Category: Bridgeport

A viewer sent in photos of a labor dispute/protest outside the Steelpointe Harbor at 55 East Main Street.

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A man was shot in the 200 block of Laurel Avenue. Police said the man self-transported himself to the hospital and was uncooperative.

2025-01-31@9:00PMish–#Bridgeport CT

Bridgeport, CT – Affinity Dispensary proudly marked its one-year anniversary with a community celebration attended by local officials, business leaders, and residents. The event highlighted Affinity’s commitment to responsible cannabis access, economic growth, and community engagement. Representatives from the mayor’s office, City Council, and the Social Equity Council recognized the dispensary’s impact, culminating in an official proclamation declaring January 31 as “Affinity Dispensary Day” in Bridgeport. Speakers praised Affinity for revitalizing the neighborhood, fostering partnerships, and creating opportunities for those affected by past policies. Over the past year, Affinity Dispensary has become a cornerstone of the community, offering quality products while supporting local initiatives, job creation, and social equity efforts. Leaders emphasized the business’s role in fostering economic development and enhancing public wellness through education and outreach. As Affinity looks ahead to future growth, the celebration served as both a reflection on its success and a commitment to continued collaboration with Bridgeport’s residents and stakeholders.

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Bridgeport firefighters extinguished a tree trunk fire at Olive and Rosedale Street.

2025-01-31@2:40pm–#Bridgeport CT

Police UPDATE: On January 30, 2025, at approximately 0859 hours, Bridgeport Fire 1, American Medical Response (AMR), and Bridgeport Police Officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle versus a pedestrian collision. The collision occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Capitol Avenue. Police Officers arrived on scene and observed a female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The female pedestrian sustained serious injuries, and she was transported to St. Vincent’s Hospital.      

The scene was secured, and the Bridgeport Police Serious Crash Investigation Team was requested and arrived on scene. After a preliminary investigation, it was determined a 31-year-old female Bridgeport resident was operating a gray 2018 Toyota Rav4 and traveling south on Main Street. 

The gray 2018 Toyota Rav4 attempted to turn left onto Capitol Avenue and struck the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The gray 2018 Toyota Rav4 was immediately struck in the rear by a red 2003 Ford Econoline E350, being operated by a 71-year-old male Bridgeport resident. The female pedestrian was identified as a 72-year-old Bridgeport resident, and she was listed in critical condition. 

Anyone with information about the collision can contact Officer E. Quiles at (203) 576-7640 or the Bridgeport Police TIPS Hotline at (203) 576-TIPS. Officer E. Quiles can also be reached by email at Eroildo.Quiles@bridgeportct.gov

At 9:00 am Bridgeport ECC received calls of a MVA vs. Pedestrian at Capitol Ave. and Main St with entrapment. Bridgeport Fire Department extricated the female victim, she transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The traffic division is investigating this incident.

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What an incredible effort by the heroes at Bridgeport Firefighters to keep this inferno to just one building. Special thanks to Marc from Top Notch Chimney for capturing the image of the dog being rescued.

Strong work by all!

You can reach Marc at 888-845-9585 or topnotch.chimney@aol.com

Report of a structure fire near the 600 block of Grand Street in Bridgeport. Thanks to our loyal viewers, we are able to see how quickly the fire spread through the building. There was one individual transported to the hospital.

On January 25, 2025, Bridgeport Police observed a serious motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Barnum Avenue and Harriet Street while on routine patrol. A 53-year-old male, later identified as Andre Scarlett of Bridgeport, sustained serious injuries when his black 2000 Saturn SC2 was struck by a gray 2013 Hyundai Sonata with North Carolina plates (HCZ1398) as he attempted to pass through the intersection. The occupants of the Hyundai Sonata fled the scene on foot. Scarlett was transported to Bridgeport Hospital by American Medical Response but tragically succumbed to his injuries.

The Bridgeport Police Serious Crash Investigation Team is leading the investigation and extends its condolences to Scarlett’s family and friends. Police urge anyone with information to contact Officer A. Orum at (203) 576-7640, the Bridgeport Police TIPS Hotline at (203) 576-TIPS, or via email at Andrew.Orum@bridgeportct.gov. Bridgeport Police remind drivers to slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions while on the road.

