Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! According to a very confident groundhog, we’ve got six more weeks of winter. Cool, cool.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Get Approval First

• Preservation and Development

• Ice Boating

Ready, Set, Go!

Sponsored By Pure & Peaceful

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The Lowdown

Get Approval First 📝

At its January 27 meeting, the Town Board unanimously approved a sweeping update to Planning Department fees, many of which hadn’t changed in nearly two decades, along with a new penalty aimed squarely at developers who start work without permits.

The biggest shift? Any developer who clears land, excavates, installs drainage or utilities, or begins infrastructure work before submitting an application will now pay double the standard fees. Town officials say the goal is to discourage the long standing practice of asking for forgiveness instead of permission.

Beyond the penalty, fees across the board are going up, with increases tied more closely to project size and complexity. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Preservation and Development ⚖️

For years, the North Fork’s identity has rested on a delicate balance of farmland, open space, and controlled growth. Lately, that balance is feeling more fragile, and a lot more visible.

That tension came into focus last fall when billionaire landowner Stefan Soloviev advanced plans for a 372-acre conservation subdivision in Cutchogue. The proposal would preserve 267 acres of farmland while allowing 47 new homes, including 18 luxury waterfront lots along the Sound. The reaction online was immediate, loud, and uneasy, with many locals wondering if this is how the North Fork starts to look a little more like the South Fork.

Across Southold, Riverhead, and Shelter Island, Soloviev controls more than 1,100 acres spread across at least 49 parcels, most of them agricultural or already preserved. About 30 percent of that land is permanently protected through development-rights agreements, while the majority remains zoned for farming with limited density.

Environmental groups and farm advocates see both risk and opportunity. Large holdings can make it possible to preserve far more land than smaller parcels ever could, but only if towns enforce their rules, stick to their comprehensive plans, and have the funding to back preservation promises.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Ice Boating ❄️⛵️

For the first time in more than a decade, Hallocks Bay froze just right.

After an arctic stretch finally locked the bay in ice, ice boaters returned to Orient, skimming across the frozen surface at speeds nearing 50 mph, their steel runners carving lines where open water usually sits. It hadn’t happened here since 2014.

Ice boating has deep roots on the North Fork, once a winter pastime for local farmers and a rare sport that relies entirely on weather, wind, and patience. When conditions align, it becomes less of an event and more of a community moment, no tickets, no vendors, just people showing up because the bay finally allowed it. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Classic Country Style 🤠

NoFo Country Outfitters has opened a brick and mortar shop in Mattituck, bringing workwear, boots, and country-lifestyle essentials right to the North Fork. Located just across from Love Lane, the new store makes it easier for locals to gear up close to home.

The shop is the vision of mother-and-daughter duo Beronica and Josselin Rodriguez.

Inside, NoFo Country Outfitters offers a curated mix of durable workwear, boots, outdoor gear, handcrafted belts, and classic western style hats, practical enough for long days outside, and easy to wear beyond them.

Get the full story 👉 Dan’s Papers

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Sponsored By Body by Carrozza

Strength - Nutrition - Accountability 💪

Body By Carrozza is where strength meets intention, and results follow. Founded by local trainer Michael Carrozza, this personalized training studio is designed for people who want to move better, feel stronger, and train smarter.

Whether your goals include building muscle, improving mobility, boosting endurance, or simply feeling more confident in your body, every session is tailored to you. With expert coaching, focused attention, and a supportive, no-ego environment, Body By Carrozza helps clients stay consistent and see meaningful progress.

Michael works with clients in-home or at his gym, offering both one-on-one training and small-group sessions to fit your goals, schedule, and comfort level. No crowded gyms. No cookie-cutter programs. Just smart, effective training built around you.

Curious to learn more or ready to get started? Reach out to Michael to set up your first session.

Book a Consult

Happenings: Upcoming Events

🐾 Pet CPR Training Emergencies don’t come with a warning, Pet CPR & First Aid Training with Paws and Claws 911 is coming to Harbor Pet on Sunday, February 15. This hands on session is all about building the confidence and skills that could truly save a life. More Info

🤠 Country Concert Get ready for an hour of foot stomping country as Gene Casey brings his signature “Rock-a-Boogie” sound to Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library on Sunday, February 15. More Info

🎨 Fruit But Make It Disco Fruit meets disco at Fruit Disco Ball Painting at Veme Studios on Friday, February 20. Learn color mixing, layering, and how to create shine, all while transforming everyday fruit into sparkling, groovy still life stars. More Info

❄️ WinterFest Bundle up and head to Main Road for Southold WinterFest on Saturday, February 21. The free, family friendly street fair has live music, local vendors, food samples, and ice sculptures. More Info

📰 Old New York Stories Renowned journalist, author, and film reviewer Jeffrey Lyons takes audiences back to the Golden Age of New York City nightlife with The Lyons Den: Lecture Series Part II on Saturday, February 21 at the Peconic Landing Auditorium. Drawing from the famous New York Post column written by his father, legendary insider Leonard Lyons, the evening revisits a time when the glitterati dined on Champagne and cigarettes, secrets were currency, and a single mention in the morning paper meant everything. More Info

🍽️ Winter Feast Bring your appetite for Supper on the Farm at 8 Hands Farm, hosted by Fyr & Salt on Saturday, February 21. This family style dinner leans fully into comfort, with pork cassoulet, roasted potatoes, a crisp frisée salad, and warm sourdough baguettes ready for soaking up every last bite. More Info

🍷 VIP Blending Step behind the scenes at Sannino Vineyard for a VIP Blending Session on Sunday, February 22. An immersive winemaking experience hosted by Anthony Sannino. Tour the vineyard, production facilities, and barrel cellar while tasting through the current lineup, then enjoy a light lunch before jumping into a hands-on red wine blending session. More Info

^{_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. We’ll always let you know when something is sponsored}}

Extra Honey

Strengthen Your Body, Center Your Mind

North Fork Bodies In Motion offers a dynamic, low-impact fitness program for adults of all ages and abilities. Founded by Master Instructor Dr. Marilyn A. LoPresti, Ph.D this integrative approach blends physical endurance, strength training, and cardio with the mindful practices of Authentic Tai Chi and Authentic Qigong meditation.

The result? A holistic path to improved balance, stress relief, and inner strength. This is fitness that moves body, mind, spirit, and energy.  Inquire via email at [email protected]*

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Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Tuesday

First & South | Rachelle Rossi | 5-8 PM
Eastern Front Brewing | Trivia with Emily | 6 PM
Front Street Station | Music Bingo | 7 PM

Wednesday

Greenport American Legion | Adult Roller Skate | 5-9 PM
Shelter Island Slice | Trivia with Think Inc. | 6 PM
Eastern Front Brewing | Bingo | 6-9 PM
Clam Bar at Alize | Trivia with Pam | 6:30 PM

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THANKS!

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships