Local Crime, College Cuts & Holiday Cheer

Issue #265

Author

Brian Grant
November 05, 2025

Good Morning,

A Bellport man has pleaded guilty in a troubling case, while St. Joseph’s University is facing financial challenges. But there’s also paint recycling, sidewalk upgrades, and a brand-new VIP pass to help you stay in the loop. Plus: concerts, parades, and free meals for our veterans. Let’s get into it.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

⚖️ Bellport man has pleaded guilty to second-degree rape in the case of a 14-year-old East Patchogue girl who went missing for 25 days last year. His plea marks the first in a broader indictment involving 11 people connected to the case. Newsday

🎨 Got leftover paint? About 10% of the 36.6 million gallons sold annually in New York goes unused — but now it can be recycled through the NYS Paint Stewardship Program. Drop it off at participating paint retailers or at Brookhaven’s Solid Waste Management Facility. PaintCare.org

🛑 Don’t let your insurance discount expire! The Town of Brookhaven Division of Traffic Safety is offering an online 6-hour New York Point and Insurance Reduction Course Sign up here.

🏛️ Fitch Ratings has downgraded St. Joseph’s University, NY’s bond rating to 'BB+' from 'BBB-' due to continued operating losses and declining undergraduate enrollment, though growth in graduate programs offers some relief. The Stable Outlook reflects cautious optimism tied to new programs and cost-cutting efforts. [Fitch]

Local Pulse

The Patchogue Village Community Development Agency Meeting

The Patchogue Village Community Development Agency (CDA) met on November 3rd to review finances, approve new public works projects, and address uncertainty surrounding federal housing assistance funding.

The board approved two Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects now cleared for construction following the release of funds from the Town of Brookhaven:

  • Hillside Avenue/Lakeland Street ADA ramps – $34,967.60

  • Waverly Avenue sidewalk improvements (from Main Street to M Street) – $104,426.65

Much of the discussion centered on Section 8 housing assistance. Executive Director Marian confirmed that HUD has funded the program through December 2025, but future allocations after January remain uncertain amid federal delays. The agency holds enough in reserves to cover roughly one month if payments are interrupted, but staff voiced concern about the potential ripple effects on local landlords, tenants, and the broader economy if federal funds are delayed for an extended period.

Finally, the board reviewed the 2026 meeting calendar and discussed moving its regular meetings from the first Thursday to the first Monday of each month to avoid scheduling conflicts with village court sessions.

💥 Stay Connected Like a Local Insider!

We just made it even easier to keep up with everything happening around town. From new restaurant openings to community events and local deals.

Introducing the 🎟️ Patchogue Live Local VIP Wallet Pass. Your all-access digital pass to life in Patchogue, Medford, Bayport, Bellport, and Blue Point.

✅ Stay connected with instant access to:
• Local events, news & deals
• The latest Patchogue Live Local newsletter
• Quick links to Patchogue, Medford, Bayport, Bellport & Blue Point

💡 Tap the three dots (•••) on the pass to unlock links to your local guide, website, and newsletter.

📱 Works with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Just tap the link below when on your phone to add your pass instantly!

For Android devices, which don’t have a built-in compatible wallet app, simply download the Pass2U Wallet app from the Play Store to use your VIP pass.

Or scan QR code to set it up

Community Highlights

  • The Bay Area Chorus of BAFFA will perform a free concert, Gifts of Music, featuring works by Bach, Copland, and holiday favorites on Sunday, November 23 at 4 PM at the United Methodist Church of Patchogue. [Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts]

  • Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band will bring their legendary blues-rock sound to Patchogue on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 8 PM, with VIP meet & greet and merch packages available. [Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts]

  • Arooga’s Sports Tavern is honoring Veterans Day with a free lunch for all veterans on Tuesday, November 11, from 12 PM to 3 PM at their Patchogue location.

  • The Patchogue Theatre will host jam band moe. for two nights of their Born To Fly Tour on April 9 and 10, 2026, delivering an electric mix of genre-bending music. [Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts]

  • The Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade returns for its 30th year on November 23 at 5 PM, lighting up the waterfront with a “Rock Star Christmas” theme and dazzling, decked-out boats. [Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade]

  • Earth Warriors Yoga & Wellness is hosting a playful Puppy Yoga class on November 9 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM featuring adoptable puppies, mimosas, and a pop-up dog boutique. A portion of proceeds supports a local shelter. [Earth Warriors Yoga & Wellness]

  • The Better Man Distilling Co. is hosting its 5th Annual Holiday Market with local vendors, cocktails, and live music on Nov. 29–30. Enjoy doggy photo ops and performances by Andrew Weiss & Friends and the Brian Mancuso Band. The Better Man Distilling Co.

  • The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association invites all to its General Membership meetings at the BBP Library, featuring raffles and community updates. On Sunday, November 16, Marsha Collock will present Films of the American Great Depression: 1929–1939, exploring how classic cinema provided both reflection and escape during tough times. BBPHA

  • Robert Bruey and the Shadow Cats are playing live at People's Pub in Bayport on Friday, November 7th at 8:30 PM. Don’t miss this night of music on Bayport Ave, Bayport, NY.

  • Got leftover candy? Donate it to Lighthouse Mission, where it’s used to bring joy to children at food distributions. Drop off donations at 1543 Montauk Hwy, Bellport, Monday through Saturday. [Lighthouse Mission]

  • Historian Christopher Verga is presenting Saving Fire Island from Robert Moses, a lecture on grassroots efforts that preserved the island’s natural beauty from highway development. Join the event at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. [Patch]

  • The Plaza Cinema is showing If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (2025, R) from 10/31–11/6 — a gripping mystery‑thriller where Linda (Rose Byrne) is thrown into chaos by her child’s illness, a missing person and a fracturing marriage.

  • The Lighthouse Mission is collecting Thanksgiving food donations to support local families in need. Drop off items at 1543 Montauk Hwy, Bellport by Saturday, November 15, Monday–Friday (9AM–4PM) or Saturday (10AM–2PM).

  • NYS Senator Dean Murray has opened his Thanksgiving Day Student Showcase, inviting students to submit essays, poems, or artwork about what they’re thankful for by November 21. [NYS Senate]

  • The Town of Brookhaven’s Youth Bureau and INTERFACE Program are hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive from October 14 to November 13, collecting non-perishable food items and $10 grocery gift cards to help families in need enjoy the holiday season. [Town of Brookhaven]

  • Take a peaceful virtual stroll through downtown Patchogue in this 4K walking tour by Walking with Genny, showcasing the charm and walkability of one of Long Island’s most inviting villages.

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🏑 The Section XI Class C Field Hockey Qualifier is set for Tuesday, November 4 at Rocky Point High School, with Bayport-Blue Point (C1) facing off against Pierson (C2) at 6:00 PM. Admission will be charged for this postseason matchup.

🏈 The 2025-26 Section XI Football Playoffs continue Saturday, November 8, with #5 Bellport taking on #4 Northport at 12:00 PM. All tickets must be purchased separately online. Buy tickets here.

⚽ Sayville edged out Bayport-Blue Point 3–2 to win the Suffolk Class A girls soccer championship on Sunday, November 2, at Whitman. Morgan Farrell led the way for Sayville with two goals as the team celebrated a hard-fought victory. Newsday

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