Fires, Crashes & Crime—What’s Happening Locally

Good Morning,

Today's news covers a series of local emergencies, including multiple fires in Patchogue and Bayport, a vehicle fire at Home Depot, and a crash on Sunrise Highway.

In history, we look back at a bizarre 1935 bank robbery hoax that fooled an entire region. Plus, upcoming community events include business meetings, an art discussion, a film screening, and a live Ancient Aliens show at the Patchogue Theatre.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚒 A vehicle fire broke out in the parking lot of the Home Depot in North Patchogue, prompting a response from emergency crews. Police confirmed there were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Patch

🕵️ A Central Islip man was found murdered on a Blue Point beach early on March 4, prompting a homicide investigation. Police discovered 27-year-old Carlos Lopez with stab wounds after a passerby reported a body near the end of Blue Point Avenue. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Squad or Crime Stoppers. TBR News Media

🔥 Arson detectives are investigating a fire in Patchogue after police responded to the scene on Tuesday night. Authorities have not yet released details on possible causes or suspects. Patch

📱 Patchogue-Medford High School hosted a panel discussion on the impact of cellphones in schools, addressing concerns over distractions, mental health, and academic performance. Educators, parents, and students shared perspectives on how phone use affects learning and school culture. News 12

🔥 Firefighters battled a house fire in Bayport, working to contain the flames and prevent further damage. Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the fire or any potential injuries. Patch 

🚗 A crash into a guardrail on Sunrise Highway led to a one-lane closure as police responded to the scene. Authorities have not yet released details on any injuries or the cause of the accident. Patch

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Day in History

Rumors Run Wild: The Bank Robbery That Never Happened

In an era long before social media, misinformation still found a way to spread. On March 8, 1935, the Patchogue Advance reported a bizarre incident in which the entire region knew about a bank robbery—except for the people in the town where it supposedly happened.

Residents across Patchogue, Moriches, Center Moriches, East Moriches, and Eastport were abuzz with news that bandits had hit the Bellport National Bank, making off with $6,000. Remarkably, the amount never changed as the story circulated, lending it an air of credibility. But there was just one problem: there had been no robbery.

The origins of the rumor were unknown, but by midday, it was widely accepted as fact in the surrounding villages. Bank officials in Bellport remained oblivious until the story gained so much traction that even other banks called to confirm details. A newspaperman, eager to verify the scoop, received a simple and bewildered response from the Bellport bank: “We don’t know a thing about it.”

This 1935 hoax serves as a reminder that fake news is nothing new. Long before the internet, rumors could spread just as quickly, leaving truth struggling to catch up.

Community Highlights

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Chamber meeting on Wednesday, March 26th, at 5:30 PM at Therm-a-Trol, 120 Division Ave, Blue Point. Enjoy a program on improving your online visibility while networking and enjoying refreshments. Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce

• Coffee with a Curator is happening on March 8, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, featuring curator John Cino and artists from MYTHOS. Join in person at PAC • MOCA L.I., 20 Terry Street, Patchogue, NY, or via Zoom (Meeting ID: 873 0499 3359, Passcode: 962774). Patchogue Arts Council • MOCA L.I.

• Ancient Aliens LIVE is coming to the Patchogue Theatre on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM, featuring Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, William Henry, Nick Pope, and Jason Martell. This ninety-minute live experience delves into extraterrestrial theories from Ancient Egypt to the moon. VIP Meet & Greet add-ons are available for an exclusive photo opportunity with the featured contributors. Tickets are priced between $60.00 - $121.00, including fees.

• Bellport Chamber of Commerce Members Meeting on Wednesday, March 12th, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Painters Restaurant, Brookhaven, NY, for an informative session on bank fraud protection. Patricia Tutiven, SVP, and Gabrielle Corsetti, SRB, from M&T Bank will provide expert insights on safeguarding your finances. $40 per person, includes dinner. Pre-registration required—payment accepted at the door via check, cash, or credit. Register here.

• Catch I'm Still Here (March 7-13, 2025) at Plaza MAC—a gripping PG-13 drama about Eunice Paiva’s search for her missing husband, former PTB deputy Rubens, while keeping her family together. Join Professor Peter Mascuch for a film discussion on March 12th after the 7:30 PM show. Professor Mascuch teaches English and Film Studies at St. Joseph’s University. For showtimes and tickets, visit Plaza MAC.

Community Highlights

High School Cosmetology Program Brings Beauty and Connection to Brookhaven Health Care Facility

Students in the Patchogue-Medford High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) cosmetology program are using their skills to make a difference, offering free hair, makeup, and nail services to residents of the Brookhaven Health Care Facility. As part of Career and Technical Education Month, the students recently visited the facility, fostering connections and brightening the day for local seniors.

The initiative, which began in the fall, has already led to multiple visits, allowing students to practice their craft while bringing joy to the residents. Nicole Costantino, the program’s teacher, emphasized that beyond learning about beauty services, the students are committed to uplifting others and building community ties. They not only serve facility residents but also assist staff, classmates, and even contribute their skills to high school theater productions.

Brookhaven Health Care Facility activities director Sabrina Riquelme-Cadogan praised the collaboration, noting that the experience goes beyond beauty treatments—it creates intergenerational connections and boosts confidence among residents.

Established in 2023, the cosmetology program is one of eight CTE programs at the high school, preparing students to earn their cosmetology licenses by graduation. By working hands-on with community partners, students gain real-world experience while strengthening their passion for the industry.

For more information, visit Press Release.

Community Highlights

Open Call for Mural Artists – Annual Themescape Mural Project

The Patchogue Arts Council • MOCA L.I., in collaboration with the Patchogue-Medford Library, is accepting submissions for a temporary mural inspired by the PMLIB 2025 summer reading theme, "Color Our World."

The mural will be displayed in a high-visibility location on the rear of the Patchogue-Medford Library, serving as a backdrop for community events through 2025-2026. Artists with prior mural experience are encouraged to apply. A $2,000 stipend will be provided, along with donated supplies and professional documentation of the process.

📅 Important Dates

• April 8, 2025 – Submission Deadline

• May 1, 2025 – Artist Notification

• June 1-20, 2025 – Mural Installation

Submissions accepted ONLY through the digital form. Apply here.

For questions, email [email protected].

Local Sports

🏀 Bayport-Blue Point put up a tough fight in the Suffolk Class A boys basketball semifinal but couldn’t keep up with Mt. Sinai in the second half. Despite a strong effort, they were outscored down the stretch as Mt. Sinai pulled away to secure the win. NYCHoops

🥍 Navy’s Felicia Giglio was named Goalkeeper of the Week for women’s lacrosse after posting a .512 save percentage and a 10.0 goals-against average. The Bayport, N.Y. native played a key role in the Midshipmen’s upset win over No. 11 Virginia, making 10 saves, picking up six ground balls, and causing four turnovers. Yardbarker

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