Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office’s S.T.A.R.T. Resource Center team will be hosting a back-to-school giveaway on Monday, August 19 at 2 p.m. The free event is open to all Suffolk residents and will take place outside of the Yaphank Correctional Facility located at 200 Glover Drive in Yaphank.
Children in attendance will receive a backpack filled with various school supplies as well as a pair of pajamas courtesy of EJ’s PJ’s, free treats from Starbucks and other giveaways. In addition, various non-profit service providers will be on hand and there will be free activities for kids. The event is first come, first serve, and will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p,m, or until supplies last. The event is rain or shine.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), New York State Sen. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and county Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. (D) released public safety announcements to remind the public of the dangers of drunk and drugged driving. They further discussed the importance of staying at the scene of a crash, as well as the legal and financial ramifications of a criminal arrest.
“We are more than half-way through this year’s ‘100 deadliest days of driving.’ In Suffolk County alone, there have been at least 20 fatalities since Memorial Day weekend, many of which were caused by drunk or drugged drivers. That is almost three lives lost per week, many of which were completely preventable, and despite the prevalence and convenience of ride-shares,” Tierney said.
“Drunk and drugged drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity and economic status, every single day throughout [our state],” he added.
In 2022 Long Island saw 245 people die in crashes, with 164 in Suffolk County alone — a third of which involved DWIs. According to a member of the SCPD, “Suffolk County holds the trophy for [these accidents], and it’s not a good trophy to hold.”
Murray, Toulon and Tierney doubled-down on their pledge to fight for the safety of all New Yorkers.
“Drunk and drugged drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity and economic status, every single day throughout [our state],” Tierney said.
They further urged all Long Islanders not to drive under the influence of any alcohol/drugs, regardless of the amount, since the officials want everyone to remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs in a person’s system is too much when it comes to driving.
Furthermore, these officials stressed the desire to have the Deadly Driving Bill passed in Albany, “to save countless lives, and make our roadways safer across New York State.”
This bill would call on lawmakers to close a great many of the loopholes in drugged driving laws. More specifically, the Deadly Driving Bill would end the allowance of an individual to avoid arrest and prosecution for operating a vehicle while drugged, unless the officer can pinpoint the drug by which the driver is impaired — while said drug must be listed in Section 3306 of the Public Health Law, as well.
Murray voiced concern over the specifics of legalized marijuana, as he feels that many have been left wondering whether it is appropriate to ingest any amount of it before taking the wheel.
“When New York State rushed through legislation to legalize marijuana, it was done so in a way that left many questions unanswered. Who can legally sell it? Who can legally buy it, use it or consume it?” Murray said. “There is definitely a need to educate the public [on this], and I’m thrilled to team with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. to put these PSAs out to the public, to help facilitate that process.”
All public safety announcements can be found on the Suffolk County District Attorney’swebsite at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/da.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (right.) File photo
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) held a Zoom press conference with local media publications Friday, July 26.
Romaine’s opening remarks emphasized the importance of local media, and his desire to give the press an opportunity to “write the stories you need to write.”
He then briefly discussed some of his seven-month tenure’s accomplishments, including the approval of the Water Quality Restoration Act that aims to rectify Suffolk’s sewer systems subject to a referendum on Election Day, Nov. 5.
Romaine is looking to put sewer infrastructure “on steroids,” as 70% of the county utilizes pollutant-rich cesspools.” His plan is to put “densely populated areas of Suffolk, whenever possible, on sewers,” and the less densely-populated areas on Innovative/Alternative septic systems that will denature the ground and surface water.
Romaine stated that the county will be purchasing new vehicles for the Suffolk County Police Department as well, and he intends to improve police and county government’s mental health services.
Additionally, the county executive expressed concern that Long Island is being “short changed” by the state and federal governments, in which the Island “does not get its fair share.”
“I want to know what happened to the infrastructure money that I supported that President Biden [D] put forward, or the environmental bond issue that the governor put forward, which I supported. … I just don’t see that money flowing to Long Island,” he said.
He gave a local example where Suffolk is deprived of comparative support: “For bus transportation and funding, we get $40 million. Nassau County, which is one-third the size of Suffolk, gets $103 million.”
Romaine went on to share that recently he submitted “one of the largest capital budgets in Suffolk’s history.”
This comes from his wish to fix many of the county’s dilapidated properties that have lacked maintenance. “It’s time that we maintain our roads, our bridges and our infrastructure,” he said.
Romaine went on to discuss his objective to lessen the Island’s high traffic congestion: “How about redoing the bridge over Nicholls Road? How about adding a third lane to the Sagtikos/Sunken Meadow Parkway?”
Furthermore, Romaine spoke of some of his disappointments with the state’s relationship with Suffolk.
For example, when discussing the Long Island Rail Road, Romaine said, “I come from a county where electrification stops at Babylon, Huntington and Ronkonkoma, and everything east of that being diesel. Really? Why aren’t we subject to getting electric trains? Why do we have to put up with dirty diesel?”
Back in April, Suffolk County legislators Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and Ann Welker (D-Southampton) introduced the “Skip the Stuff” bill, which is designed to reduce the amount of condiment packages and single-use utensils distributed.
This bill would prohibit restaurants and food delivery services from providing plastic utensils, straws, condiments or napkins with takeout and delivery food orders, unless the customer explicitly requests them.
This initiative’s goal is to prevent waste, both environmentally and monetarily, as it aims to reduce the pollutant side effects of plastic microparticles and reduce high restaurant overhead costs, respectively.
The bill did not progress out of the Health Committee, as some officials felt that the legislation was a bit of an overstep, and needed fine tuning. Englebright does plan on reintroducing the bill “in some form,” going forward.
So TBR News Media took to the streets, and asked locals what they thought about the matter.
Juan Mendez, Mount Sinai
Juan, an employee of Dunkin’ Donuts, did not believe the bill will make a significant difference, as his
Juan Mendez. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
restaurant already follows the proposals, more or less.
“We already do that, unless the customer asks us [for condiments or spoons] to be included,” he said.
He explained that there is “an outside area, for any customers that need napkins or straws,” they are just not put in bags by the staff.
“A lot of users don’t even use [these things automatically included] in the bag. If you don’t need it, it’s wasteful.”
Brittany, Port Jefferson
Brittany, who works in Port Jefferson village, had a nuanced stance on the issue.
“I understand for environmental reasons why this would want to be done, completely. But, when you go out, you need something, especially if you’re getting something like ice cream,” she said.
She added that “maybe, if we could use spoons that were better for the environment,” that could provide a potential middle ground.
Angelina of Miller Place and
co-worker Debbie
Both women felt the bill would have a positive impact on the environment.
“I agree with [minimizing plastic utensils]. At the same time, it can be annoying, when it’s not available but I think it is so good for the environment,” Angelina said.
Her co-worker, Debbie, echoed similar sentiments.
“It is a good thing for the environment. On the other hand, like everything, there is a pro and a con to it. For customers who need these things, it can be an inconvenience. But, we have to look a generation ahead. What kind of lifestyle will our grandkids be having [if we pollute our environment] with plastic? It is time to start thinking about the future, and not just now. If it is for our betterment it is worth the sacrifice, and every change must start somewhere.”
Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Debbie declined for her picture to be taken and other personal information to be included.
Sam, Port Jefferson
Sam a hostess, felt that customers expect extras as part of their takeout orders. And, that they may not be
pleased if that changed.
“We always give ketchup and utensils. Nobody really asks for it, but, I feel like if we don’t give them, they are going to [be upset]. People come to expect it, as part of the service. You don’t know where everybody is going — they could be going outside to eat and not going home,” she said.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, New York State Senator Dean Murray, and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. have released public safety announcements to remind the public of the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, the importance of staying at the scene of a crash, and the legal and financial ramifications of a criminal arrest.