Governor Lamont Calls for Change in Bridgeport Schools Amidst Challenges of Leadership and Resources

On Friday, an important meeting shed light on critical issues facing our schools. The teachers’ firsthand accounts were so compelling and insightful that they demand more than a typical report. Their voices offer a unique perspective on the challenges and realities they encounter every day—perspectives that deserve to be heard.

Bridgeport, CT — During a candid discussion with local educators and officials, Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the urgent need for systemic change within Bridgeport’s struggling school system. The governor, who has decades of experience addressing education issues, expressed deep concern over the district’s challenges, ranging from resource shortages to leadership instability.

“I think you’ve been let down by lousy leadership,” Governor Lamont stated bluntly. He pointed to mismanagement of funds, bloated administrative overhead, and frequent turnover in key leadership positions such as the Board of Education and superintendent’s office. “The money is not going to your classrooms,” Lamont said, calling the situation “shameful” and urging unions and administrators to ensure taxpayer dollars are allocated to directly support students and teachers.

The governor’s remarks followed a heartfelt session with teachers, Mayor Joe Ganim, and Acting Superintendent, during which educators painted a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by students and staff alike. Teachers spoke of overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and the challenges of addressing the needs of students dealing with trauma, language barriers, and poverty.

One teacher, a 22-year veteran of the district, described classrooms bursting with nearly 30 students, many of whom require individualized attention due to diverse learning needs or recent migration to the country. “When you have 29 students with different learning needs, it’s incredibly difficult to provide the instruction they deserve,” she explained. “Some of these students are dealing with trauma that makes it impossible for them to focus on academics.”

Another teacher shared how innovative strategies, such as using translation apps and bilingual instruction tools, have been critical for reaching English Language Learner (ELL) students. However, even these efforts are hindered by a lack of sufficient support staff, such as social workers, guidance counselors, and interventionists. “We need people,” the teacher stressed, noting that trauma and poverty are significant barriers to learning. “Kids can’t focus on letters and sounds when they’re hungry or walking to school past drug dealers and violence.”

The need for comprehensive family engagement was also a recurring theme. Teachers explained that many parents want to support their children’s education but face challenges such as language barriers or lack of access to resources. Some teachers have resorted to providing materials in Spanish and utilizing technology to bridge the gap, but systemic support remains lacking. “We need to meet families where they are and provide the tools they need to be part of their children’s education,” one educator said.

Governor Lamont echoed these concerns and highlighted stark inequities between Bridgeport and neighboring districts like Fairfield. “Why are predominantly Black and working-class students in Bridgeport facing these challenges while classrooms a few miles away have half the number of students and better resources?” Lamont asked. He stressed that all children deserve equal educational opportunities, regardless of their ZIP code.

Mayor Joe Ganim, who joined Lamont at the meeting, has been actively pushing for state support to address Bridgeport’s budget shortfalls and resource gaps. “We’re working together to see what we can do to turn things around,” Ganim said. “Our kids deserve better.”

In addition to calling for leadership changes, Governor Lamont outlined steps to address the crisis, including increasing access to social services, expanding family engagement programs like the LEAP initiative, and bringing in apprentice teachers from local colleges to assist in classrooms. He also emphasized the importance of addressing basic needs, such as food security, to ensure students are healthy and ready to learn.

Despite the challenges, many teachers expressed hope that with the right support and leadership, meaningful change is possible. “We need to address the root causes of these inequities,” one educator said. “We owe it to these kids to give them the same opportunities as their peers in more affluent districts.”

As the discussion concluded, Lamont reiterated his commitment to helping Bridgeport’s schools and urged stakeholders to come together for the sake of the city’s children. “This isn’t just about money,” he said. “It’s about leadership, accountability, and making sure every dollar goes where it’s needed most—into the classrooms.”

Today’s vehicle fire is at Stratford Avenue near Union Avenue. Bridgeport firefighters report a fire in the engine compartment.

2025-01-27@6:35pm–#Bridgeport CT