“We’re a good kind of a lot”

This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are recapping another busy week repping Discover Long Island and dropping some exciting updates — including record-breaking tourism numbers that prove Long Island is shining brighter than ever.

We’re celebrating three years of growth, nearly $8 billion in visitor spending in 2024, and a massive economic boost that’s helping keep our region thriving year-round.

This week’s Show Us Your Long Islander spotlight shines on Jack Kennedy, a 17-year-old tennis phenom from Huntington who’s now the #1 junior player in the U.S. and competing in the U.S. Open Juniors — just miles from where he first picked up a racquet.

Plus — big wins for Fire Island’s shoreline, Suffolk’s working waterfronts, a new raw bar for LIRR riders, and yes… an actual gator in a Long Island pond. (Only on Long Island, right?)

Don’t miss this episode — it’s full of pride, power moves, and positivity for our region.

#ShowUsYourLongIslander

At just 17, Jack Kennedy from Huntington is the #1 U.S. junior tennis player — and he's now competing in the U.S. Open Juniors, just miles from the Melville courts where he grew up playing.

"I've been watching this tournament since I was five. Playing here now feels like a dream come true," says Jack, who’s also the top college recruit in the nation and has committed to the University of Virginia for 2026.

With big goals to go pro and a love for the game that started right here on Long Island, Jack’s journey is one to watch.

Show us YOUR Long Islander by sending us a DM, give us a call and leave a voicemail at 877-386-6654 x 400 or email us at spillthetea@discoverlongisland.com

#LongIslandLife

We’re celebrating three straight years of record-breaking tourism on Long Island — and we’re just getting started. In 2024 alone, visitors spent an incredible $7.9 billion across our region, a 3.8% jump from last year, generating $945 million in state and local taxes and supporting over 78,000 local jobs. At Discover Long Island, we’re proud to lead the charge in putting our destination on the map with smart, data-driven marketing and unforgettable experiences. From world-class events like the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup to year-round promotions that support our downtowns and small businesses, we’re making sure Long Island shines in every season. Suffolk County saw the biggest gains, with a 7% increase in visitor spending — and thanks to tourism, local households saved nearly $1,000 in taxes. We’re proud to keep Long Island front and center as one of the top travel spots in the country. Let’s keep the momentum going!

#ThisWeekendOnLongIsland

Friday, September 12th

Energy Medicine with Nicholas Pratley at Shou Sugi Ban House

Saturday, September 13th

Deco in Style: 100 Years at Long Island Museum

Patty Larkin & Lucy Kalansky Songbird Sessions at Long Island Game Farm

Sunday, September 14th

Long Island Explorium’s Maker Faire

Arts on Terry (AOT) 2025

For more events to check out and detailed info please visit discoverlongisland.com or download our mobile app!

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