Happy Birthday America!
Thursday, July 3, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 31 ~ $1.00
Raheem Soto Takes the Helm at The Messenger By Messenger Papers Staff Raheem Soto stepped into a new role this week as Publisher of The Messenger, marking a first in the paper’s long history. He’s the first minority to hold the title since The Messenger began printing more than 140 years ago. Soto began writing for The Messenger in January 2025 and quickly became a recognizable byline. But his work in local journalism goes back much further. Before joining the paper, he wore many hats at The Brookhaven News and The South Shore Press—writing, editing, and handling layout and graphics across multiple sections. “I absolutely believe that Raheem is the right person to take the paper to the next level,” said former publisher Diane Caudullo, who officially passed the torch on Monday. “He understands how the business works—print, digital, advertising—and he really knows the communities we serve.” Soto has lived in Suffolk County for thirty-five years, with the last twenty spent on the East End. Over the years, he’s covered town boards, school budgets, public safety, and elections—often bringing attention to underrepresented voices and overlooked details. Continued on page 5
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FLAG DAY FLAG DAY Patchogue Greenlights Hilton Hotel at Former Bowling Alley Site By Cait Crudden Patchogue Village has officially approved the construction of a new Hilton-branded hotel at the long-vacant site of the former Bowl Long Island, marking what leaders describe as a crowning achievement in the Village’s multi-decade revitalization. In a unanimous vote last week, the Patchogue Village Planning Board granted site plan approval to West Avenue Partners LLC, clearing the way for a 96-room hotel under Hilton’s Tempo brand to rise at 138 West Avenue. The four-story structure will include thirteen market-rate apartments, a rooftop restaurant, and sit within walking distance of both the Patchogue Long Island Rail Road station and the Watch Hill Ferry terminal to Fire Island. Continued on page 3
Concept art for the Patchogue hotel (Credit - J2M Architecture)
FULL STORIES ON:
SCPD Ramps Up DWI Enforcement Pages 4
Murray’s Message Page 12
Lt. Michael Murphy Run Around the Lake Page 22