Virginia Beach Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

We wake up today with the city on the move and eyes wide open to some breaking public health news. The Virginia Department of Health reports a confirmed measles case in Hampton Roads this week, which includes our city. Health officials are reaching out to those who may have been exposed. They’re reminding us, especially parents, to check immunization records and stay alert for any symptoms like fever or rash.

We can breathe easy with the weather to start our day. It’s partly to mostly sunny, a bit breezy, with highs climbing to the mid-eighties. Winds may gust up to 25 miles an hour, so if you’re planning to be outside or on the water, keep that in mind—a Small Craft Advisory is in effect until early tomorrow for our local waters. There’s a chance of an isolated evening storm, but most of us will enjoy a dry day. Humidity returns Friday and Saturday, bringing warmer, steamier air into Virginia Beach before another cold front cools us down by Sunday.

From City Hall, the Virginia Beach City School Board was in the spotlight after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision in the case of Gwendolyn Thorpe against the school board. While not all details are public, the outcome may affect how local schools approach employee relations moving forward.

Let’s turn to the job market. Virginia Beach job listings have ticked up by nearly 3 percent over last week. Hospitality, healthcare, and tech sectors are leading the charge, with hiring events still happening at Town Center and around Lynnhaven Parkway. In real estate, single family home sales hold steady, with about 220 new listings and a median home price hovering near 430 thousand dollars. Agents say move-in ready homes west of Great Neck Road are selling especially fast.

We’ve got several new businesses making waves. A specialty coffee bar just opened on Laskin Road, while longtime favorite Neptune Books downtown has announced it will close at the end of September after forty years. On the food scene, Beachside Eats at the Oceanfront is hiring in anticipation of increased fall tourist traffic.

On the events calendar, the Neptune Festival’s Art and Craft Show kicks off tomorrow along the boardwalk, and free live music returns to Mount Trashmore this Saturday night followed by local fireworks if the weather cooperates. Meanwhile, Ocean Lakes High School’s volleyball team picked up a big conference win last night, and Princess Anne’s robotics club just brought home a regional trophy.

On a positive note, we’re hearing about the volunteers from the Kempsville area who spent their holiday weekend cleaning up Woodstock Park, planting flowers and leaving behind a greener, tidier neighborhood for all of us.

Turning to public safety, Virginia Beach police responded to a report of an overnight home break-in near Independence Boulevard. One arrest was made without injury, and investigators assure us this appears

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

We wake up to another beautiful late summer morning here in Virginia Beach. The sun is shining, temperatures are set to climb into the high seventies by the afternoon, and northeast winds are keeping things cool along the oceanfront. If you’re planning to get outside today, it’s a great time to enjoy a walk at Mount Trashmore or a picnic at First Landing State Park. And looking ahead, we’re in for more sunshine and mild temperatures for the next few days, so it’s shaping up to be a picture-perfect Labor Day weekend.

Turning to breaking news with a major development from the White House impacting our region. The federal government has withdrawn more than thirty-nine million dollars in funding meant for the Norfolk Offshore Wind Logistics Port, a project designed to support Dominion Energy’s massive wind farm off our coast. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision on Friday, calling into question the future of offshore wind in our region. While Dominion has not commented on the potential impact yet, many in our business and environmental communities say they’ll be watching closely to see what comes next.

Back at home, city hall is preparing for a busy week following the Labor Day holiday. The city council will meet on Tuesday instead of Monday and all eyes are on upcoming discussions about property code enforcement and short-term rental regulations. These decisions could affect how neighborhoods from Sandbridge to Hilltop manage everything from lawn maintenance to Airbnb activity.

In real estate, the local market remains tight. The median home price in Virginia Beach is hovering near four hundred ninety thousand dollars, with inventory still below pre-pandemic levels. For those house-hunting, be prepared for competitive offers, especially in neighborhoods near Great Neck and North End.

On the job front, we’re seeing positive signs. Unemployment in the region has edged down to just over three percent, with the strongest demand in health care, maritime industries, and the ever-growing hospitality sector as the holiday weekend boosts beach tourism.

