The Year in Review: 2025

Out with the old and in with the new; let’s all say goodbye to 2025. Now is a better time than ever to review the last 12 months. Here is to good health and prosperity in 2026!

JANUARY

We kicked off 2025 with front-page coverage of Bellport Village as an art destination, and spoke about the village’s plans for their marina. Also, issues with the Brookhaven Town Ecology Center started to come to light. We provided coverage about the need for winter coats and the local Lighthouse Mission’s effort to provide. We also covered plans for the softball field renovations at Waldbauer Complex in the Village of Patchogue. And then, the annual Midnight on Main in Patchogue Village, which started an hour earlier due to weather. Our Inspiration Award winners, the Patchogue Lioness Club, were also featured, and Patchogue Village approved the zoning change for the new hotel in the spot of the former bowling alley. At the end of the month, we covered the completion of the Middle Road paving project and provided resolutions made by local officials.

FEBRUARY

In the month of love, we covered Pat-Med High School’s production of “Mean Girls” and Bellport’s new floors in the recreation room of the community center. Also, this month, Pat-Med schools superintendent Dr. Donna Jones resigned to retire. Patchogue’s coldest event the Polar Plunge took place to raise money for the St. Paul’s Food Pantry. And the Village of Bellport announced plans to revive the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, while, Patchogue honored the late trustee Joseph Keyes as their grand marshal as part of the passing of the sash.

MARCH

This month we announced the official merger of LI Community Hospital and NYU Langone Health, as well as the opening of La Plage Bistro in the former brewery location in Bellport Village. Also, mid-March, we covered the brushfires that spread from the Moriches to West Hampton as they were deemed “accidental.” Sadly, also this month, trustee Keyes died, with plans to honor him posthumously during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. We ended the month with coverage of the Forge River sewage treatment plan in operation and coverage of the parade itself.

APRIL

This month, we covered Bellport’s Crazy Hat parade and Patchogue’s Farmers Market to open with new management. Pat-Med’s flag football team was undefeated, Bellport held their first St. Patrick’s Day parade in five years, and Bellport’s Beautification Committee sought new members. Also, the Patchogue Pride Committee turned into a nonprofit.

MAY

As the weather warmed, Canine Companions in Medford started building on their new wing, the Gateway featured “42nd Street,” and a new apothecary came to Patchogue’s Main Street as well as changes to Arooga’s and Rhum. The Gateway also made a plea to the community this month to help keep the doors open. Lastly, Davis Park’s café and casino celebrated their 80th year and a new coffee shop opened.

JUNE

In June, NYU Langone announced plans for a 144-bed new hospital tower, North Bellport was selected for state-funded projects, and Patchogue held their annual Pride Parade. A “No Kings” protest was held in Patchogue Village and former BID executive director Dennis Smith died. Also, Alive After Five kicked off their 23rd season.

JULY

We featured Pat-Med, William Floyd, and South Country schools’ graduation ceremonies on the front page as well as the Village of Patchogue’s Fourth of July Parade honoring mayor Paul Pontieri. Former trustee Stephen Fuoco filled Keyes’s seat and Canaan Lake Park reopened. Also, the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts’ walkway got a new archway and the Gateway held a gala. At the end of the month, we rocked out at the Great South Bay Music Festival and another successful Bellport Day was held.

AUGUST

Blue Point Brewery held their Christmas in July and Bellport Village attempted to find plans for Cirillo’s market. The Village of Patchogue hosted their Circus on Main and a new cellphone policy was implemented in the local schools. Also, Patchogue held their annual Snapper Derby at Mascot Dock and demolition began at the Carriage House apartments.

SEPTEMBER

We covered Bellport football’s 50-year anniversary with a special section and had a three-dimensional oyster reef featured on the front page as part of the Friends of Bellport Bay’s efforts. Mayor Paul Pontieri requested developers demo the old bowling alley and the Saint Liberata Feast was held on Main Street. Also, Bellport Village lost longtime code officers after a gun-carrying policy disagreement. This month, the Gateway also held their haunted masquerade party and the South Country School District announced a budget overexpenditure.

OCTOBER

In October, we covered Pat-Med schools’ window painting on Main Street and continued our coverage of the town’s Ecology Center officially shutting down. Hagerman Fire Department celebrated 95 years in service and homecomings were featured on front pages. Mid-month, a nor’easter hit and a new multi-sport field at Pat-Med High School was unveiled. Then, the Village of Bellport’s Halloween parade was held and South Country schools cited a $3.49 million deficit.

NOVEMBER

We kicked off the month right away with Election Day coverage and another local Republican sweep. SEPA Mujer received a state grant and local food pantries scrambled to meet the needs amid SNAP benefit disruptions. Bellport Village’s bagel store opened in the former deli spot and

“Pridesgiving” was held in Patchogue. Also, South Country school sfroze their discretionary spending through June 2026 and Small Business Saturday was held in both Patchogue and Bellport villages.

DECEMBER

We ended the year with coverage of Patchogue Village’s 63rd annual Christmas parade and the demolition of the former bowling alley. Nancy Kerrigan skated on ice at the Gateway, Bellport Village held their annual Christmas parade, and the Ecology Center couldn’t provide specifics about animal transfers. And, a natural food store was planned for Waverly Avenue in Patchogue. Also, the Pat-Med Library celebrated its 125-year anniversary.