I got an intriguing Ask Billy question from George in NYC: “I read your story about what is happening at The Crown & Anchor.  Did you know the same thing is happening on Fire Island?  Is this all a Ponzi scheme?”

I assume George is referring to our report that Tristan Schukraft, self-proclaimed billionaire and proprietor of The Crown & Anchor in Provincetown opted to not open the hotel rooms for his first season.  He claimed they needed to be renovated.  I wondered if that was a task best tackled off season.  There are similar concerns over one of his Fire Island investments.  Back in 2024, Tristan acquired a number of properties in the Pines Commercial District which include The Blue Whale, the Pavilion, the Canteen, and a shuttered hotel.  He announced that this will be called The Tryst Fire Island.  While the businesses were operating this season, the hotel was not.  I’m told it is an eyesore and people constantly whisper, “I thought this was supposed to be done by now.”  Tristan issued a statement: “Development of The Tryst Fire Island hotel continues to move forward as we work through the permitting process with the Town of Brookhaven.  In the meantime, guests can expect ongoing upgrades across the Waterfront this season, including enhancements like a new awning at The Blue Whale and refreshed bathrooms throughout the property.”  A new awning?  Some WCs?  My, my, my – what a busy weekend he must have had!

When Tristan is drawn to fixer-uppers when it comes to properties and boyfriends, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  Talk about having a lot of balls in the air!  I just discovered this column has some symmetry – both Marilyn Maye and Tuc Watkins are from Kansas City.  You can find more fun facts on BillyMasters.com – the site that always fills in those pesky gaps.  If you have a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Harry Hamlin plays Abraham Lincoln to Rinna’s Mary Todd (even I’d buy a ticket to that)!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.