Watch today's top stories and most popular videos which provide you with features like past/future radar and customizable layers Trust us to help you plan the best day possible with the most accurate weather forecast available We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good We may use or share your data with our data vendors The Weather Channel is the world's most accurate forecaster according to ForecastWatch, Global and Regional Weather Forecast Accuracy Overview 2025 at 2:07 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Detectives are investigating the circumstances around a woman who was found dead in Mastic Beach on Saturday NY — Detectives are investigating the circumstances around a woman who was found dead outdoors in a waterfront neighborhood on Long Island on Saturday morning Officers were called to the scene at around 11:12 a.m and her cause of death has not been determined Neighbors on social media reported that there was a heavy police presence as well as a command post in the area of Riviera and Cranberry drives The waterfront neighborhood includes marshy wetlands and Cranberry Dock Police declined to release any further information Editor's Note: The original version of this story has been updated to include more information from the Suffolk County Police Department Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app The master developer chosen to reshape Mastic Beach’s blighted business district expects the state’s environmental review process of the proposed $500 million project will be completed by the end of the year that construction on infrastructure — starting with a sewage treatment facility — would follow soon thereafter “We feel pretty confident that we’ll be putting shovels in the ground in less than a year,” Steven Dubb, principal and president of Jericho developer The Beechwood Organization, told Greater Long Island in a phone interview Saturday.  Dubb, whose company was chosen by the Town of Brookhaven to lead the project first laid out plans for the revitalization effort in November.  Based on a draft environmental impact statement published on the town’s website and dated March 12 mixed-use downtown area with up to 630 housing units 130,000 square feet of retail and office space parking garages and roadway and sidewalk improvements triangular stretch encompassing Neighborhood Road Dubb said a State Environmental Quality Review Act review which would set the maximum extent to which the area can be developed taking into account everything from environmental concerns to traffic congestion and economic impact Required zoning changes would likely take several months to complete after that “We have a ton of community support,” Dubb said adding that it’s because “people see what it’s like now and that’s in need of change.”  He said the “pretty unanimous” support is “rare in a development project That’s why we have the willpower to move it about as quickly as possible.”  He said this revitalization effort, which would look similar to a Westhampton Beach-style downtown, reminds him of The Beechwood Organization’s redevelopment of the Rockaways with its “amazing location,” considering its proximity to the bay.  Dubb said a three- to four-story-tall apartment building of about 250 units would have shops at its base The balance of the residential units would be made up of townhouses and two smaller condominium buildings The townhouses and condo units would be for sale Among the office space options such as for doctors and lawyers Dubb said he would like to see a larger multi-use medical office with one of the hospitals where local residents can access different types of healthcare in one place Dubb said the project would likely cost about “$500 million or more,” including $100 million in infrastructure costs some of which the company is still seeking funding for Among the main areas of concern for residents is traffic and affordability which was expressed at a March 20 meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley a project executive at The Beechwood Organization “We don’t want to price people out of the community,” Goldman told the 20 members in attendance in regards to concerns about housing costs “[The plan] should be able to appeal to all different types of people.” Dubb added later that the new residential units would be 20 percent affordable across all housing options.  Some of the existing storefront businesses would also remain “We do want to not push people who are in the community out of the community,” he said “Our market-rate homes are going to be fairly affordable compared to what you see around the Island.”  Noting that the only two arteries out of Mastic Beach to Montauk Highway are through Mastic Road or William Floyd Parkway which can be backed up for more than a mile especially during the summer months with traffic from Smith Point County Park “There’s nothing you can do or say that will rectify higher traffic Dubb said traffic congestion is something that is being “studied extensively” by the developer’s experts “We’re not going to cure the traffic problems but the idea is that we don’t make it worse and maybe make it a little bit better,” he said and president of Storage R Us East in East Moriches said he thought Goldman’s presentation to his group was well received and that it was good The Beechwood Organization was reaching out to locals Goldman said the company received more than 1,000 responses to mailings from surrounding residents Dubb said construction would likely take four years and will bring a positive development to the community “We have the opportunity to make some change.” Top: Looking west on Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach Tap here to see what’s happening This waterfront home in Mastic Beach is on the market for $749,000 bayfront property in Mastic Beach is on the market for $749,000 the Cape Cod-style home contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms The property is in the William Floyd School District the property offers "180-degree views of Moriches Bay looking out toward Dune Road and Shinnecock Inlet," Edward Schmidt said The house was raised after Superstorm