Episodios

  • "Busy 4th of July in Virginia Beach, City Council approves new short-term rental permits"

    "Busy 4th of July in Virginia Beach, City Council approves new short-term rental permits"
    Jul 5 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, July 5, 2025. We hope everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July. Last night, fireworks at Mount Trashmore Park and the Oceanfront drew near ten thousand people, making it one of our biggest celebrations in years. Local businesses are feeling the impact today, with restaurants and hotels around Atlantic Avenue reporting record sales, and the tourism boost has given a positive jolt to our job market. Many employers at the Oceanfront and Town Center are seeking additional staff to keep up with the summer crowds, and hospitality job listings have nearly doubled since June.

    This morning along the boardwalk, crews are out early cleaning up after the festivities. Don’t forget that if your waste and recycling pickup was scheduled for yesterday, it’s happening today instead. City administrative offices remain closed this weekend but get back to normal hours Monday.

    Turning to City Hall, City Council approved new short-term rental permits for properties on Baltic Avenue and Newstead Drive in their last session, aiming to keep up with visitor demand while enforcing tougher regulations on unlicensed rentals. They’re also looking at environmental concerns, as community advocates have spoken out about proposed filling of the Oceanana Barrow Pit near Oceanana Boulevard. Council is weighing both economic and environmental impacts, and more updates are expected in next week’s meeting.

    Weather-wise, we’re waking up to warm and humid conditions. Expect highs near ninety today, with a slight breeze off the ocean. It should stay mostly sunny, but we could see a popup thunderstorm late this afternoon, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to visit the beach or join the final day of the Totally Tribute Music Fest at the Oceanfront’s 17th and 31st Street Parks. The event wraps up tonight with classic rock covers and food trucks, making it a can’t-miss for music fans.

    Looking ahead, the next few weeks are packed with events. Point Break Music Festival comes to the Oceanfront later this month, and art shows continue at 24th Street Park. Our schools are on summer break, but Princess Anne High’s robotics team just took first place in a regional competition, putting Virginia Beach students back in the spotlight.

    On the real estate front, home sales along Shore Drive and in Kempsville remain strong. Median prices are holding above four hundred fifty thousand, reflecting steady demand as families move into the area.

    Public safety has been a priority this holiday weekend. Police report an overall safe Fourth, with only a few minor incidents related to fireworks along Pacific Avenue. Officers made quick arrests, and no major injuries were reported.

    Finally, a feel-good moment: Local volunteers surprised lifeguards and sanitation crews at the Oceanfront this morning with breakfast and handwritten thank you notes, showing community spirit is very much alive.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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  • Independence Day in Virginia Beach: Fireworks, Music, and Community Celebration

    Independence Day in Virginia Beach: Fireworks, Music, and Community Celebration
    Jul 4 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, July 4th, 2025. We wake up today with bright sunshine and sky-high energy as the city gets ready for Independence Day celebrations. The forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures in the mid-80s, so we can count on fantastic weather for outdoor festivities from morning straight through the fireworks. Grab the sunscreen, stay hydrated, and get ready for a packed day in the city.

    Our biggest headline is the annual Stars and Stripes Celebration along the oceanfront, filling 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks this evening with live music, food, and family-friendly fun. The Tidewater Winds Concert Band takes the stage at 24th Street Park at seven thirty, and everything caps off with a spectacular fireworks show at nine thirty tonight. Over at Mount Trashmore Park, the city’s official July Fourth event begins at five, boasts live music, food trucks, and children’s activities, and it’s all free. Note that parking at Mount Trashmore is limited and costs twenty dollars cash, with Edwin Drive sometimes closing off when lots fill up. Expect heavy crowds and lots of traffic around the oceanfront and Mount Trashmore all day, so consider arriving early and be patient as everyone gathers to celebrate our nation’s birthday. City officials remind us that for safety, glass containers, pets, and bikes are not allowed in the main event zones. If you want to keep up with real-time event updates or emergency alerts, you can text VBEVENTS to 67283 and stay informed as the day unfolds.

    At City Hall, the City Council continues to grapple with decisions that impact neighborhoods and local businesses. This week, councilmembers approved conditional use permits for a new open-air market on Sandbridge Road and a short-term rental on Baltic Avenue, as part of the city’s ongoing effort to balance tourism and residential life. They also deferred a decision about dividing a property on Newstead Drive to their next meeting on July 8, signaling ongoing debate about managing growth in our city.

    In real estate, the summer market remains active, with homes along Shore Drive and in Little Neck averaging about five hundred thousand dollars—a slight uptick from last month, as demand remains steady. On the job front, several new hospitality positions have opened ahead of the summer rush, especially at local hotels and restaurants, so anyone seeking seasonal work should check listings this weekend.

    Tonight and tomorrow, the boardwalk will be alive with local musicians, and the ViBe Creative District will host pop-up art shows all weekend. In sports, congratulations to the Princess Anne High School baseball team, who clinched their division title this week in dramatic fashion.

