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
Photos: Family fun and fierce competition at Riverhead’s Cardboard Boat Races
Photos from Saturday's Riverhead Cardboard Boat Races on the Peconic riverfront.
Government
Riverhead Police to begin using body and vehicle cameras Sunday
Riverhead Police officers will start using body cameras and vehicle cameras this Sunday. The cameras were a long-term goal of the town’s police reform plan and are considered by civil rights organizations to be an essential oversight tool for reducing police misconduct and increasing community trust.
Politics
Two Dems launch bids to unseat Rep. Nick LaLota
Chris Gallant, a National Guardsman and former air traffic controller, and Lukas Ventouras, a law student, have both made early entries into the 2026 race to unseat Republican Rep. Nick LaLota.
Business
Town square moves forward as Riverhead designates Petrocelli ‘qualified and eligible’
The Riverhead town square project took a giant leap forward on Tuesday, as the Town Board authorized an agreement with its master developer — an affiliate of the J. Petrocelli companies — to build a hotel, public plaza and playground downtown.
Business
Riverhead considers one-year moratorium on cannabis dispensaries following court ruling
The Riverhead Town Board will consider a year-long moratorium on dispensaries in a bid to halt their development after a State Supreme Court judge ruled key aspects of the town’s cannabis zoning law invalid last week.
Breaking News
Police: Warrant issued for woman wanted in 2024 Jamesport murder
Police are requesting the public’s help in locating Majorie Quarrie, aka Nicola Watson, who they say stabbed Conrad Gowan, 36, in the neck while inside his residence at 448 Herricks Lane on March 4 at 11:43 p.m.
Community News
Riverhead joins forces with Southampton for youth police academy
Riverhead joined Southampton-area departments this year to host the East End Youth Police Academy, giving local students a glimpse into the training and discipline it takes to become a police officer.
Government
Suffolk voters to decide on four-year terms for legislators amid even-year election law shift
A bipartisan effort by Suffolk County lawmakers to expand the terms of county legislators from two years to four will appear on the ballot this November.
Breaking News
Riverhead Police investigating loaded handgun found at Splish Splash
Patrol officers were dispatched to Splish Splash Wednesday at approximately 5:59 p.m. after an employee discovered a loaded handgun, following a "disturbance involving several juveniles," police said in a press release.
Government
Riverhead will designate Petrocelli ‘qualified and eligible’ for town square project Tuesday
The Town Board will vote Tuesday to designate Riverhead town square master developer J. Petrocelli “qualified and eligible,” allowing the company to move forward with the construction of a hotel, public plaza and playground in the center of downtown.
