Virginia Beach Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, November eighth, and thanks for joining us as we start the weekend together.

We begin today with breaking news from City Hall. Virginia Beach is coming off a historic election week as voters selected Abigail Spanberger as our new governor, making her the first woman to hold the post in Virginia’s history. Closer to home, Democratic incumbent Michael Feggans has won Virginia Beach’s House District 97 by a comfortable margin. The changing leadership is already sparking conversations about how new state policies might impact local choices, especially in education and infrastructure.

This morning’s weather is a classic coastal mix—light rain and sprinkles hanging over the boardwalk with temperatures steady in the upper fifties, about fifty eight degrees right now. Winds are gusty out of the southwest, so if you’re headed out for the Jeep Fest sunrise cruise or an early stroll at the oceanfront, grab a jacket and expect the breeze to stick around. Forecasters say showers will taper off later in the day, with skies brightening toward the afternoon and highs nearing seventy. Looking ahead, an arctic blast is heading toward us next week, so get ready for much colder temps soon.

Speaking of Jeep Fest, hundreds are gathering this weekend between First Street and Rudee Inlet for the annual Virginia Beach Jeep Festival. Festivities include beach obstacle courses and tonight’s Christmas light parade, promising a festive atmosphere despite the damp start.

In other local developments, city leaders voted ten to one on Thursday for a major zoning change that will speed up affordable housing projects along Princess Anne Road. Real estate inventory remains tight, but we’ve seen about seventy homes change hands just in the last week. Median prices remain above four hundred thousand, but new construction south of Oceana Boulevard is offering slightly more affordable options.

On the jobs front, big news for local hospitality workers—two new hotels are set to open along Atlantic Avenue by spring, adding more than a hundred jobs. Several local restaurants in Town Center have also started hiring for holiday help, so now is a great time to dust off those resumes.

Turning to schools, congratulations to our Kellam High Knights, who clinched a thrilling overtime win last night against the Cox Falcons. Meanwhile, the Virginia Beach Schools robotics team took home first place at the regional tournament—great job representing our community on both fields.

As for public safety, police responded to a series of car break-ins early this morning near Lynnhaven Mall’s parking lot. Patrols have increased in the area, and officers urge everyone to lock vehicles and keep valuables out of sight. No arrests yet, but surveillance footage is under review. Other than that, it’s been a quiet evening for the city’s first responders.

A quick feel-good note before you go: members of the Oceanfront Fire Station surprised a loc

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, November 8th, 2025.

We wake up today with the echoes of Election Week still in the air. Virginia officially has a new governor, Abigail Spanberger, making history as the Commonwealth's first female governor. In Virginia Beach’s House District 97, Democratic incumbent Michael Feggans holds his seat, winning with about fifty seven percent of the vote. Our city council remains steady with the latest council decision passing by a ten to one margin, showing a continued focus on maintaining local services and infrastructure.

Weatherwise, we’re looking at a mixed bag. It’s currently cool and damp, with temperatures hanging around the upper fifties. Light rain and heavy overcast skies are making their way along Shore Drive and the Oceanfront, and gusty winds are expected throughout the day. The good news is, by midafternoon, the skies are expected to clear up a bit, and we might reach a high near seventy. So if you’re planning to head to the boardwalk, just remember an umbrella for the morning, lighter jackets for later.

On the roads, be patient as wet pavement and wind are causing slower moving traffic on Princess Anne and Independence Boulevard. No major accidents to report, but visibility may be tricky in fog-prone spots.

For the weekend, the big event on everyone’s mind is Jeep Fest, rolling back into town through Sunday. The celebration brings sunrise beach cruises, sand obstacle courses, and even a Christmas lights Jeep parade tonight. Crowds are gathering near the convention center and along Atlantic Avenue, with extra parking and shuttles available. Businesses downtown are gearing up for the festivities, and several local restaurants are offering Jeep-themed specials.