New business buzz centers around the long-awaited opening of Neptune’s Bistro, right on Atlantic Avenue, promising oceanfront dining with a local twist. Meanwhile, it’s a bittersweet goodbye to the Bayview Bookshop, a staple near Shore Drive for two decades, closing its doors at the end of the week.

If you’re looking for something special to do, we’ve got you covered. The Princess Anne Athletic Complex is hosting the 2025 Pro Championships today, bringing professional ultimate frisbee teams and fans to Dam Neck Road. Over at the Historic Thoroughgood House, it’s the last weekend for the Pirates and Piracy tours, a family favorite exploring the hidden history of our coast. Arts lovers can look forward to Neptune Festival’s Boardwalk weekend coming up, with live music and sand sculpti

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, August 30, 2025.

As we wake up on this busy Labor Day weekend, our oceanfront is already filling up as business owners along Atlantic Avenue and the Boardwalk are hopeful for a strong finish to what has been a slower summer than usual. Folks at Coastal Edge and Ocean Eddies say this weekend could make up as much as a fifth of their entire August, and many workers are eager to make the most of these last few days of the tourist rush before we settle into the quiet off-season. Hotels and restaurants across the resort area have seen more vacancies than in previous years, with some pointing to the economy as a driving factor, but there is optimism this weekend will help close the gap. If you are downtown or out by the pier, you will find families and visitors like Hans and his niece Layla from Arlington doing their part to support local businesses, even if it means paying extra for ice cream.

Turning to local government, city hall is facing continued scrutiny after a week of frustration from Windsor Woods residents. There is a strong and persistent odor rising from Thalia Creek, described by neighbors as so intense it is forcing people indoors and impacting their health. City officials met Friday with neighbors but, for now, say the smell is a result of natural processes rather than any chemical or mechanical issue. They are asking for two more weeks to monitor things and are deferring additional testing to the Department of Environmental Quality. Residents say if the problem is not resolved soon, legal steps may follow.

Meanwhile, at Virginia Wesleyan University, tension is running high. Students have organized protests ahead of a private campus meeting to discuss the school’s upcoming name change to Batten University. The decision, honoring major donor Jane P. Batten, is set to take effect in July 2026. Many students and alumni are opposed, with more than 3,800 signatures gathered already, but the administration is standing firm that the change is final.

Weather will be a big factor today for anyone planning to be outside or on the water. We are looking at mostly cloudy skies, highs around seventy-eight, lows in the mid-sixties, and brisk winds from the north-northeast gusting up to twenty miles per hour. Our beaches are seeing seas around two to three feet, so take care if you are boating or swimming. This breezy stretch continues into next week, with a slight uptick in wind and waves on Labor Day.

In city politics, a federal complaint is heating up debate over how we elect leaders. Plaintiffs are working to block a possible return to the old 7-3-1 voting system for city council. They are pushing to keep the current ten-district system, which they argue offers fairer representation for minority communities. The city says minority coalition claims do not apply under federal law, but so far, the court disagrees. This will come before voters in a November referendum.

On the jobs fro

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, August 29th, 2025. We’re waking up today with mostly sunny skies and temperatures expected to get up near eighty degrees, a real treat as we approach Labor Day weekend. If you’re thinking about spending time at the beach, do keep in mind that health officials have put a swimming advisory in place for several sections of our oceanfront due to elevated bacteria levels after yesterday’s heavy rains. That advisory extends from 24th to 40th Streets, so please stay out of the water in those areas until further notice. Winds are light and the air is refreshingly cool for August, so it’s a good day for a walk or picnic on the boardwalk, even if you can’t take a dip.

In breaking news, city crews are assessing storm-related damage at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier this morning after swells from Hurricane Erin caused some structural concerns overnight. While most of the pier remains closed today, shops and restaurants adjacent to the pier are open and operating.

