Good Morning

It has been a busy and emotional stretch across Long Island, with a serious crash on the LIE, a Silver Alert for a missing East Patchogue man, and a close Bellport Village election drawing local attention. Today’s update also brings stories of neighbors helping neighbors, health concerns tied to norovirus, and community events for families, seniors, and the arts.

Brian Grant

Editor

A portion of the Long Island Expressway was closed for nearly three hours after a truck driver was injured in a crash. Read full story →

Bellport Village held a special election on April 7, 2026, to fill the trustee seat vacated by Steve Mackin, who resigned effective December 31, 2025.

Dan Polner was elected the new trustee after receiving 201 votes, narrowly surpassing Jean-Damien Lury, who secured 187 votes.

The vote took place at the recently renovated Bellport Community Center at 4 Bell Street, a facility that recently saw extensive safety and accessibility upgrades, further enhancing its role as a central community space.

Polner will serve through June 30, 2026, completing the term left by Mackin.

This special election was required under Village Code Section 2-323, which sets a 75- to 100-day timeline for filling vacancies.

The next regular village election is set for June 16, 2026, and residents are encouraged to stay engaged with local governance and community events.

• 'LI Pizza Strong' Fundraiser Delivers $188K to Fallen Officer's Family – A massive community effort with 311 Long Island pizzerias. Learn more →

• Holtsville Raccoon Rescue – A raccoon seeking warmth got stuck in a doggie door at a Holtsville home and was successfully rescued by local authorities. Learn more →

• Hunter Takes 6-1 Win Over St. Joseph's LI – Hunter College secured a 6-1 victory over St. Joseph's Long Island in recent sports action. Learn more →

• Patchogue Theatre New Shows On Sale – Upcoming performances include Hugo: The Ultimate Journey Tribute (Sept 12), Steve Treviño: Family Man Tour (Oct 17), Heather McMahan: The Bamboozled Tour (Apr 23), Who's Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute (May 9), and Joe Avati (June 27). Plus, auction items now available to support the Melissa Etheridge benefit concert. Learn more →

• Bellport Village Senior Programs – The Bellport Seniors group offers exercise classes, chair yoga, and van transportation for residents. Programs run weekly at the Community Center with Stronger Seniors Exercise on Mondays and Fridays, and Chair Yoga on Thursdays. The senior van provides rides to medical appointments within a 10-mile radius. Learn more →

• Senator Dean Murray Hosts Baby Supply Drive – NYS Senator Dean Murray is collecting essential baby items to support local families in need. Donations of diapers, formula, clothing, and other baby supplies are being accepted. Learn more →

• Long Island Families Battling Norovirus Outbreak – A highly contagious stomach virus is sweeping through Long Island households, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Health experts emphasize thorough handwashing and surface disinfection to prevent spread, particularly among young children and elderly residents. Learn more →

• Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town – Saturday, May 2 from 8 AM - 12 PM at 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville. Children learn safe bike riding skills in a mock-roadway setting. Bring your own helmet and bicycle for inspection. Call 631-451-5335 for an appointment.

The BAFFA Annual Juried High School Art Show runs April 25-26 in Sayville, showcasing work from students across Suffolk County including Patchogue-Medford, Sachem, Bellport, and more.