In business news, we’re seeing positive momentum at Town Center, where at least three new stores have recently opened, including a specialty bakery on Main Street and a new tech shop on Lynnhaven Parkway. On the flip side, a long-standing hardware store by Holland Road is closing its doors, reflecting changing retail habits.

The job market continues at a steady pace, with over two thousand openings posted this week in everything from hospitality to healthcare. For anyone looking, today could be the perfect time to update that resume and check out the city’s career board.

Turning now to real estate, home prices are holding firm, with the median listing hovering near four hundred twenty thousand dollars. Supply remains tight, especially in neighborhoods near Sandbridge and Kempsville. Open houses are scheduled this weekend with strong interest from first-time buyers.

Let’s celebrate our local students for a moment. At Ocean Lakes High, the football team is riding high after their big win last night at the stadium off Dam Neck Road, clinching a playoff berth. Meanwhile, Princess Anne Middle School’s chess club took home top honors at a state competition, bringing pride to our community.

Crime-wise, Virginia Beach r

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, November seventh. We wake up today after an historic election week, with our city again at the center of attention statewide. The much-watched Virginia governor’s race saw a dramatic shift, as Abigail Spanberger swept Virginia Beach with nearly 55 percent of the vote. That’s a jump of more than 23 percent over the last Democratic run, a swing that made headlines as one of the biggest in all of Virginia. Politicos across the Commonwealth are calling our city the new bellwether, with both parties now scrambling to analyze what this shift means for the state’s future.

Closer to home, the election also settled a debate about how we elect our city council. Voters decided by a margin of nearly 10,000 to keep the 10-1 district council system, meaning each resident will continue to vote for just one representative from their district and the mayor at-large. This has some city leaders saying it’s a win for local representation, but community groups who pushed for a 7-3-1 system argue it means residents have less of a voice on big city-wide issues.

Turning to city hall, we’re watching two big development projects that could shape our resort area for years. The city is advancing the long-awaited mixed-use entertainment complex between 18th and 20th streets, known as the old Dome Site. And down at Rudee Inlet, there’s renewed debate over what should go up on the last prime parcel along the oceanfront. Both projects are up for more public input later this month. If you want your voice heard, city council is inviting all of us to upcoming community forums.

Today’s weather starts off with overcast skies and temperatures in the upper fifties. Winds off the ocean are steady at around 17 miles per hour, with gusts up to 26 expected later. If you’re out along Atlantic Avenue or heading to the boardwalk, bundle up and keep an umbrella handy as light rain is possible by late afternoon. The good news is the weekend looks quieter, with sunshine and highs returning to the low seventies by Sunday.

In business news, real estate agents report a steady fall market. Nearly 350 new home listings came online this past month, but supply is still tight, and average home prices are holding steady around 425 thousand. For job seekers, Sentara Healthcare and Virginia Beach Public Schools are hosting a major hiring event along Independence Boulevard next Tuesday, with hundreds of open positions in health care, education, and skilled trades.

Music lovers have a treat this weekend with the return of the Oceanfront Acoustic Festival at the 24th Street Park. Local legend Shep Rodell headlines tonight, and food truck alley will be open along Pacific Avenue. Just down the road, Virginia Wesleyan University will host the TowneBank Tipoff Tournament today and tomorrow, bringing Division Three basketball powerhouses—including the nationally ranked Hampden-Sydney Tigers and number fourteen Marlins—right here to town.

In local

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, November sixth. We’re waking up to a chilly breeze and plenty of sunshine after some strong winds overnight. The National Weather Service says we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds today, with temperatures near 68 degrees and winds settling down after another gusty evening along the shore. If you’re heading out to the oceanfront or the Lesner Bridge later today, it’s a good idea to bundle up, especially if you’re planning to be near the water, where it will still be brisk and choppy.

Let’s dive into our top news. A big change is coming to local elections after Virginia Beach voters approved the switch to a new city council system on Tuesday. The ballot measure, championed by Senator Aaron Rouse, means we’ll now vote for just one council member per neighborhood, plus the mayor—no more at-large seats. The switch is meant to make sure every corner of the city gets equal representation. More than half of voters supported this 10-1 model, and community leaders, including Senator Rouse, are calling it a win for democracy in Virginia Beach. There’s a news conference planned later this morning at City Hall to talk about what happens next and how this will affect future elections.