Sandy and underwent a multiphase renovation unobstructed views of the bay," DiMarco said Flood insurance can be transferred to the buyer The house sports three bedrooms and two bathrooms The first floor of the home was "taken down to the studs" during a multiphase renovation This includes 2022 updates to the main-level bathroom structural changes were made following Superstorm Sandy "The entire property was elevated considerably post-Sandy," said Schmidt The second floor is dedicated to the primary bedroom The property offers "180-degree views of Moriches Bay," said a co-listing agent "Our sellers don't even have air conditioning because they have a beautiful sea breeze that keeps the house wonderfully temperate," Schmidt said The location offers a "sensory experience" to those intrigued by a life on the water so it's insanely quiet when you're sitting out on the deck," said DiMarco "All you hear are the waves up against the bulkhead." The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months but with a new name and exciting improvements "We’re thrilled to kick off the season with some fresh changes," wrote Frank Minaya "Formerly known as The Mastic Beach Snack Bar we’re now Punta Cana On The Beach — same great vibes Minaya described the restaurant as having a taste of the Caribbean but "with an American Twist." authentic flavors" of Dominican cuisine with classic American favorites to bring a "one-of-a-kind menu," he said "From traditional Dominican dishes to creative fusion bites there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season." "We’ve made some exciting upgrades from last season to make your experience even better and we can’t wait for you to see what’s new," he said Minaya concluded the post by asking followers stay tuned for an opening date 2025 at 1:11 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Several gunshots were fired in Mastic Beach early Thursday morning NY — Several gunshots were fired in Mastic Beach early Thursday morning It happened at the intersection of Oceanview and Shore drives at around 12:30 a.m. and a vehicle was seen leaving westbound on Shore Drive according to the department's post on social media Residents were asked to review surveillance video just prior to and after for any vehicle driven in the surrounding area can email joseph.reiss@suffolkcountyny.gov "Thank you for any assistance that you can provide in helping us solve this case," the post concluded 2025 at 9:14 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;} A fire broke out at a home in Mastic Beach on Saturday NY — A fire broke out at a home in Mastic Beach on Saturday It started at the Cypress Drive home inside of a fireplace and then spread into a wall at around 4:20 p.m. The Mastic Beach Fire Department responded It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt The fire was one of two to break out locally on Saturday night The second fire, which started at a Holbrook home at around 5:30 p.m. is being investigated by Arson Squad detectives 2024 at 10:20 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;} Arson Squad detectives are investigating a fire that broke out at a home in Mastic Beach on Sunday night NY — Arson Squad detectives are investigating a fire that broke out at a home in Mastic Beach on Sunday night It started at the Neighborhood Road home at around 6:30 p.m. and it was doused by the Mastic Beach Fire Department That was not the only fire that area firefighters responded to over the weekend A second fire broke out a day earlier in the yard of a home on Havenwood Drive and William Floyd Parkway in Shirley at around 4:44 p.m NY — A trio of teen boys beat and robbed a rideshare driver of his vehicle in Medford then crashed it into a tree in Mastic Beach before leading officers on a chase early Tuesday morning with the boys using their fists to punch the man and drag him out of his 2013 Honda The vehicle was later located by officers in the Mastic/Shirley area and after a short pursuit which involved a police helicopter search from the air it struck a tree on Wavecrest Drive in Mastic Beach adding that they were all charged with second-degree robbery Their names have not been released to protect their status as minors The rideshare driver was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital 2025 at 6:39 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}​Arson Squad detectives were called to the scene of a fire on Shore Drive in Mastic Beach at around 4:18 p.m NY — Arson Squad detectives were called to the scene of a fire on Shore Drive in Mastic Beach at around 4:18 p.m It was one of two fires to break out within an hour in the township The second fire broke out at a home on Pheasant Valley in Coram at around 4:44 p.m 2025 at 1:56 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Suffolk police Arson Squad detectives are investigating a fire that broke out at a Mastic Beach home on Tuesday night drawing area firefighters from at least five different departments NY — Suffolk police Arson Squad detectives are investigating a fire that broke out at a Mastic Beach home on Tuesday night The fire broke out at the Breston Drive East home at around 10:20 p.m. and the fire department was notified by multiple 911 calls the Mastic Beach Fire Department said in a post to Facebook The homeowner reported that the fire broke out in the garage In addition to firefighters from Mastic Beach Both the Mastic Beach and Mastic ambulance companies also responded 2024 at 11:25 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A public information meeting to discuss the Mastic Beach Neighborhood Road Revitalization project will be hosted Thursday inside the William Floyd High School Auditorium NY — A public information meeting to discuss the Mastic Beach Neighborhood Road Revitalization project will be hosted Thursday inside the William Floyd High School Auditorium The meeting will be hosted by Supervisor Dan Panico who will be joined by the Beechwood Organization It will include an update on the overall project and a presentation of the proposed land-use plan for the redevelopment area Residents will be invited to visit multiple break-out stations