Community

Why Rockland Residents Still Call It the Tappan Zee Bridge

Published

2 weeks ago

July 30, 2026

For more than 60 years, the Tappan Zee Bridge was more than a way across the Hudson River. It was a landmark that shaped Rockland County’s growth, connected communities, and became part of everyday life for generations of residents.

Opened on December 15, 1955, the original Tappan Zee Bridge linked South Nyack and Tarrytown, providing a vital connection between Rockland and Westchester counties. At the time, the 3.1-mile bridge was the longest in New York State and represented a major engineering achievement.

The bridge helped transform Rockland from a largely rural county into a growing suburban community. As commuting became easier, towns such as Nanuet, New City, Pearl River, and Clarkstown saw rapid residential and commercial development.

The name itself carries the history of the region. “Tappan” refers to the Indigenous Tappan people who lived along the Hudson River, while “Zee” is the Dutch word for sea, describing the river’s unusually wide expanse at that location.

By the early 2000s, the aging bridge was carrying far more traffic than engineers originally anticipated. After decades of debate, a replacement was built, with the new crossing opening in 2017 and 2018. The structure was officially named the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

But for many Rockland residents, the name change never replaced the memories attached to the original bridge.

It was the bridge people crossed to go to work, visit family, head to shopping trips, and begin road trips. It was where generations of residents sat in traffic, watched sunsets over the Hudson, and knew they were almost home.

Names are tied to memories, and for many people who grew up in Rockland County, “the Tappan Zee” is more than a bridge name—it is a connection to a time, a place, and a shared experience.

The new bridge may carry a different official name, but in the hearts of many residents, the crossing will always be the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Photo by Allison Weiss

Community

Truck Overturns on NYS Thruway Near Tappan Zee Bridge, Causing Delays

Published

2 days ago

August 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A traffic incident is causing significant delays on the southbound New York State Thruway near mile marker 16.4, just before the Tappan Zee Bridge.

According to an initial traffic alert, a large truck struck an overpass and overturned across several lanes of the highway. Only the two left lanes are currently getting by.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. and remains ongoing.

Motorists traveling southbound toward Westchester should expect significant delays and consider seeking an alternate route if possible.

Drivers in the area are urged to slow down, use caution and follow directions from emergency personnel.

Photo courtesy: Rockland Fires

Community

Italy Named World’s Top Olive Oil Producer at 2026 NYIOOC

Published

4 days ago

August 8, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Italy has been named the world’s leading olive oil-producing country at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, earning 166 awards, more than any other country represented in the competition.

Producers from 29 countries submitted a total of 1,021 olive oils for blind judging. Judges awarded 464 Gold Awards and 234 Silver Awards across the competition.

Italy’s strong showing comes despite a challenging season for olive growers. Extreme weather conditions and rising production costs have placed additional pressure on producers throughout the country.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria to the olive-growing regions of Puglia and Sicily, Italian producers continue to showcase the country’s long-standing tradition of olive oil craftsmanship.

The results highlight the diversity and consistency of Italian extra virgin olive oil, with producers from across the country earning recognition on the international stage.

For many Italian households and food lovers around the world, extra virgin olive oil remains a kitchen staple — used for everything from dipping and dressing to cooking and finishing traditional dishes.

Do you always keep authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil in your kitchen?