Staying with city hall, mark your calendars for November twelfth. Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson is teaming up with Sheriff Rocky Holcomb for a free self-defense workshop at Princess Anne Recreation Center that evening. They’ll also talk about how to avoid scams, especially with the holidays coming up. That same night, Councilmember Worth Remick is hosting a community meeting at Virginia Beach Middle School. He’ll share updates on neighborhood projects like the Virginia Beach Boulevard improvements, the Seatack Park renovation, and the city’s plans for safer bike trails and e-bike use.

In state news with a local impact, Democrats scored big on Election Day across Virginia. Abigail Spanberger, now governor-elect, led a sweep that gave Democrats control of both the House and Senate. The new leadership says their top priorities are safeguarding jobs and healthcare, and their victory comes amid concerns about federal budget cuts hitting many families in the region.

In business, excitement is building as Amazon’s new fulfillment center opens right here in Virginia Beach, bringing an estimated one thousand jobs this winter and giving a boost to nearby restaurants and retailers around Dam Neck Road.

Turning to real estate, the city continues to see steady growth in home listings, with asking prices still on the rise, especially near Town Center and Pungo. Local agents report homes priced under five hundred thousand are seeing the fastest turnaround.

On the cultural front, we’re gearing up for a weekend of music and food. Neptune’s Park is hosting the annual Fall Fest this Friday and Saturday, featuring local bands, craft vendors, and a chili cook-off. Don’t miss the VB Jazz Collective performing at the Sandler Center on Satur

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Sunday, November second. As we get our day underway across the city, we’re waking up to cooler temperatures and light rain, with the skies staying mostly overcast through the afternoon. It’s a breezy one along the oceanfront and at Town Center, with highs expected around the upper fifties. The forecast says rain should taper off this evening, and the start of the workweek looks dry and a touch warmer, giving us a chance to let things dry out before Election Day.

Looking at what’s happening around Virginia Beach, the big story from City Hall is the final push before Tuesday’s statewide election. City leaders are urging everyone to vote, highlighting the impact local turnout will have on issues like road maintenance and school funding. Meanwhile, city officials remind us construction continues along Independence Boulevard near Pembroke Mall, so expect minor detours and delays.

In the world of politics, all eyes are on Virginia as the governor’s race heats up. Former President Barack Obama arrived in Norfolk’s Chartway Arena yesterday to rally support for Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger, drawing a passionate crowd. On the other side, Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears is set to make her final campaign stop today right here in Virginia Beach. Both camps are focusing on issues that hit home—like school funding, health care, and community safety—making this one of the closest-watched elections in the state.

Our job market continues to steadily improve, with nearly nine hundred new positions posted across Virginia Beach this past week, especially in healthcare, retail, and hospitality. On the real estate front, about four hundred homes are available today, with the median price holding near five hundred thousand dollars. Locally, the Haygood and Great Neck neighborhoods are seeing the most action, as new inventory meets growing demand from families looking to settle before winter.

We have some fresh business news for our listeners. A new Cuban café has opened on Shore Drive, promising authentic flavors and live music each Friday night. Meanwhile, a longtime favorite, Hudson’s Grill on Lynnhaven Parkway, has announced it will close at the end of the month as the owners plan to retire. City planners say more retail and dining options are coming soon near the expanding ViBe Creative District.

For arts and culture, don’t miss the Neptune Festival’s Fall Art Show wrapping up today at the boardwalk. Over seventy local and regional artists will be there until dusk. Music lovers can head to the Sandler Center tonight for the Virginia Symphony’s special tribute concert.

A quick shoutout to Ocean Lakes High School, where the girls’ volleyball team just clinched the regional title, and congratulations go out to Bayside Middle for earning top marks in this year’s science olympiad.

