North Fork Buzz
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🐝 Sweetest Summer Spots

🐝 Sweetest Summer Spots

Immigration Policy, Federal Assistance Arrives, Proposed Media Policy

Thomas Loncar
July 28, 2026

Together With

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In today’s North Fork Buzz:

Immigration Policy
Federal Assistance Arrives
Proposed Media Policy

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

Immigration Policy 🏛️

The Town Board will hold a special meeting Wednesday morning to discuss whether Southold should adopt a local law outlining how the town responds during federal immigration enforcement actions.

The debate follows months of work by a task force formed after the Feb. 4 immigration raids in Greenport, which left many residents shaken after three local fathers without criminal records were detained.

A group of five task force members is urging the town to adopt legislation modeled after a proposal from OLA of Eastern Long Island, arguing that a formal law would improve transparency, communication and public accountability during future enforcement actions.

Town Attorney Ben Johnson disagrees, warning that the proposed law may not be enforceable, could confuse residents and could put discretionary federal funding at risk after Congressman Nick LaLota warned municipalities against adopting similar laws.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

Federal Assistance Arrives ❄️

Suffolk County has been included in a federal disaster declaration after April's hard freeze damaged crops across New York, making eligible farmers on the North Fork eligible to apply for low interest emergency loans through the USDA.

The late April cold snap hit just after an unusually warm start to spring, catching many crops after they had already begun to bud.

State officials say growers across New York reported more than $30 million in losses, with some farms losing their entire season's crop. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

Proposed Media Policy 📰

Greenport's Village Board is pumping the brakes on a proposed media policy that quickly raised eyebrows.

Trustees tabled the proposal after questioning language that would have centralized all official communications through the mayor and village administrator while also requiring reporters to submit written questions before requesting interviews.

Three of the village's four trustees said they had no role in drafting the policy and were surprised to see it appear on the meeting agenda for adoption. Several also questioned Mayor Kevin Stuessi's statement that it was simply an update to an existing policy, saying they were unaware any such policy existed.

Trustees raised concerns ranging from transparency to potential First Amendment issues. They also questioned whether the proposal could slow communication during emergencies by funneling information through just two officials.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Family Fishing Adventure 🎣

Tide Hustle Fishing Charters, based out of Brick Cove Marina in Greenport, is offering family friendly fishing trips designed for kids and first time anglers.

Captain Rachel Johnson, a lifelong angler, former special education teacher and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, built the experience around making fishing approachable, educational and fun.

Everything is included, from rods and bait to instruction and fish cleaning, so families can simply show up and climb aboard.

Along the way, kids learn how to cast, bait hooks, identify local fish and safely handle their catch, with plenty of encouragement whether they reel in one fish or five.

Get the full story 👉 Petite North Fork

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Happenings: Upcoming Events

🩸 Blood Drive One donation can help save multiple lives, and this Blood Drive makes it easy to give back. Stop by Greenport Harbor Brewery in Peconic on Wednesday, August 5, roll up a sleeve, and do something that makes a real difference in less than an hour. More Info

🌽 Summer Specialties The North Fork’s best summer flavors are getting the hands on treatment at Flavor Fork on Thursday, August 6. Create a seasonal meal inspired by the region while learning simple techniques that make the most of what’s fresh right now. More Info

🚌 Bus Trip Skip the train schedules and city parking, this trip makes a day at one of the world's great museums easy. The Cutchogue New Suffolk Library's bus trip heads to the American Museum of Natural History on Thursday, August 6, with round trip transportation plus admission to five special exhibitions and experiences included. More Info

⛵ America's Tall Ship The Barque Eagle, arrives in Greenport on Friday, August 7, setting the stage for an evening celebrating maritime history. Hosted by the East End Seaport Museum and the North Fork Arts Center, the program brings together conversation, live music, and storytelling just hours after the Eagle docks for its weekend visit. More Info

🚒 Backyard Bash A raffle ticket does more than give someone a shot at the grand prize, it also gets two guests into one of the East Marion Fire Department's favorite summer traditions. The annual Backyard Bash returns on Saturday, August 8, with beer, wine, food, live music, and an afternoon spent supporting the local fire department. More Info

🏍️ Poker Run & Pig Roast A scenic ride, a winning hand, and a pig roast all come together on Sunday, August 9, as Kait's Angels hosts its annual Poker Run & Pig Roast. Riders will collect cards along the route before heading back to Breeze Hill Farm for BBQ, drinks, raffles, prizes, and an afternoon that supports a great local cause. More Info

🥘 Paella Cookout Sangria 71 will be cooking fresh paella on the lawn at Clovis Point Vineyard on Sunday, August 9. Enjoy live music, and an authentic Flamenco dance performance by Juana Cala. 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}}

Local Spotlight

Sweetest Summer Spots 🍓

Doug Geed recently stopped by Patty's Berries & Bunches in Mattituck to showcase one of the North Fork's sweetest seasonal destinations. Known for its pick your own berries, colorful flower fields, and homemade ice cream made with fruit grown right on the farm, Patty's has become a favorite summer tradition for locals and visitors alike.

^{_{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}}

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

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Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships