Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim announced today that the City of Bridgeport has been recognized as the 3rd Place, Medium City winner in the 2025 Childhood Obesity Prevention/Environmental Health and Sustainability Awards. The award, presented by The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) in partnership with the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), includes a $15,000 grant to further the City Fresh Program’s efforts to enhance childhood health and environmental sustainability.
The grant will bolster City Fresh’s mission to promote access to nutritious food and sustainable practices for families in Bridgeport. Mayor Ganim accepted the award on behalf of the city during USCM’s 93rd Winter Meeting on January 18, 2025, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.
“This recognition and funding from USCM and ABFHA highlight our city’s commitment to improving health and sustainability for our residents,” said Mayor Ganim. “The City Fresh Program is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives that positively impact the lives of children and families. This grant ensures we can continue to build a healthier Bridgeport.”
The operator was able to safely exit the excavator he was operating tipped at the Citgo Station in the 600 block of East Main Street. There were no reported injuries.
In January, the Bridgeport Regional Task Force launched an investigation into Ralph Cora, 41, of Bridgeport, after receiving intelligence that he possessed a firearm despite previous felony convictions. On January 14, officers located Cora near Park Avenue and Gregory Street and conducted an investigative stop as he moved to Taft Avenue.
A search of Cora’s vehicle uncovered a Palmetto Armory 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, a U.S. Army ballistic vest, and 110 bags of marijuana weighing approximately two pounds. Cora was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine, Illegal Transfer of a Pistol, Weapons in a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Possession of Body Armor, and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell.
Bridgeport, CT – January 21, 2025 – In response to growing concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, Bridgeport Public Schools is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the safety and privacy of all students and families. During the Board of Education meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery emphasized that the district’s immigration enforcement guidelines are in full effect and are designed to safeguard students, regardless of their immigration status.
Key Guidelines and Protocols:
Visitor Protocol: All visitors must report to the main office, present valid identification, and state a legitimate purpose for their visit. Unauthorized individuals will be denied access.
Immigration Enforcement Restrictions: Federal immigration activities are strictly prohibited on school property, transportation routes, and during school activities unless prior approval is granted by the Superintendent. ICE agents or other government officials are not allowed to enter school buildings, buses, or attend school events without written authorization.
Student Privacy Protections: Bridgeport Public Schools does not collect or store information regarding students’ immigration status, ensuring the privacy and safety of all students.
Steps to Follow if an ICE Officer Arrives:
Secure the Premises: Communicate with the officer using the intercom and, if necessary, lock all exterior doors to prevent unauthorized entry.
Meet the Officer at the Entrance: ICE officers should always be met at the school entrance, where all visitors are screened for entry.
Request Officer Information: Ask for the ICE officer’s name, badge/ID number, and the reason for the visit.
Contact the Superintendent’s Office: Immediately notify the Superintendent’s office to ensure they are informed and can take the necessary action.
Do Not Physically Interfere: If the ICE officer does not comply with district protocols, do not physically intervene. Instead, gather information and notify district security supervisors and the Superintendent’s office.
Commitment to Community Engagement and Support
Bridgeport Public Schools is collaborating with key community partners, including the Connecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants, CT Students For A Dream, and others, to host a series of community forums and training sessions in the coming weeks. These forums will provide the Bridgeport community with essential resources and information to address concerns related to student safety and immigration. Additionally, the district is offering professional development for staff to equip them with the knowledge and tools to support students and families during challenging times.
Dr. Avery reiterated that Bridgeport Public Schools remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. The district continues to collaborate with the Bridgeport Police Department to uphold student safety, privacy, and well-being.
Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery’s Statement:
“We will not tolerate any threats to the safety or dignity of our students. Every student in Bridgeport, regardless of their immigration status, has the right to feel secure and supported in our schools. I became an educator to advocate for all students, and I will ensure their rights and privacy are upheld. Our schools will remain a safe space where all students can learn, grow, and succeed without fear or discrimination.”
A teenager riding a moped was injured in a collision with a car at the intersection of Tunxis Hill and Knapps Highway on Monday evening.
The incident occurred around 5:55 p.m., and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. The teen was transported to the hospital with injuries, the extent of which remains unknown at this time.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the circumstances leading to the collision. The incident remains under investigation. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
A car crashed into the building at Knowlton and across town, a car hit the Jersey barrier on Commerce Drive right under the I-95 overpass near the town line. First responders and sanding trucks were called to both accidents.
Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim and the Office of Emergency Management advises all residents to be cautious from 6:00 PM of January 19th through 12:00 PM of January 24th as the coldest weather of the season will be in the Bridgeport area, resulting in below freezing daytime temperatures and single digit temperatures each evening. Residents may utilize the below checklist as a guide to safety during cold weather:
Check heating devices.
Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.
Use caution if candles are used during sudden power outages.
If using a generator, please follow manufacturing instructions given with packaging and do not use indoors.
Ensure that pets are brought inside.
Watch for ice on pipes and ground cover.
Bundle up if you must go outside.