On the sports front, local youth soccer championships kick off at Princess Anne Park this afternoon, rain or shin

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, November 1, 2025. We wake up to a chilly but sunny start, with our high reaching about 62 degrees and a light west wind making for a crisp, classic fall day. Clouds drift in this evening and low temperatures will dip into the mid 30s, so let’s bundle up if we are heading out late. Looking ahead, Sunday brings another mild afternoon, but keep an umbrella handy for possible showers overnight.

We are just days away from Election Day and Virginia Beach is in the national spotlight. Early voting ends today and poll watchers are seeing strong turnout, fueled in part by the tight races up and down the ballot. Former President Barack Obama swings through nearby Norfolk this morning to rally Democrats and boost gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. She currently leads the polls by about ten points over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, setting up the potential for Virginia to elect its first woman governor. Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Virginia Beach resident, is also in a tight contest, and the balance of power in Richmond could hinge on just a few thousand votes. Both parties are holding get-out-the-vote rallies across Hampton Roads this weekend.

At City Hall, officials are asking us for input on the future of Town Center. The city wants feedback on everything from parking garages and free events to improving public spaces and adding more public art. Now is our chance to help shape the heart of Virginia Beach, and online surveys are open for all residents.

In local business, coffee lovers can rejoice as Blackbird Café opens today on Laskin Road, specializing in locally roasted brews and fresh pastries. Meanwhile, long-time surf shop Neptune’s Board Barn on Atlantic Avenue is sadly closing after 27 years, as rising rent and online competition take a toll. On the jobs front, the Virginia Beach job market remains steady, with about 1,400 new openings listed across hospitality and healthcare, and local recruiters say seasonal hiring will stay strong through December.

For housing, there’s some welcome news for first-time buyers as several new townhomes along Holland Road have come on the market below the city’s median price, and realtors report an uptick in showings this week as mortgage rates begin to ease slightly nationwide.

Turning to community spirit, the Oceanfront Fall Festival kicks off this afternoon at 24th Street Park with live music, food trucks, and kids’ games. Tomorrow, Mount Trashmore hosts the Veterans Honor Run, supporting local service members and families. Local schools are celebrating some big wins too. The Princess Anne High volleyball team advanced to regionals last night, and Landstown’s marching band took home first place at the state championship—a huge congratulations to all our student competitors.

In sports, the high school football playoffs are heating up, with Cox and Salem both heading to the second round after dominating wins last night. At the rec

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, October thirty-first, twenty twenty-five.

We start with breaking news from city hall. Virginia Beach officials are inviting all residents to weigh in on a crucial charter amendment during the public hearing set for November twelfth at City Hall on Courthouse Drive. The council is considering stricter rules for rezoning south of the blue line and new requirements before extending public water and sewer services. These decisions could affect future development and daily life for many of us, so now is the time to get involved.

Turning to today’s weather, the Halloween morning begins breezy with scattered light rain and temperatures around fifty-eight degrees. Expect occasional sprinkles and high humidity as you head out to work or school, but by evening, showers should taper off, leaving cooler, overcast conditions for trick-or-treaters along Atlantic Avenue and the Oceanfront. Looking ahead, the weekend promises full sunshine, gentle winds, and highs in the low sixties–perfect for outdoor events or fall yardwork.

In the job market, we have some positive news from the professional sector. Sands Anderson, a prominent law firm, is expanding its Virginia Beach office with the addition of two government attorneys, demonstrating confidence in our region’s growth. For those seeking opportunities outside legal work, hiring remains steady for hospitality and local retail, which is vital as we move into the holiday season.

On the real estate front, activity has slowed a bit, with buyers pulling back in the face of recent government shutdown concerns. According to Realtor.com, Virginia Beach is among the markets seeing fewer home sales, but agents are optimistic that stability will return as buyers adjust to new financial realities. Typical listings are fetching prices near half a million dollars, with condos scattered along Shore Drive attracting plenty of young professionals.

