LIers forget storm, enjoy holiday weekend

Ferries departed for Fire Island Saturday loaded with sun-seeking visitors headed to the beach for summer's last official weekend, with Tropical Storm Irene just a distant memory.

The parking lots near the Fire Island ferry terminal and most of the hotels on Ocean Beach were full, boosting business owners who worried Irene might prematurely end their most bountiful season.

"All week, we were all thinking the worst. I had no idea what was going to happen this weekend," said Harvey Levine, owner of the 22-room Blue Waters Hotel and Seasons Bed and Breakfast. "We got a lot of phone calls and we assured everyone that the lights were on and things were up and running. So far, no cancellations."

Farther west in Long Beach, surfers, cyclists and sunbathers frolicked where the eye of the storm passed just one week earlier. Local resident Jenny Bravo, 31, made peace with Mother Nature Saturday, a week after the storm flooded the basement of her family's home. It could have been worse; the storm could have hit next week when she is expecting to give birth to her second child.

"I am enjoying the beach for the last week before it gets cold and before I give birth," said Bravo, who spent the day with her husband and 2-year-old daughter.

Bob Funker, a contractor, relaxed in front of his Fire Island home with a cup of coffee and a newspaper Saturday. Funker spent the past week patching roofs, repairing siding and cleaning up debris. "Today, I'm taking it easy," he said. "It was a rough week. Right now, you walk around and it seems like nothing's happened though, right?"

Some waterfront homes were still missing shingles. Otherwise, the only evidence of Irene that remained was some police tape, signs telling people to stay off the dunes, and sand bags that were piled up to prevent flooding.

Bob Linekin, owner of Artisans Gallery, an outdoor gallery featuring paintings, jewelry and other work by local artists, said he felt encouraged by the sight of packed ferries tying up to the terminal last night.

"People seem to be ready to party after the storm," Linekin said. "There's more of an eagerness to celebrate life."

Long Beach, too, was more crowded than some expected, partly because of the Quiksilver professional surfing tournament that started Saturday. Bicyclists and pedestrians crowded the boardwalk, careful not to run into one another. The sand was a mass of beach towels, lounge chairs, and volleyball games.

Bi-Wise Drugs, on West Park Avenue and National Boulevard, was stocked up with beach towels, sunglasses, flip flops and bags. Few customers were shopping in the store.

Mitchell Matza, manager of Bi-Wise Drugs, said he is hoping for a busy Labor Day weekend, after having to board up the store and evacuate last weekend because of Irene.

"The hurricane last week put a damper on business," he said. "So far, I haven't seen it picking up, but I am optimistic. Hopefully the surfing will bring people out."

Charles Christensen, owner of nearby Duke Falcon's Global Grill, busily seated customers and set tables, hoping to make up for the income he lost last weekend. "There is only 10 weeks in the summer and we just lost one," said Christensen, who is glad the surfing competition extended the season. "Right now, it's hard to tell what to expect."

Debbie and Tom Duffy, both 51, of Manhattan, sat on beach chairs next to the water. The couple rented a condo near the boardwalk for the summer and were happy Irene was gone.

"It's nice to be back sitting on the beach," Tom Duffy said.