Crashes, Court Rulings & Community Fun Ahead

Good Morning,

We’re covering two tragic crashes and a major court ruling in a local teen’s suicide case. But there’s also light—Arbor Day celebrations, new restaurants coming to Patchogue, and fun events across our neighborhoods.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚓 One person is dead following a three-vehicle crash on Long Island, which occurred Sunday night in Bay Shore. Police are investigating the cause of the collision. [Patch]

🛣️ A 26-year-old motorcyclist from Medford, was killed in a crash near Stony Brook University Hospital after hitting a guardrail on Nicolls Road. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the Sunday morning accident. [News 12 Long Island]

Local Pulse

Judge Dismisses TikTok Lawsuit by Bayport Parents in Tragic Teen Suicide Case

A deeply emotional case that drew national attention has reached a critical turning point. On April 17, a Suffolk County judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Dean and Michelle Nasca of Bayport, whose 16-year-old son, Chase, died by suicide after allegedly being exposed to disturbing content on TikTok. The Nascas claimed the app’s algorithm repeatedly pushed unsolicited suicide-related videos to their son, despite his innocent search history.

Chase, an honors student and aspiring athlete, died on February 18, 2022, after stepping in front of a train near his home. The lawsuit alleged that TikTok’s platform fed him videos glorifying suicide methods, including ones referencing train tracks — which the family said had an eerie relevance given their proximity to the LIRR.

Judge Joseph Santorelli ruled that while the content Chase encountered was tragic, TikTok is immune from liability under Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act. This provision shields platforms from legal responsibility for content posted by users. The judge emphasized that TikTok's role as a publisher using editorial algorithms placed it within that protected scope.

The family's attorney, Matthew Bergman of the Social Media Victims Law Center, stated they intend to appeal the ruling. The case, one of several against TikTok, highlights growing national scrutiny over the influence of social media on youth mental health. No comment was given by TikTok or the Nascas following the decision.

Source: Newsday – Full Article

Long Island Firehouses Open Doors to Community as Recruitment Drive Heats Up

This weekend, firehouses across Long Island will swing open their doors to the public in a bid to reverse a troubling trend: the steady decline in volunteer firefighters. As part of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York’s (FASNY) 16th annual RecruitNY campaign, departments will host open houses April 26 and 27, offering tours, demonstrations, and first-hand insights into the life of a volunteer firefighter.

The initiative begins with a press conference on April 24 at 11 a.m. at the Patchogue Fire Department on Jennings Avenue. Local leaders, including Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine and officials from multiple legislative districts, will join FASNY representatives and volunteer firefighters to encourage residents to get involved.

With nearly 90% of New York’s fire departments relying on volunteers, the stakes are high. Statewide, membership has dropped by about 40,000 over the last two decades, even as call volumes increase. A recent FASNY survey showed nearly half of New Yorkers are interested in volunteering—RecruitNY offers the chance to turn that interest into action.

Residents are encouraged to visit their local firehouse this weekend, learn more about volunteering, and see what it takes to protect their communities.

For participating departments and more information, visit www.recruitny.org.

Community Highlights

Patchogue Village to Celebrate Arbor Day with Tuliptree Planting on Bay Avenue

The Village of Patchogue will host its 2025 Arbor Day Tree Planting and Celebration on Thursday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m., according to a press release issued by the Office of the Village Clerk. The event, held at 380 and 390 Bay Avenue, is organized by the Patchogue Village Conservation Tree Committee in collaboration with Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services and the Department of Parks & Recreation.

This year’s tree—a Liriodendron Tulipifera, or tuliptree—is a fast-growing native hardwood admired for its stately height, tulip-shaped blossoms, and golden fall foliage. The tree will serve not only as a visual landmark but as an ecological asset, supporting pollinators and bird species in the area.

Arbor Day, first celebrated in 1872, has grown into an international movement championing tree planting and care. The Arbor Day Foundation, which spearheads initiatives like Tree City USA, has recognized Patchogue as a Tree City multiple times—including each year since 2022.

The public is invited to join the celebration and witness the planting firsthand. For more information, residents can reach out to Village Clerk Lori Devlin at [email protected].