Let’s spotlight community events now. Tonight, Mount Trashmore Park hosts a family-friendly Halloween festival, complete with live music, local food trucks, and a kids’ costume parade starting at six. Tomorrow, the Farmers Market on Dam Neck Road is open for fall produce and crafts, and Saturday brings a charity run supporting veterans along the Boardwalk.

In local schools, congratulations are in order for Bayside High’s robotics team, which took home first place at yesterday’s Beach District Tournament. On the sports field, Princess Anne High clinched a win against Ocean Lakes, advancing in the regional football playoffs–energy was high last night on Holland Road!

Turning to public safety, Virginia Beach Police are reporting a rise in swatting hoax calls, which are causing concern across neighborhoods from Lynnhaven to Red Mill. Officers urge us all to be cautious and remind parents to discuss emergency protocols with their kids. Thankfully, major incidents overnight were limited, and Halloween patrols will be out in

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, October 30th, 2025.

We're starting this morning with some significant weather on the way. Right now it's overcast and fifty-five degrees with northeast winds gusting up to twenty-four miles per hour. But here's what you need to know as you head out today: we're expecting periods of rain with embedded thunderstorms moving through this morning, clearing by late afternoon. There's also a marginal severe storm risk for our region, which means we could see some strong wind gusts over sixty miles per hour and even isolated tornado potential, particularly around the central Chesapeake Bay area. The best window for any severe activity looks to be between ten in the morning and two in the afternoon. Highs today will reach around seventy degrees with southeast winds becoming southwest this afternoon. Overnight, we'll see mostly clear skies with lows in the upper forties. Looking ahead, Friday shapes up to be much nicer with sunny skies, highs in the mid-sixties, and breezy conditions. The weekend stays dry and pleasant.

On the political front, Virginia Beach voters have a major decision coming up on Election Day next Tuesday, November 5th. We're facing one of the most complex ballot choices in our city's history as we decide between two different systems for electing our City Council. The referendum asks whether we want a ten-to-one system where each neighborhood elects its own council member plus one mayor chosen citywide, or if we keep the current modified seven-three-one system with seven neighborhood representatives, three citywide seats, and the mayor. This all stems from a decade-long legal battle over voting rights. Mayor Bobby Dyer supports maintaining the current system, but residents like Melissa Lukeson are pushing for fair neighborhood representation. Early voting continues through Sunday, November 2nd, with Election Day next Tuesday.

Beyond the local ballot, we're also watching bigger political developments. Reps. Jen Kiggans, who represents our Virginia Beach area, and Rob Wittman are facing potential challenges as state Democrats have voted to adopt an amendment that could allow them to redraw congressional maps. This could affect up to two Republican-held seats statewide.

Statewide, we're also looking at a gubernatorial race where voters will elect Virginia's first woman governor. Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears is facing Democrat Abigail Spanberger next Tuesday. That's also generating significant attention as a national bellwether for how voters feel about the current administration.

In other news, a shooting incident occurred near a Norfolk middle school yesterday, underscoring ongoing public safety concerns in our region.

We're also keeping an eye on the Richneck Elementary School case, where the trial began this week for Abigail Zwerner, the former teacher shot by a six-year-old student. The first day of testimony was emotional as the case against th

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Sunday, October 26, 2025. We are waking up to a cool and partly sunny day, with highs right around 60 degrees. As we head outside, it feels like proper autumn around the Oceanfront and Town Center. Tonight will be chilly, dropping into the low 40s, so if you are heading out for evening plans, do not forget a jacket. Over the next couple of days, we stay cool and dry, but expect a chance for some showers to swing in by midweek.

We start with a regional headline affecting many in our community. The federal government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight, taking us into the fourth week. This means local federal employees, including those at the Oceana Naval Air Station and the regional offices off Independence Boulevard, are still either furloughed or working without pay. The city is stepping up support, and Mayor Dyer has announced expanded food bank hours, plus utility assistance through city programs until federal paychecks resume.

