🚔 Local Crime, Oscar Buzz, & Park Upgrades—What’s Happening?

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Local Pulse

🚔 Police are searching for a woman accused of using stolen credit cards to make purchases at a Patchogue grocery store. Authorities are seeking the public's help in identifying her. Read more on TBR News Media

🎥 Long Island's Isabella Rossellini, who has a home in Bellport, earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in Conclave, a film delving into Vatican intrigue. The nomination is a proud moment for the Bellport community and a highlight of her celebrated career. Read more on Patch

🚨 A woman was struck by a car in the Sam's Club parking lot in Medford, police reported. The incident is under investigation, and authorities are asking for any witnesses to come forward. Read more on Patch

🌳 Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilman Michael Loguercio reported on major upgrades to Martha Avenue Park/Tony Gazzola Park in Bellport, which now features new ballfields, energy-efficient lighting, upgraded restrooms, basketball courts, and more. The multimillion-dollar improvements aim to enhance recreational opportunities for North Bellport and the entire Town of Brookhaven. Read more on Brookhaven NY

Local Pulse

"Brookhaven Residents Question Safety of Proposed Battery Storage Facilities"

A recent forum hosted by Brookhaven Town brought safety concerns about battery storage facilities to the forefront, with discussions heavily focused on a recent fire at California’s Moss Landing battery storage facility. The forum was attended by around 200 residents and aimed to address growing apprehensions about similar facilities proposed across Brookhaven.

Brookhaven is considering eight battery storage plant proposals, including sites in Shoreham, Patchogue, and Medford. While many Long Island towns have placed moratoriums on these facilities, Brookhaven has created a special zoning district to accommodate them. Town Supervisor Dan Panico emphasized that the forum was intended to dispel misinformation and provide objective information.

Much of the discussion centered on the Moss Landing fire, which has reignited public safety fears. The January 16 blaze destroyed parts of the 750-megawatt plant, prompting evacuations and road closures. Paul Rogers, a fire safety expert on the panel, attributed the incident to outdated design standards from 2017 and assured attendees that modern facilities have significantly improved fire safety measures, such as enclosed containers and enhanced fire codes.

Despite these reassurances, local residents voiced frustrations about the forum’s structure and raised questions about the town’s readiness for a large-scale incident. For many, the Moss Landing fire served as a cautionary tale, prompting calls for stricter regulations and transparency around safety protocols.

The Brookhaven Chief Fire Marshal, Christopher Mehrman, sought to alleviate concerns about toxic air exposure, citing EPA air tests indicating no public health risks. However, some residents remain skeptical, especially those living near proposed facilities close to other industrial sites.

As Brookhaven navigates its energy future, the community is left grappling with the balance between advancing green energy infrastructure and ensuring public safety.

This story is based on reporting By Mark Harrington, Newsday

Day in History

 The Forgotten Tale of West Patchogue: A Brief History

Did you know that the name “West Patchogue” was once a distinct part of local conversations? In the 1920s, West Patchogue was a defined area within the town of Brookhaven, bordered by the Patchogue River and Patchogue Lake to the east, Roe Boulevard and Waverly Avenue to the north, and Tuthill’s Creek and the Great South Bay to the south. Its western boundary extended beyond Atlantic Avenue to the Long Island Railroad property.

Annexation talks for West Patchogue began in earnest in 1926, fueled by residents' need for modern village amenities, including improved fire protection, street lighting, and other essential services. The West Patchogue Taxpayers' Association spearheaded efforts to bring the area into the incorporated village of Patchogue. After months of petitions, debates, and legal proceedings, the annexation finally became official by January 1, 1928.

The annexation added over 1,600 residents to Patchogue’s population and contributed over $850,000 in property assessments, along with concrete roads and other assets. In return, the village took on new responsibilities, including the provision of fire services and street lighting, while residents of West Patchogue assumed a share of the village's existing debts.

However, by 1930, the term “West Patchogue” had vanished from newspaper headlines and local discourse, marking the end of its distinct identity. While the name is gone, its legacy remains a vital chapter in the history of Patchogue's growth and expansion.

Community Highlights

• Patchogue Arts Council is hosting "Wining About Art", on 2/7, a unique event exploring medieval to gothic art, mythical beasts, sacred symbolism, and stone guardians, while enjoying wine.

• The Bellport Chamber of Commerce invites members to the 2025 Installation Dinner on February 12th, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, at the Bellport Country Club. Enjoy networking, community engagement, live music by the Sitting Ducks, and exciting raffles. Tickets are $50 per person with a cash bar—don't forget to bring business cards and promotional materials!

