6 Most Popular Stories on Westhampton-Hampton Bays Patch in 2012

We're counting down the most popular stories on Westhampton-HamptonBays Patch in 2012. Here is a recap of the five people clicked on the most throughout the year.

1. 

A punishing storm surge from Superstorm Sandy washed out much of Dune Road in Hampton Bays on October 29, prompting officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to tour the area.  Images obtained by Westhampton-Hampton Bays Patch only show a glimpse of the damage that Hurricane Sandy caused to Dune Road — which, according to environmental consultant Aram Terchunian, consisted of close to a dozen overwashes.

2. Cops Say 40 People Rescued in Hampton Bays Saturday Night; 3 Face Charges

Southampton Town police detectives said that on Aug. 25, 40 people were rescued from the water or the sandbar in Shinnecock Bay where a party had previously been held and that three people are facing charges related to the massive water rescue incident. Det. Timothy Wilson said it all began at around 8:20 p.m., when the department received a report of two male swimmers who appeared to be in distress in the Shinnecock Inlet.

3. Indian Cove Opens as Cowfish

The former Indian Cove restaurant in Hampton Bays reopened as Cowfish in May.  The new restaurant, is owned by Rumba owner David Hersh and his wife, Rachel, and features simple and affordable steaks and seafood dishes. 

4. 20-Year-Old Injured in Car Fire Dies; Family Mourns Tragic Loss

A young man who was trapped in a burning car fire in Hampton Bays this weekend succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 14, leaving a heartbroken family and friends and a lifetime of dreams unrealized.

Brian A. Gutierrez-Arteaga, 20, was known as a "renaissance" man among his friends — he spoke three languages, played the ukulele, drew, and painted.

5. 

A 35-car pileup on the Long Island Expressway on Dec. 19 killed a Blue Point woman and injured 33 on Wednesday, closing the highway and backing up traffic for miles.

6. Quogue Says 'No' to Eruv

In May, the Village of Quogue denied an application submitted by the East End Eruv Association to install a religious boundary, known as an Eruv on telephone poles within the village. A five-page decision was posted on the village's website that cited previous court cases, and ultimately explaining why the village voted against accepting the application.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.