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  • Virginia Beach Update: Infrastructure Funding, Crime Concerns, and Community Initiatives
    2025/04/22
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

    We begin today with breaking news out of city hall. The state has just released a major six-year, seven-billion-dollar funding plan for capital improvement projects across Virginia. This is expected to have a big impact here in Virginia Beach, with anticipated upgrades to infrastructure, schools, and public spaces. We’ll keep a close eye on how these funds will be allocated locally, but early word is that transportation and school facility projects are in the spotlight.

    On the public safety front, Virginia Beach police are increasing their presence at the Oceanfront after a weekend shooting near 17th Street. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and police quickly arrested a suspect, Xavier Gatling of Georgia. Authorities say more patrols, including officers on foot and motorcycles, will be out as the crowds build along Atlantic Avenue in the warmer months. Just a reminder: police tech like FLOCK cameras and ShotSpotter is now in use to help keep the area safe, and local businesses insist they’re open and resilient.

    However, there’s concern after three separate shootings in the city on Monday, leaving six people injured. Incidents occurred on Budding Avenue, Sassafras Court, and other neighborhoods, including a teen and two men caught in crossfire during a robbery. Police stress that a lot of crime guns are stolen from unlocked cars—a reminder for all of us to secure our vehicles and report suspicious activity. Officers say more than 40 cars were broken into recently, with three guns stolen just last week. Public conversations around safe storage are growing, with advocacy groups pushing for tighter laws and community education.

    Shifting gears, the weather is looking much improved for today. After yesterday’s rain, we’ll see partly sunny skies, highs in the mid-60s, and a gentle breeze—perfect for an afternoon stroll at Mount Trashmore Park or a visit to the boardwalk. The rest of the week should bring more spring sunshine and rising temps.

    If you’re hunting for a new opportunity, Virginia Beach remains steady in job growth, especially in hospitality and seasonal work as businesses gear up for a busy summer. Real estate inventory is holding steady, with homes averaging about thirty-five days on market. If you’re buying or selling near Great Neck or Little Neck, expect plenty of competition.

    Business buzz includes a handful of new restaurants opening along Shore Drive and the long-awaited expansion at Town Center’s east end. We also note a few small shops closing up over on Bonney Road, as high rents continue to shape our commercial corridors.

    Looking for some fun? Tonight at Virginia Legends Park, you can join the Secret Society Mystery Hunt, a family-friendly event that has everyone puzzling their way through local landmarks. And for our music lovers, the Spring Concert Series kicks off this weekend at Neptune Park.

    On the school front, Bayside High’s robotics team just advanced to the state finals, earning high marks for innovation and teamwork. In sports, Cox High baseball swept Kellam in last night’s close game, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

    We end today with a feel-good story. Volunteers from the community joined up over at First Landing State Park this weekend for a beach cleanup, collecting nearly five hundred pounds of trash. It’s a small reminder of the big impact we can make when we work together.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • Virginia Beach Happenings: Community Events, Crime, and Civic Pride
    2025/04/19
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, April nineteenth, twenty twenty-five.

    Let’s start with our top story—community spirit is front and center today as the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office hosts its annual Easter Eggstravaganza at the Little League Complex on Firefall Drive. From noon to two, families with kids twelve and under can hunt for thousands of eggs and enjoy games, a K9 demonstration, and plenty of treats. This year, the event partners with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, a move that strengthens the bonds between law enforcement and the broader community. Bring your own basket and hope for dry skies—the event goes on with light rain but will be canceled in case of a downpour.

    Looking at the weather, we’re in for a warming trend today, but it will cool off again tomorrow for Easter Sunday. Any outdoor plans this afternoon—including egg hunts and spring festivals—should go smoothly, but keep an umbrella handy just in case.

    In breaking news, Virginia Beach police are investigating a series of shootings that left six people hurt across three incidents in the city this week. The first happened early Monday morning on South Budding Avenue where a seventeen-year-old boy was seriously injured. Monday evening, two men were shot on Sassafras Court during a robbery gone wrong. Later, another incident on Haygood Road left three more people hurt, with one in serious condition. Police say stolen firearms from recent car break-ins may be a factor. The department urges everyone to lock their cars and store firearms securely, especially in neighborhoods impacted by these break-ins.

