Bellport Votes, a Break-In, and Rooftop Beats

Good Morning,

We end the week with local police are investigating a break-in at a Medford shop and confirming a non-criminal death in East Patchogue. Bellport voters made their voices heard at the polls, while arts and community events are filling the calendar—from rooftop DJ nights to pickleball and student showcases.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚓 A body found behind the 7-Eleven on Hospital Road in East Patchogue has been ruled a non-criminal death, according to Suffolk County police. Though some locals speculated the deceased may be a missing 63-year-old man, officials have not publicly identified the individual. Greater Long Island

🚨 Police are searching for a man who broke into Kelly's Cards & Gifts in Medford early Saturday morning, smashing a glass door and fleeing with cash. The suspect was seen wearing a yellow AERO hoodie and riding a bicycle. Patch

🗳️ Bellport Village voters have re-elected Maureen Veitch as mayor with 646 votes over Kieran Murphy's 211. For the two open trustee seats, Lorraine Kuehn and Michael Young won with 660 and 644 votes, respectively. Bellport Village

Day in History

Brookhaven Adopts First Dog Leash Law Amid Heated Debate

In a decisive move on June 17, 1958, the Brookhaven Town Board enacted its first ordinance requiring that dogs in unincorporated areas be restrained on leashes or muzzled if off their owners' property. The vote, taken at 11:42 a.m., was unanimous, though not without reservation, as board members acknowledged the law's imperfections but agreed it was a necessary step toward public safety.

This new law, which followed state guidelines from the Agriculture and Markets Department, prohibited unmuzzled dogs from roaming freely and required leashes in public areas. Dogs were also banned from entering food establishments unless permitted and controlled. Violators faced fines of up to $25.

The legislation followed a raucous May 16 public hearing attended by over 400 residents. Passionate voices on both sides filled the halls—first at Town Hall, then at St. Francis Parish Hall due to overcrowding. Around 300 attendees supported the law, while 75 opposed it. Petitions and debates continued to pour in after the hearing, highlighting the community’s deep investment in the issue.

Supervisor Percy B. Raynor acknowledged the law was not perfect but stressed it was a start. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” one Justice of the Peace quipped—underscoring the town’s willingness to act despite ongoing disagreements.

Community Highlights

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is showing Jane Austen Wrecked My Life from June 20–26, a smart and funny French comedy about a clumsy Parisian bookseller who dreams of Austen-style love and literary success. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• The Bayport Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2025 Installation Dinner on June 25 at 6 PM at Satelite Pizza & Restaurant. Get your tickets here. [Bayport Blue Point Chamber]

• The Patchogue hotspot RHUM has kicked off its weekly DJ Fridays series—every Friday from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM—featuring live DJs like Deano & Luca, island‑inspired bites, tropical cocktails, and rooftop vibes.

• Join the celebration of the arts in education at the PEACE Project Showcase on June 23 at 6:30 PM at Toast Coffee + Kitchen, featuring student work, partnership highlights, and more. RSVP here. [Patchogue Arts Council]

• Come play pickleball at Four Sisters Park in Patchogue, NY, where you'll find 9 free, dedicated outdoor concrete courts perfect for connecting with local players and joining games. [Pickleheads]

• Bellport has launched a Name The New EV Contest to find a creative name for its new electric vehicle, funded by a $15,000 Clean Energy Community grant—submit your ideas by August 11, 2025. [Village of Bellport]

• Patchogue's Summer Block Party, hosted by 89 North Music Venue on July 12, will bring back nostalgic vibes with live bands, vibrant vendors, and plenty of community fun. Listen Up Long Island invites everyone to don their best Hawaiian shirts and join the festivities.

• Harmony Cafe is hosting the Growing in Harmony Social Event on June 20, celebrating National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month with a vegetarian lunch, live food demo, and gardening tips at St. James Episcopal Church in Brookhaven. [Harmony Cafe Nonprofit Organization]

• PAC-MOCA is hosting its 2025 Skateboarding Festival in Patchogue on June 29, blending skateboarding, live music, art, and a special film screening with pro skater Chad Caruso.

• The Patchogue Arts Council is now accepting submissions for its Annual Juried Members Exhibition, Patchworks 2025, running from July 26 to September 7, with a reception on opening day. Open to all current members, artists can submit up to two works in any medium by the June 25 deadline. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

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