Over at City Hall, there’s been a lot of talk this week about how we elect our local officials. Community members and advocacy groups are pushing to preserve the current 10-1 voting system for city council and school board seats, calling it the fairest system for minority voters. An amended federal complaint was filed just days ago, and this matter is likely to impact this November’s local referendum. City council says they’ll hold a public forum at the convention center next Wednesday so all voices can be heard.

Turning to real estate, inventory remains tight with home sales staying strong as families rush to settle in before the school year. The median list price for homes in the city this month is hovering right around four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, showing a steady climb compared to last summer. Job seekers, there’s some good news as well—a new manufacturing facility is set to open along the Lynnhaven Parkway corridor, expected to create roughly one hundred fifty full-time jobs over the next year. Applications start September tenth, and you can find more info on the city’s workforce website.

Our high school athletes continue to shine. Kempsville High’s varsity football team scored a comeback win against Tallwood last night, closing out at 21 to 18. And congratulations to Princess Anne Middle School for winning the regional robotics challenge this week—a first for the school, and a proud moment for our STEM community.

In entertainment, Shaggy and Friends will be performing at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater this Saturday night, sure to draw a big crowd before the holiday. For families, the Neptune Festival Art Show kicks off tomorrow along Atlantic Avenue, with more than two hundred vendors and local artists on display.

Moving to public safety, our police report a relatively quiet night across the city, with one notable arrest after an attempted break-in near Great Neck Road. Officers responded quickly and n

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, August 28. We’re starting our day with breaking news from Princess Anne Road near Indian River. More than two hundred birds have been rescued by law enforcement from what’s being described as a major cockfighting operation. The Virginia Beach Police Animal Services have released all 213 birds into care and investigators are still on site reviewing evidence. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is considering charges, so we’ll keep you posted as this story develops.

We turn now to City Hall, where the big topic this week is the future of district voting in Virginia Beach. Local leaders met last night to discuss the ten-to-one voting system and remind us all about the upcoming referendum set for November. City officials hope these changes will mean more fair representation for our neighborhoods.

Staying with policy, the Virginia Beach School Board is making news for their efforts to help employees facing health insurance hikes. In a session just yesterday evening, board members said they’re working on ways to ease health care costs, though no final decisions have been made. Meanwhile, our students are already making their mark. Ocean Lakes High’s robotics team brought home a regional trophy last weekend, a proud moment for our city’s schools.

Weather wise, we have a partly cloudy morning along the Oceanfront with temperatures set to reach the low eighties by afternoon. A gentle north breeze means good conditions for beachgoers and outdoor events today. No major weather threats are expected through the weekend.

In business news, the much-anticipated Boardwalk Fish House on Atlantic Avenue opens its doors tonight. The owner says they’re creating twenty new jobs and hope to bring fresh flavor and new energy to our popular strip. On the real estate front, median home prices in Virginia Beach are hovering around four hundred thousand dollars, with a slight uptick in new listings this week. For anyone house hunting, sellers are increasingly open to negotiation as we head toward fall.

If you’re looking for something to do, the ViBe Creative District Art Walk returns this Saturday from ten to five, featuring local artists, food trucks, and live music. Mount Trashmore is hosting a family movie night on Friday, and tickets for the Neptune Festival’s Sandsculpting Championship, which kicks off next week, are nearly sold out. Sports fans, don’t miss the Oceanfront Volleyball Classic finals at 31st Street Park this Sunday afternoon.

Turning to public safety, we have one serious crime update. Early yesterday, a multi-agency task force seized dozens of birds and equipment from a suspected cockfighting ring on Princess Anne Road. While no arrests have been made, officers confirm the investigation is ongoing. Otherwise, the police report a relatively quiet night.