where representatives from Beechwood and the town will be on hand to provide more in-depth details about the plan said the project will help pen "a new positive chapter" in the history of the hamlet "I am 100 percent committed to raising the quality of life for all and seeing this project through with the input of the community," he said Kesnig called the project "an important and significant next step in the much-needed redevelopment of Neighborhood Road." “Once we have established the land use plan the Town and Beechwood will be able to move forward with the many different tasks that lie ahead before an official groundbreaking," she added Beechwood principal and president Steven Dubb said his organization is "getting closer to bringing to life" the development "Our priority over the last few years has been to gain an understanding from the people who live work and own in Mastic Beach of what they would like to see happen," he said "We’re now looking forward to share the plan we’ve formulated The meeting will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m For more information, visit www.beechwoodhomes/home/masticbeachdevelopment or call 631-939-2694 A pedestrian was killed Saturday evening while walking on Sunrise Highway in Blue Point after being struck by a Mustang driver according to the Suffolk County Police Department was with two others and walking in the center lane when he was struck by the Mustang driver who was driving east and had swerved to avoid the group The department's press office said in response to emailed questions that there is no sidewalk on that part of Sunrise Highway and that the crash is under investigation The office said Villafane's position in the roadway was determined by witness accounts politics and crime stories in Suffolk County By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy The driver and the victim's family could not be immediately reached for comment Check back for updates on this developing story Trump's influence on NY's future .. Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories Properties along a half-mile stretch of Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach on Saturday A redevelopment plan for Mastic Beach's business district will transform as many as 140 vacant and aging properies Brookhaven Town has announced a public meeting Thursday night to discuss plans for the long-awaited redevelopment of downtown Mastic Beach Town officials said Friday in a news release that Jericho-based master developer Beechwood Organization will present a proposed land-use plan for the redevelopment area which includes a half-mile stretch of Neighborhood Road — the hamlet’s business district Brookhaven and Beechwood officials have said the plan includes a mix of townhouses and newly constructed buildings including an ambulance company and a branch of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library Redeveloping the downtown has received widespread support from residents and also business and civic leaders Officials expect the redevelopment to receive a boost from the construction of Suffolk County's Forge River Watershed Sewer District which includes sewer hookups crucial to the addition of new homes and restaurants The redevelopment plan includes as many as 140 properties most of them aging businesses and vacant lots Those attending the meeting will be invited to take part in small-group discussions with Beechwood and Brookhaven representatives to discuss details of the plan and provide feedback said he hoped the plan will “write a new positive chapter in the history of Mastic Beach.” Mastic Beach was an incorporated village for about seven years before disbanding in 2017 following years of budget crises and political infighting Town officials in 2018 launched a redevelopment plan aimed at rebuilding the downtown and attracting new homeowners According to the latest available figures from the 2020 Census Beechwood was selected in 2021 to serve as the project's master developer Joseph Scalafani, 34, of Mastic Beach was extradited from Florida on an indictment accusing him of shooting the father of four back in May 2023 He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November, admitting to killing 32-year-old Smith, who was the younger brother of former World Boxing Organization champ, Joseph "The Irish Bomber" Smith, Jr., in the parking lot of a bar in Mastic Beach said the legal case is about a "lethal combination" of betrayal "Joey led a very productive and fulfilling life before these circumstances developed," he said and he will forever be a part of their lives La Pinta said he is "sure" that Scalafani "will be a model inmate who will take advantage of all programs and educational programs available to him." said it was "too much" for her family to attend the court proceeding on Tuesday "just to see the murderer." "We are just glad that he took the plea," she said and our hearts will always be broken because [they are] missing a part of Alex." "He will live on through his children and the memories that we have," she added also pleaded guilty to first-degree hindering prosecution for helping him flee New York after the murder Daniel Scalafani is due back in court on Feb Tierney said the guilty plea closes a case where a life was senselessly taken and efforts to evade justice failed the defendant and the two accomplices who aided his attempt to escape have all now been held accountable,” he said playing any role in attempts to flee from a homicide will be met with serious consequences.” Prosecutors previously said that at around 8 p.m Scalafani violated a Family Court Order of Protection by approaching his ex-girlfriend and demanding that she set up a meeting between him and Smith Police also said that Scalafani pulled out a black handgun from his pants pocket and threatened her by saying if she ran striking him multiple times in the back and torso Scalafani shot him twice in the head at close range adding that Scalafani then got in his vehicle and sped away Scalafani fled the state with the help of his brother and they also lied to law enforcement when asked about his whereabouts Mercury then drove Joseph Scalafani