Protests, Performances & a Teen Pitching Phenom

Good Morning,

From housing breakthroughs to heartfelt protests and hometown pride, here’s what’s shaping our community this week.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏗️ Construction has begun on Medford Gardens, a $40 million affordable housing project for seniors in Suffolk County’s Medford hamlet. Half of the 66 units will support older adults facing homelessness or mental health challenges, with on-site care and services. New York YIMBY

🚓 A 19-year-old Medford man has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI after a deadly three-vehicle crash on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa. Police say Brian Romero Guy August caused the collision that killed a 48-year-old motorcyclist and seriously injured a passenger. Newsday

🚶 A 69-year-old man was fatally struck while crossing Sunrise Highway in Blue Point Saturday night. Police say the driver attempted to avoid three pedestrians, but Villafane was pronounced dead at the scene. News 12 Long Island

🐱 The daughter of the late founder of Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford has filed a complaint with the NY Attorney General, claiming she has legal authority over the nonprofit left behind after a deadly fire. The sanctuary’s board disputes her role, saying she has no control over the organization itself. Patch

🚔 A 17-year-old from Bellport has been arrested for a string of armed robberies targeting food delivery drivers across Bellport, Patchogue, and Shirley. Police allege the teen used fake delivery orders to lure victims before robbing them, often at gunpoint, and also stole a car in February. 1010 WINS

Local Pulse

Hundreds Rally Outside Rep. Garbarino’s Patchogue Office in Nationwide 50501 Protest

In a display of civic engagement, hundreds of Long Islanders filled the streets outside Rep. Andrew Garbarino’s Patchogue office on Saturday afternoon, joining a nationwide demonstration known as the 50501 movement — 50 protests in 50 states on one day. Protesters chanted and carried signs condemning former President Trump’s influence and targeting Rep. Garbarino’s support of Republican-backed policies, including the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.

Organizers like East Patchogue resident Courtney Belanger emphasized that the act could create barriers for minority and low-income voters, citing concerns that many lack access to necessary documents. The legislation passed the House but has not become law, and remains a flashpoint in the broader debate over election access.

The demonstration drew a brief but tense encounter when a caravan of pro-Trump vehicles drove through Oak Street, some clashing verbally with protesters. Suffolk police quickly intervened to maintain peace, and no arrests were reported.

Demonstrators continued their march along Montauk Highway, voicing concerns about voting rights, constitutional protections, and the direction of national leadership. The protest was one of more than 700 scheduled to be held across the country that day.

For more details, visit Newsday's full report.

Community Highlights

• The Village of Bellport is hosting a Spring Clean-Up Village Wide event on Saturday, April 26 from 9am–12pm, starting at the Community Center on Bell Street—gloves, bags, and light refreshments will be provided. [Village of Bellport]

• Temple Beth El of Patchogue is hosting a special event on Sunday, April 27 at 3:30pm, featuring Holocaust survivor Mireille Taub, who will share her powerful story of resilience and remembrance. [Temple Beth El of Patchogue]

• PAC MoCA L.I. is hosting Sahrawi Tea Ritual Dialogues on Nomadic Knowledges, a unique event with guest artist Mohamed Sleiman Labat exploring Sahrawi culture and storytelling in a traditional tent setting. Join the Community Art Tent on April 21 from 2:00–6:15 pm. [PAC MoCA L.I.]

• Patchogue Pride’s Wet & Whiskey Part 2 mixer is back on April 22 from 6–9pm at Whiskey Neat—expect lifeguard-inspired looks, raffles, music, and more, all in support of the Patchogue Pride Parade. [Patchogue Pride]

• The Penguin Lessons is playing at the Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center from April 18–24. This heartwarming drama-comedy follows an Englishman in 1970s Argentina whose life changes after rescuing a penguin.

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is holding its April General Membership Meeting on April 30 at 8am at the BBP Library, featuring a presentation on the BBP School Budget by school administrators and light refreshments.

• Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine is celebrating its 3-year anniversary on April 26 with live mariachi, a DJ, brunch, drink specials, and more at their Patchogue location. Come join the party and toast to an incredible journey with the Ruta family! [Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine]

• The Village of Bellport is hosting its Arbor Day celebration with a tree planting at Village Hall on April 25 at 11:00am. A great way to honor the importance of trees in our environment. [Village of Bellport]

• Blues songstress Beth Hart is set to perform at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on April 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss the chance to see her live! [Patchogue Patch]

• The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is hosting Murder at Meadow Croft, a live-action CLUE-inspired mystery night on May 17, 2025, where guests can explore the historic estate to solve a whodunit. Tickets go on sale April 15 and include two evening sessions for sleuths aged 12 and up. [Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Friends of the Bayport-Blue Point Library are hosting the Bayminster Dog Parade & Artisan Fair on April 27, 2025, from 1–4 PM, featuring a dog parade with ribbons in multiple categories and a local artisan fair. Suggested donation for parading pups is $20. [Bayport-Blue Point Library]

Community Highlights

Local Sports

⚾ Patchogue-Medford ace Jayden Stroman dazzled again, striking out 12 in four no-hit innings during a 7-1 win over Floyd. The Duke commit and younger brother of Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman also scored twice and doubled, while scouts looked on from behind the backstop. Newsday

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