And finally, we end with a feel-good story from Bay Colony. Residents there rallied to help a neighbor with mobility needs rebuild her

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Sunday, August twenty-fourth. Today we’re waking up under overcast skies with temperatures hovering around seventy-five degrees, feeling a little muggy with humidity near ninety-four percent. There’s a good chance we’ll see scattered showers and thunderstorms after eleven this morning, so take an umbrella if you’re heading out. Some areas could see heavier rain, and travel along I-two-sixty-four may experience brief delays due to storm pockets, especially after midday. Winds stay light and southerly, so we’re not looking at anything severe, but the chance for local flooding reminds us to stay alert if you’re driving, especially in low-lying spots.

The city continues to assess flood preparedness as we saw only minor impacts from Hurricane Erin this weekend. Our Director of Emergency Management, David Topczynski, says the city’s new tide gates and high-water response plans got a good trial run. It’s a solid reminder that preparedness pays off, and city leaders encourage us all to keep an eye on updates during storm season and avoid flooded streets.

In breaking local news, residents at an apartment complex near Lynnhaven Parkway were displaced overnight due to an electrical failure. Crews responded quickly and all residents are reported safe. Maintenance teams are working on repairs, and temporary shelter is available through city assistance programs.

For those looking to enjoy the beachfront, the Virginia Beach Funk Fest is drawing crowds at the Boardwalk near Thirtieth Street. The box office for preferred viewing wristbands opened yesterday, and organizers expect strong attendance through the weekend. It’s a great chance to experience local music and community spirit despite the weather.

Business news shows a mixed bag this week. The Chamber reports four new tax roundtables that highlight job growth thanks to recent legislation. Around one hundred new job openings posted online just this week, mainly in hospitality and health services. On the real estate front, about seventy homes sold locally in the last seven days, with median prices holding steady near four hundred thousand dollars. More first-time buyers are entering the market, encouraged by stable interest rates.

Community events are ramping up despite the damp forecast. There’s an open art exhibit all day today at the ViBe District, and local farmers will return to the Shore Drive farmers market tomorrow morning as planned. Schools are getting ready for the new academic year, and Princess Anne High celebrates their girls’ soccer team, who clinched their regional semifinals on Friday.

Crime reports over the past twenty-four hours remain calm, with only minor incidents—mainly a couple of thefts near Town Center and one arrest for vandalism along Independence Boulevard. Police remind us to lock our cars and watch out for suspicious behavior, especially during back-to-school shopping rushes.

As a feel-good story to wrap up, neighbors o

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, August 23, 2025.

We start off with the latest from city hall, where last night’s emergency council meeting focused on storm readiness, just as the tail end of Hurricane Erin whipped past our coast. Winds hit the Oceanfront hard, but our new tide gates in Windsor Woods passed their first big test. David Topczynski from Emergency Management says the city was able to put our high water response teams and new tide gates into action. For us, the impact was light, mostly minor street flooding in low-lying spots near Laskin Road and parts of Lynnhaven Parkway. Our emergency crews stood ready, and thankfully most storms like Erin missed us, but today’s weather outlook stays blustery with a chance of scattered showers this afternoon, and cooler temperatures rolling in behind the storm.

The effects on local events have been minimal, so we get to enjoy some serious fun this weekend. Over at 24th Street Park, the Virginia Beach Funk Feat Beach Party continues this morning, highlighted by Shalamar’s set. Expect great vibes, live music, and food trucks from noon to sundown today. If you're up for local sports action, the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament wraps up today at Rudee Inlet. Now in its 22nd year, the tournament draws anglers from all over the Atlantic. Expect weigh-ins to begin around 5 p.m. and community celebrations downtown after sunset.

On the cultural front, Virginia Wesleyan University—now officially Batten University after a just-approved name change—has seen a surge of pride among students and alumni. The switch came yesterday after a unanimous vote from the Board of Trustees. We’re seeing lots of blue and gold out near Wesleyan Drive in celebration.

Let’s talk real estate. Home sales remain steady despite the weather. About 60 new listings popped up this week on open houses off Great Neck Road and King’s Grant. Most homes are selling in under 14 days, and the average price remains just above $410,000. For those on the hunt for jobs, local postings jumped, with the hospitality sector adding around 130 positions since Wednesday, especially at new restaurants on Atlantic Avenue and jobs linked to upcoming fall festivals.