    On the business front, drivers are getting some relief at the pump. Gas prices in Virginia Beach have dropped about five cents since last week, a welcome sign as spring break traffic winds down and we head into summer.

    Springtime also means a packed community calendar. Beside today’s Easter Extravaganza, families can head to the Oceanfront for live music as concert season ramps up at the Sandler Center and Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. From major festivals like the Something in the Water Music Festival to weekly live performances, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Virginia Beach’s vibrant arts scene.

    Turning to real estate, the local market remains steady, with home prices holding strong and inventory slowly ticking up. The job market is steady as well, with several new openings posted this week in hospitality and retail ahead of summer.

    In our schools, students from Princess Anne High School made headlines with their robotics team advancing to the state finals, and Ocean Lakes High wrapped up a winning season in girls’ soccer.

    We end on a feel-good note—this week, city workers and volunteers joined forces to clean up Mount Trashmore Park, collecting hundreds of pounds of litter and showing just how much we care for our green spaces.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 分
  • "Shootings, Weather, Jobs, and Community Connections in Virginia Beach"
    2025/04/17
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, April 17, 2025.

    We wake up today with big stories shaping our morning here at the coast. Virginia Beach Police are investigating a concerning string of shootings that left six people injured in less than 24 hours earlier this week. On South Budding Avenue, a 17-year-old boy was seriously hurt. Then, later that night on Sassafras Court, two men were shot during a robbery attempt while one of them was simply taking out the trash. Police say in the same neighborhoods, nearly forty cars were broken into days before, and three firearms were stolen. Chief Neudigate is urging all of us to lock our vehicles and secure our weapons as more than ten percent of local car break-ins lead to stolen guns. The message is clear: we all play a part in keeping our neighborhoods safe, especially when it comes to responsible gun storage and reporting suspicious activity. Mounted patrols are still visible in the affected areas, and increased vigilance is expected through the week. In other crime news, there are ongoing investigations on Haygood Road after three people were injured in a separate incident, and police continue to look into property damage reports near Bonney Road.

    On a lighter note, let’s talk weather. We’ve got a cool and breezy start this morning with temperatures just cresting fifty, but expect highs around sixty-five by midday. Cloud cover should part for a little afternoon sun, making it much more pleasant for any outdoor plans. It’s a good day to visit the oceanfront or stroll Town Center, but keep a jacket handy as we could see wind gusts up to twenty miles an hour. Looking ahead, we’re tracking drier, warmer weather for the weekend.

    Shifting to local business, the job market remains resilient. Recent numbers show job postings in hospitality and healthcare are up, with over a thousand open positions citywide. The energy around the real estate market is also holding steady, with new listings outpacing closings by nearly twenty percent. For those in real estate or looking to break in, there’s an event this morning at The Westin Town Center on Commerce Street. The Glover U team is in town offering the latest strategies for taking listings and mastering online reputation.

    On the cultural front, tonight we’re treated to a performance of Swan Lake by the Grand Kyiv Ballet at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are moving fast for this elegant production, so if you want to experience a classic right here on the coast, now is the time.

    For sports, our homegrown talent is making headlines. The Dallas Wings just drafted James Quinerly in the WNBA Draft, shining a spotlight on the 757. Princess Anne Country Club is also buzzing with excitement after sending a golfer to compete at the Masters.

    In school news, Bayside High’s robotics team just clinched first in the state qualifier, a proud moment for students and mentors alike.

    And to close things out with a feel-good story, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital’s therapy dog continues to bring comfort to patients and staff. His “paw-sitive” legacy is a simple reminder of the small joys that bind our community.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • "Shooting Incidents, Military Job Fair, Spring Concert Series, and Community Beach Cleanups - Your Virginia Beach Local Pulse Update"
    2025/04/15
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

    We start today with breaking news. A shooting last night near the 5000 block of Ferrell Parkway left three people injured. All are currently hospitalized, and police are investigating. This follows another incident earlier this week where two children were injured in a shooting near Diamond Springs Road. Local authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious activity as they continue efforts to address violence in our community.

    On a brighter note, Virginia Beach has some exciting events lined up. Tonight, the Hampton Roads Military Community Employer Connect is happening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Norfolk, offering opportunities for veterans and job seekers to connect with local employers. Over at the Oceanfront, live music continues to fill the air with local bands performing nightly as part of the Spring Concert Series.

    Weather-wise, cooler conditions settle in today with highs in the mid-60s, thanks to a cold front moving through. It’s shaping up to be breezy, so grab that jacket if you're heading out. The week ahead looks sunny and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities.

    City Hall is giving residents a voice on a potential change to our city elections. The council is considering a referendum to modify the system for electing representatives, moving from the current mixed system to a 10-district format. You'll have the chance to weigh in before a final vote on May 6.

    In real estate, the market remains active with the median home price holding steady around $365,000. New listings in neighborhoods like Great Neck and Kempsville are drawing interest, particularly from first-time buyers. If you're looking to rent, you’ll find a mix of apartments available with average rents for one-bedroom units at about $1,400 per month.

    Local schools have cause to celebrate. The Virginia Beach City Public Schools robotics team brings home first place in a regional competition. Congratulations to these talented students for putting our city on the tech map!

    Meanwhile, in sports, the Princess Anne High girls’ soccer team clinched a dramatic 2-1 win against First Colonial High last night, continuing their undefeated season.

    Looking ahead, don’t miss the Something in the Water Music Festival kicking off Friday at the Oceanfront. It’s bringing a stellar lineup of performers and is expected to draw big crowds. Also, the Sandler Center hosts a classical music concert tomorrow evening featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

    Finally, a feel-good story: a local Navy veteran has been organizing beach cleanups along Sandbridge Road, inspiring neighbors to join in. Together, they've collected over 200 pounds of trash this month, making our beaches a cleaner and more beautiful place.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. Stay safe and have a fantastic day!
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    3 分
  • Vandalism on Bonney Road, Oceanfront Safety, Steady Real Estate, and Community Happenings in Virginia Beach
    2025/04/12
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, April 12, 2025.

    Starting with breaking news, Virginia Beach Police are investigating a series of property damage incidents along the Bonney Road corridor. Over 30 reports came in earlier this week for shattered car windows, with at least 14 victims reporting stolen items. Officers remind us to lock our vehicles and keep valuables out of sight while urging residents with security footage to come forward. It’s a sobering reminder to stay vigilant in protecting our property.

    In another safety update, the recent shooting at the Oceanfront on 17th Street resulted in one arrest. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident has reinvigorated police efforts to ensure safety as visitor numbers increase with warmer weather. Expanded use of technologies like ShotSpotter and FLOCK cameras will help authorities monitor activity in crowded areas. This comes as businesses like Old Time Photos remain committed to serving the community while advocating for continued security investments in the tourist district.

    Now, shifting gears to local development, the Virginia Beach Development Authority recently discussed the city's public-private partnerships, reflecting on a $30 million net gain for our tax base from recent projects. Exciting updates include investments in the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater and redevelopment plans for the Dome district, promising a bustling season for entertainment and tourism.

    On the real estate front, the market remains steady, with median home prices hovering around $380,000. This aligns with a broader trend of growth as new projects attract homebuyers looking for vibrant community living.

    As for jobs, opportunities are on the rise, with openings at the Oceanfront for seasonal workers and new positions in development projects. Local businesses are also hiring across various sectors, from hospitality to construction.

    Looking ahead to the weekend, there’s plenty to enjoy. Tonight, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts hosts a jazz ensemble sure to delight music lovers, while live performances continue at the Oceanfront as part of the spring music series. If you’re bringing the family out, check out the farmers' market this morning on Dam Neck Road for local produce and crafts.

    In community news, congratulations to the students of Princess Anne High, who took home first place in this week’s regional robotics competition. Their innovative designs showcase the incredible talent in Virginia Beach schools.

    Weather-wise, today will be sunny with highs near 70 degrees and light breezes—perfect for outdoor plans. The dry conditions provide an excellent backdrop for enjoying events around the city. Looking ahead, expect cooler temps tomorrow with a chance of showers in the evening.

    Finally, here’s a feel-good story to brighten your day: A group of local volunteers came together this week to plant trees along Shore Drive, enhancing both beauty and eco-consciousness in our city. A big thank you to everyone who lent a hand in making our community greener.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • "Virginia Beach Updates: Crime, Business, Arts, and Community Generosity"
    2025/04/11
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, April 11, 2025.

    We start with breaking news from the Oceanfront. Police made an arrest earlier this week after gunshots were fired near 17th Street last Saturday night. Officers responded swiftly to a crowd of 200 to 300 people, and thankfully no injuries were reported. Xavier Gatling, from Georgia, was charged with recklessly handling a firearm. Virginia Beach Police assure us their presence will increase as warmer months bring more visitors. They’ve also highlighted the use of advanced technology like FLOCK cameras and ShotSpotter to enhance safety. Let’s hope for a safe and vibrant summer season at the Oceanfront.

    In other public safety news, police are investigating a rise in “smash-and-grab” car thefts along Bonney Road. Residents are encouraged to lock vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and report any suspicious activity. Stay alert, Virginia Beach.

    Turning to city hall updates, the Virginia Beach Development Authority is buzzing about tourism boosts from events at the Amphitheater and upcoming plans for the Dome redevelopment. These public-private projects are expected to generate millions for the city while expanding entertainment options. It’s a promising season for local businesses and visitors alike.

    Speaking of businesses, a new café, Shoreline Brews, just opened on General Booth Boulevard, offering cozy vibes and locally roasted coffee. But not all news is cheerful—after nearly 20 years in Town Center, Coastal Threads Boutique will close next month. The owners cite rising rent as the reason. It’s a reminder of the challenges small businesses face.

    Looking at real estate, Virginia Beach’s housing market remains competitive, with median home prices exceeding $435,000 as of March. For those in the market, now’s the time to act as inventory is expected to tighten further.

    On the cultural front, the Virginia Beach Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow at Mount Trashmore Park. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and local art vendors—it promises to be a fantastic family outing. Also, the Sandler Center hosts the Virginia Symphony Orchestra this Sunday for their spring concert, featuring classical favorites.

    In sports, congratulations to the Bayside High School girls’ soccer team for their big win against Ocean Lakes, clinching a 2–1 victory last night. Meanwhile, the city is gearing up for the Shamrock Half Marathon this weekend, so expect some road closures near the Boardwalk.

    As for the weather, it’s a beautiful day ahead with sunny skies and highs in the low 80s. A light breeze makes it perfect for outdoor plans. Tonight will be mild with lows around 60, so enjoy the cool evening.

    Finally, in a feel-good story, students at First Colonial High raised $15,000 for local animal shelters during this year's Paw Power campaign. Their hard work reminds us of the generosity within our community.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 分
  • Virginia Beach Local Pulse: Shooting Probe, Trader Joe's, Surf Lagoon, and Resilient Oceanfront
    2025/04/11
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, April 11, 2025.

    We begin with some breaking updates from our vibrant city. The Virginia Beach Police Department confirmed that a shooting occurred last weekend near the 400 block of Osprey Street, tragically claiming the life of 20-year-old Joshua Rice. This incident is under investigation, and police encourage anyone with information to contact the VBPD Detective Bureau or Crime Solvers. On another note, last Saturday, shots were fired near 17th Street at the Oceanfront, where an arrest was made. Thankfully, no one was injured. With warmer months ahead, police plan to escalate their presence in crowded areas to ensure public safety.

    Switching gears to city development, big things are coming to the Town Center neighborhood. A Trader Joe’s grocery store may soon occupy part of the old Bed Bath & Beyond building, joining Golf Galaxy in revitalizing the space. For residents in the area, this addition could mean more convenient grocery options without needing to travel to Hilltop or beyond. Also, the new Atlantic Park surf lagoon and entertainment venue, Atlantic Dome, are nearly ready to open. From seasoned surfers to beginners, the 2.6-acre surf lagoon powered by Wavegarden technology is a unique addition to our coast, backed by Virginia Beach’s own Pharrell Williams. Its accompanying concert venue, with a capacity of 5,000, is set to become a year-round cultural hotspot.

    Speaking of cultural spots, the Virginia Aquarium is offering an engaging exhibit, “Emotions at Play,” inspired by Disney and Pixar’s *Inside Out.* Perfect for families, the exhibit runs through May 4, with interactive displays exploring core emotions. Meanwhile, the Southern Watersheds Symposium is happening today at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, bringing together environmental leaders to discuss the health of our vital watersheds.

