Pool tragedy, Park tribute & Bellport days

Hi neighbors,

This week brings a mix of sad tragedy and community celebrations. We’ve got beach closures and safety stories alongside plenty of ways to enjoy the summer.

Stay safe, stay cool, and we’ll see you around town.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏖️ Bayport Beach in the Town of Islip has been closed to swimming due to high levels of bacteria, the Suffolk County Health Department announced. Officials say the beach will remain off-limits until further testing shows it's safe again. Suffolk Gov

☕ Blue Point has a fresh cup of convenience as Dunkin’ opens its new drive-thru location at the old Capital One Bank site on Montauk Highway. The new shop replaces a former Dunkin’ nearby and is owned by local franchisee Gobind Bathija. MSN

🚨 A young boy was rescued after struggling underwater for about 10 seconds at the Patchogue Beach Club, Suffolk police said. He was alert but having trouble breathing and was given oxygen before being taken to a hospital for evaluation. [Patch]

Blue Point’s Veterans Park has been renamed the Anthony P. Mazzei POW Stalag XVII Veterans Memorial Park to honor the decorated WWII veteran and lifelong resident. The tribute was marked by a heartfelt ceremony attended by local officials and the Mazzei family. Facebook

🏊 A 25-year-old Queens Village man died after being found unresponsive in a Medford pool during a party Saturday night. Police say the homeowner the man from the water and attempted CPR before he was hospitalized and pronounced dead. News 12 Long Island

Community Highlights

• Celebrate community at Bellport Day on Saturday, July 26 from 10:00am to 4:00pm, featuring festivities along South Country Road, which will be closed to traffic from 8:00am to 5:00pm. [Bellport Village]

• The Bellport Summer Bandshell Concert Series continues with Dirt Soup performing iconic rock from the '70s to 2000 on Friday, July 25 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. [Bellport Village]

• South Country Library is hosting Movie Night at South Country Ambulance Company featuring Minecraft on Thursday, July 24 at 8:00pm. [South Country Library]

• An Evening With Zebra is coming to the Patchogue Theatre on November 8, 2025, as part of the band’s 50th-anniversary tour, featuring two full sets by the original lineup. Patchogue Theatre

• The Bellport Village Tennis Center offers well-maintained Har-Tru courts, instructional programs, and seasonal events under USPTA-certified management. Memberships and hourly play are available to residents and non-residents, with court access daily from 7:30 am to dusk. [Bellport Village Tennis Center]

• The Patchogue Arts Council is accepting submissions for Arts on Terry 2025, a curated contemporary art street fair on September 14, featuring booth space for fine artists. Artists can apply here by August 13 for a chance to showcase their work. [Patchogue Arts Council]

• Gateway's Annual Fundraiser returns on July 25 with Party On The Point, an evening of performances, raffles, food, and dancing at a beautiful Bellport waterfront home. [The Gateway, Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County]

• NYS Senator Dean Murray, Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, and Legislator Dominick Thorne are hosting a Blood Drive on July 29 from 1 PM to 7 PM at 205 Blue Point Avenue, Blue Point, in partnership with the Blue Point Fire Department and the New York Blood Center. [New York State Senate]

• The New York State Senate has launched the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color our World: Colorea Nuestro Mundo,” encouraging kids to read for fun and discovery all summer long. Participants can earn an official certificate by submitting their reading form by August 22. [New York State Senate]

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🤼 Bellport's Camryn Howard made history by winning the 157-pound title at the USA Wrestling National Championship in Fargo, becoming the school’s first-ever Fargo champion. The rising sophomore dominated the tournament, outscoring opponents 62-7 to claim the top spot. Newsday

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