Check on elderly neighbors and family members during colder temperatures.
Mayor Ganim stated, “With the impending winter weather, I would like to reassure Bridgeport residents that everyone’s safety is paramount. I encourage residents to take necessary steps to stay warm during the drop in temperatures while checking on their loved ones and neighbors as we prepare for the next few winter months.”
Warming Centers
Senior Centers (Open only weekdays):
Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue, (9:00am-3:00pm)
East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)
Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)
North End Bethany Senior Center – 20 Thorme Street, (9:00am- 3:00pm)
GBT Station
710 Water Street, Mon- Fri (9am-9pm)
Bridgeport Public Library Branches:
Main Branch – 925 Broad Street, Mon & Tues (10:00am-6:00pm), Wed (10:00pm-8:00pm), Thurs (12:00pm-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am-6:00pm), Tues (10:00am-8:00pm), Thurs (12:00am-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).
North Branch – 3455 Madison Avenue, Mon & Wed (10:00am-6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm- 8:00pm), Thurs (10:00am- 8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).
Beardsley Branch – 2536 East Main Street, Mon (10:00am-6:00pm), Tues (12:00pm-8:00pm) Wed & Thurs (10:00am-8:00pm), Fri & Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).
East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for renovations
South End Community Center- Overnight Stay/Case Worker Support
650 Park Ave– Open 24/7
Limited overnight capacity
Snow Related Emergencies
During snowstorms, resident may call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center hotline at 203-579-3800 with any snow emergencies. If residents suffer a loss of electricity, call the United Illuminating customer hotline at 800-722-5584. Both numbers are for 24-hour emergency service. Any immediate danger to life and health issues, please call 9-1-1.
For the latest updates and information about the snowstorm, residents are asked to check and follow the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center X account (formally known as Twitter) and Facebook.
BRIDGEPORT, CT – January 15, 2025– Bridgeport Public Schools joined forces with mayors and superintendents from Connecticut’s five largest cities – Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury – to urgently call on Governor Lamont and state lawmakers to increase state education funding for all students and to adequately and equitably support Connecticut’s educational system during the 2025 legislative session. Facing significant financial challenges, the district remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality education and ensuring that every student has the resources needed to succeed.
Facing a $39 million budget deficit, the Bridgeport Public Schools district remains deeply committed to safeguarding students from any negative effects. The district continues to prioritize student success and well-being, working diligently to uphold the quality of educational services and support programs.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Avery emphasized the urgency of increased state support, stating, “Our students deserve equitable access to resources that support their academic and personal growth. We are calling on Governor Lamont and state lawmakers to recognize the critical need for increased and equitable funding for all students. We must invest in our high-need students who require additional support to thrive. I am ready to work with our lawmakers, parents and community partners to address this systemic inequity. Our students, teachers, and all educational personnel cannot continue to be left behind.”
Mayor Joseph Ganim also voiced strong support for increased funding, stating, “Bridgeport’s students deserve the same opportunities as every other child in Connecticut. Our city cannot bear this financial burden alone. We need the state to step up and provide the equitable funding our schools and students desperately need. Investing in education is investing in our future.”
Currently, Connecticut’s per-student foundation amount stands at $11,525 and has not been adjusted since 2013, despite an average inflation rate of 2.77%. This stagnation has placed significant strain on municipalities, which have been increasing their local contributions to sustain public schools. High-need students—including low-income students, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners—who are disproportionately represented in Connecticut’s largest cities, continue to suffer from inadequate funding. This has led to staffing shortages and insufficient services that are vital for student success.
Echoing the recommendations from the 119K Commission’s Young People First report, the coalition of city leaders urged state lawmakers to:
Increase the state’s per-student foundation amount and index it to inflation.
Eliminate fiscal barriers preventing adequate investment in public education.
Equitably allocate funding to support Connecticut’s highest-need students.
Dr. Avery and his counterparts stressed that investing in education is investing in the future of Connecticut. Equitable funding is essential to providing all students with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.
Earlier today, the Bridgeport Emergency Communications Center was alerted by a judicial marshal regarding former city assistant fire chief Harold Clarke’s failure to appear in court this morning. Bridgeport Police responded to Clarke’s last known GPS location, where they discovered a tragic, untimely death.
In November, a six-person jury convicted Clarke on two counts of second-degree sexual assault. He faced a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years for these charges. Authorities have confirmed that this is an ongoing investigation.
I send my condolences to Harold Clarke’s family. I’m deeply sorry for your loss, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I’m wishing you comfort and peace during this time of sorrow stated Mayor Ganim.
On behalf of the Bridgeport Police Department, we send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Harold Clarke stated Chief Porter.
My condolences to the family and friends of Harold Clarke Sr. Chief Clarke spent 34 ½ years with the Bridgeport Fire Department. Losing a loved one is never easy for the family and friends left behind but as time goes on you will remember the joy that he brought into your lives stated Fire Chief Lance Edwards.
Report of a structure fire at Summerfield Ave near Clermont Street in Bridgeport. Firefighters have knocked down the fire and are currently checking for extensions.