In schools, Cox High’s robotics team earned a city-wide science award for their underwater drone project, drawing praise from teachers at Old Donation. Meanwhile, Kempsville’s girls’ soccer squad celebrated a 4-1 win last night over Landstown. Congrats to our young athletes!

Turning to public safety, there were two notable incidents last night—police responded to a suspected break-in near Holland Road. One arrest was made at the scene and no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Patrol units increased their presence near Town Center after reports of a possible car theft attempt, but no suspects were found.

Before we go, here’s a feel-good moment. Volunteers from the Princess Anne YMCA organized a beach clean-up along the First Landing State Park trail, collecti

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, August twenty-second. We wake up watching the coast closely as Hurricane Erin passes well offshore but still leaves her mark on our day. Our city remains under a tropical storm warning, and strong northeast winds are stirring up surf and causing rough seas along the Oceanfront and around Chesapeake Bay. According to the National Weather Service, we can expect gusts up to twenty-five miles an hour and dangerous rip currents, so this is not a day to swim or surf. Major flooding remains a risk during high tide, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods near the lower bay and along Sandbridge. Temperatures will top out near eighty, with a mix of sun and clouds, and we could see a little more rain by late Sunday, but for today, it is dry and warm if windy.

City hall news leads with a big step for Rudee Park. This week the city council approved a new version of the redevelopment plan, cutting the price tag to just over forty-two million dollars by opting for surface parking only. The decision aims to make the project more feasible while still promising improved park and waterfront access for our residents near Rudee Inlet.

Turning to business, we see several new shops opening their doors near Town Center, including a family-run bakery on Virginia Beach Boulevard that’s already earning morning coffee crowds. Meanwhile, the job market remains steady, with roughly thirteen hundred openings posted this week across healthcare, hospitality, and tech.

In local schools, congratulations are in order for Princess Anne High’s robotics team for placing first in last night’s state qualifiers. Across the city, football teams suited up for season kickoffs, with Cox High edging out First Colonial in a close twenty-one to seventeen victory at the sportsplex.

Music and culture stay vibrant despite the choppy weather. The Neptune Park Concert Series will continue this Saturday if conditions permit, featuring local jazz and reggae acts. The Virginia Aquarium is also hosting a special family STEM Night tonight, offering hands-on exhibits for all ages.

For real estate, we are seeing a slight uptick in listings with about two hundred homes on the market, pushing the average price just above four hundred thousand. Demand stays strong in neighborhoods like Kempsville and Red Mill, and rental options remain limited near the Oceanfront.

On a positive note, the feel-good story of the day comes from Chic’s Beach. Residents there have banded together for their annual sand dune cleanup, collecting bags of litter and planting fresh grasses to strengthen our shoreline against future storms. It is a small but inspiring reminder of how we take care of each other and our home.

Now, public safety. In the past twenty-four hours, police responded to a burglary on Lynnhaven Parkway, making a swift arrest and recovering stolen property. There is also a traffic advisory on General Booth Boulevard this morning due to high st

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, August 21st.

We’re waking up to winds whipping through the oceanfront as Hurricane Erin passes close by the Virginia coast. At last check, Erin is a strong Category 2 hurricane sitting about 300 miles offshore, sending large swells and tropical storm-force winds into our area. The city has activated its emergency services and opened parking at all four Town Center garages—Maroon, Red, Green, and Orange—for anyone needing higher ground for their vehicles. Leaders like Police Chief Paul Neudigate and EMS Division Chief Bruce Nedelka ask that we secure valuables and prepare, especially if we rely on medication or oxygen. The city warns us to avoid flooded roads and heed all safety alerts, as certain neighborhoods along Lynnhaven and Great Neck roads could see coastal flooding and brief power outages.

