Alek Lewis
Alek Lewis is a lifelong Riverhead resident. He joined RiverheadLOCAL in May 2021 after graduating from Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism. Previously, he served as news editor of Stony Brook’s student newspaper, The Statesman, and was a member of the campus’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Send news tips and email him at alek@riverheadlocal.com
Community News
Riverhead Ford collecting food for Church of the Harvest
Riverhead Ford wants your help filling up the bed of a truck with food for local families in need. Nonperishable food donations can be dropped off at the dealership’s showroom on Old Country Road through the end of the month.
Business
Hotel Indigo owner proposes assisted-living facility next to Riverhead hotel
The owner and operator of Hotel Indigo East End has proposed a senior assisted-living facility on Route 25, next to the hotel.
Community News
Tomatoes, sunflowers and mentorship bloom at Butterfly Effect’s new garden in Jamesport
The Butterfly Effect Project’s new garden club brings farming back to a historic Jamesport homestead, teaching kids to grow food and build community. A ribbon cutting will celebrate the project on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Business
Riverhead Town considers legislation for golf course vacation rentals
The Town Board is considering legislation to allow the building of on-site vacation rentals, known as “golf cottages,” on two golf courses in Riverhead Town.
Crime
Cops: Women wanted for shoplifting from Famous Footwear in Riverhead
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Riverhead Town Police are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two women they said stole merchandise from a Riverhead store last month.
Business
Cousins open Gourmet Bagel Co. on Old Country Road in Riverhead
Cousins John Felleti, of Holtsville, and Joe Aceto, of Farmingville, launched The Gourmet Bagel Co. at 1105 Old Country Road earlier this month. The owners, who grew up in Brooklyn, have years of experience in the bagel business.
Business
BJ’s expansion with gas station gets preliminary approval: Sept. 18 Planning Board wrap-up
The Riverhead Planning Board gave preliminary approval Thursday to an expansion of BJ’s Wholesale Club, and the addition of a 16-vehicle gas station there.
Politics
Republican incumbents will pass on two of three civic group candidate events, GOP leader says
Republican Town Board members seeking re-election decline to attend two of three civic group "meet the candidate" events, due to concerns over impartiality of civic group leadership.
Crime
Riverhead Police Report: August 2025
Riverhead Town Police reported 155 criminal offenses and arrested 90 people on 98 criminal charges in August, according to a monthly crime report released this week.
Business
Town Board schedules Oct. 7 hearing on Zenith Building expansion
The developer of an already approved four-story mixed-use apartment building downtown wants to expand the project by adding six more apartments at the corner of East Main Street and McDermott Avenue.