down to Virginia and dropped him off to help in his flight from the police Tierney has credited investigators for their hard work including the police department’s Homicide Squad and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Florida Scalafani was originally charged with second-degree murder two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon four counts of first-degree criminal contempt and one count of second-degree criminal contempt He initially tried to fight his extradition from Florida Tracy Smith previously told Patch Scalafani's decision to fight extradition was "a disgrace" and shameful." Former Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison reportedly said Smith was with Scalafani's ex-girlfriend at the time and speculated jealousy was behind the shooting Smith leaves behind four children ranging in age between six months and nine years His parents previously told Patch that he and Scalafani grew up together and even trained as kids at the same boxing gym in Shirley Scalafani was in Smith's older brother's wedding party The Smith family regarded him as a member of the family with the two parents still referring him to as "Joey" in an interview after the shooting The two lamented how the children of both men will be affected in the long term former Suffolk County legislator Kate Browning who drove Smith and his siblings to elementary school as their bus driver referred to Smith's death as "a senseless murder." "Two families in that community have been destroyed including raccoons after two of the animals tested positive for canine distemper virus in recent weeks Fire Island National Seashore officials said Friday National Park Service staff saw the two raccoons behaving uncharacteristically and also found dead raccoons on the estate's grounds While the raccoons tested positive for canine distemper they were negative for both rabies and avian influenza Patch has reached out to Fire Island National Seashore officials The 600-plus-acre estate situated on Great South Bay is a popular destination for hikers and is one of the few nature preserves that allows dogs It is the ancestral home of the Floyd family a signer of the Declaration of Independence The estate's grounds are closed to the public and expected to open for the season on May 1 Canine distemper virus in raccoons is transmitted through close contact among their population and can spread to other predators including foxes and coyotes and occasional cyclic outbreaks can happen among raccoon populations Raccoons showing symptoms of distemper may approach people Aggressive behavior is not a symptom of distemper any raccoon may become aggressive if it feels threatened and people who notice them showing unusual behavior should not approach them While canine distemper does not pose a threat to people which when not vaccinated for distemper are at risk for a potentially fatal disease People who see a raccoon showing symptoms or if they find them dead should notify the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regional wildlife office at 631-444-0310 is expected to be sentenced 20 years to life on Jan La Pinta said his client is "deeply sorry and resentful for causing the death of his childhood friend." "Today is the first step in moving forward and putting this monumental loss behind for both families," he said Scalafani was extradited from Florida on an indictment accusing him of gunning down the father of four back in May 2023 Scalafani was accused of killing 32-year-old Smith, who was the younger brother of former World Boxing Organization champ, Joseph "The Irish Bomber" Smith, Jr., in the parking lot of a bar in Mastic Beach told Patch said that after Scalafani admitted what he did he turned and said he was sorry to her family "I’m thankful to [District Attorney Ray Tierney] and all involved in this matter," she said that "closure will never be because Alex is not here." Patch has reached out to Daniel Scalafani's attorney the defendant and the two accomplices whoaided his attempt to escape have all now been held accountable,” he said playing any role in attempts to flee from a homicide will be met with seriousconsequences.” Smith was inside Linsa Torr’s Place in Mastic Beach Scalafani fled New York with the help of his brother and they lied to law enforcement when asked about his whereabouts Mercury drove Joseph Scalafani down to Virginia and dropped him off to help in his flight from the police Scalafani was charged with second-degree murder Scalafani initially tried to fight his extradition from Florida Tracy Smith previously told Patch Scalafani's decision to fight extradition was "a disgrace" and said she could not understand the reason behind it Former Commissioner Rodney Harrison reportedly said Smith was with Scalafani's ex-girlfriend at the time and speculated jealousy was behind the shooting The two lamented how the children of both men will be affected by the allegations in the long term told Patch that his son had a lot of friends and would be missed called Smith “a great guy” and said the community was in shock over his slaying who served as Smith's bus driver when he was a child recalled him as a youngster with his brothers — all rambunctious little boys with the blondest ringlets and the bluest eyes adding that gun violence of any kind “is senseless.” This work, District, Partners Present Progress on Major Army Corps Coastal Project, by James D'Ambrosio, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright 2024 at 8:16 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A man was shot outside of a bar in Mastic Beach on Saturday NY — A man was shot outside of a bar in Mastic Beach on Saturday Officers received a call about a fight outside of Linsa Torr's Place on Neighborhood Road at around 12:17 a.m. a 31-year-old man went to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound before they arrived It is not clear whether the man was shot in the parking lot Detectives from the 7th Squad in Shirley are investigating Anyone with information can call the 7th Squad at 631-852-8752 Executive Circle Awards Rendering of Neighborhood Road redevelopment State OKs use of parkland to