Virginia Beach Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Tuesday, July first.

We start today with big news as a wave of new Virginia laws take effect. One of the most talked about is the meals tax increase here in Virginia Beach. Starting today, eating out will cost a bit more, with the city bumping the meals tax up by half a percent. Restaurant owners, like those at The Stockpot downtown, are concerned the change could keep some customers away. The restaurant association’s petition opposing the increase has over fifteen hundred signatures so far, reflecting some real concern in the local business community. Alongside the meals tax, stricter seatbelt rules are now in place, including a mandate for all backseat passengers aged eighteen and older to buckle up. In schools, there’s now a statewide cell phone ban during class time, aimed at helping students focus on learning.

Turning to City Hall, last night’s council session included decisions on neighborhood development and short-term rentals. Council approved a new permit for an open-air market on Sandbridge Road and supported a short-term rental application on Baltic Avenue. Meanwhile, there’s rising debate about a proposal to fill the Oceanana Pond near the Oceanfront with dredge material. Environmental advocates turned out in force, urging council to reject the plan over concerns for the city’s waterways and ecosystems. The project’s fate remains up in the air, with discussions set to continue through July.

Looking at the job market, we’re seeing steady hiring in hospitality, driven by summer tourism. Job postings for service and event roles are up about ten percent compared to last month. On the real estate front, activity continues to be robust, especially in the resort area and near Town Center. Average home prices are hovering above four hundred thousand, with inventory just a bit tighter than last summer.

Weatherwise, we’re starting the day warm and muggy, with highs near ninety at the Oceanfront and a chance of a late afternoon thunderstorm. If you’re planning to hit the beach, stay alert for possible sudden showers. The rest of the week promises more of the same—hot, with scattered storms expected each day.

New business highlights include the opening of a new local coffee spot on Shore Drive and the announcement of a major seafood restaurant closing on Atlantic Avenue after two decades. This change is already stirring conversations about what’s next for the popular location.

For events, tonight’s Celebrate Freedom concert series kicks off at Mount Trashmore Park, promising live music and fireworks. Independence Day festivities are set for Thursday, including the big fireworks show at the oceanfront. Sportswise, congratulations to the Cox High School baseball team for clinching the regional championship this weekend.

On public safety, police report a quiet start to the week, with only minor incidents overnight and no major arrests. Officers remind everyone to drive cautiously, especiall

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, June 28, 2025.

We start with a big wave of energy throughout our city as summer hits full stride. This morning, over at Senator Bill DeSteph’s office on Central Drive, we’re seeing a burst of patriotic spirit as neighbors gather for the annual Flags Across the District event. Volunteers plan to plant ten thousand American flags throughout our neighborhoods, bringing everyone together ahead of Independence Day and setting a proud, festive tone for the weekend.

Over at the Oceanfront, today promises a world of entertainment. If you’re in the mood for vibrant music and delicious food, La Fiesta Virginia Beach is lighting up 24th Street Park, with renowned Latin artists performing throughout the day. This festival is a ticketed event, and the atmosphere is already buzzing with anticipation for the headliners Wilfrido Vargas, Puerto Rican Power, and Alex Bueno taking the stage tonight.

For sports fans, the sand at 8th Street is hosting the AVP Mid-Atlantic Beach Volleyball Championships. Pool play kicks off this morning, drawing competitors and spectators from all over, and giving our city’s athletes a home-court advantage. Down the boardwalk, the brand-new concert venue at Atlantic Park continues to draw crowds with its unique indoor-outdoor setup. It’s quickly becoming a summer hotspot, with Thursday night movie nights on the sand at 29th Street and music events all season long.

Families and curious minds can also make their way to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, where Tidewater Comicon returns for two days of all-ages fun. With comic book creators, voice actors, and cosplay contests, this event is a favorite for gamers, fans, and anyone looking to meet creative minds and celebrate pop culture.

Turning to local government, City Hall has just approved a revised Parks and Recreation budget, including a new full-time position to improve our parks. They also renewed emergency medical permits, expanded funding for school security, and accepted nearly two million dollars from the state for vital social services—moves that help make our city safer and ensure our families are supported.

Our weather is shaping up to be classic Virginia Beach: warm, partly cloudy, and breezy, with highs in the mid 80s. That makes for great beach volleyball, festival-going, or just a relaxing walk along Atlantic Avenue. But keep an umbrella close—there’s a slight chance of afternoon showers.

On the business front, local restaurants along Atlantic Avenue report a summer hiring boom, with several eateries collectively posting over a hundred new openings for seasonal staff. Meanwhile, real estate listings show median home prices hovering near six hundred thousand, reflecting strong demand as families relocate ahead of the new school year.

A quick note on public safety: police have reported an uptick in car break-ins around Hilltop and Shore Drive overnight. Officers urge everyone to lock their vehicles a

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, June 27, 2025. We’re waking up to warm, humid weather along the coast today, with temperatures heading toward the upper eighties by the afternoon. Expect a mix of sun and clouds — it’s a classic summer day for the Oceanfront, so keep that sunscreen handy if you’re making beach plans. There’s a chance for a late-day thunderstorm, so if you’re heading out to tonight’s events, it’s wise to pack an umbrella just in case.

We start with city news. Our City Council met earlier this week and took action to strengthen flood protection in key neighborhoods, moving forward with a substantial upgrade to our stormwater system. The council approved up to ninety million dollars in new bonds for drainage improvements citywide, including in neighborhoods close to Lynnhaven and Great Neck. There’s also progress on the Whitehurst site, with city leaders clarifying that the facility is nearing capacity for dredged material, meaning only a handful of additional projects will be supported there going forward. In other council business, we saw the renewal of permits for several local EMS providers, including FastTrack and Coastal Event Medical, keeping emergency services robust for summer crowds.

Turning to real estate and jobs, the local housing market remains active, with median home prices holding steady at around four hundred fifty thousand dollars. New listings continue to pop up, especially in Thoroughgood and Red Mill, where we’re also seeing new hires in retail and hospitality. If you’re job hunting, several Oceanfront hotels and restaurants are hiring seasonal workers, with postings for front desk and kitchen staff.

In community events, the Oceanfront lights up this weekend with La Fiesta Virginia Beach at the 24th Street Stage. This two-day celebration brings Latin music, flavorful food, and high-energy dancing. Tonight’s festivities are free, and tomorrow’s lineup includes headline acts like Wilfrido Vargas and Puerto Rican Power. If music is more your scene, don’t forget that the new concert venue at Atlantic Park is officially open, bringing state-of-the-art sound and local flavor to our beachside entertainment district.

Sports fans can cheer on our Virginia Beach Dolphins youth soccer club, who clinched a regional title this week at Princess Anne Athletic Complex. Local high schools are wrapping up summer training, and the vibe is strong for another competitive year.

On the public safety front, Virginia Beach Police have made an arrest in connection with recent firearm possession near Lynnhaven Parkway. Investigators stress that there’s no ongoing threat to the community, but they remind us to stay alert and report suspicious activity.

Finally, a feel-good story from Town Center: local volunteers have teamed up to refresh flower beds along Market Street, creating a riot of color for visitors and reminding us how small efforts make a big difference in our shared spaces.

This has been Virgi

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, June 26, 2025.

We start the day with breaking news as the city is appealing for state investment to support the aging Virginia Aquarium, a beloved landmark that's been a cornerstone for education and tourism in Virginia Beach. City leaders hope new funding will bring important upgrades and keep the aquarium thriving for families and visitors alike.

Turning to city hall, there have been several key decisions from the latest council meeting that affect our daily lives. The council approved changes to allow certain medical service agencies to keep operating in Virginia Beach, and they have amended the school budget to include new security grants for public schools. They also accepted nearly two million dollars from the state for human services, matched by about one point three million in local funding, which helps cover personnel and operations for vital community services. Whitehurst, our major site for managing dredge materials just north of the city, is nearing capacity, and that may affect future infrastructure projects as the city looks for new solutions.

Now, let us talk about the weather. After last night’s humid air and a line of thunderstorms that caused scattered power outages, including at Harpers Square Apartments where some families spent the night in their cars, we are waking up to muggy but clearing conditions. Today, we expect sun with highs reaching the upper eighties by early afternoon, cooling into the low seventies tonight. If you are heading outdoors, especially along Pacific Avenue or the oceanfront, be prepared for lingering humidity early, but it should feel more comfortable as the day goes on.

In community news, there are plenty of ways to get out and have some fun. The Virginia Beach Conspiracy Game, an outdoor escape adventure, kicks off today at 1300 Pacific Avenue, drawing puzzle-lovers downtown. For families, Glow in the Park lights up The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium tonight, promising zip-lining under the stars. And looking ahead, the ADS Warrior East Innovation event continues at the Convention Center through today, bringing local businesses and tech innovators together.

On the cultural scene, our summer concert series is in full swing at the oceanfront, while anticipation builds for next weekend's July 4th fireworks. Sports fans are watching Virginia Beach United as they prepare to face the Richmond Ivy this Saturday evening in the USL W League—our women’s team is currently second in their division and looking strong.

In real estate, the local market remains active, with listings averaging around five hundred thousand dollars and steady demand for homes near Town Center and the Shore Drive corridor. Job seekers will find new postings in hospitality and seasonal positions, with employers at the Convention Center still hiring for summer events.

Turning to schools, Virginia Beach Public Schools are celebrating a recent grant to strengthen

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

We wake up today with warm temperatures and scattered clouds along the Oceanfront. Expect highs near 88, a humid breeze, and a chance of brief afternoon showers, so pack an umbrella if you’re heading out. The roads are a bit busier than usual this morning, as some lane closures and overnight construction are wrapping up near the Lynnhaven corridor and Independence Boulevard. City officials remind us the detours should clear by 8 a.m., but to continue to drive carefully around those cones and crews.

In breaking news, Virginia Beach police are cracking down on several unsanctioned beach week events after organizers failed to secure permits. Officers say they’ll pursue legal avenues to recover the costs of extra law enforcement and emergency services. The now-cancelled events were widely promoted on social media, with police communicating directly with promoters, but public safety concerns have forced the city’s hand. Even so, organizers insist they’ll find ways to celebrate outside the official beach areas.

Turning to city hall, the council recently approved new funding for public safety and expanded the parks and rec team by one full-time position. Notably, there’s a fresh $1.9 million allocation for human services and over $400,000 earmarked for school security. These steps aim to keep our neighborhoods both safer and more supportive, following robust public commentary in last week’s session.

For those watching the local job scene, city data shows about 220 new positions listed this week—from seasonal tourism gigs along Atlantic Avenue to openings in health and logistics near Town Center. The real estate market remains lively as summer buyers tour open houses from Chic’s Beach to Kempsville, with median listings holding steady near five hundred thousand and several homes moving in just a week.

Our police blotter notes one serious incident overnight. A shooting on Sullivan Circle left one person hospitalized in stable condition; detectives are investigating, and no suspects have been announced. The area remains under tighter patrol as a precaution, with officers urging residents to report anything suspicious.

On the business front, congratulations are in order as a new Vietnamese bakery opened yesterday on Holland Road, while a longtime bike shop at Hilltop is closing after thirty years. Retail shifts like this show how our business landscape keeps evolving.

Looking ahead, the boardwalk will host a family-friendly Jazz by the Sea concert Friday night and the Neptune Arts Festival launches early this weekend, promising live music, food trucks, and beachside art displays. For sports fans, Landstown High’s girls’ soccer team clinched the regional title this weekend, bringing home another trophy for Virginia Beach schools.

We close today with a feel-good moment: volunteers gathered at Mount Trashmore yesterday, planting pollinator gardens and picking up litter. Their

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, June 21. We start our day right on the sand, where Virginia Beach is buzzing for the long-awaited return of the Point Break Music Festival. All weekend, our oceanfront transforms into a soundstage for reggae, rock, and surf vibes. Slightly Stoopid, The Wailers, and Stick Figure are just a few of the big names taking over the main stage today and tomorrow. Be ready for heavier traffic and city shuttle detours, especially along Atlantic Avenue and Rudee Loop, since the crowds are expected to be some of the biggest of the summer.

Our weather today is perfect for festival fun and beach outings. We’re looking at sunny skies with highs in the mid-80s, a cooling ocean breeze, and just a slight chance for an evening shower. So pack some sunscreen, but keep an eye on the horizon just in case.

Moving into city business, we have a quick reminder on public services impacted by the Juneteenth holiday. Today, all regular Thursday solid waste and recycling pickups are happening citywide. Most city offices will stay closed until tomorrow, but our recreation centers and parks are open if you’re looking for a quiet spot away from the crowds. Aquatic lovers, the Virginia Aquarium is welcoming visitors until 5 p.m.

In other local news, the city council held a special session last week, focusing on land use in Districts 25, 5, and 6. That means we could see future changes in zoning and development around Lynnhaven and the Town Center area. If you have an opinion on how our neighborhoods grow, now’s the time to check the city’s public agenda and make your voice heard.

Virginia Beach police are working overtime this weekend with so many visitors in town. Officers cracked down on several unsanctioned beach parties after organizers skipped the necessary permits. No major incidents have been reported this morning, but police remind us to stick to permitted events and stay safe, especially along the shorefront late at night.

Shifting to our real estate snapshot, active home listings in Virginia Beach hover around 1,500, and median home prices have stabilized near 400,000 dollars. The job market remains steady, with seasonal hospitality and tourism positions leading the way—perfect for students on summer break.

For families, don't forget the city’s summer sports leagues are in full swing. The Princess Anne High boys’ soccer team just clinched a regional win, adding to our city’s pride.

And before we go, a feel-good note: volunteers from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are gathering this morning for a cleanup at First Landing State Park. Their work today will help keep our beaches pristine for everyone.

That’s your morning roundup. This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, June 20th, 2025.

It is a vibrant start to our day here at the oceanfront, and we have a lot to cover. First, let’s talk weather. Expect a mostly sunny and warm day, with highs in the mid-eighties, perfect for heading to the beach or attending one of the big events happening this weekend. A slight chance of showers could pop up in the late afternoon, so keep an eye out if you’re planning to stay late by the water.

Breaking news from city hall, where the Virginia Beach City Council continues to focus on community priorities. This month, council discussions have centered on the Atlantic Park development project and ongoing beach replenishment along the Resort Area between 15th and 45th streets. Crews are working hard, and the sand restoration should wrap up soon, ensuring those stretches are ready for the height of summer activity. This environmental effort is crucial for keeping our shoreline resilient after another rough storm season.

All eyes are on the oceanfront this weekend as the Point Break Music Festival arrives on 5th Street, with headliners Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure taking the stage. Expect heavy traffic and road closures along Atlantic Avenue from today through the twenty-fourth, as transit routes are detoured to 3rd Street. If you're using the VB Wave, factor in a little extra travel time. And if you’re searching for family-friendly fun, don’t miss tonight’s movie under the stars on the sand at 29th Street, part of our summer beach movie series.

In job and real estate news, the market remains steady. New openings are popping up around the recently completed Atlantic Park, now home to a state-of-the-art concert venue. This major project has already spurred more than a dozen new job postings at hospitality and retail businesses nearby. If you’re looking for work, hiring managers are especially interested in food service and venue operations staff.

Local schools are enjoying summer break, but we want to give a quick shoutout to Ocean Lakes High’s baseball team, who wrapped up their season with the best district record in five years. Congratulations to the Dolphins and their dedicated coaches.

On the public safety front, Virginia Beach police have stepped up patrols at the oceanfront following a string of non-permitted events. All unsanctioned parties have been cancelled for this week, with organizers being held accountable for the costs of extra law enforcement and cleanup. No major incidents have been reported in the last twenty-four hours, but police remind us to report any suspicious activity, especially during these crowded festival days.

Before we head out, here’s a feel-good note. Over on Lynnhaven Parkway, a group of neighbors donated time and supplies to rebuild a community playground damaged by spring storms. Witnesses say it’s never looked better, and the kids are already back enjoying the swings under the summer sun.

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, June 19. We’re waking up to a busy day across the city, starting with a look at city operations and our weather. Because today is Juneteenth, most government offices are closed, including City Hall, the courthouses, public libraries, and the Sandler Center box office. Trash and recycling pickups are pushed to Saturday, so keep those cans out a little longer. But our parks, rec centers, the Virginia Beach Aquarium, and lifeguard stands at the Oceanfront are all open, so there’s plenty to do outdoors if you have the day off. The Farmers Market is also open for your fresh produce fix, and visitor centers are running on regular hours for anyone hoping to play tourist today.

Weather this morning is starting out warm and muggy, with patchy clouds and a high near 87. Expect a mix of sun and clouds through the afternoon, an ocean breeze picking up by midday, and a small chance of a stray shower late. If you’re heading to Sandbridge or the Oceanfront, lifeguards are on duty, but be cautious of rip currents as winds shift later today.

In breaking news, we’re following up on a house fire that happened last night on North Landing Road, near the intersection with Indian River. Three people, including a child, and 50 dogs were displaced after heavy smoke and flames tore through their home. The fire started in a back bedroom, and thankfully everyone made it out safely, but the house was heavily damaged. The cause is still under investigation, and animal rescue groups are stepping in to help rehome the dogs and support the family as they recover.

Looking to the job market, hospitality and seasonal tourism jobs are still wide open as we hit the summer peak. Local postings list over a hundred openings in hotels and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue and at Town Center, with starting wages up about ten percent compared to last year as employers compete for summer help.

There’s movement too in real estate. Median home prices in Virginia Beach are hovering around five hundred thousand dollars, up slightly from this time last year. Inventory remains tight near Little Neck and Great Neck, with properties often getting multiple offers within days.

From City Hall, last week’s special council session focused on expanding transition areas in districts five and six and a legal review of the Atlantic Park entertainment project. Discussions are ongoing, and no final votes were taken, but council promised more public forums for feedback in July.

On the community calendar, the Fourth Annual Virginia African-American Cultural Center Golf Tournament is teeing off today at Cypress Point. Expect some traffic near Indian River Road and Elbow Road this morning as participants and supporters arrive. Also, mark your calendar for free live music at the 24th Street Park on Saturday, featuring local bands and food trucks from 4 to 9 p.m.

In schools, congratulations go out to Ocean Lakes High’s robotics team for taking fi

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 17th, 2025.

We start our morning with a sigh of relief. That missing child alert we heard about yesterday has ended safely. Four-year-old Kai Foreman was found just after midnight at a home here in Virginia Beach, and the suspect, Twenty-seven-year-old Tyli Scott, is now in custody. Our thanks go out to everyone who kept an eye out and to the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Police teams for their quick work.

Election Day is underway, and polls are open in Virginia Beach from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Registrar’s Office on Princess Anne Road. If you’re voting, make sure you bring your ID. If you forget, you’ll have to sign a statement or vote provisionally. Today’s primaries include key races for our House of Delegates and statewide offices, so if you haven’t cast your ballot, there’s still time.

Looking at local government, city hall has been busy. Just last week, City Council held a special session to discuss property development, the Atlantic Park project, and several appointments for city boards. Over at the Planning Commission, routine approvals for small residential water parcels were quietly moved forward, so we can expect some new development projects to take shape near Winston Salem Avenue this summer.

Now, a quick heads up for anyone planning to attend events at the Oceanfront. Police have cracked down on several non-permitted parties scheduled for beach week, which were heavily promoted on social media. If you bought tickets to one of these, double-check with organizers before heading out. Police stress that only permitted and city-approved events will go ahead this week, and there will be a visible police presence across the resort area.

On the business front, the Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting its annual Small Business of the Year Awards today at the convention center. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our local entrepreneurs and network if you’re job hunting. The job market here remains steady with several hospitality and summer jobs open along Atlantic Avenue, and residential real estate activity around the south end continues, although inventory remains tight and prices are up about five percent over last year.

Today’s forecast calls for a warm, breezy day with highs in the low 80s, perfect for a walk on the Boardwalk or an early start at the farmers market on Dam Neck Road. There’s a slight chance of afternoon showers, so if you have outdoor plans, keep an umbrella handy. The rest of the week looks sunny and mild.

Upcoming community events include live music at the Oceanfront Amphitheater and a special half-off wine night at Case Special Tuesdays, plus summer swim meets for local schools. Congratulations to the Princess Anne High School softball team, who clinched the regional championship title last night.

There have been no major overnight public safety incidents reported beyond the resolved missing child case. Still, police urge everyone to stay alert wit

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for June 14, 2025. We're starting with some breaking news - early yesterday morning, the Coast Guard rescued a father and son from their sinking boat off the Virginia Beach coast. The two boaters, Jeffery and Robert Hudson, were on a 57-foot sport fisher called "Turn Me Loose" when it began taking on water about 30 miles southeast of the coast. Fortunately, they were unharmed and safely returned to shore.

In other local developments, Red Wing Park has reopened today after completing roadway improvements. The park now features a widened entryway, repaved lanes, and enhanced parking areas to improve traffic flow and safety. This is great news for residents and visitors alike, just in time for summer.

At City Hall, there are ongoing discussions about economic development and infrastructure projects. The City Council recently held a special session to discuss public briefings and various city matters.

On the business front, we haven't seen any major openings or closings recently, but the city continues to attract attention for its economic initiatives. The job market remains stable, with opportunities in various sectors.

In cultural news, the 'No Kings' protests are set to take place in Hampton Roads this weekend. Locally, we're looking forward to the Salute to Summer Festival, which will bring fun activities and events to our community.

Sports-wise, our local schools have been performing well. Let's give a shout-out to the athletes who have been making waves in regional competitions.

On the crime front, police are investigating a shooting on Honeygrove Road near Old Donation School. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

As for the weather, today looks like it will be partly sunny with a gentle breeze along the coast. Perfect conditions for getting outdoors and enjoying all that Virginia Beach has to offer.

Finally, let's highlight a heartwarming story from our community. Unfortunately, we don't have one to share today, but we're always looking for inspiring tales of local connection and community spirit.

This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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