Queen of speed, school bans and gun stop

Good Morning,

Big development moves in Patchogue to standout student-athletes and public safety updates, we’ve got the stories making waves in the community. Let’s get into it. 👇

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏁 Known as the "Queen of the Track," Bayport mom and high school guidance counselor Lauren Tirado spends her weekends dominating races in Calverton. She has one all but one race she entered. Her passion for speed has inspired former students to join her at the “Race Track Not Street.” News 12 Long Island

📵 South Country Central School District has adopted a stricter cell phone policy banning student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day, including lunch and hallway transitions. Elementary students can’t bring devices at all, and middle/high schoolers must keep them in lockers unless exceptions apply. [South Country Central School District]

🚒 Emergency crews responded to a reported gas issue at a Church Street home in Patchogue, but it turned out to be a malfunctioning device. No gas leak was found. Residents were safe, and no evacuation was needed. NewsBreak

🚓 Two teens were found with weapons during a Suffolk County traffic stop, including a 9mm handgun with extended magazines, police say. One suspect reportedly tried to flee on foot before being caught, while a second firearm was recovered from the vehicle. Patch

🏗️ The Brookhaven IDA has finalized a $260 million incentive deal for a 262-unit rental complex in Patchogue, featuring affordable and workforce housing, retail space, and public amenities like a riverwalk and pools. The project will rise on a 4-acre site that currently includes vacant industrial buildings. Long Island Life & Politics

Community Highlights

• 🎶 The Music of Genesis by Seconds Out is coming to 89 North Music Venue on Sept. 13, with Long Island's own Seconds Out performing classics from both the Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins eras. [Patchogue Patch]

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is screening The Last Class, a documentary exploring the life and impact of economist and public intellectual Robert Reich, from August 22 to 28. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Experience is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for an electrifying tribute show on Saturday, October 25 at 8:00pm. [BroadwayWorld]

• EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for a one-night performance on Friday, November 14. [BroadwayWorld]

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting its August General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at People’s Pub, featuring half-price beer and wine from 6–7 PM and complimentary appetizers. [Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce]

• The 42nd Annual Snapper Derby returns to Mascot Dock in Patchogue on Saturday, August 23 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with prizes, bait provided, and fun for young anglers ages 6 and up. [J&J Sport Fishing]

• The 17th Annual Sandcastle Contest takes place Saturday, August 23 at Ho Hum Beach, with prizes, local recognition, and fun for all Bellport residents. [Bellport Village Program Fund]

• The Sitting Ducks are performing smooth classic yacht rock as part of the Bellport Summer Bandshell Concert Series on Friday, August 22 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. [Bellport Village]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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

Local Sports

🥍 Two Bayport-Blue Point standouts, Ava Meyn and Aubrie Eisfeld have earned spots in the Nike Lacrosse/ILWomen Power 100 Freshman Rankings. Inside Lacrosse

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