Community Highlights

• 🥯 The popular Halal Munchies chain is looking to move into the former location of Bagelicious in Patchogue. Known for its late-night comfort food, the spot could bring new energy to the busy strip along East Main Street. [Greater Long Island] At the April 22 Village of Patchogue Planning Board meeting, Halal Munchies was approved to open a 12-seat restaurant.

• Aroogas in Patchogue received unanimous approval from the Village of Patchogue Planning Board on April 22nd to swap out 10 unused tables in their back room for 10 games, aiming to attract a different crowd.

• Women Sharing Art, a collective of mixed-media artists, returns to the BAFFA Art Gallery in Sayville with their themed exhibit Beautiful, on view May 3–25, Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 4 PM, with an artists’ reception on May 3 from 1–4 PM. [BAFFA Art Gallery]

• At the April 22 Village of Patchogue Planning Board meeting, Rhum received unanimous approval to build a hard roof over its rooftop dining area, making it usable during light rain or less-than-ideal weather, with no changes to the premises or occupancy.

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour hits Patchogue on October 30th, with original "Columbia" Nell Campbell, a live shadow cast, costume contest, and VIP meet & greet—tickets go on sale April 25, with a presale for PTPA members on April 23. [Patchogue Theatre]

• Bogati is planning to bring its beloved Ecuadorian cheese ice cream and other unique flavors to a new location in Patchogue. [Greater Long Island] The new location was unanimously approved by the Village of Patchogue Planning Board on April 22nd

• The Village of Bellport is hosting a Spring Clean-Up Village Wide event on Saturday, April 26 from 9am–12pm, starting at the Community Center on Bell Street—gloves, bags, and light refreshments will be provided. [Village of Bellport]

• Temple Beth El of Patchogue is hosting a special event on Sunday, April 27 at 3:30pm, featuring Holocaust survivor Mireille Taub, who will share her powerful story of resilience and remembrance. [Temple Beth El of Patchogue]

• The Penguin Lessons is playing at the Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center from April 18–24. This heartwarming drama-comedy follows an Englishman in 1970s Argentina whose life changes after rescuing a penguin.

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is holding its April General Membership Meeting on April 30 at 8am at the BBP Library, featuring a presentation on the BBP School Budget by school administrators and light refreshments.

• Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine is celebrating its 3-year anniversary on April 26 with live mariachi, a DJ, brunch, drink specials, and more at their Patchogue location. Come join the party and toast to an incredible journey with the Ruta family! [Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine]

• The Village of Bellport is hosting its Arbor Day celebration with a tree planting at Village Hall on April 25 at 11:00am. A great way to honor the importance of trees in our environment. [Village of Bellport]

• The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is hosting Murder at Meadow Croft, a live-action CLUE-inspired mystery night on May 17, 2025, where guests can explore the historic estate to solve a whodunit. Tickets go on sale April 15 and include two evening sessions for sleuths aged 12 and up. [Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Friends of the Bayport-Blue Point Library are hosting the Bayminster Dog Parade & Artisan Fair on April 27, 2025, from 1–4 PM, featuring a dog parade with ribbons in multiple categories and a local artisan fair. Suggested donation for parading pups is $20. [Bayport-Blue Point Library]

Local Sports

🥍 Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) held steady at No. 6 in the USA Lacrosse High School Girls' National Top 25 after defeating previously seventh-ranked Westhampton (N.Y.). The strong showing keeps them in the mix among the nation's elite high school teams. [USA Lacrosse]

Here’s your local sports recap from 4/21 action on the field, turf, and course!

Baseball
Bayport-Blue Pt 11 Port Jefferson 1

Boys Tennis
Patchogue-Medford 0 Miller Place 7

Softball
Bayport-Blue Pt 10 Elwood/J Glenn 2

Boys Lacrosse
Bayport-Blue Pt 14 Babylon 8

Girls Golf
Bellport 2 Sayville 7
Bayport-Blue Pt 0 East Islip 9

Girls Lacrosse
Patchogue-Medford 13 Riverhead 6
Bellport 8 H H Hills 10

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