• Shakedown Citi is performing live at the 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue, NY, on February 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST. Don't miss this exciting concert!

• Join the transformative Release and Let Go Hypnosis Workshop to explore relaxation techniques and guided hypnosis for emotional release and personal growth. Perfect for starting fresh in the new year! [Eventbrite]

• The YMCA in Long Island is hosting Holiday Break Fun with engaging activities for kids and families to enjoy during the school holiday. [YMCA Long Island]

• Toast Coffeehouse is serving up delicious January and February specials, from White Chocolate Raspberry Pancakes to Pot Roast Hash Poutine for breakfast, and tasty lunch options like the Toast Power Bowl and Grilled Shrimp Po Boy. Don’t forget to end your meal with the decadent Vanilla Toffee Crumble Pie!

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce invites you to its General Chamber Meeting on Wednesday, January 29th, at noon at The Bristal Assisted Living, 129 Lakeland Ave, Sayville. Lunch will be provided, so don’t miss this great opportunity to connect and engage with the community!

• Get ready for a fun-filled Galentine's Party with Vio featuring activities, treats, and a celebration of friendship on February 10th. Gather your besties for an unforgettable evening! [Eventbrite]

• Touch Tank Sunday on Sunday, January 26, 2025, invites families and nature enthusiasts to explore marine life up close. Hosted at the Center for Environmental Education, this hands-on event offers a unique opportunity to interact with local sea creatures while learning about their habitats and conservation.

• Catch The Brutalist, a gripping Golden Globe-winning drama, playing from January 24–30 at the Plaza Mac. Follow the journey of visionary architect László Toth as he navigates post-war America, grappling with power, legacy, and personal sacrifice. Don't miss this critically acclaimed film! [Plaza Mac]

Local Sports

🏀 The Patchogue-Medford Raiders faced another tough loss, their fifth straight, falling 50-39 to the William Floyd Colonials. Sophomore Savannah Pantry led William Floyd with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, while the Raiders will look to rebound in their next game against Walt Whitman. Read more on MaxPreps

🏆 USC Lacrosse players Isabelle Vitale, from Lloyd Harbor, N.Y., and Alexis Niblock, from Bayport, N.Y., have earned spots on the USA Lacrosse Magazine All-American list. Vitale was named to the third team, while Niblock received an honorable mention. Read more on USC Trojans

Here’s the latest recap featuring scores from Tuesday, January 21:

Girls Basketball
William Floyd 50 Patchogue-Medford 39

Boys Basketball
Bayport-Blue Point 101 Port Jefferson 40
Patchogue-Medford 46 William Floyd 80

Boys Fencing
Lindenhurst 9 Newfield/MP 18

Girls Fencing
Lindenhurst 13 Newfield/MP 14

Winter Boys Swimming
East Hampton/BH/Pier 85 Sayville/Bayport 76

Here’s your sports recap from 1/12 action:

Boys Basketball
Bellport 71 Comsewogue 57

Wrestling
Bellport 36 Smithtown West 33
Patchogue-Medford 36 East Islip 34

Girls Basketball
Bayport-Blue Point 32 Shoreham WR 56

That wraps up the scores! Keep following for more updates from our local teams. 🏀🤼‍♀️

Local Sports

"Sophia McInnes: A Season for the Record Books"

Bayport-Blue Point senior Sophia McInnes is redefining excellence in high school track and field, carving a path through her indoor season that even casual sports fans can recognize as historic. The Villanova-bound athlete has turned setbacks into motivation, pushing boundaries with performances that have captivated the track community and beyond.

After a challenging cross-country season marred by illness, McInnes refocused her energy and hit the indoor track season at full throttle. From setting facility records in the 600m without spikes to shattering Section XI records in the 1000m, her performances have showcased an extraordinary range and relentless drive. Her 2:45.66 in the 1000m broke a record set by Katherine Lee and ranks among the fastest times in New York history.

In longer distances, McInnes has continued to excel, clocking a personal-best 9:37.01 in the 3000m and a 4:46.98 mile that places her just shy of another sectional record. Her versatility was on full display at the Yale Invitational, where she ran a jaw-dropping 2:07.00 relay split in the 4x800m—one of the fastest in Suffolk County history.

Most recently, McInnes obliterated the county record in the 600m with a 1:31.70 performance at the Armory, underscoring her dominance. With upcoming races at the Dr. Sanders Invitational, Sectionals, States, and Nationals, she remains poised to add even more accolades to her growing legacy.

For fans of the sport, McInnes’ season is one to watch, as the best appears yet to come.

This story was based on originally published story written by Vince Brock.

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