The William Floyd School District recently hosted the Tri Hamlet 250 Committee, along with state, county, and town officials, to commemorate the 291st anniversary of William Floyd’s birth. Floyd was one of only 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and remains Suffolk County’s sole representative among them.
Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella emceed the event and led efforts behind County Resolution 776-2025, which designates December 17 each year as “William Floyd Day” in Suffolk County. The resolution aims to keep Floyd’s legacy present in public memory as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
“As someone who was born and raised right here, a proud graduate of William Floyd High School, and someone who still calls this community home, it is truly meaningful to honor Suffolk County’s only signer of the Declaration of Independence,” said Legislator Mazzarella. He also noted that Floyd was one of four New Yorkers and the only Long Islander to sign the document.
Floyd was born in Mastic on December 17, 1734. He lived his entire life in Suffolk County and served as a militia leader, delegate to the Continental Congress, and founding father. His residence, known as Old Mastic House on the grounds of the William Floyd Estate, remains standing today.
“William Floyd Day is about more than honoring the past. It’s about strengthening local pride and reminding our children that history didn’t just happen somewhere else – it happened here, through people who walked the same roads and lived in the same communities we do today,” added Legislator Mazzarella. “Thank you to the Tri-Hamlet 250 Committee, students, educators, and community leaders who joined us to make today so special.”
During the ceremony at William Floyd High School—one of ten schools operated by the district—Concert Choir officers performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Happy Birthday.” Speakers included State Senator Dean Murray; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico; Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig; and Town Historian Barbara Russell.
Ed Romaine announced a new free digital book titled “Long Island’s Path to Independence: A Revolutionary Historical Passport.” The event also featured presentation of a special American flag marking America’s upcoming semiquincentennial by both the Tri Hamlet 250 Committee and Mastic Peninsula Historical Society.
The William Floyd School District serves over 9,400 students from kindergarten through grade twelve across ten schools on Long Island’s south shore according to its official website. The district has received recognition for music education excellence and provides programs spanning STEM subjects, career training—including engineering—and arts as detailed online. Collaboration among students, parents, educators, staff members and community partners is central to supporting student growth within an inclusive environment as stated by district leadership.
District alumni have been recognized for their achievements in scholarship programs as well as contributions to educational leadership and service within their communities per district reports.
