Virginia Beach Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for June 14, 2025. We're starting with some breaking news: yesterday, the Coast Guard rescued a father and son from a sinking boat off our coast. The 57-foot sport fisher, "Turn Me Loose," was taking on water about 30 miles southeast of Virginia Beach. Thankfully, both boaters are safe and have been reunited with their family.

In other local news, Red Wing Park is reopening today after completing roadway improvements. This is great news for residents and visitors alike, especially with summer just around the corner.

At City Hall, there are several important meetings coming up. The Bayfront Advisory Commission is scheduled for June 16, and the City Council will meet on June 17. These meetings often discuss issues that can impact our daily lives, so it's worth keeping an eye on them.

Weather-wise, today looks like it will be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for outdoor activities. If you're planning to hit the beach or check out the boardwalk, today is a great day to do so.

In terms of new business activity, there hasn't been much news recently, but we're always looking out for new openings and developments. If you know of any new businesses in the area, let us know!

For upcoming events, keep an eye out for local festivals and concerts that are popping up around town. These events are a great way to connect with the community and enjoy some local music and food.

On the sports front, our local schools have been doing well in recent competitions. We're proud of our athletes and look forward to seeing more success in the future.

Finally, we want to share a feel-good story. The Virginia Beach community is known for coming together to support each other, and we've seen many examples of this in recent weeks. Whether it's through volunteer work or community events, our city always shows its heart.

In terms of crime, we haven't seen any significant incidents in the past 24 hours, but we always encourage everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, June 13, 2025.

We’re waking up to a developing story today as a heavy police presence remains on Roxbury Place following an early morning shooting. Police responded just after dawn, and one person was taken to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and we’ll keep you updated as more is released. If you’re traveling through the area near Roxbury Place, expect some delays as the police are still on scene.

Turning to City Hall, the Virginia Beach City Council met this week and discussed updates on big projects that will shape our daily lives, including plans for more parking and a revitalized public park near the Oceanfront. Council members debated whether to stick with surface parking for now, which could save the city around thirty million dollars, while still planning for future needs. These changes are designed to help draw locals and visitors alike to our shops and restaurants at the beach, boosting the area’s economy.

While we’re enjoying a bright start to our day, let’s talk about the weather. Today we can expect mild temperatures in the seventies, with plenty of sun and a light breeze off the water. Great weather for a walk along Atlantic Avenue or catching an outdoor lunch. No rain in the forecast until well into the weekend, so outdoor events are all set to go on as planned.

In real estate, we’re continuing to see steady movement, especially around the Town Center and Oceanfront neighborhoods. Homes are selling in just under three weeks on average, and local agents say demand is rising as summer peaks. The city also approved a plan this week for upgraded drainage and stormwater management, which should help protect property values across some of our most flood-prone neighborhoods.

If you’re job hunting, opportunities remain strong, with dozens of openings posted this week in hospitality, health care, and city services. Many of our beachfront businesses are hiring for the busy summer season, so now’s a good time to apply if you’re looking for work.

There’s plenty happening this weekend. Bring the family out to Mount Trashmore for the Virginia Beach Food Truck Festival, running all day Saturday. On Sunday, the Neptune Park concert series continues with local bands on stage starting at six.

In schools, congratulations go out to the Princess Anne High School Robotics Team, who took home second place at the state finals this week, and to the Ocean Lakes Dolphins for their big win in varsity baseball last night.

To end on a high note, let’s celebrate a group of volunteers who spent yesterday helping clean up First Landing State Park’s trails, showing once again how our community comes together to care for our natural spaces.

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

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, June 12, 2025.

We wake up to pleasant summer weather along the oceanfront today. Expect highs in the mid 80s with a gentle breeze and plenty of sun, perfect for those planning a morning jog by Mount Trashmore or a lunch outside at Town Center. Keep an eye on the skies later this afternoon though, as scattered thunderstorms could make a brief appearance and bring some relief from the humidity. Looking ahead, tomorrow should bring more of the same, with the weekend shaping up warm and mostly dry.

Let’s start with breaking news from overnight. Virginia Beach Police are investigating a shooting on Honeygrove Road near Old Donation School. Details remain limited, but police confirm the suspect is in the hospital and there’s no ongoing public threat. As always, if you have information, authorities encourage you to reach out. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident as the investigation continues.

Over at City Hall, recent council sessions have tackled big topics for our daily lives. The city just authorized up to 90 million dollars in bonds to improve our stormwater system, aiming to address chronic flooding in neighborhoods like Princess Anne and Lynnhaven. Council is also looking at new sidewalk café permits for restaurants along the boardwalk, supporting both local business and our vibrant tourism scene. And in a step to reinforce our identity, city leaders are eager to keep Virginia Beach front and center as the sports capital of the East Coast, pushing forward with improvements around the Sportsplex and nearby ballfields.

On the job front, the market stays strong, with several hundred new listings popping up this week, especially in healthcare and hospitality. Real estate remains competitive. Average home prices are hovering just over 430 thousand, and quick turnarounds for homes in neighborhoods like Red Mill and Kempsville continue, signaling strong demand.

Arts and culture are thriving as well. Renowned local artist Ken Wright is fresh off judging a regional abstract art show, sparking inspiration for both seasoned painters and emerging talent. Over on Baker Road, Project LIFE is holding info sessions today, offering support and community connection for young adults. This weekend, look for live music to return to the oceanfront as well as a pop-up market on 18th Street, promising crafts, food, and family fun.

In sports, congratulations go out to Virginia Beach’s own Noah Langford, who earned All-American honors last night competing in track and field at Howard University. Local schools are also celebrating year-end achievements, with several high school teams making it deep into regional playoffs and students recognized for academic excellence.

A quick community spotlight to warm your heart, volunteers at First Landing State Park are celebrating a successful cleanup drive, collecting over a ton of debris and restoring natural beauty for all of us to enjoy this

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, June 12, 2025.

We wake up today with a mix of sunshine and clouds along the Oceanfront, with temperatures hovering in the mid-seventies. A gentle sea breeze will roll in by the afternoon, keeping things comfortable for anyone heading toward the boardwalk or planning outdoor activities at Mount Trashmore. Light showers are possible late this evening, but most of our day looks great for summer fun.

Let’s begin with breaking news that’s hitting our community hard. In Norfolk, investigators have confirmed the tragic discovery of missing Navy sailor Angelina Resendiz’s remains in the woods just west of the naval station. Authorities say another sailor is now in pretrial confinement as the investigation continues. It’s a somber moment for our military community, and our thoughts are with her family and shipmates.

Back in city government, the Virginia Beach City Council officially signed off on the 2026 city budget, totaling about $2.8 billion. That means, starting this July, we’ll see an increase in the meals tax for local restaurants and a bump in stormwater fees on our utility bills. The city says new revenue will back major projects, including courthouse updates and a long-awaited law enforcement training academy. Some residents are voicing concern about the elimination of five library jobs, which could impact services at several branches, including the one on Virginia Beach Boulevard.

On the jobs and business front, local employers are gearing up for summer, with hospitality and tourism postings on the rise. Coastal Edge, the surf shop on Atlantic Avenue, continues to thrive, drawing large crowds with their recent summer contest giveaway. Meanwhile, we’re seeing a handful of new small businesses opening up along Shore Drive and in Town Center, filling vacant storefronts and bringing fresh energy to the area.

In real estate, home prices across Virginia Beach have leveled off compared to earlier this year. The average home list price sits just above four hundred thousand dollars, and inventory is rising, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.

For cultural highlights, Ken Wright, a renowned abstract artist from right here in Virginia Beach, served as a judge for last night’s exhibition at the Sandler Center, showcasing local talent and awarding cash prizes. Coming up this weekend, don’t miss the Neptune Park live music series on the boardwalk, or the farmer’s market Saturday morning at Princess Anne Road for fresh produce and crafts.

Turning to sports, we’re proud to note that Noah Langford, a Virginia Beach native, has earned All-American status at Howard University in track and field this week—a tremendous achievement for our local schools and families.

On the public safety front, police report several minor thefts and one break-in overnight near Lynnhaven Parkway. No injuries, but officers urge us to lock cars and report suspicious activity as summer visitors bring more foot t

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

We start today with breaking news from Virginia Beach City Hall. City Council just approved a major investment in flood prevention. By issuing ninety million dollars in new stormwater utility bonds, the city aims to accelerate drainage upgrades and keep neighborhoods like Princess Anne and Kempsville safer when big storms roll through. This comes just in time, as rain is expected on and off all day, with scattered thunderstorms especially near the Oceanfront in the afternoon. So grab an umbrella and leave some extra travel time, and we should see some clearing by late evening.

In the courts, jury selection is underway for the former Virginia Beach police officer accused of abduction and sexual assault stemming from an incident last summer near Haygood. Former officer Sean Fearon faces multiple charges and pleaded not guilty; testimony is expected to continue today. The police department says it remains committed to transparency through this high-profile trial.

Turning to our local business scene, the City Council has given the green light for several new sidewalk and boardwalk cafes along Atlantic Avenue, including expansions for Seaside Raw Bar Café, 11th Street Tap House, and the Marriott Courtyard’s outdoor dining. This is welcome news for job seekers, as tourism season kicks off and hospitality job postings in the area have jumped by nearly ten percent compared to last month. If you are looking for work, the boardwalk is the place to check.

Meanwhile, real estate in Virginia Beach is holding steady, with the average home price hovering just over four hundred twenty thousand dollars. Demand remains strong in neighborhoods like Red Mill and Great Neck, where homes are selling in under two weeks.

On the cultural front, tonight is the Z Open Mic Night at Zeiders American Dream Theater—a perfect chance to catch some local talent or step up to the mic yourself. Music lovers can look forward to a full concert calendar at Atlantic Park’s new concert venue, which debuted last month to rave reviews. And don’t forget, the Live on Atlantic series brings free music to the Oceanfront all summer long.

In sports, our city continues its push to become the amateur sports capital of the East Coast. City leaders are working on plans to improve the Sportsplex and surrounding ballfields—good news for our youth leagues and visiting tournaments. Over the weekend, the Cox High School baseball team took home a regional trophy, and congratulations go out to the Lynnhaven Middle robotics team for advancing to state finals.

Crime-wise, police report a quiet 24 hours with only minor incidents. Public safety officials remind us to lock car doors and keep valuables out of sight, especially if parking near Town Center or the Oceanfront.

We close with a feel-good story: neighbors along Shore Drive organized a cleanup of the wetlands this past Saturday, filling over 100 bags with trash and deb

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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Virginia Beach is under a severe weather alert starting tomorrow afternoon, as meteorologists are tracking a strong thunderstorm system that's expected to bring gusty winds, hail, and potential flooding to our region through Tuesday. If you have outdoor plans for tomorrow, you might want to consider alternatives or be prepared to move indoors quickly.

Today marks a special occasion for many local families as Bryant & Stratton College's Hampton and Virginia Beach campuses hold their commencement ceremony. The event is being livestreamed for those who can't attend in person.

In law enforcement news, Virginia Beach Police are investigating a police shooting that occurred on Honeygrove Road. One suspect has been hospitalized, but authorities assure us there is no threat to the public. Details remain limited as the investigation continues.

City Council recently held a special formal session to consider adoption of the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. The meeting included discussion about potentially increasing the Town Center Special Service District rate, though no final decision was announced.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The Oceanfront is buzzing with activity. Tonight, head to 29th Street for a movie night on the beach - part of a summer series running through August 21. And if you're planning ahead, mark your calendars for June 20-22 when Hampton Roads Pride Weekend brings festivities including a beach party right here in Virginia Beach.

Music lovers should note that the Point Break Festival featuring Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure is coming up on June 21-22 at 5th Street. Later this month, La Fiesta Virginia Beach will bring Latin food, colorful costumes, and energetic music to the 24th Street Stage on June 27-28.

The Atlantic Park development continues to progress, with its new state-of-the-art concert venue set to open soon. This indoor-outdoor facility represents a historic moment for Virginia Beach's entertainment scene.

In real estate news, the city continues discussions about stormwater management, with a recent resolution providing for the issuance of Stormwater Utility Revenue Bonds of up to $90 million to finance improvements to our stormwater system - critical infrastructure as we prepare for hurricane season.

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

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, June 6, 2025.

We're following a developing story from Honeygrove Road where a police shooting occurred Wednesday morning. An 18-year-old Virginia Beach resident, Shaun Marlar, was shot by officers at AAAA Self Storage after reportedly pointing a firearm at someone. When police arrived around 8:45 a.m., they encountered Marlar with what turned out to be a replica handgun. After he allegedly pointed the weapon at officers, they discharged their firearms. Marlar is currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition and faces multiple charges including assault on law enforcement officers. The nearby Honeygrove Learning Academy went into lockdown during the incident, and Old Donation School was briefly secured as a precaution.

At City Hall, the City Council is preparing for their upcoming meeting. Earlier this week, they held discussions about the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget and resource management plan. The council is also considering changes to stormwater utility bonds, with a resolution for up to $90 million in revenue bonds on the agenda to finance improvements to the stormwater system.

In community news, the Virginia Beach City Council passed a resolution establishing a Short-Term Rental Task Force, which has recommended code changes to strengthen enforcement of rental regulations. The task force wants authority to remove non-compliant listings and increase fine schedules for violations.

Looking for something to do this weekend? There's a murder mystery event called "Death in the Shadows" happening in Virginia Beach. This interactive ghost tour experience invites participants to follow clues and solve the mystery of "Who killed Bella?"

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra recently thanked the City Council for their support during a special formal session last month. Representatives from the Symphony expressed gratitude for the council's ongoing commitment to the arts in our community.

Weather-wise, we're looking at a typical early June day with temperatures climbing through the morning. Perfect conditions for enjoying our beautiful beaches or outdoor activities throughout the city.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center continues planning for a significant capital improvement project that will expand its footprint and create updated exhibits. The project aims to generate more economic activity for both Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth while ensuring the safety of the animals in their care.

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

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting kicks off today at the Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Atlantic Avenue. The three-day event brings fishery management experts together to discuss regional policies through Thursday afternoon.

In city developments, Virginia Beach continues its push to become the amateur sports capital of the East Coast. At last month's City Council informal session, members discussed allocating $200,000 from existing tree mitigation funds toward this initiative, emphasizing the importance of moving forward without further delays.

We're seeing temperatures flirting with the 90s this week, making it perfect for beach activities but remember to stay hydrated if you're heading to any outdoor events.

In concerning news, a Virginia Beach police officer is facing DUI charges following a crash on Sunday. The department has released limited details as the investigation continues.

The Zeiders American Dream Theater hosts its 5th Annual Vocal Jazz Summit today. This celebration of jazz vocalists has become a staple of our local music scene over the past five years.

Looking ahead, exciting events are coming to Virginia Beach this month. Thursday kicks off the weekly movie nights on the beach at 29th Street, running through August 21st. The Point Break Festival headlined by Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure will take over 5th Street on June 21st and 22nd, while La Fiesta Virginia Beach brings Latin food, music, and colorful costumes to the 24th Street Stage on June 27th and 28th.

A former Kempsville teacher is making headlines after documents obtained by WTKR revealed a long history of disciplinary concerns dating back decades. This story continues to develop as more information becomes available.

In education news, Governor Youngkin recently signed legislation restricting cell phone usage in public schools, which will impact Virginia Beach students when the new school year begins.

On a lighter note, Paradise Creek Nature Park will host a Summer Solstice Celebration on June 20th, offering our community a chance to welcome summer with a peaceful sunrise walk.

For families planning summer activities, be aware that a pause in student visa appointments could impact Virginia Beach's summer workforce at local businesses and attractions.

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

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Today marks a solemn anniversary for our city. Governor Glenn Youngkin has ordered all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the 12 lives lost at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting on this day in 2019. The flags will remain lowered until sunset. Our thoughts are with the victims' families, the survivors, and first responders. We're also seeing real progress on the 5/31 Memorial near Nimmo Parkway and Princess Anne Road. The site, still under construction, will feature a pathway to the Heroes' Tree and a wall with the victims' names, serving as a space of reflection and healing. The memorial is expected to open to the public in May of next year, offering families and our community a permanent place to remember and honor those we lost.

Turning to the weather, we start our weekend with bright skies and mild temperatures in the low 70s by midmorning, climbing into the low 80s later today. There’s a light southerly breeze, and only a slight chance of a passing shower in the early evening, so it’s a great day to enjoy our oceanfront or local parks.

From city hall, there’s been a major budget development. City Council voted earlier this month to adopt the revised budget for 2025 to 2026, setting the city’s operating budget at about 2.8 billion dollars, up nearly 5 percent from last year. Notably, a proposed tax on pleasure boats was replaced by a flat annual registration fee, designed to fund dredging projects. Also, starting soon, our Emergency Medical Services will begin billing insurance companies for ambulance transport, aiming to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients.

In the job market, seasonal hiring is picking up for hospitality and tourism. Local hotels and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue are looking to fill dozens of positions, from hotel desk clerks to line cooks, as summer traffic increases.

There’s new business activity as well. The long-awaited Boardwalk Brew House opens today at 19th Street and Atlantic, bringing twenty local craft beers on tap and live music every weekend. Meanwhile, the beloved Pop’s Diner on Holland Road is closing its doors next week after forty years, citing retirement of its founders.

On our calendar for the weekend, the Neptune Festival hosts its Summer Kickoff Concert Series tonight at the Oceanfront, and there’s a community beach cleanup tomorrow morning at First Landing State Park starting at eight. For families, the Virginia Aquarium is hosting its annual Sea Turtle Festival with hands-on activities and talks from local marine biologists.

In sports, congratulations go out to the Ocean Lakes Dolphins baseball team for clinching a regional title last night. And in schools, several high school robotics teams are heading to national finals, a point of pride for our public schools.

For our crime report, police responded to a break-in on Lynnhaven Parkway late last night, resultin

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, May 30, 2025.

We start our day with breaking news on the city’s renewable energy front. Virginia Natural Gas is moving forward with a major thirty million dollar investment right here at the Atlantic Treatment Plant off Oceana Boulevard. They plan to turn wastewater into renewable natural gas, enough to power about four thousand homes each year. If state regulators greenlight the project, we could see a slight bump in our gas bills — about forty cents a month. Local officials hope this move both boosts our energy capacity and cuts climate pollution, but as with any new project, there’s ongoing debate about long-term impacts and cost-effectiveness.

From city hall, the budget for the upcoming year is now officially adopted following a special council session. Some big things for residents: we’ll see modest increases in the meals tax and boat registration fees, while the city takes steps to keep key services funded and maintain investments in schools and infrastructure. Library funding did face some cuts, so expect some changes to hours later this summer.

Turning to schools, the Virginia Beach School Board has decided to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion language from its official policies, shifting focus to broader educational opportunity. This change came after recent legal conversations and is stirring local debate, with town hall events like the one hosted by the NAACP this week bringing out both supporters and critics.

Weather will play a big part in our plans today, with the forecast calling for scattered showers and a high in the upper seventies. If you’re headed to the beach or any outdoor events, keep an umbrella handy but expect the sun to peek out by late afternoon. The weekend is looking brighter, which is great news for those heading to the Jackalope Festival.

Speaking of which, the Jackalope Festival takes over the Oceanfront from today through Sunday. Our city welcomes world-class action sports athletes for skateboarding, BASE jumping, and bouldering competitions, with live music and food pop-ups stretching along the boardwalk. Local hotels are still offering discounted rates for last-minute stays. Also on tap, the inaugural Strawberry Fest at the Beach spotlights local growers and businesses—perfect for families looking for something sweet.

In business news, Red Mill residents are voicing concerns as plans for a new Panda Express move forward, while other neighborhoods celebrate the opening of several small shops downtown and near Lynnhaven Parkway.

In sports, Virginia Wesleyan’s softball team has advanced through the regional tournament, keeping hopes alive for a deep postseason run. Local schools are celebrating impressive results on the revamped Standards of Learning tests, with several elementary schools on Shore Drive recognized for top gains.

On the public safety front, police have made an arrest in a shooting near Newtown Road; the suspect is in custody

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