The Most Unique Long Beach Stories Of 2017

To outsiders, Long Beach may seem like a sleepy little seaside town. But people who live here know that there's always something going on. Things never stop in Long Beach, and the news is no different. That's why Long Beach had some very unique things happen this year. Here are some of the best.

Former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato Escorted Off Plane For Complaining

Al D'Amato caused a bit of a stir at the beginning of the year when he was escorted off a Jet Blue flight from Florida to New York after he complained. You can still watch the video of the scene.

Army Mom Make Surprise Visit To Her Kids' School

In April, U.S. Army Sgt. Shanasia Lowe was able to make a surprise visit to her kids' school in Long Beach to visit them after months of being deployed overseas. Watch their heartfelt reunion.

Long Island Man Arrested After Storming Shakespeare Stage

It seems like ages ago, but during the summer, the Shakespeare in the Park production of King Lear came under fire for basing the look of the main character, who gets murdered at the end of the play, on President Donald Trump. In protest, one local man stormed the stage during a show and was quickly arrested.

Dust Devil Touches Down In Long Beach, Whisks Away Beach Gear

Towards the end of the summer, beach goers in Long Beach were surprised when a dust devil touched down on the shore and swept away some peoples' belongings. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Multiple Whales In Long Beach Waters Cause Awe, And Concern

In November, sharp-eyed residents spotted whales swimming in Reynolds Channel. While they were definitely a sight to behold, conservationists were worried the whales could become stuck there. However, the whales managed to find their way out of the channel and to safety.

Police Respond To Billy Crystal Film Set On Long Island

Right before Thanksgiving, Long Beach police officers responded to a car that had crashed into the side of a building. The only problem was that the crash was a fake. It was part of a new movie staring Billy Crystal that was filming in the area. On the plus side, some of the officers and fire fighters that responded were incorporated into the shoot.

Those were just a small few of the stories we covered in 2017. To keep up to date with everything that happens in Long Beach, be sure to sign up for the Patch Daily Newsletter.