intersection of East Schofield Street and City Island Avenue.

At the Council’s Stated Meeting on Wednesday, May 22nd the Council voted in favor of legislation that will allow the intersection of East Schofield Street and City Island Avenue to be co-named ‘Ed Sadler Way.’

It has now become a tradition since NYC Councilman Jimmy Vacca took office in 2006.

Bronx representative Vacca once again sponsored his annual “Senior Gala” on Tuesday, May 21st at Villa Barone Manor at 737 Throggs Neck Expressway. Vacca was joined by over 400 seniors from senior centers throughout the 13th City Council District.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful four course meal and music from the Willie Rodriguez Band, all courtesy of Council Member James Vacca.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_FS5iWBCaA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OstLTpCmbRU

An enormous tornado a mile wide, with 200 mph. winds ripped through Oklahoma City suburbs on Monday. This twister flattened neighborhoods and crushed a school, which killed at least 24 people.

Officials say the death the toll is expected to rise. The city of Moore was heavily hit, and public safety officials continue their search for survivors.

Tornadoes are difficult to predict. This documentary from NASA is a good introduction to how they work.