advance 37-acre Mastic Beach reboot  Sign up for your daily digest of Long Island Business News Listen to this article Long Island Business News has announced that it has chosen this year’s winn[...] The financial landscape of Long Island continues to evolve through the leadership of the remarkable [...] Long Island’s business landscape contains a remarkable tapestry of organizations that have stood t[...] Celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by showcasing the extraordinary wo[...] Listen to this article Lorraine Gregory Communications will be holding a blood drive at its Edgewood[...] Long Island lost 3,100 construction jobs year-over-year in March ending a 12-month streak of gains,[...] Kids Empire and My Gym are opening at Mayfair Shopping Center in Commack Chick-fil-A opens its 12th Long Island location in East Meadow creating 80 jobs and supporting loca[...] Realty Three plans $120M South Village at Station Crossings with 273 rentals Amazon plans to purchase 26.7 acres of Massapequa’s Sunrise Mall site to build a new South Shore d[...] Our mission at Long Island Business News is to be the vital business news and advertising source to Long Island’s most influential readers Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions So says the anonymous motorist who recorded a big white pig wandering the neighborhood streets of Mastic Beach Sunday night It turns out this poor little piggy has a name: Daisy And she had sauntered away from her owner’s place the white swine made its way into the backyard of Stephanie Christine Wnek’s Mastic Beach home on Stackyard Drive She took a photo of Daisy and posted it on Facebook Mastic Beach our community page.”The comments rolled in Some expressed genuine concern for the pig’s well being Others quipped that the sight of the pig made their mouth water Wnek fed Daisy and tended to her as best she could “[The pig is in] my yard at the moment but needs to go asap,” she commented on Facebook “I would take him home in a heartbeat!!” swooned Amanda Imperati in the comments area of Wnek’s Facebook post who lives on Mayfield Drive about three-quarters of a mile away Arrangements were made for Daisy to be picked up and returned home on Monday Long Island has kind of been down this road before in Mastic. Remember Barney the Mastic bull Barney was affectionately named by rescue worker while he was on the run in Mastic and Moriches for two months in the summer of 2021 He escaped an animal sacrifice ritual in a Moriches slaughterhouse before trotting through a residential Mastic neighborhood in the middle of a July day rescue workers managed to capture Barney and brought him to an animal sanctuary in New Jersey Top photo: Daisy the pig managed to wander away from her owner’s home in Mastic Beach and into a neighbor’s backyard about three-quarters of a mile away (Facebook) The Town of Brookhaven is moving forward on a long-sought sewer project for the Mastic-Shirley area by authorizing an intermunicipal agreement with Suffolk County The move comes as the county uses $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the project which includes replacing aging septic systems and building a centralized treatment plant and pump stations “The project is so complicated and involved that it even needed state help which regards the alienation of property for the sewage treatment plant,” said Town Supervisor Dan Panico during an Aug This funding is part of a larger federal grant of nearly $30 million to aid county water infrastructure The rest of the money will fund the next phase of the Forge River sewer project which aims to clean up the waterway and connect more than 1,800 homes and 150 businesses to a new treatment facility in the Town of Brookhaven It will also eliminate thousands of outdated cesspools and septic systems that contribute to the river's nitrogen pollution owners who receive sewer hookups can expect to pay an average of $470 per year in sewer taxes and maintenance costs The sewer system overhaul is projected to support the Mastic Beach Downtown Revitalization project which consists of 37 acres and more than 100 properties Panico said the goal is to revive a vibrant community by maximizing the area’s functionality and increasing the attractiveness of new restaurants and businesses you cannot meet the vitalization people want to see,” he said then-County Legislator Kate Browning proposed the sewage development project; however the project didn’t have enough funds to progress until 2012 after Hurricane Sandy A tri-hamlet sewer project was kickstarted by a federal Sandy relief bill The hurricane’s impact elevated the environmental and health issue of excess nutrients in nearby wetlands from cesspools and septic systems the town board also considered the sewer project's impact in alleviating flooding and stormwater drainage systems Another resolution the board passed focuses on destroying property in the Mastic-Shirley area to designate flood zones we think that we are so high up that we are immune to some of the flood effects,” said Town Council member Neil Manzella Panico credits the project’s implementation to Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine who previously was Brookhaven town supervisor “He and his office have been working diligently to make sure that this project gets off the ground in an area that needs help down in Mastic Beach,” Panico said “While it will cost a great more [than $20 million] and those costs will be borne by the developer this $20 million is a great shot in the arm to help this project on its way.” 2024 at 10:14 am ETA five-alarm fire broke out at a commercial building in Mastic on Sunday night according to a fire photographer at the scene (Suffolk Fire Photos / John Walthers)Emergency Medical Technicians from Mastic Ambulance contacted the Suffolk's Fire to alert firefighters that the roof of a commercial building on Montauk Highway and the (Suffolk Fire Photos / John Walthers)Firefighters stretched multiple lines and put up two ladders while fighting the blaze over two hours (Suffolk Fire Photos / John Walthers)In addition to the Mastic Fire Department (Suffolk Fire Photos / John Walthers)MASTIC