City Council held a public input session this weekend about zoning changes near Lynnhaven Mall, aimed at encouraging more mixed-use development. Residents on Holland Road voiced traffic concerns, while business owners are optimistic it could bring new green spaces and retail. The decision is expected next month.

On the business front, there is buzz about the new tech incubator opening its doors in the ViBe District this morning. This space is focused on green energy startups and has already attracted three regional companies set to bring around 80 new jobs over the next quarter. Across town, listeners have probably noticed the closing of Seaside Café on Atlantic Avenue after 20 years. Owner Maria Torres cites labor costs and rising rent, but also says she is grateful to the regulars who turned the closing week into a true community send-off.

Let’s talk real estate. The median home price in Virginia Beach now sits near 410,000 dollars, with an uptick in listings reported this week. Competition is a bit cooler than last spring, but we are still seeing homes in desirable neighborhoods around Great Neck and Kempsville selling within two weeks.

On the job front, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is holding a walk-in hiring day this Tuesday, looking to fill at least 30 positions from nursing to food service. The Virginia Beach City Public Schools also announced several openings for teaching assistants and bus drivers.

Turning to schools, congratulations to the Princess Anne High School girls’ volleyball squad, who clinched the regional title in straight sets Friday night at their home court. Over at Cox High, the marching band took first place in the state invitational—truly a proud weekend for our students.

Music lovers have plenty to check out this week as the Neptune Festival continues with nightly concerts at 31st Street Park. Tonight, catch local favorite Corey Parker and his jazz ensemble. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and proceeds benefit the

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, October twenty fifth, and we’re glad you’re starting your weekend with us. As we look out over our city, we’re waking up to cool temperatures at around forty seven degrees and mostly cloudy skies. It’ll stay mostly cloudy throughout the day with highs just touching sixty, and a bit of a breeze from the north, so if you’re heading out, keep a light jacket handy. No rain in the forecast, so it’s a great day for outdoor plans.

There’s extra good news for folks heading to Norfolk State University’s homecoming today, with expanded free Tide light rail service all day. The parade kicks off at Park Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard this morning, and later, NSU takes on South Carolina State at two at Dick Price Stadium. Light rail trains are running every fifteen minutes throughout the day to help fans and parade-goers make the most of it. Last westbound trains leave from Newtown Road Station at eleven tonight, and eastbound from EVMC at eleven thirty.

City Hall moves forward with decisions on zoning changes near Town Center to greenlight a mixed-use project, and the planning commission meets Monday to debate easing parking minimums around Atlantic Avenue. Both could mean more housing options and less time hunting for a spot. In real estate news, home listings in Virginia Beach are averaging four hundred forty thousand dollars, with average time on market dropping under three weeks as families look to settle before the holidays. Apartment rents remain steady, hovering just above one thousand seven hundred a month citywide.

On the local job front, Sentara Healthcare is hiring for over forty positions across the city, including nurses and IT staff at the Princess Anne and Leigh campuses. The hospitality sector at the Oceanfront is also adding seasonal work, especially as restaurants prep for holiday events. If you’re job-hunting, now’s the time to polish those resumes.

A new French bakery opened its doors yesterday on Laskin Road, drawing crowds for flaky croissants and rich espresso. Meanwhile, Big Anchor Tavern on Virginia Beach Boulevard announced it will close at the end of the month after thirty years, citing rising costs. Small business advocates urge us to shop local to help independent stores weather these times.

Looking at community events, the Oceanfront Art Festival runs through Sunday, transforming Pacific Avenue behind Neptune Park into a lively outdoor gallery. Tomorrow’s Neptune’s 8K Run kicks off at five a.m., with proceeds going to support youth athletics in our schools. For families, Mount Trashmore’s Trunk or Treat starts at three this afternoon.

Congratulations to Cox High’s volleyball team, which swept Bayside last night to clinch a spot in regionals. At Princess Anne Middle, the robotics club is celebrating after winning top prize at the Tidewater STEM Fair. Speaking of achievements, students at Old Donation School raised over five thousand dollars for the local fo

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