“We are more than half-way through this year’s ‘100 Deadliest Days of Driving.’ In Suffolk County alone, there have been at least twenty fatalities since Memorial Day weekend, many of which were caused by drunk or drugged drivers. That is almost three lives lost per week, many of which were completely preventable, and despite the prevalence and convenience of ride-shares. These are not crimes that are confined to Long Island. Drunk and drugged drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity and economic status every single day throughout New York State,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Senator Murray, Sheriff Toulon, and I continue to fight for the safety of all New Yorkers. We urge everyone to remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is too much when it comes to driving. The legislators up in Albany must pass the ‘Deadly Driving Bill’ to save countless lives and make our roadways safer across New York State.”
“When New York State rushed through legislation to legalize marijuana, it was done so in a way that left many questions unanswered. Who can legally sell it? Who can legally buy it, use it or consume it,” said Senator Murray. “Some of the biggest questions surround the use of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle. There is definitely a need to educate the public and I’m thrilled to team with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol Toulon, Jr., to put these PSA’s out to the public to help with that education process. I also want to thank JVC Broadcasting, Inc.’s President & CEO, John Caracciolo, for his willingness to immediately get these PSA’s up and running on his multiple Long Island radio stations. Everyone working together can truly make a difference.”
“Drunk and drugged driving continues to claim innocent lives on our roads,” said Sheriff Toulon. “Partnering with District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and New York State Senator Dean Murray, we are committed to raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes to make our roadways safer. Remember, one decision to use a ride-share can prevent a tragedy and save lives.”
“All of us at JVC Broadcasting are committed to work with our elected officials to get this important message out,” said JVC Broadcasting, Inc. President and CEO, John Caracciolo. “We were happy to donate the airtime to make it possible.”
In January 2024, District Attorney Tierney rallied with a bipartisan group of local and state officials, district attorneys, traffic safety advocates, and families and friends of those affected by drunk and drugged driving, and called on lawmakers to pass a bill that would close the loopholes in the drugged driving law. Senate Bill S.3135 and Assembly Bill A.174, also known as the “Deadly Driving Bill”, closes the loopholes. Current New York State law does not allow an individual to be arrested and prosecuted for operating a vehicle while drugged, unless the officer can pinpoint the drug that driver is impaired by, and that drug must be listed Section 3306 of the Public Health Law.
All public safety announcements were recorded and can be found on the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s website. The PSAs will run on all JVC Broadcasting Stations: WPTY Party 105 FM, WRCN LI News Radio 103.9 FM, WJVC My Country 96.1 FM, WBON La Fiesta 98.5 FM, 96.9 FM, 1490 AM, 1580 AM, Big Hits 98.1 FM and Long Island Envivo 1440 AM and 93.3FM.
Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. Wikimedia Commons photo
By Peter Sloniewsky
On Thursday, June 11, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) was joined by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) and Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) to promote a new I/A water filtration system, soon to be installed at Cedar Beach.
Innovative and Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems use advanced treatment methods to remove nitrogen and other pollutants from wastewater before it is released into the environment.
As of July 2021, Suffolk County requires installment of I/A systems for most new residential construction projects. However, much of Long Island, especially Suffolk, uses septic systems instead of sewers due to the area’s historic low population density. While septic systems are cost-effective and efficient, increases in population have led to nitrogen pollution in both surface-level and underground bodies of water. This nitrogen pollution causes harmful algal blooms, which can destroy ecosystems by consuming excess oxygen in water and cause a variety of conditions in exposed humans.
The more-than 1.5 million people of Suffolk County rely on more than 380,000 cesspools and wastewater systems, including over 209,000 systems located in areas that already have environmental risks. Bonner, who represents the town’s District 2, told TBR News Media that “we have a water problem, with a direct correspondence to cesspools.”