NY — Suffolk Arson Squad detectives are investigating a five-alarm fire broke out at a commercial building in Mastic on Sunday night Emergency Medical Technicians from Mastic Ambulance contacted the Suffolk's Fire and the Mastic Fire Department was activated Firefighters stretched multiple lines and put up two ladders while fighting the blaze over two hours The cause of the fire has not been determined The Manorville Fire Department remained on stand-by Three ambulance companies responded to the scene The Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal's office also responded 2024 at 8:01 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Long Island woman rescued a man who had fallen into a partially frozen creek on Thursday afternoon NY — A Long Island woman rescued a man who had fallen into a partially frozen creek on Thursday afternoon The department received a call at about 12:30 p.m regarding a cold water rescue in Poospatuck Creek in Mastic at where a man fell through the ice and was unable to get out As the fire department was responding to the scene Kayla Masotto "risked her own life," springing into action from her backyard and was able to successfully rescue the man with her paddle board "This gentleman was already experiencing the early effects of hypothermia and thanks to Kayla's actions will be okay after being evaluated at a local hospital," the post read The department credited Masotto for doing a "great job." thank you again for your amazing life-saving efforts this afternoon," the post read Masotto, of Mastic Beach, told News 12 she spotted the man on the ice when she was sitting in her living room watching TV the man's personal watercraft started to smoke and then sank and ran out and saw how far I could run on the ice,” she told the outlet "I just had to do what I could to try to help this man A mother of three who Suffolk police said was savagely beaten to death in a jealous rage by her boyfriend has saved four lives through organ donation which oversees and coordinates organ donation in the greater New York area confirmed that 41-year-old Cheray Jenkins of Mastic Beach donated her heart liver and both kidneys after she succumbed to severe head injuries at Long Island Community Hospital on Valentine’s Day flew into a jealous rage and accused the nurse’s aide of being romantically involved with a man who lived in the Mastic Beach home where Jenkins and Thomas were also temporarily living according to Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney “Thomas allegedly banged on the front door of the home and when the other male resident opened the door Thomas entered the house and saw Jenkins lying on the couch,” Tierney said in statement released to the media ” “Thomas accused the man and Jenkins of being together and allegedly threatened to shoot him.” “Thomas then began to violently punch Jenkins in the face and head while she lay on the couch as she pleaded with Thomas to stop,” Tierney added The vicious attack continued as Thomas allegedly pulled Jenkins off the couch where he allegedly punched Jenkins in the face and then stomped on her face with his foot Jenkins was diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage and received an emergency decompressive craniectomy Thomas was indicted this week on a second-degree murder charge as well as other offenses related to the attack He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard Horowitz “We extend our deepest condolences to Cheray’s family and loved ones Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this difficult time.” said Leonard Achan noting that the four patients who received Cheray’s organs are between the ages of 30 and 70 years old Jenkins leaves behind three children, aged 19 and younger, including her eldest daughter Jakara “Kara” Canty of Bay Shore, who has established a GoFundMe page to help raise money for her mother’s funeral services Titled “Honoring Cheray Jenkins’ Loving Legacy,” the page details the life of a woman who was dedicated to her family “She always felt like she had to be strong for everybody help everybody out and set her pain aside,” Canty wrote on the GoFundMe page she would still give somebody her last few bit of dollars to help the next person out Canty noted that Jenkins was a dedicated partner to Thomas and for him to still be living and ok with that as well as having a nerve to plead not guilty shows that you had no remorse for what [he has] done to her to her kids to her family to her friends,” Canty vented on the GoFundMe page which so far has raised $6,175 from 120 donations You can click here or below to contribute to the GoFundMe page for Jenkins’ children Canty said she is now responsible for her two younger siblings she assured her that her younger two children would be “safe and okay.” I just want you to know that I love you and you didn’t deserve that at all I’m gonna miss the laughs and the play fighting and everything about you … Until we meet again…I love you️” Funeral services for Jenkins are Tuesday, March 4, at Rose Funeral Home who was combative with officers and spat on one cop during his arrest processing at the Sixth Precinct He faces 25-years-to-life in prison if convicted of the murder charge NY — Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a man who was shot in Mastic Beach and then drove himself to Stony Brook University Hospital on Thursday afternoon Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the 7th Squad in Shirley at 631-852-8752 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS 2024 at 2:57 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Jolly old St NY — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Shirley-Mastic families kids have several chances to see jolly old St Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the local area 2024 at 11:25 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a male’s jawbone that was found at Smith Point County Park in Shirley on Monday night (Peggy Spellman Hoey / Patch Media)LONG ISLAND walking the boardwalk and posing for family photos at Smith Point County Park on the morning of Christmas Eve some of them unaware that a human bone had been found