Street Chaos, Court Dates & Summer Kickoff

Issue #193

Author

Brian Grant
May 19, 2025

Good Morning,

We’re keeping a close eye on a string of street racing busts shaking up Medford, while also spotlighting the good happening around town—from senior fitness and art exhibits to parades and live music. Thanks for making us part of your week—stay safe and stay connected.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚓 A group of drift racers was busted by Long Island police after allegedly wreaking havoc during a meetup in Medford, Suffolk County. Authorities say the drivers were engaging in dangerous stunts and disrupting traffic. NBC New York

🔥 A 19-year-old was hit with multiple citations after police say he performed burnouts in Medford as part of an illegal street takeover. Andrew D'avanzo’s Mustang was confiscated, and he’s due in court this June. News 12 Long Island

🚨 Eight drivers were cited and six cars seized during a street racing bust in Medford, where authorities cracked down on illegal activity tied to a growing street takeover scene. Police say the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb dangerous driving. Greater Long Island

🔫 A Patchogue man with a violent criminal past was found guilty of firing two shots into a Mastic Beach home he mistakenly believed belonged to a woman he had argued with. The residence was actually occupied by an elderly couple, who were unharmed. Patch

🚑 Authorities say all four drivers involved in the Farmingville crash, including the officer in the damaged cruiser, were hospitalized for treatment. The collision occurred early Saturday on Horseblock Road. [News 12 Long Island]

🕵️ A 44-year-old man died after being struck in the head during a fight early Sunday morning in Bellport, according to Suffolk police. He was taken to NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk, where he was pronounced dead. [Patch]

Community Highlights

Get active and stay fit at Stronger Seniors, a fun workout session for older adults—just bring sneakers, water, and your handbell weights! Bellport Senior Happenings

The Village of Patchogue is holding a Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on Tuesday, May 20 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM to discuss local zoning matters. [Village of Patchogue]

SCORE is presenting a workshop on franchising—covering key differences from starting a business, types of arrangements, funding, and evaluation steps—at the Patchogue-Medford Library. Register to attend online or in-person for the free event on May 18 at 6:30 p.m. [Patchogue-Medford Library]

The Suffolk County Department of Labor is hosting a job fair—bring your resume and dress for success—at 5 p.m. at the South Country Library.

🕵️ A 44-year-old man died after being struck in the head during a fight early Sunday morning in Bellport, according to Suffolk police. Carlos Bonaparte was taken to NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk, where he was pronounced dead. [Patch]

Ozomatli brings their signature blend of Latin, hip-hop, and global beats to the stage for the 30 Revolutions Tour on August 15—a high-energy celebration of three decades of music and community. Ozomatli Tickets

Join the celebration at the Patchogue Lions 4th of July Parade on July 4 at 10:30 AM, honoring the theme “Stars, Stripes, and Trailblazers” and featuring Mayor Paul Pontieri as Grand Marshal. Patchogue Village Calendar

The beach opens weekends only starting May 24 for Bellport residents, with daily ferry service beginning June 30 (weather permitting). Bellport Beaches

Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is screening The President's Wife from May 16–22, a sharp and witty drama starring Catherine Deneuve as Bernadette Chirac in a story of political ambition and reinvention. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

Experience a magical evening of original music with Robert Bruey and the Shadow Cats on June 7 at People’s Pub in Bayport—lilting harmonies, rich instrumentation, and poetic storytelling await. People’s Pub

The Patchogue Arts Council is presenting Impermanence: Landscapes In Flux, a solo exhibition by Syd Glasser exploring abstract and representational depictions of dynamic natural landscapes, on view through May 22, 2025, with a closing reception that evening from 6:30–7:30PM. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Citrus and Gold, Inc. is hosting Keys & Confidence: A First-Time Homebuyer Experience on June 1 in Patchogue, featuring dinner, expert panels, raffles, and tools to help first-time buyers gain confidence. [Citrus and Gold, Inc.]

If you're interested in participating in the Village of Bellport Memorial Day Parade, please contact Village Hall at 631-286-0327 or visit the Village of Bellport's contact page to register and obtain details about the route, staging times, and guidelines.

Applications are now open for PAC's PEACE Project, a transformative arts education initiative supporting educators, artists, and cultural professionals in Suffolk County—apply by May 19 to join the 2025–2026 cohort. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

Local Sports

🥍 Mount Sinai is set to face off against Bayport-Blue Point in a Division II boys lacrosse playoff matchup on Wednesday, May 28, as part of the 2024-25 season. The game will take place at Bayport-BP, with both teams vying for postseason momentum.

🥍 In the 2024-25 girls lacrosse playoffs, Bayport-Blue Point will host the winner of the May 22 matchup between Rocky Point and Islip. The semifinal game is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 at 4 p.m. at the higher seed’s field.

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