    In the world of sports and schools, Virginia Beach high school athletes continue to make waves. The Beach District’s spring sports are in full swing, with recent soccer and lacrosse matches drawing attention for their impressive performances. Over at the Virginia Beach Sports Center, elite prep athletes are gearing up for the upcoming VA Showcase, promising some record-breaking track and field moments.

    For job seekers, the local market shows signs of growth. The recent expansion in Town Center, along with rising retail occupancy rates, means more opportunities are on the horizon. Real estate, too, remains strong, with properties near the Oceanfront drawing interest as summer approaches. If you're considering buying or selling, now might be a good time.

    Looking forward, we’ve got several events this weekend to brighten your plans. Tomorrow, Red Wing Park hosts its annual Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese performances, family-friendly activities, and the beauty of the Yoshino cherry trees. Don’t miss it!

    Finally, let’s talk weather. Today, we’re expecting partly cloudy skies with a high near 66 degrees and a light breeze—a perfect day to head outdoors. However, keep an umbrella handy for tomorrow, as showers are likely to move in during the afternoon.

    Before we wrap up, here’s a feel-good story to warm your heart. A local business owner at Old Time Photos, near the Oceanfront, shared how they’ve rebounded quickly from minor damage caused by last weekend’s chaotic crowd. "We’re resilient,” they said. “Come down and enjoy the area—the Oceanfront is open for business and ready to welcome you.”

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • Virginia Beach Update: Arrests, Real Estate Boom, Cybersecurity Careers, and Community Events
    2025/04/10
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, April 10, 2025. Let’s dive into what’s happening around our beautiful city today.

    First, we begin with a public safety update from the Oceanfront. Following a weekend shooting near 17th Street, Virginia Beach Police acted quickly to make an arrest. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but this serves as a reminder of the importance of safety as beach season kicks off. Police have increased patrols and are utilizing enhanced technologies like FLOCK cameras and ShotSpotter to keep the area secure. Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the Oceanfront while staying vigilant. A suspect, Xavier Gatling, is currently facing charges related to the incident, with his next court date set for April 21.

    In other news, Virginia Beach’s real estate market continues to heat up. Homes are selling at a median price of $377,000, a 4.7% increase from last year. The average home is spending just 31 days on the market, reflecting a competitive but stable market. If you’re house hunting, expect properties to draw about two offers on average. This is a great time for sellers to capitalize on rising prices and for buyers to explore opportunities in this active market.

    Turning to jobs, Virginia Beach is making waves in cybersecurity. With a 31.5% growth projected in the field, entry-level salaries start at an impressive $78,000. Employers like Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin are on the lookout for professionals skilled in cloud security and network defense. For those interested, local universities, like Old Dominion, offer excellent training programs to jumpstart a career in this booming industry.

    City Hall is asking for our input on an important decision. The City Council is considering a change to how council members are elected. A referendum could appear on the November ballot, shifting from the current "modified 7-3-1" system to a "10-1" system, where all council members are elected by district. A public hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday at 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers. If you can’t attend, you can share your thoughts online or by voicemail.

    On today’s calendar, the 757 Career Summit continues at the Convention Center. This event helps job seekers prepare for opportunities across Hampton Roads and wraps up at 4 p.m. If you’re a veteran, educational seminars are underway in Norfolk and Newport News to support military families in exploring career and educational options.

    Weather-wise, it’s shaping up to be a mild and breezy day with a high of 68 degrees and partly cloudy skies. If you’re planning time outdoors, whether it’s a walk on the Boardwalk or a visit to Mount Trashmore Park, pack a light jacket. The weekend forecast looks sunny and warmer, perfect for festival season.

    Community events are keeping us busy this weekend. Saturday brings the Art Walk at the ViBe Creative District, starting at 10 a.m. It’s a fun way to explore local talent while enjoying live music and craft food. And don’t forget the spring flower festival at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, just a short drive away, where blooms are at their peak.

    We end today with a feel-good story. Virginia Beach student-athletes are shining on the national stage. The Princess Anne High School girls’ basketball team clinched the state championship over the weekend, bringing pride and joy to our community. Congratulations to these talented young women and their dedicated coaches!

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. Take care, stay safe, and have a great day ahead!
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    4 分