Additionally, the sewer systems already in place on Long Island have a tendency to contribute to road runoff, with a similar effect of nitrogen pollution. When there is more water than sewer pipe systems can handle, partially treated wastewater can flow directly into nearby bodies of water, which can include waste, pesticides, oil and litter. Bonner clarified that “the topography [of the North Shore] lends itself to road runoff … I/A systems and sewers will certainly help that.”
In Suffolk County, there are two types of I/A systems which have been approved by the Department of Health Services — FujiClean and HydroAction. Both technologies have been proven to reduce total nitrogen levels far below the county standard, and to reduce those levels more than 80% from conventional septic systems (which do not typically meet the standard).
The Cedar Beach filtration system will be paid for by a $100,000 grant funded by the Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program. This program was revised and extended in late June, and was sponsored by Romaine.
Revisions to the program include the establishment of a referendum for this November’s general election ballot, which, if approved, would establish an additional sales tax of one-eighth of 1 percent to fund a new Water Quality Restoration Fund. Romaine claimed he “cannot emphasize enough the importance of this referendum” to address water contaminants, and the language of the referendum itself claims that its passage will ensure “county funding to 2060 for clean water projects, improvements in drinking water, bays and harbors” — such as the I/A system to be installed at Cedar Beach.
Bonner told TBR News Media that this new fund would be “split between I/A systems and sewers,” and Romaine described the fund as vital to fund sewer construction especially in less developed areas of the county.
Pictured at the Youth Award Ceremony in Hauppauge are from left Legislator and Minority Leader Jason Richberg, who sponsored this legislation, Legislator Rob Trotta and Jacob Wolmetz
In 2020, the Legislature established the Annual Youth Award to recognize an exceptional young person in each Legislative District. Legislator Trotta named Jacob Wolmetz, a sophomore at Hauppauge High School, as his district Youth Award recipient. Shannon Griffin, the social worker at the school, nominated him.
Jacob is President of the Social Awareness/Students Against Destructive Decisions Club and Vice President of Model United Nations. He is also involved with the Student Council, Ignition (a freshman mentoring program), Natural Helpers, and on the Principal Honor Roll. He is the student representative for Cohen’s Strong Mental health, a program that works with Northwell Health to promote mental health in schools. In that capacity, Jacob has advocated for funding in Albany and Washington, DC.
Active in the French Honor Society, Jacob received both the bronze and silver medals from Le Grands Concours, a national French contest, in which he placed sixth in the country on the 2024 exam.
Legislator Trotta said, “Jacob is a bright young man who has accomplished a great deal for his age. All of his school extracurricular activities and his efforts to solicit funding to promote mental health in schools impresses me. He clearly has developed leadership skills, and other qualities of humanity so desirable in young people. I wish him much success with his future endeavors.”
Pictured at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor from left: New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Eagle Scouts Ryan Bennett, Steven Cirarolo, Brendan Kieran and Joshua Prew and New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick.
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized four new Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 7 at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Sts. Philip and James Church in St. James last month. Held on June 9, fellow scouts, troop leaders, family, friends and several dignitaries attended the ceremony to congratulate and support the new Eagle Scouts.
All of the young men acquired the necessary merit badges and demonstrated their leadership skills, as well as completing their Community Service Project to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in scouting.
Ryan Bennet, of St. James and a senior at Chaminade High School, designed and built a pergola over a baptismal font at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ronkonkoma.
For his project, Steven Ciraolo, of St. James and a junior at Smithtown High School East, made educational signs explaining the life cycle of trees and installed them along a nature trail at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.
Brendan Kieran, of Smithtown and a sophomore at Chaminade High School, created a new basketball court at Sts. Philip and James School/Parish. He installed two new basketball hoops and outlined the full court.
Also doing a project at Sts. Philip and James, Joshua H. Prew, of Lake Grove and a sophomore at St. John The Baptist High School, cleared the overgrown shrubbery and installed two benches adjacent to the basketball court so the children have a nice outdoor seating area.
