Crime, Classrooms & What’s Up in Patchogue

Good Morning,

Serious headlines with new charges in a gang case, good news for two standout local high schools, and plenty of fun coming up around town—from concerts to cookie carts. We’ve also got highlights from the latest village board meeting and a big win for a local lacrosse star.

Let’s get into it—

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

⚖️ Five alleged MS-13 members have been indicted for two gruesome Long Island murders, including the March killing of a suspected informant whose body was found on a Blue Point beach. Federal prosecutors say the slayings were linked to gang suspicions of cooperation with law enforcement. Greater Long Island

🏫 Patchogue-Medford and Bayport-Blue Point high schools were both featured on Money Inc’s list of the 30 best high schools on Long Island. The ranking praised their strong academic programs, extracurriculars, and standout college readiness. Money Inc

Local Pulse

Patchogue Village Board Summary.

The June 23 Patchogue Village Board meeting opened with a tribute to Dennis Smith, a long-serving community member instrumental in shaping numerous village projects, including the living shoreline and downtown facade enhancements. His passing was met with a moment of reflection and gratitude for his legacy. Financial approvals followed, with the board greenlighting over $1.6 million in expenditures, including major allocations for ambulance services, health insurance, and sewer upgrades. A central topic was a public hearing on extending rooftop dining regulations to the hotel district. While the proposed expansion received support, residents voiced concern over traffic and parking tied to a new hotel project. Some pointed to an insufficient traffic study that failed to consider local school routes and transit hubs.

Progress on the Phase 2 sewer project was praised, with over half of the work completed and good communication reported between contractors and residents. The Business Improvement District shared positive updates, including thriving farmers market, accessibility improvements, and upcoming environmental initiatives like oyster restoration programs in partnership with local schools. Other highlights included a booming year for the building department with over $1.8 million in revenue, a new parking lease agreement, and staffing changes ahead of the busy summer event season. Residents can look forward to Alive After 5, Christmas in July, and the return of the St. Liberata Festival.

See the Meeting on Youtube

Community Highlights

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center in Patchogue is hosting a film discussion with Professor Peter Mascuch following the June 27 screening of Materialists, a romantic dramedy playing through July 3. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• Gershow Recycling sponsored the Medford Chamber’s Concert for Veterans on June 13 at Medford Memorial Park, part of the chamber’s summer concert series featuring The Projekt. [Gershow Recycling]

• Artwork from the South Bay Art Association's plein air event will be showcased at the Bellport Day Exhibition on Saturday, July 26, with judging taking place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. [South Bay Art Association]

• Stella Moo's Bakery Cart debuts on Sunday, June 29 from 12 PM to 3 PM at 215 Schoenfeld Blvd in Patchogue, offering sweet treats like cookies, brownies, and cheesecake-stuffed cannolis—rain or shine every Sunday. [Patch]

• The New York State Senate has launched the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color our World: Colorea Nuestro Mundo,” encouraging kids to read for fun and discovery all summer long. Participants can earn an official certificate by submitting their reading form by August 22. [New York State Senate]

• The IRIEspect: Summer Block Party presented by Listen Up LI! Music & Arts Festival is happening at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue on Saturday, July 12 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, featuring live painting, local bands, vendors, and that classic Long Island summer vibe.

• Catch Seven Turns, an Allman Brothers tribute band, at the Summer Bandshell Concert on Friday, June 27 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. [Village of Bellport]

• Don’t forget to pay your Village Taxes by July 1 to avoid penalties. [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.

• 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.

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🥍 Bayport-Blue Point’s Aubrie Eisfeld was named Newsday’s 2025 All-Long Island Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year after leading her team to a state Class C championship. The Clemson-bound senior dominated the postseason and was celebrated alongside the region’s top talent. Newsday

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