🌱Rockville Centre Fire Update + Local Man Linked To 5 Robberies

Get on up, Merrick! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cold. High: 36 Low: 29.

Here are the top five stories today in Merrick:

1. Here's an update about the disastrous tanker truck crash and subsequent fire that happened in Rockville Centre on Feb. 16: The driver of the truck, Emanuel Thornton of Bay Shore, says he lost control of the vehicle after swerving to avoid a car that had entered his lane, reports Nicholas Thornton. Thornton was taken into custody briefly, but investigators found him not to be at fault in the accident. (Newsday; subscription required)
2. Thousands woke without power on Friday morning after a winter storm disrupted infrastructure. PSEG Long Island reported 83 outages, affecting over 2,200 customers in the Long Island area. Oyster Bay fared the worst, with 1,309 homes in the dark. (Daily Voice)
3. A suspect in the November 2021 Sterling National Bank robbery in Merrick has been arrested. Police say Demetri Miller, 58, of Uniondale, entered the Merrick Road bank on Monday, Nov. 8, demanded cash, then fled on foot. Miller was set to be arraigned on Friday, Feb. 25. (Merrick Patch)
4. A West Hempstead man has been charged with multiple robberies in the area. Police have linked Carl Esposito, 58, to five robberies in December 2021. Authorities say Esposito has been arrested 38 times with 36 convictions. (News 12 Connecticut)
5. Looking to fill your schedule for the weekend? Check out the lineup of activities in the area over at the Long Island Press.

Today in Merrick:

• Snowflake Safari - Kids ages 5 years and up are invited to explore the science and beauty of snowflakes at the Environmental Education and Resiliency Center at Hempstead Lake State Park. Reservations required. (10:30 a.m. - noon)
• "Lizzie: The Musical" @ The Madison Theatre at Molloy College - Enjoy an award-winning musical featuring an American legend and a rock-inspired score. Tickets start at $30. (2 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
• Movie Screening: "The Falconer" - The Environmental Education and Resiliency Center at Hempstead Lake State Park hosts a free watch session for ages 16+. (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Twice - Head to the UBS Arena for the peppy sounds of K-pop. Tickets start at $165. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Here's a 'heads-up' for a few events happening on Sunday:
  • Feathered Friend Feeders - Environmental Education and Resiliency Center at Hempstead Lake State Park hosts a children’s program for ages 5 years and up. Reservations required. (1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
  • "The Meeting" by Jeff Stetson - Celebrate Black History Month with a performance by SUNY Nassau Community College's Mainstage Theater. (2 p.m.)
  • Sunday Night Funnies @ The Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown - Head over for laughs from multiple comics. Ages 16+. $14 at the door. (7 p.m.)
• Long Island Brewing Company is hosting the Greekish Rican Grill food truck today and tomorrow, so you can get your brews and your fusion eats all in one happy place. (Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Explore Flying Cars, Stars, Mars, and more this February Break: Saturday 2.19 through Sunday 2.27.22 (February 27)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Get A ‘Taste Of Paradise’ During This Exclusive Event At Atlantis (February 28)
• Andrew Giuliani, Hosted By Restore America NY (March 3)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Exciting News For Long Island From PAL Lacrosse (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Ash DeMello