Main Street History, Big Arrest, and a Full Weekend Ahead

Issue #198

Author

Brian Grant
May 30, 2025

Good Morning,

Note from the Editor

Big news, —June marks the official launch of our new Patchogue Live Local community site! 🎉 It’s your go-to place for everything happening around town, now with a community calendar, event listings, and tools to help you post, share, and stay in the loop. Watch for updates as we add more features.

We’re also keeping you updated on the headlines that matter—from traffic alerts and sports wins to major local court cases.

We built Patchogue Live Local to make it easier—and more fun—to be part of this community we all love. Thanks for reading and for being part of it.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚗 A two-car crash temporarily closed the left westbound lane of Sunrise Highway near Exit 57 during Thursday’s morning commute, but no injuries were reported, Suffolk police said. The lane has since reopened and traffic is moving normally. Patch

⚖️ Gary Johnson, a Bloods gang leader from Bellport, was convicted on 22 federal charges related to drug trafficking that led to three overdoses across Long Island. Johnson, who faces a minimum of 20 years in prison, was also found guilty of firearm possession. Justice Department

Day in History

Patchogue Expands East Main Street in 1930

In a clear sign of Patchogue’s transformation during the early 20th century, the town board voted in May 1930 to widen East Main Street, a project reported in The Patchogue Advance on May 30 of that year. As the article noted, the board approved a $50,000 plan to expand the road from 20 feet to 48 feet between Bay Avenue and Swan River. The project included new concrete strips, curbs, and drainage systems—an ambitious undertaking aligned with the state’s reconstruction of the Montauk Highway.

The widening was prompted by a recommendation from the state highway department, which saw the moment as an ideal opportunity to coordinate local improvements with the state’s broader highway work along Robinson Boulevard. Initially proposed to extend only to the railroad tracks, the project was later modified to end at Swan River due to possible shifts in the state highway’s alignment.

Highway Superintendent Arthur W. Murray and Town Counsel Ralph J. Hawkins guided the legal and engineering phases of the plan. Local merchants began extending sidewalks to the future curb line, signaling strong community support. As The Patchogue Advance reported, the improvements addressed not only traffic flow but also drainage issues near Bay Avenue—laying the foundation for a more modern, connected Patchogue.

Community Highlights

The Patchogue Arts Council is hosting Coffee with a Curator on Saturday, May 31 at 12:00 PM, featuring curator John Cino and artists from Interwoven: Fiber in Contemporary Art. This free event offers both in-person attendance at MoCA L.I. (20 Terry Street, Patchogue) and virtual participation via Zoom. [Patchogue Arts Council]

The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is screening Lilly from May 30 to June 4, 2025. This PG-13 drama, directed by Rachel Feldman and starring Patricia Clarkson, portrays the real-life story of Lilly Ledbetter's fight for equal pay. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students, and $6 for members. Showtimes and tickets are available at plazamac.

The Village of Patchogue is hosting its Annual Patchogue Pride Parade on Sunday, June 8 at 12:00 PM, marching west along Main Street in celebration of love, diversity, and equality. [Patchogue Village]

The Atlantic Wind Symphony is hosting its Senior Awards Concert and Solo Competition on Sunday, June 1 at the Patchogue Theatre, featuring top high school musicians from Long Island. Tickets range from $20 to $30. [Patchogue Theatre]

Pickles & Paws returns to Long Island on May 31 with a pickle-packed festival and pet adoption event at Southaven County Park, featuring food trucks, contests, a doggie fashion show, and more. [Southaven County Park]

PAC-MOCA is hosting its 2025 Skateboarding Festival in Patchogue on June 29, blending skateboarding, live music, art, and a special film screening with pro skater Chad Caruso.

Harmony Cafe is offering a free container gardening class on June 16 at the Patchogue-Medford Library, where participants will learn how to grow their own food in small spaces—plant and soil provided, just bring a container. [Patchogue-Medford Library]

Join the community on June 8th for a beach clean-up at Bellport Marina, helping to keep the shoreline beautiful from 10:45am to 1:00pm. [Bellport Marina]

Boardy Barn Sundays are making a raucous return at Blue Point Brewing Company in Patchogue on June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, and Aug. 31, bringing back the legendary summer party vibe of the original Hampton Bays bar.

The Kiwanis Club of Patchogue is hosting its first-ever Bayfest BBQ on June 14 at Fireman’s Park, featuring food, drinks, games, live music, and a $25,000 sweepstakes raffle—each $100 ticket includes entry and a chance to win. [Kiwanis Club of Patchogue]

The Patchogue Outdoor Market kicks off its 2025 season on June 8 with over 30 vendors, live music, demos, and giveaways—including free tote bags and cranberry vodka for early birds. [Patchogue Outdoor Market]

The Patchogue Arts Council is now accepting submissions for its Annual Juried Members Exhibition, Patchworks 2025, running from July 26 to September 7, with a reception on opening day. Open to all current members, artists can submit up to two works in any medium by the June 25 deadline. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Join the celebration at the Patchogue Lions 4th of July Parade on July 4 at 10:30 AM, honoring the theme “Stars, Stripes, and Trailblazers” and featuring Mayor Paul Pontieri as Grand Marshal. Patchogue Village Calendar

The Patchogue Arts Council has opened registration for its Paint the Great South Bay 2025 plein air event, where artists can paint scenes from Smith Point Beach to the Fire Island Lighthouse. The event runs June 27 to July 7, followed by an exhibition and Wet Paint Sale from July 10 to 20. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Experience a magical evening of original music with Robert Bruey and the Shadow Cats on June 7 at People’s Pub in Bayport—lilting harmonies, rich instrumentation, and poetic storytelling await. People’s Pub

Citrus and Gold, Inc. is hosting Keys & Confidence: A First-Time Homebuyer Experience on June 1 in Patchogue, featuring dinner, expert panels, raffles, and tools to help first-time buyers gain confidence. [Citrus and Gold, Inc.]

Local Sports

🎾 After a protest over an allegedly ineligible player was overruled, the Ross School was officially named Suffolk's small schools boys tennis champion following a 4-3 win over Bayport-Blue Point. Ross, now 17-1, heads to the Long Island championship seeking its first title against Friends Academy.

🏃‍♂️ Raymond Kreamer of Bellport sprinted to victory in the 100-meter dash at the Suffolk 2A track and field championships held Tuesday at Commack. His win marked a standout moment in a day filled with top-tier performances.

🥍 Senior goalie Andrew Snyder’s 15-save performance, including a clutch stop in the final minute, helped No. 2 Bayport-Blue Point edge No. 3 Mount Sinai 7-6 in the Suffolk Class C boys lacrosse semifinals. With standout efforts from veterans and underclassmen alike, the Phantoms advance to face Kings Park in Saturday’s county championship.

🥇 Bellport High School’s sprint medley relay team claimed first place at the Glenn D. Loucks Games, clocking in at 3:31.94—second-fastest in New York and eighth in the event’s history. The victory earned the team a spot at the nationals. Patch

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