Patchogue shakes things up—from streets to stages

Good Morning,

Today we cover a major gang bust, a fiery town hall in Patchogue, and the big role small businesses play in our community. From student honors to local art and music, there's plenty happening right here at home.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚔 Twenty-two alleged gang members have been indicted in Suffolk County after a four-year crime spree involving shootings, robberies, and drug trafficking, with some crimes tied to East Patchogue. Prosecutors say the arrests are a major step in curbing gang violence on Long Island. [Patch]

🏪 Small businesses like The Baking Coach in Bellport, N.Y., are powering the U.S. economy, employing nearly 60 million Americans nationwide. Their impact is felt both locally and nationally through job creation and community support. [PR Newswire]

Local Pulse

Rep. Jamie Raskin Warns of ‘Constitutional Crisis’ at Packed Patchogue Town Hall, Prompting Sharp Local Reactions

In a charged and emotional town hall event Saturday at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin told a crowd of over 1,100 that “democracy is under attack,” pointing to what he described as an ongoing constitutional crisis in the United States.

The event was organized by a coalition of Democratic committees and progressive advocacy groups frustrated by what they say is a lack of accessibility from Suffolk County’s congressional representatives, Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) and Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), who have not held recent in-person town halls.

Raskin, a four-term representative and former constitutional law professor, spoke for 30 minutes and then took 13 audience questions during an extended Q&A session. Topics included the future of Social Security, immigration protections, messaging strategies, the SALT deduction cap, housing affordability, and possible future impeachment efforts. “We’re in a constitutional crisis, and we’re going to get America through it,” he said to cheers and chants of “U-S-A!”

Raskin, who led the second impeachment of former President Donald Trump, did not mention LaLota or Garbarino by name but noted that he was not the organizers’ first choice, adding, “It would have been better to have your own representative here.”

In response, Rep. LaLota issued a statement criticizing the event: “Jamie Raskin is an out-of-touch, non-Long Islander who supports a government-run health care system, the Green New Deal, punishing tax hikes, and citizenship for those who break our immigration laws. It’s no surprise that far-left groups would bring in one of the most hyper-partisan members of Congress as their spokesperson.”

Rep. Garbarino took a more reserved approach, stating, “I have some thoughts about the member from Maryland, but my mother says if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Outside the theater, a peaceful demonstration marched through downtown Patchogue, with several hundred people holding signs that read “dissent is patriotic” and “no kings.” The march passed Garbarino’s local office before concluding at the theater, and Suffolk County police confirmed no incidents occurred.

Inside the venue, many audience members expressed a desire for greater engagement from their elected officials. Sue Simes, 65, of Bay Shore, said she arrived early to secure a seat and described the ongoing political climate as exhausting. “It’s every morning you get up and it doesn’t seem to ever be good news,” she said.

Lisa Bedford, 62, of Nesconset, said she came to learn how to encourage more civic involvement. “I want to hear what the future looks like in terms of getting more people engaged,” she said, adding she would welcome a similar forum led by her own congressman.

Kathryn Casey Quigley, chair of the Southold Town Democratic Committee and one of the event’s organizers, called the strong turnout a “clear message that Suffolk County is ready for a change.”

Read the original Newsday article by Joe Werkmeister here.

Community Highlights

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🥍 Farmingdale State clinched its second straight Skyline Conference title with a 14-7 win over Merchant Marine, securing a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament. Bellport native Tyler Kollar helped power the Rams with two goals in the championship victory. [Skyline Conference]

🥍 The first High School on SI girls lacrosse rankings of the 2025 season are out, spotlighting New York's top talent. Long Island schools dominate the top 10, with St. Anthony’s, Bayport-Blue Point, and Manhasset leading the charge. [Sports Illustrated]

Here’s your local area sports recap from Thursday, May 1st.

Softball
Bayport-Blue Pt 11 Babylon 5
Patchogue-Medford 4 Central Islip 8

Boys Tennis
Bayport-Blue Pt 5 Rocky Point 2
Bellport 1 Comsewogue 6

Boys Lacrosse
Bayport-Blue Pt 17 Center Moriches 7

Girls Flag Football
Patchogue 12 Connetquot 6

Baseball
Bayport-Blue Pt 4 Center Moriches 2
Bellport 2 Centereach 0

Girls Lacrosse
Bellport 8 Walt Whitman 11
Patchogue-Medford 15 Lindenhurst 2

Girls Track
Bellport 49 Huntington 71
Patchogue-Medford 60 Longwood 80

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