🔥 Fires Under Investigation, Hotel Growth, and Crime Reports

Good Morning,

Today, we’re keeping you informed on everything from local fires under investigation to exciting new developments in Long Island’s hotel scene. Stay updated on community news, crime reports, and the latest buzz around town.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🔥 Three people were taken to the hospital after a fire broke out at a home in Suffolk County. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. Patch

🏓 Pickleball Heaven is set to open its first complex at the new Medford building, offering a premier facility for enthusiasts of the sport. Excitement is building among local players. The Pickleball Professionals

🚔 Two people have been indicted on drug charges connected to the case of a previously missing Patchogue girl. The investigation is ongoing. Patch

🔥 One person was injured after a fire tore through a home in Bayport. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. News 12 Long Island

🛒 Stolen credit cards were used at Target and Walgreens in Medford, and police are seeking information on the suspects. The investigation continues. Patch

Local Pulse

Luxury Hotel Boom on Long Island: Growing Demand Spurs New Developments

Long Island is experiencing a surge in hotel development as rising demand for accommodation continues to outstrip supply. A $35 million luxury hotel-apartment, Tempo by Hilton, is set to open in Patchogue, marking the village’s first hotel south of Sunrise Highway in Suffolk County. The project is part of a broader trend of hotel constructions across Long Island, driven by increasing leisure travel, local population growth, and proximity to New York City. Despite a 25% increase in hotels on the Island since 2015, experts say demand continues to outpace available rooms.

Long Island’s hotel industry is experiencing rapid growth as developers race to meet surging demand for rooms. In Patchogue Village, a $35 million luxury hotel-apartment, Tempo by Hilton, is set to be the first of its kind south of Sunrise Highway in Suffolk County. This development comes as part of Patchogue’s long-term downtown revitalization plan and follows the creation of a “floating” hotel zone aimed at attracting more tourism. Mayor Paul Pontieri Jr. emphasized the hotel’s potential to boost local tourism and provide much-needed lodging options for visiting families of residents in the area’s newly built apartments and townhouses.

The Tempo by Hilton, which was scaled down to five stories and 96 rooms due to community concerns about traffic and parking, is part of at least 10 hotel projects underway across Long Island. These developments are responding to growing customer demand fueled by leisure travel, local population growth, and spillover from New York City’s bustling tourism industry.

Long Island saw a 25% increase in hotel properties between 2015 and 2024, yet experts say this growth hasn’t kept pace with demand. In 2024, the region’s average occupancy rate of 72.4% exceeded the national average of 63%, highlighting the need for more rooms. The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park, expected to draw over 250,000 spectators, further underscores the shortage, as most visitors will need to stay in New York City due to insufficient local lodging.

Developers are capitalizing on this demand by investing in high-end, mixed-use hotel-apartments like The Ferncliff in Melville and upscale hotels in Jericho Plaza. Industry leaders highlight the appeal of these projects to younger residents who prefer transient, flexible living arrangements. Additionally, the need for more convention-capable hotels has been noted, as Long Island currently lacks adequate venues for large meetings and events.

With more hotels planned and demand projected to grow, Long Island’s hotel industry is poised for continued expansion, bringing economic growth and new opportunities to the region.

This story is based on an original article by Tory N. Parrish for Newsday. Tory N. Parrish covers retail and small business for Newsday

Day in History

Remembering the 1950 LIRR Rockville Centre Crash: Tragedy, Survival, and Legacy

On February 17, 1950, one of Long Island’s deadliest train accidents occurred in Rockville Centre, killing 32 people and injuring over 100. A head-on collision between two LIRR trains, caused by a misrouted gauntlet track, left the community reeling. Survivors recount miraculous escapes and lasting trauma. The conductor, who claimed to have blacked out before the crash, was later acquitted of manslaughter. The disaster profoundly impacted Long Island’s railway safety protocols and community history.

Witnesses recall the horrific aftermath—twisted metal, shattered glass, and the haunting sounds of screams and moans from trapped passengers. Spectators gathered close to the scene as salvage crews began the grim task of removing the wreckage on February 18, 1950. Survivors shared stories of miraculous escapes and haunting memories. Raymond F. Kennedy Jr. narrowly avoided serious injury after choosing to sit in the third car instead of his usual spot in the first smoker car. Others, like Kenneth and Norwin Rohm, survived by the sheer luck of changing seats moments before the impact.

The tragedy was compounded by the ensuing legal battles. The conductor of the eastbound train claimed to have blacked out before the crash and was later acquitted of manslaughter, a decision that left many questions unanswered. The incident highlighted the dangers of temporary track setups and led to significant safety reforms in railway operations.

The Rockville Centre crash left a permanent scar on the community, not only through the lives lost but also in the emotional toll on survivors and witnesses. The disaster underscored the importance of railway safety and influenced future infrastructure projects across Long Island. Seventy-five years later, the memories remain vivid, serving as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in transportation safety.

Source:
This story is based on historical accounts and survivor testimonies, including reports from The Advance, Patchogue, NY, on February 23, 1950.

Community Highlights

• Join the General Membership Meeting at the BBP Library for an informative gathering where all are welcome. Save the dates for upcoming meetings too.

  Explore History Through Genealogy with Roy Fedelem, President of the Sayville Historical Society, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Discover the fascinating connections between history and genealogy, and learn about lineage societies and genealogical resources. You might even find connections to historical figures like Kings, Queens, or Charlemagne. Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association

• Patchogue Theatre will welcome BUCKETHEAD to its stage this May. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Don’t miss your chance to see this legendary guitarist live!

• The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce has announced the dates for its annual outdoor summer evening series, Alive After Five. Mark your calendars for June 26, July 10, July 31, and August 14, with August 21 as a rain date. Each Thursday event starts at 5:00 PM and will feature a different musical theme, turning Main Street into a lively block party!

• The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, NY, is holding Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs) for its 2025-26 season. Actors interested in auditioning can find more details on Backstage.

• Ballparkfigure Booking returns on February 22nd at PAC • MoCA L.I. in Patchogue, bringing an incredible lineup of touring and local bands. Enjoy live performances by Juicer, Declaw, Fern Dells, Ringside Tonic, and Nexus Canvas.

  Doors open at 5:00 PM, and music starts at 5:30 PM. Suggested donation of $12 at the door to support the artists, but no one will be turned away. Don’t miss this electrifying fusion of art and music! Patchogue Arts Council

• The 7th Annual Cultural Empowerment Event: Hip-Hop & Mental Health is happening on February 22, 2025, at the Boys & Girls Club of the Bellport Area, featuring live performances, guest speaker Dr. Wilfred Farquharson, vendor exhibits, and an 80s hip-hop fashion contest.

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Chamber Meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 8:00 AM at the Sunflower Cafe, located at 825 Montauk Highway, Bayport. Enjoy great food, connect with local business owners, and learn about new developments in the area to help grow your business.

  Refreshments will be served, and it's a great way to kickstart your day! Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce

• Catch the 2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films at the Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center from February 14 - 27 on select dates and times. Experience the year's best Live Action, Animation, and Documentary short films on the big screen, brought to audiences worldwide by ShortsTV.

  Don’t miss this exclusive chance to see these acclaimed films before the Oscars! Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center

• Eat the Meats Event is happening on February 23, 2025! Enjoy a delicious assortment of meats and connect with fellow food lovers in the community. Don’t miss out on this flavorful gathering!

• Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Winter Olympics: Art Dash 25 on Sunday, March 2 at the Patchogue Family YMCA. Start the day by designing your own Art Dash T-shirt with help from the Patchogue Arts Council and Patchogue-Medford Library at 11:00 AM, followed by the Fun Run and activities from 12:00 - 2:00 PM for ages 1-14.

  Don’t miss this exciting event packed with creativity, fitness, and community fun!

• Join the Greater Patchogue Foundation for the Annual Passing of the Sash honoring St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal: Patchogue Village Trustee Joe Keyes on Sunday, February 23rd from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the James Joyce Pub & Restaurant.

  Celebrate this special occasion and enjoy the Irish Soda Bread Contest featuring local restaurants. All are welcome to join in the festivities!

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