there by walkers the night before Police told Patch a man and a woman found what appeared to be a male’s jawbone near the park’s Lot A2 while walking just before 5 p.m. and they brought it to a park attendant who was on duty The county Medical Examiner determined the bone to be human and it was taken to the agency's office for positive identification All that remained of the swarm of law enforcement investigating the scene on Monday night was a single police cruiser It was business as usual at the park as locals went about their morning routines She threw her head back in shock when told of the discovery “Does it have its ups and downs?” she asked was aware of the discovery from news reports though he could speculate whether it could be someone who drowned or something more nefarious A human bone was also found at the beach back in March 2023 The investigation is continuing with the county’s Homicide Squad Further details were not immediately available from police Detectives are asking anyone with information about the remains to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 2025 at 2:55 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The lockdown happened Friday afternoon NY — Suffolk police responded to a lockdown enacted at William Floyd School High School Friday afternoon The statement said the lockdown happened around 1:45 p.m and "may have been caused by a malfunction in the system." "Police responded quickly and conducted a sweep of the building and found no threat whatsoever." we are still working to determine the exact cause we will share it with the community immediately," the statement said As a result of the high school dismissal occurring later busing home was delayed in all buildings at the middle schools and elementary schools Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A Long Island woman called police after she said a 19-year-old man broke into her Suffolk County home in the middle of the night and touched her as she slept to report the incident that allegedly happened on Monday at her Whittier Drive home in Mastic Beach was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary in the case The woman explained that she woke up around 1 a.m "Great job by our Suffolk County detectives and our Narcotics Special Operations Team for keeping our streets clean from drugs," the post read Police declined to release "additional information" by citing the ongoing investigation A rendering of the Mastic Beach downtown redevelopment plan Brookhaven Town and a Jericho developer are proposing a plan to build about 600 homes in downtown Mastic Beach and add tens of thousands of square footage for shops and restaurants as part of a $400-500 million effort to redevelop the hamlet's blighted business district which will require multiple zoning changes and other approvals by the Brookhaven Town Board was unveiled Thursday night to a crowd of about 800 people who jammed into an auditorium at William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach which was tapped by Brookhaven two years ago to serve as the project's master developer outlined a plan involving as many as 140 properties on 37 acres in a triangle-shaped area along Neighborhood and Commack roads and Doris Drive The idea is to turn that half-mile stretch into a modern downtown with upper-floor apartments topping ground-level stores Brookhaven officials and Mastic Beach civic leaders have said they see the project as the former village's best bet to end decades of downtown deterioration and reverse the hamlet's declining economic fortunes Dubb said the plan called for construction of about 600 new homes including town houses and rental apartments and a total of 130,000 square feet of retail space with an architectural design evoking “Main Street community-style retail … what you’d see in Patchogue or Westhampton Beach.” The plan incorporates ideas and suggestions from residents and shopkeepers at dozens of meetings with Mastic Beach civic and business groups “The good thing is the vast majority of people support this project," he said "Most people understand the idea that this area needs investment." Many in the audience at Thursday's meeting applauded as Beechwood and Brookhaven officials described the plan Efforts to redevelop Mastic Beach stretch back nearly 20 years as Brookhaven officials pitched land-use plans and downtown revitalization proposals that mostly languished Frustration with what some residents saw as the town's lack of attention to boarded-up storefronts and vacant houses led to a 2010 vote to form an incorporated village giving homeowners the chance to launch their own community revitalization efforts But the village became bogged down in economic and political turmoil before residents voted to disband and the village shut its doors in December 2017 launched efforts to clean up the hamlet and seek a master developer in 2018 said Wednesday the plan could be downsized if environmental studies show the area can't support the number of homes proposed by Beechwood But he said the project will inject a needed economic jolt into the hamlet of about 15,000 people “It’s a community that’s a waterfront community that’s never reached its true potential,” Panico said “Mastic Beach is an area whose time has come.” Former Village Mayor Maura Spery said Tuesday she welcomes redevelopment after years of stagnation in the downtown noting the few current offerings include a pizzeria and a sandwich shop “I’m happy that something is being done because I'm not happy with what’s there now, and I would like to have someplace to brunch. I'd like to have someone wait on me,” said Spery, president of the nonprofit Mastic Beach Conservancy, an environmental group seeking to develop hiking trails and kayaking in the hamlet's Violet Cove waterfront area She said the addition of hundreds of housing units could be a concern town and Beechwood officials need to improve traffic access said she worried the project will force her to move from the house where she has lived for eight years She later told a reporter she has refused offers from Beechwood to buy her two-story stores," she told officials during the forum "How is