Good Morning,
A reckless car stunt in Patchogue has landed a Queens man behind bars, while Bellport celebrates the long-awaited reopening of its Community Center. The recent winter storm brought less snow than feared, but still challenged local crews with North Patchogue seeing nearly 10 inches. Bellport’s Village Board meeting was pushed due to the weather, and work has begun on upgrading water mains along Country Club Road. Meanwhile, events, restaurant openings, and student award nominations are keeping the community buzzing with new energy.
-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer
Local Pulse
🚔 A 24-year-old man from Queens was sentenced to two years in jail after a reckless car stunt in Patchogue injured a woman in 2022, when he accelerated and spun his vehicle in circles at high speed near a crowd on South Ocean Avenue. The Suffolk DA said the woman suffered a broken pelvis and other injuries after being thrown to the pavement while trying to escape the danger. Patch
⚠️ The Bellport Village Board of Trustees meeting originally set for Monday, January 26 has been postponed due to forecasted snow and will now take place on Thursday, January 29 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM at 4 Bell St, Bellport. A Zoom option is also available for remote attendance, and the updated agenda can be viewed online. Bellport Village Government
🏫 The Bellport Community Center has officially reopened after completing renovations funded by a long-delayed $187,500 state grant, originally submitted in 2021 and finalized last year with help from State Senator Dean Murray. Updates included new white oak flooring, repaired stage insulation, repainted bathrooms, and other improvements to support programs like the senior center and Kids Camp, all while preserving the building’s legacy dating back to 1932. Fire Island News
Local Pulse
Snowfall Lighter Than Forecasted, Still Strains Resources
The winter storm that moved through Suffolk County on January 25 brought less snow than some forecasts predicted, but still packed a punch. North Patchogue reported the highest total at 9.7 inches, with 7.8 inches in East Patchogue and Blue Point, and 7.1 inches in North Bellport.
Initial projections called for 8 to 12 inches, with some models suggesting up to 20. Mayor Pontieri of Patchogue Village acknowledged the challenge. “It’s a lot of snow, which means a lot of hours and a lot of expense.”
Though the storm didn’t reach worst-case scenarios, it still required extended efforts from village and town crews. Residents are urged to remain patient as cleanup continues and to follow local snow removal guidelines.
Water Main Replacement Begins on Country Club Road in Bellport
A vital infrastructure upgrade is underway in Bellport Village as the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) begins replacing the water main along Country Club Road. The project, announced on the village’s official website, involves the installation of a new 12-inch ductile iron water main, replacing the older, less reliable infrastructure. Work officially commenced on Monday, January 22, and is expected to continue for approximately three to four weeks, weather permitting.
Residents can expect temporary road closures and detours in the area, but SCWA and the Village of Bellport have coordinated efforts to minimize disruption and maintain safe access for emergency vehicles. The work is part of a broader commitment to modernizing the region’s aging water system to ensure long-term service reliability and quality.
Local officials are urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution in the construction zone and to follow posted detour signs. The community is encouraged to stay informed through the village website for ongoing updates.
This project reflects a proactive approach to maintaining essential infrastructure and ensures that Bellport’s growing needs are met safely and efficiently. Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Village Hall for more information or visit the SCWA page linked above.
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Community Highlights
The pasta fundraiser in honor of Matthew Schuster has been postponed to Sunday, February 1 due to the weather forecast. All existing reservations will be honored, and new reservations or walk-ins are welcome.
Paint Party L.I. is hosting a Winter Wine Glass Painting workshop at Daisy’s Nashville Lounge in Patchogue on January 27. No experience needed and all supplies included! Paint Party L.I.
The Suffolk County Auxiliary Police is now recruiting new members to join the NYS Civil Defense Forces, offering training and the opportunity to serve alongside the SCPD. If you're 21 or older with a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or GED, consider applying to protect and support your community. Suffolk County Auxiliary Police
CIBO Pizza and Restaurant has officially opened in Patchogue, bringing healthful ingredients and warm hospitality to the community. Congratulations to owner Sofia Katinos and team on the grand opening! CIBO Pizza and Restaurant
Plaza Cinema is now showing Hamnet, a moving drama by Chloé Zhao exploring the love and loss behind Shakespeare’s Hamlet, playing through Jan. 29. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]
LoveFINS has opened 2025 reservations for Sailors Haven and Watch Hill marinas, as well as camping and glamping at Fire Island. Online booking is now live, with full details on pet policies and site access. [Love Watch Hill & Sailors Haven, Inc.]
The BBP Chamber of Commerce January Meeting is set for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at noon at Bayport Flower Houses, featuring complimentary lunch and a tropical greenhouse escape. They're also seeking raffle donations for the Grand Marshal Dinner on Jan. 30 supporting the St. Patrick's Parade. [Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce]
The 2026 Patchogue Polar Plunge returns Feb. 8, raising funds for eight local nonprofits with a morning of community, coffee, and a chilly dive for a great cause. One lucky nonprofit will be selected to receive a bonus donation during the event. [Patchogue Chamber of Commerce]
PAC has launched Wining About Art, a unique lecture series pairing art history talks with curated wine tastings. The next event, Artist Couples: 100 Years of Love, features a talk by Prof. John Cino and wines selected by Lori Devlin on Feb. 20 in Patchogue. [Patchogue Arts Council]
Join the Patchogue Chamber’s January General Member Meeting on January 27 at 6:00 PM at Ruta Oaxaca for a three-course meal and networking with fellow members and community leaders. [Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce]
Community Highlights
Industrial property at 991 Station Road in Bellport Sold
Following the $2.925 million sale of 991 Station Road in Bellport, questions have emerged about the future of Al Alla Ma Grill, a popular food truck currently operating on the property. Brokered by Jeremy Hackett of Metro Realty Services, the sale transferred ownership from Beyer Station Road Holdings LLC and RBW Estate LLC to 991 Station Road Realty LLC.
Al Alla Ma Grill, known for its flavorful menu operates on weekends from the lot, offering pickup and delivery via DoorDash. The truck is open Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturdays until 11:00 p.m., and Sundays until 10:00 p.m. With over 1,100 followers on social media has a following.
However, the food truck is not a formal tenant of the building, and it remains unclear if the change in property ownership will affect its ability to continue operating at this location. Attempts to reach Al Alla Ma Grill for comment are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
NYS Senate Opens Nominations for 2026 Youth Leadership Recognition Awards
From now through February 28, 2026, the New York State Senate is inviting educators and school administrators to nominate exceptional students for the Youth Leadership Recognition Award program. This annual initiative celebrates young individuals who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to leadership, extracurricular involvement, and volunteerism within their communities.
Nominees selected for recognition will have their names published on the official New York State Senate website and will receive a personalized certificate honoring their achievements. The program serves as a way to uplift students who embody the values of responsibility, initiative, and civic engagement.
This is a unique opportunity to spotlight the positive impact students are making both in and out of the classroom. To nominate a student or learn more about the program, visit the Youth Leadership Recognition Awards page.
Community Highlights
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