Speaking of power, we’ve got scattered outages reported overnight, but as of now Dominion is on top of repairs. Some roads near Rudee Inlet and Shore Drive are already experiencing pooling water, so let’s steer clear and keep emergency routes open. Storm surge warnings are in effect, with gusty winds expected all day. It’s breezy, with highs in the upper 70s and steady rain bands sweeping through. Friday offers some relief with sunshine and highs near 80 before more showers may return this weekend.

Erin’s surf is historic, providing waves up to 20 feet and drawing surfers and spectators to the East Coast Surfing Championships at the oceanfront. Organizers say they’re pausing competition today for safety, especially with dangerous rip currents along every beach. Please stay out of the water—rescue teams have been busy up and down the Mid-Atlantic.

In other news, City Council just passed a nonbinding resolution asking Oceanfront retailers to voluntarily remove any items or displays considered vulgar or indecent. This comes as the boardwalk prepares for another late summer tourism surge.

For jobs, the market here is holding steady, with about two hundred postings for medical, hospitality, and tech roles open at major employers like Sentara and Amazon’s new sort center, which quietly started hiring last week out by Princess Anne Road.

Real estate remains healthy despite all the storms—median home prices are just under four hundred thousand dollars and inventory is up slightly this month, helped by new condos popping up near Town Center.

Turning to crime and public safety, we had a significant incident yesterday morning when a Navy F-18 Super Hornet from Oceana crashed offshore during a training exercise. The pilot ejected and was safely rescued by a Coast Guard team within the hour. The investigation continues, but officials confirm there is no ongoing risk to the public.

For schools, congrats to our Ocean Lakes High School robotics team, which took third place in last week’s regional coding challenge, and a big shout out to First Colonial varsity softball, pulling off a comeback win ag

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Sunday, August 17, 2025. We start the day with clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures expected to climb into the upper eighties, so if you’re headed toward Sandbridge or the Oceanfront, pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Tonight, a few clouds might drift in and there’s a slight chance of a passing shower, but overall, it’s looking like a picture-perfect August day.

Turning to breaking news, residents in the Windsor Woods community are still shaken after a shooting late Saturday on Lynnhaven Parkway. Police arrived quickly and no additional injuries have been reported, but there’s an active investigation underway. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, city hall has made a decision that’s stirring conversation up and down Atlantic Avenue. The city council unanimously passed a resolution asking stores along the boardwalk to remove vulgar T-shirts from their front windows. Locals and vacationers alike say the move will help preserve the family-friendly vibe that draws so many people to Virginia Beach every summer. Shop owners are cooperating, saying they’re willing to keep displays appropriate if that’s what city leaders request.

On the job front, the numbers look good. This week’s report from the Virginia Beach Workforce Center shows about four hundred new positions posted, including roles in hospitality along Shore Drive, healthcare with Sentara, and tech jobs in Town Center. The median starting wage for service positions is now just over seventeen dollars an hour. In the real estate market, three new listings have popped up in Chic’s Beach, with prices holding steady around five hundred thousand dollars for a three-bedroom, and recent closings in Little Neck were a shade below that, so it’s a strong market heading into late August.

In business news, we see two major changes nearby: a new bakery opened yesterday on Laskin Road, specializing in gluten-free treats, while the beloved Franklin’s Comics on First Colonial Road has announced that they will be closing at the end of the month after thirty years. Nearby, the Music Festival at Neptune Park has drawn hundreds last night, with performances from local bands The Tidewater Ramblers and jazz legend Charles Wissinger, who brought the story of the Marquis de Lafayette to life in a sold-out show.

For upcoming community events: there’s a sunset yoga class at Mount Trashmore tomorrow evening and the annual Crab Festival at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp kicks off Friday. School news is good, too—Ocean Lakes High’s robotics team won first place at the Hampton Roads Summer Tech Invitational, and the Princess Anne Lady Cavaliers clinched their soccer playoff berth with a dramatic victory last night.

And finally, a feel-good moment to wrap up: volunteers from the community came together yesterday at Red Wing Park to pick up litter after the big concert. Organizers say more than a hundred bags of trash were gathered an

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