it going to benefit me?" Dubb told Newsday the new retail shops could include restaurants adding an existing bait and tackle shop will remain Also set to remain are the Mastic Beach Ambulance Co., which opened its Neighborhood Road headquarters in 2018, and a branch of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library that opened last year in the former Village Hall and a community center also is part of the plan Construction is expected to cost about $100 million for infrastructure such as streets sidewalks and "storm-resistant utilities," Dubb said adding construction costs are expected to be $300 million to $400 million for housing and retail including about 1,092 spaces in parking garages that will be obscured from street views by other construction Housing will be a mix of rentals and owner-occupied units 20% of which will be classified as affordable with prices based on Long Island's median household income — currently $114,260 according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York He said it's too soon to determine rents and sale prices but most would be similar to other housing options in the area Dubb said he expected the housing to appeal to empty-nesters and retirees eager for "low-maintenance" homes and young people “who are mostly living in their parents' basements.” an adjunct professor of planning at Stony Brook University said Mastic Beach will need to craft a new identity if it is to attract visitors residents will need to show unwavering support for the plan “The biggest thing is community buy-in," Murdocco said A redevelopment plan for Mastic Beach's business district will transform as many as 140 vacant and aging properties Mastic Beach residents Phil Prestano and Karen Corbett-Green on Thursday query Taylor Garner a project manager/senior environmental planner at Nelson on the redevelopment plan at William Floyd High School An accused gunman formally confessed to shooting a man to death outside a Long Island business Joseph Scalafani admitted to fatally shooting a man in a parking lot on Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach on May 20 pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday Prosecutors said Scalafani ambushed the 32-year-old Smith and the man’s girlfriend as they exited a Mastic Beach bar on Neighborhood Road Earlier Report: Wanted: Suspect ID'd In Fatal Shooting Of 30-Year-Old Long Island Man striking him multiple times in his back and torso Scalafani then got into his car and drove away from the scene before crashing a short distance away and fleeing on foot He fled New York with the help of his 31-year-old brother also gave him money and lied to police when they asked about his whereabouts Joseph Scalafani was arrested in Florida on June 4 He was extradited back to Suffolk County a month later He is expected to get 20 years to life in prison when he’s sentenced in January 2025 Daniel Scalafani and Mercury both pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution and are awaiting sentencing “Today’s guilty plea closes a case where a life was senselessly taken and efforts to evade justice failed the defendant and the two accomplices who aided his attempt to escape have all now been held accountable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raydmond Tierney playing any role in attempts to flee from a homicide will be met with serious consequences.”  for shooting and killing a man and wounding two others at a nightclub as well as the armed robbery of a Lyft driver Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said Monday David Trent, 19, killed Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and injured two others outside of the Minx Nightclub in Farmingville as well as the armed robbery of a Lyft driver that occurred in Wading River Trent was one of 18 defendants indicted in December 2022 following a long-term investigation into violence committed by a criminal street organization "This is the reason why I started the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau on my first day inoffice," Tierney said "Violence like this will not be tolerated in Suffolk County This case should serve as a warning to those gang members who would seek to establish dominance by committing acts of violence in Suffolk County: we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” a member of the violent street gang No Fake Love and his associates were gathered in the parking lot of the Minx nightclub in Farmingville and Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and his friends were walking through the parking lot after leaving the nightclub and an argument began then Trent went to the vehicle that he arrived in Trent and another person then kicked Barrera while he was on the ground before Trent stood over Barrera and shot him again that after Trent and his associates got into their vehicle he leaned out the window and fired multiple shots while the vehicle was fleeing the scene Two additional victims suffered non-fatal injuries in the shooting ordered a Lyft ride-share car to an address in Wading River the trio then went inside the rear of the vehicle Roy reached over and repeatedly struck the driver about the head and body adding that Trent and Roy then "both pointed guns at the driver’s head and stated to each other and the driver several times Foggy got out of the vehicle and forcibly pulled the driver out Roy then jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off with Trent still in the rear "Roy then ripped out the dashboard camera and threw it onto the road (the camera was later recovered by investigators and captured the entire incident)." Both Roy and Foggy have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this robbery and carjacking Trent also pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and and one count of third-degree grand larceny and he is expected to be sentenced to 28 years inprison followed by five years of post-release supervision said Trent "admitted his complicity and his wrongdoing and acknowledged the debt he owes to society." "He will receive in total a sentence of 28 years incarceration," he said "David plans to use this time to educate himself