This just in: Sayville Patch and Bayport-Blue Point Patch are merging.

The new Sayville-Bayport Patch will allow us to further strengthen our coverage of Sayville, West Sayville, Bayport and Blue Point. In bringing together these robust communities under one site, Patch will continue to focus on the issues that are important to our readers. This includes local schools, businesses, crime and the personalities that give each hamlet its own identity.

Also, the merger will provide Sayville-Bayport Patch local editor Emily Portoghese a greater opportunity to cover important regional issues that range from environmental concerns to local government which impact residents from West Sayville to Blue Point.

Emily served as editor of Bayport-Blue Point Patch since its launch on July 30, 2010. As a 15-year resident of Bayport, Emily has grown familiar with its neighbor to the west, Sayville. Emily's former job as a reporter for Sayville-based publications The Suffolk County News and Islip Bulletin led her to investigate and report on Bayport and Sayville's biggest stories, as well as Islip Town government. 

The combined site also allows local organizations to promote their events and fundraising efforts to a great number of local residents, while also giving local businesses the opportunity to promote their message to thousands of residents who are looking to shop local.

As always, we continue to encourage our readers to let us know how we are doing. It has been our loyal readers who have made our sites a success and we look forward to your feedback and input going forward.

Reach Sayville-Bayport Patch local editor Emily Portoghese via e-mail at emily@patch.com.