“Coming to the Eagle Scout Court of Honor is the best part of my job. The fact that each of you achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while still a teenager is an enormous accomplishment and this recognition will be with you for the rest of your lives and you will always be held to a higher standard because of this achievement,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.
For nearly five years, the Stop-Arm camera program has been implemented on most school buses on Long Island. The legislation was signed by then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in August 2019.
The program uses security cameras at the front or back of each bus to report any car that illegally passes in front of a school bus when it is dropping off or picking up children. This legislation attempts to prevent drivers from getting around the buses and make the roads safer for children, especially elementary and middle school-aged children.
Last month, the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency issued a report of all known grievances between Sept. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2022, on the program administered by TPVA and Bus Patrol America.
Violators are required to pay fines starting at $250 per offense, which increases in increments of $25 per added violation.
During the collection period of the audit, revenues from fines associated with the bus stop violations totaled $34,739,404 for TPVA and $2,232,323 for the East End towns/villages. Reimbursements (expenditures) to Bus Patrol for their contractual share amounted to $15,632,732 for TPVA and $904,090 for the East End towns/villages.
Yet, the TPVA cited nearly 52,000 instances, or more than 25% of total fines, where a suspected person did not pay their expected fine. It also cited other statistics in charts and graphs to show the law’s punitive effects on Long Island residents.
Some Long Island residents believe this law is problematic.
The debate remains about whether the new Stop-Arm program is necessary or just an easy revenue tactic. One thing is certain: Drivers of vehicles must be extra wary when school buses are stopping.
Suffolk County Legislature voted 15-2 Tuesday, June 25, to approve I.R. 1461 which will extend and revise the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program. County Executive Ed Romaine (R) is expected to sign the measure into law July 8 for the mandatory referendum to be added to the November ballot.
This program, if passed via referendum, will establish the new Water Quality Restoration Fund supported by an additional sales and use tax of 1/8%. It is estimated the increase in sales tax collections will fund about $4 billion over 50 years to implement the county’s Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan.
In June and July 2023, a 10-7 vote along party lines doomed the measure from reaching that November’s ballot.
The 1.5 million people of Suffolk County currently rely on more than 380,000 cesspools and wastewater systems, including over 209,000 systems located in environmentally sensitive areas. This decentralized infrastructure has been a significant cause of nitrogen pollution across the county. In both surface-level and underground bodies of water, this nitrogen pollution causes harmful algae blooms, which can release toxins into fish, destroy ecosystems by consuming excessive oxygen in the water and cause a variety of conditions in exposed humans.
Passage of the referendum has economic as well as health benefits. Creating and maintaining new wastewater infrastructure will create a number of well-paying jobs for the county government. Additionally, the risks posed to businesses reliant on Suffolk County water cannot be understated, as well as the threats to beaches across Long Island.
The Water Quality Restoration Fund can be used for water quality improvement, such as enhancing and maintaining existing sewerage facilities, consolidating sewer districts and replacing and installing wastewater treatment systems in areas where sewers cannot be installed.
The language of the referendum itself is straightforward: “A yes vote ensures county funding to 2060 for clean water projects, improvements in drinking water, bays and harbors, and a no vote continues water quality degradation.”
Romaine claimed that passage of the referendum will be vital to fund sewer constructions, especially in less developed areas of the county, and the broad swaths of land with only cesspools installed. Romaine said that he “cannot emphasize enough the importance of this referendum” to address water contaminants.
Romaine was also the primary sponsor of the bill, which was co-sponsored by Legislators James Mazzarella (R-Mastic) and Ann Welker (D-Southampton).
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), who voted for the bill, claimed in a statement that while the bill gives the county the authority to establish longer-term funding for wastewater improvement projects, it also allows the county to apply for “much-needed” matching grant funding from the New York State and federal governments.
The final decision will rest in the hands of Suffolk County voters on Nov. 5.
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