Deadly Discovery on the Beach & a Hospital's New Chapter

Good Morning,

Today brings a mix of troubling and transformative news for our community. As authorities investigate a tragic homicide in Blue Point and a robbery in North Bellport, environmental officials are looking into the mysterious deaths of birds along our shores.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

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Local Pulse

🚗 A three-vehicle crash on Sunrise Highway caused significant traffic delays, according to police. Authorities are investigating the incident, but no serious injuries have been reported. Patch

🦆 State Investigating Dead Birds Found on Three South Shore Beaches — The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is assessing reports of dead birds on beaches in Bellport, East Patchogue, and Shirley, with testing underway on collected samples. Officials suspect Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) may be responsible and are urging the public to follow CDC guidelines to avoid contact with affected wildlife. Patch

🚔 Chinese Food Delivery Man Robbed in North Bellport, Police Say — A food delivery worker was robbed while making a delivery in North Bellport, according to police. Authorities are investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to come forward. Patch

🏥 Patchogue Community Hospital Officially Joins NYU Langone — Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue has now fully integrated into the NYU Langone Health system. The transition is expected to bring expanded medical services, advanced technology, and enhanced patient care to the region. Long Island Business News

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Local Pulse

Body of Central Islip Man Found on Blue Point Beach Ruled Homicide

The Suffolk County Police Department is investigating the death of a 27-year-old man whose body was discovered on a Blue Point beach early Tuesday morning. Authorities have identified the victim as Carlos Lopez of Central Islip, confirming that he suffered stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police responded to a call around 6:30 a.m. after Lopez's body was found at the end of Blue Point Avenue. The case is now under investigation by the Homicide Squad, though no further details have been released regarding potential suspects or motives.

Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported to the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

This story is base on Newsday story by By Maureen Mullarkey

Community Highlights

• Step inside five historic mansions that define New York luxury, including one in Bellport, showcasing timeless architecture, opulent design, and a glimpse into the state's elite past.

• Enjoy a night of mystery and intrigue at Murder at Hilltop Manor on March 29, benefiting Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services. This interactive murder mystery event promises an evening of fun while supporting a great cause!

• Get ready to sing your heart out at Emo Karaoke Night on March 6, 2025, in Patchogue! Whether you're reliving your pop-punk phase or just love a good throwback, this is your chance to belt out all your favorite emo anthems. 🎤🖤

• Step into nostalgia at the '90s Computer Lab: Video Game Cartoon Takeover on Friday, March 21, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Medford Branch! Enjoy classic Nintendo cartoons and play '90s favorites like Super Mario and Zelda—no registration required! 🎮📺

• Blue Point Brewing Co. has introduced Long Island Light, a premium craft lager designed for easy drinking with a crisp and refreshing taste.

• This Long Islander almost joined the FBI, but instead, he built a McDonald's empire with his family, growing a successful franchise business across the region. Kaufman just opened Long Island’s newest McDonald’s last year, this time in Blue Point.

• The Conservation Tree Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, to discuss potential legislation protecting trees on private property, review plans for the DEC Main Street Planting Grant, and plan the annual Arbor Day Celebration. 🕒 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM 📍 Location: Village Hall, 14 Baker Street, Patchogue, NY 11772

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🥍 Maritime College Cruises Past New Paltz, 12-7 — Bayport natives played a key role in the Privateers' dominant win, with Nick LiPuma scoring twice and Ryan Hannaford contributing a goal and two assists. Maritime built a 9-2 halftime lead and held off a late Hawks push, securing the victory behind a hat trick from Connor Tomich and 15 saves from Michael Monahan. [Hudson Valley Sports Report]

🥍 Bayport’s Felicia Giglio Earns Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week Honors — Navy sophomore Felicia Giglio shined in net, posting a .512 save percentage while leading the Midshipmen to a 2-0 week, including a 14-12 upset over No. 11 Virginia. The Bayport Blue-Point alum totaled 21 saves, eight ground balls, and four caused turnovers across both wins. [Patriot League]

🤼 Medford’s Ben Katz Earns Fourth Place at Regionals for Springfield College — Competing in the 285-pound bracket, Ben Katz (Medford, N.Y.) battled his way to a fourth-place finish at the regional championships. Katz secured a podium spot after a clutch pin in the consolation semifinals but fell to 15th-ranked Adolfo Betancur in the third-place match, closing out his season. Springfield College Athletics

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