Bellport’s EV, Snapper Fun & a Wild Storm

Good Morning,

More on last week’s wild lightning strike and a house fire. Bellport’s new EV got its name, neighbors rally for a local family, and there’s no shortage of fun ahead with community events.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚨 Suffolk County police are investigating an early morning burglary at South Shore Vape Lounge in Blue Point, which occurred around 6:15 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities have not yet released further details about the incident. [MSN]

⚡ First covered Friday, the jaw-dropping video of a 10-mile long lightning bolt over Bayport, Long Island, has gained even more traction with additional reporting. Retired FDNY firefighter Kenny Gunther recorded the moment from his bedroom, sparking viral reactions and wild conspiracy theories about the Earth's stability. [Times Now]

🔥 Fire crews responded to a residential blaze at 26 Smith Street in Patchogue on Friday night, with no injuries reported. The incident was logged around 9:16 p.m., and fire units were quickly dispatched to the scene. [Newsbreak]

💗 The East Patchogue community is coming together to support the children of Cheri Graf, a beloved volunteer and mother who passed away unexpectedly. A GoFundMe campaign is raising money to help her children, Madison and Matthew, with daily needs and long-term support. [Greater Long Island]

Community Highlights

Bellport’s New EV Rolls Out With a Name and a Community-Fueled Spirit

After a spirited outpouring of suggestions from residents, the Village of Bellport has chosen “Mr. Hooper” as the official name of its new electric vehicle. The winning name was submitted by Sheryl Moodt, who will receive a gift certificate to Carla Marla’s Ice Cream Parlor in recognition of her fun and fitting entry. The name, a nod to friendly familiarity and perhaps local nostalgia, was selected from a pool of imaginative submissions that highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for sustainability and civic participation.

The contest also yielded a handful of clever honorable mentions, including “Kilowatt” by Kat Cullen, “Bellectric” by Deb Murphy, “Watt’s Up Dock” by Deb Penney, “Glo Hum” by Gwynne Gauntlett, and “Voltaire” by Samir Jain. Each runner-up will receive two cones from Carla Marla’s as a thank-you for their contributions.

Winners can pick up their prizes at Village Hall between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during the week of August 18. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for Mr. Hooper making his rounds along the docks—an exciting symbol of Bellport’s green future, proudly powered by community input.

Community Highlights

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting its August General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at People’s Pub, featuring half-price beer and wine from 6–7 PM and complimentary appetizers. [Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce]

• The 42nd Annual Snapper Derby returns to Mascot Dock in Patchogue on Saturday, August 23 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with prizes, bait provided, and fun for young anglers ages 6 and up. [J&J Sport Fishing]

• Check out these vibrant photos from the August 14 Alive After Five, capturing the energy of Patchogue’s beloved summer street festival series. [Greater Patchogue]

• The South Country Library is hosting a free outdoor screening of Finding Nemo at the Bellport Marina Bandshell on Wednesday, August 20 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. [South Country Library]

• The 17th Annual Sandcastle Contest takes place Saturday, August 23 at Ho Hum Beach, with prizes, local recognition, and fun for all Bellport residents. [Bellport Village Program Fund]

• The Sitting Ducks are performing smooth classic yacht rock as part of the Bellport Summer Bandshell Concert Series on Friday, August 22 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. [Bellport Village]

• Pirlo is bringing his high-energy Latin urban sound to Stereo Garden in Patchogue on Saturday, September 20 at 10:00 PM for a 21+ late-night show. [Stereo Garden]

• Phantom has opened to rave reviews at The Gateway, with critics praising its stunning music and visual spectacle—Long Island Advance calls it “a gorgeous spectacle,” and Dan’s Papers says it’s “Hauntingly Captivating!” [The Gateway]

• Shoshana is now playing at Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center through the week of August 15–21. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• The Infamous Stringdusters will bring their GRAMMY-winning bluegrass energy to Patchogue Theatre on January 21, 2026 for a one-night performance. [Broadway World]

• A new temporary exhibit opens August 16 at the William Floyd Estate, showcasing life on the historic property and recent rehabilitation efforts. The exhibit runs weekends through September 27. [Fire Island National Seashore]

• The Village of Patchogue’s Planning Board/Architectural Advisory Committee is holding its next meeting on August 26 at 6:00 pm, where upcoming development plans and architectural proposals will be reviewed. [Village of Patchogue]

• Dr. Rocky Ruggiero is offering a free webinar, "Renaissance Florence and the Medici", exploring the real influence of the Medici family on the city's famed artistic legacy. [Rocky Ruggiero]

• Bellport Village and the Bellport Village Program Fund will host the annual Sandcastle Contest on Saturday, August 23 at Ho Hum Beach, with prizes and recognition in local media. Registration takes place at Ho Hum Beach.

• The Patchogue Arts Council and Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce present LED: Light Evoking Dreams, October 23–28, transforming Patchogue into a surreal dreamscape with projections, performances, interactive art, and a new Let’s Get Weird Film Festival. Don’t miss this glowing celebration—mark your calendars and plan your visit! [Patchogue Arts Council]

• Experience Meadow Croft After Dark on August 23 with Postcards from Papa, an evening of history, storytelling, and drinks in the Roosevelt summer home featuring guest presenter Brittany Cutrone of Laughlin Vineyard. [Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Gateway Playhouse will present Phantom by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, a lush and emotional retelling of the Phantom story, running from August 1 to 31 with a 24-member cast and grand stage spectacle. Long Island Advance

• The Patchogue Arts Council is accepting submissions for Arts on Terry 2025, a curated contemporary art street fair on September 14, featuring booth space for fine artists. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

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