Purple Skies, Pizza Talks Big Birthday for Social Security

Good Morning,

A purple lightning strike stuns Bayport, big changes come to Patchogue, and locals rally for Social Security and a nonprofit in need. Plus, community events you won’t want to miss.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

⚡ A dramatic lightning strike in Bayport lit up the South Shore sky with a stunning purple hue, captured in a striking video. The rare color shift added an eerie beauty to the summer storm. News 12 Long Island

🚔 A 25-year-old woman was shot twice after a man opened fire on a group outside a Bellport home late Tuesday night, according to Suffolk police. The shooter fled the scene, and the woman’s injuries are not life-threatening. Patch

🍕 AARP New York brought its “Slices of the Story” campaign to Mama Bella’s in Medford, where Congressman Nick LaLota joined locals to discuss the real-life impact of Social Security. The pizza pop-up is part of a statewide effort marking the program’s 90th anniversary. AARP New York

🏗️ A $160 million apartment complex called Carriage House is set to bring 262 new rental units, including affordable and workforce housing, to downtown Patchogue. Supported by the Brookhaven IDA, the project will also feature a riverwalk, park space, and 410 parking spots. Long Island Business News

📦 A 749-unit self-storage facility in Bellport, known as The Storage Vault, has been sold to National Storage Affiliates in a deal brokered by JLL. The 5-acre property includes climate-controlled units and vehicle storage but the sale price was not disclosed. REBusinessOnline

🤝 After nearly a decade of helping Long Islanders in crisis, Angels of Long Island founder Debbie Loesch is now the one in need. Facing rising costs that threaten her Patchogue-based nonprofit, a new “Give Debbie a Dollar” fundraiser is calling on the community to help keep the mission alive. Greater Long Island

🍔 A new McDonald’s is set to rise in East Patchogue, replacing the longtime location at 769 Montauk Highway with a modern 4,359-square-foot restaurant featuring a revamped design and drive-thru. The original site has served the community since 1967. Long Island Business News

Local Pulse

Social Security Turns 90: A Legacy of Security, A Future of Service

August 14 marked the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 during the depths of the Great Depression. What began as a retirement safety net has since become a lifeline for over 67 million Americans. Today, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays out $1.6 trillion annually and manages over 300 million Social Security Number holders.

Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, who took office earlier this year, emphasized the agency’s mission of service and security in a detailed open letter to the American public. In his first 100 days, the SSA has significantly reduced phone and field office wait times. They also increased online access, and processed millions of backlogged disability and SSFA-related payments ahead of schedule. A key milestone includes restoring 24/7 access to the "my Social Security" portal, with a goal of reaching 200 million account holders by 2026.

These changes reflect a broader transformation aimed at making SSA a “digital-first” agency accessible to all Americans. Commissioner Bisignano reaffirmed the commitment to President Trump’s pledge to protect Social Security for generations to come.

Read the full letter here: SSA Open Letter - 90th Anniversary

Call to Action:
Celebrate this milestone by visiting SSA.gov to explore your benefits, open an account, or schedule an appointment.

Community Highlights

• Phantom has opened to rave reviews at The Gateway, with critics praising its stunning music and visual spectacle—Long Island Advance calls it “a gorgeous spectacle,” and Dan’s Papers says it’s “Hauntingly Captivating!” [The Gateway]

• Shoshana is now playing at Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center through the week of August 15–21. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• The Infamous Stringdusters will bring their GRAMMY-winning bluegrass energy to Patchogue Theatre on January 21, 2026 for a one-night performance. [Broadway World]

• A new temporary exhibit opens August 16 at the William Floyd Estate, showcasing life on the historic property and recent rehabilitation efforts. The exhibit runs weekends through September 27. [Fire Island National Seashore]

• The Village of Patchogue’s Planning Board/Architectural Advisory Committee is holding its next meeting on August 26 at 6:00 pm, where upcoming development plans and architectural proposals will be reviewed. [Village of Patchogue]

• The New Students will perform Americana and Bluegrass at the Summer Bandshell Concert on Friday, August 15 from 7–9pm. Boat ramp closed 6:30–9:30pm.

• Bellport Village and the Bellport Village Program Fund will host the annual Sandcastle Contest on Saturday, August 23 at Ho Hum Beach, with prizes and recognition in local media. Registration takes place at Ho Hum Beach.

• The Patchogue Arts Council and Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce present LED: Light Evoking Dreams, October 23–28, transforming Patchogue into a surreal dreamscape with projections, performances, interactive art, and a new Let’s Get Weird Film Festival. Don’t miss this glowing celebration—mark your calendars and plan your visit! [Patchogue Arts Council]

• The Annual Bellport Chamber Lobster Bake has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 20th, featuring a delicious meal prepared by Avino's Italian Table at the Bellport Bay Yacht Club. RSVP by August 15! [Bellport Chamber]

• Experience Meadow Croft After Dark on August 23 with Postcards from Papa, an evening of history, storytelling, and drinks in the Roosevelt summer home featuring guest presenter Brittany Cutrone of Laughlin Vineyard. [Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Gateway Playhouse will present Phantom by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, a lush and emotional retelling of the Phantom story, running from August 1 to 31 with a 24-member cast and grand stage spectacle. Long Island Advance

• 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. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

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