    On the public safety front, police responded swiftly to a disturbance last night on Atlantic Avenue near 25th Street. One suspect was arrested without injury, and there’s no threat to the public. Officers also remind us: with large gatherings, always keep an eye on your belongings and report anything suspicious.

    Finally, our feel-good story: Volunteers from Lynnhaven River NOW spent yesterday morning cleaning up the beaches ahead of today’s festivities, helping keep our shorelines beautiful for everyone.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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  • Local Pulse: New Meals Tax, Stormwater Bonds, and July 4th Celebrations in Virginia Beach

    Local Pulse: New Meals Tax, Stormwater Bonds, and July 4th Celebrations in Virginia Beach
    Jul 3 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, July third. We start today with some major changes that are sure to affect our daily routines and plans. A new meals tax is now in effect across Virginia Beach, going up by half a percent as of July first. Local restaurants like The Stockpot on 19th Street are feeling the impact, and the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association is actively voicing concerns about how this might affect both business owners and diners. More than fifteen hundred people have already signed a petition pushing back on the change, so it's something we’ll want to keep our eye on, especially as we head into the long holiday weekend.

    From City Hall, the council just approved several conditional use permits, including one for a new open air market at six sixty-one Sandbridge Road and another for a short-term rental on Baltic Avenue. There’s also a continued focus on short-term rental regulations, with a newly established task force looking at ways to tighten enforcement and improve the registration process. Meanwhile, the city is set to issue up to ninety million dollars in stormwater utility bonds to fund ongoing drainage and flood improvements, which should bring some relief to areas that have struggled with high water during storms.

    Speaking of storms, today’s weather is looking warm and humid, with temperatures reaching up to the upper eighties by midday. There’s a chance for afternoon thunderstorms, so if you’re planning to be outdoors—whether for a stroll at the Oceanfront or for evening events—keep an umbrella handy. The weekend is looking much the same, so stay weather-aware as you celebrate.

    Now, as for what’s happening around town, the Totally Tribute Music Fest kicks off today at the Oceanfront’s 17th and 31st Street Parks. This free festival runs through July fifth and promises tribute concerts to classic acts like The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Tomorrow, July fourth, the Stars and Stripes Celebration begins at 7 p.m. with a fireworks finale planned for 9:30 at the Oceanfront, so expect heavy traffic and plan accordingly.

    In local business news, several boardwalk cafes are set to open with new management, including Seaside Raw Bar Café and 11th Street Tap House. These spots are hoping to draw the summer crowd as regulations ease and events return in full swing.

    On the job front, the beach area continues to see strong seasonal hiring, particularly in hospitality and retail. Unemployment is holding steady, with about 13,000 open positions across Hampton Roads—rounded from recent numbers.

    Now, a quick word on public safety: Virginia State Police and local officers are increasing patrols today and through the weekend for Operation CARE, targeting impaired driving and speeding. With July third and sixth expected to be the busiest travel days, let's all buckle up and drive safely. No major incidents reported overnight in Virginia Beach, but authorities urge all of us to keep fireworks off the streets and leave the shows to the professionals.

    On the lighter side, we want to shout out the Princess Anne High School girls soccer team, who clinched a regional championship last night—an inspiring win for our young athletes and the community.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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  • "Summer Sizzle in Virginia Beach: Flags, Festivals, and Community Spirit"

    "Summer Sizzle in Virginia Beach: Flags, Festivals, and Community Spirit"
    Jun 28 2025
    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 and remove valuables, and extra patrols are planned through the weekend.

    Before we go, let’s share a feel-good moment: volunteers from Kempsville High just wrapped up a book drive, collecting nearly a thousand books for local kids’ summer reading programs. It’s another great example of community spirit and the way our city comes together to make a difference.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 m
  • Virginia Beach News Roundup: Flood Protection, Jobs, and Community Events

    Virginia Beach News Roundup: Flood Protection, Jobs, and Community Events
    Jun 27 2025
    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 Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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  • Virginia Beach Local Pulse: Aquarium Funding, School Security, and Community Spirit

    Virginia Beach Local Pulse: Aquarium Funding, School Security, and Community Spirit
    Jun 26 2025
    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 campus security, a positive step as we move into the new academic year.

    Our crime update includes no major incidents overnight, but police are investigating minor thefts along Independence Boulevard. Remember to lock your vehicles and report any suspicious activity.

    To end on a feel-good note, volunteers at First Landing State Park came together yesterday to restore local hiking trails after last week’s heavy rain, showing the spirit that makes our community special.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 m
  • Warm Temps, Beach Week Crackdown, Council Funds Safety & Parks in Virginia Beach Local Pulse

    Warm Temps, Beach Week Crackdown, Council Funds Safety & Parks in Virginia Beach Local Pulse
    Jun 24 2025
    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 teamwork is a snapshot of what makes this city shine.

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