Drama on the Roads, in Court, and Around Bellport

Good Morning,

There’s a lot happening this week. We’ve got a legal fight over a cat sanctuary, a driver trying to outsmart the HOV lane, and some serious court news too. If you’re flying soon, don’t forget — you’ll need that REAL ID soon. On the bright side, there’s plenty of fun ahead, from new restaurants and art shows to fitness classes and mystery nights.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

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Local Pulse

🐱 Happy Cat Inc. is suing Kristen Arsenault, the daughter of the late founder of Happy Cat Sanctuary, to recover the sanctuary’s property and cats, claiming she has wrongfully withheld assets following her father's death. Arsenault disputes the claims, asserting her role as sole trustee of her father's trust meant to protect the sanctuary and its cats. Patch

🚓 A Bellport driver was ticketed for driving with a mannequin in the HOV lane on the Long Island Expressway, trying to fake a second passenger to bypass the two-person rule. Police also cited him for illegal window tinting during the stop near Exit 50. Newsday

⚖️ A North Bellport man is facing trial in connection with the death of his neighbor, though his defense argues key evidence will show he was wrongfully accused and that no witness actually saw the shooting. Prosecutors allege the case stemmed from accusations of inappropriate social media interactions. Patch

🛫 Time is running out, starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need an Enhanced Driver’s License or REAL ID to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings, so New Yorkers are urged to upgrade at the DMV before the deadline. Don’t wait until the last minute! DMV

🚓 A drunk driver crashed a BMW into multiple trees in Patchogue, seriously injuring a female passenger who was rushed to the hospital, Suffolk County police said. The driver was charged with DWI and is awaiting arraignment. Daily Voice

Community Highlights

• The Village of Bellport is hosting a {Stronger Seniors workout class} where participants can enjoy a fun fitness session — just bring sneakers, loose clothing, water, and handbell weights! [Village of Bellport]

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is showing The Ballad of Wallis Island, a heartwarming drama-comedy about music, dreams, and second chances. {Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center}

• 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]

• Bellport is hosting a {Budget Meeting and Board of Trustees Meeting via Zoom} on April 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM — [Bellport]

• Sandbar Kitchen Cocktails and Entertainment is set to open May 2, bringing Caribbean-inspired eats, live music, and a lively new vibe to the waterfront at 32 Baker Place. [MSN]

• Bellport will host the {10th Annual Women Empowerment Pass the Torch Ceremony}at the Bellport Country Club on May 17, 2025, celebrating a decade of empowering young leaders through The Butterfly Effect Project.

• 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.

• 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]

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🥍 Quinnipiac freshman Shannon Alden, a Blue Point, N.Y. native, made history by earning Goalie of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and two All-MAAC team honors, leading six Bobcats recognized with postseason awards. Alden is the first MAAC freshman since 2015 to win multiple major awards. Quinnipiac Athletics

🥍 Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) climbed to No. 3 in the USA Lacrosse Public High School Girls' National Top 25 after maintaining a perfect 9-0 record this season. Manchester Valley (Md.) took over the No. 1 spot after a dominant win over Severna Park (Md.). USA Lacrosse Magazine

🥍 Bayport native JJ Aiello has made an immediate impact in his first season with Rutgers men's lacrosse, earning two Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors and helping lead the team to historic wins. The former Bayport-Blue Point High School star says the Knights have a "really special" squad heading into the postseason. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

⚾ Bayport-Blue Point and Center Moriches will clash again Tuesday, with both teams riding impressive win streaks into the matchup. Bayport-Blue Point, undefeated this season, narrowly beat Center Moriches earlier this month and will look to extend their dominance. MaxPreps

Another exciting day of local sports action wrapped up on Thursday, April 24:

Baseball
Bayport-Blue Pt 9 Elwood/J Glenn 1
Patchogue-Medford 5 Walt Whitman 7
Bellport 3 West Islip 11

Softball
Bayport-Blue Pt 9 Center Moriches 0

Boys Tennis
Bayport-Blue Pt 7 Miller Place 0
Patchogue-Medford 3 Middle Country 4

Boys Lacrosse
Patchogue-Medford 15 Brentwood 4
Bellport 5 Walt Whitman 12

Girls Track
Patchogue-Medford 50 Middle Country 90

Girls Flag Football
Patchogue 7 Half Hollow Hills 6

Boys Track
Patchogue-Medford 46 Middle Country 80

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