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Virginia Beach Hosts Global Wind Energy Forum, City Council Debates Election Reform
Published 11 months, 3 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, May 1st, 2025.
We start today with a special moment for our city as Virginia Beach hosts the 2025 International Partnering Forum at the Convention Center. Industry leaders from around the globe have gathered right here in town to discuss the future of offshore wind energy. With Dominion Energy’s 176 turbines rising off our coast and generating more than two and a half gigawatts of electricity, our city is truly cementing its place as America’s renewable energy hub. Mayor Bobby Dyer is front and center, sharing our story of innovation and growth with the world.
Shifting to City Hall, we’re all keeping an eye on an important vote set for Tuesday, May 6th. City Council will decide whether to place a major question on this November’s ballot about how we elect our city council members. There’s a push to shift from our current “modified 7-3-1” system to a “10-1” model, so be sure to have your say by submitting feedback before May 3rd.
Now, weather is always on our minds as we roll into oceanfront event season. Expect partly cloudy skies today, mild temperatures in the upper sixties, and a light breeze—a perfect backdrop for outdoor plans or a stroll along Atlantic Avenue. Just remember that heavy traffic is expected near the resort area as we kick off events like the Salute to Summer, Jackalope Fest, and the North American Sand Soccer Championship. If you’re heading down, the city recommends riding the Wave Trolley or carpooling to avoid parking headaches. Garages at 9th, 25th, and 31st Streets will fill up fast.
In business, Virginia Beach-based developer Mike Sifen just closed a huge deal, purchasing most of Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake for about 22 million dollars. While not in the city, this move could have ripple effects for local jobs and retail. On the jobs front, while the region faces some layoffs, there’s a steady stream of hiring at both the Oceanfront and Town Center, especially as event season gears up.
In real estate, home prices remain steady, with most single-family homes listing just above 400,000 dollars. The market is competitive, but rising inventory is offering more choices for buyers and renters alike.
For the arts, today marks the last day to nominate your favorite champion for the arts in Virginia Beach. If you know someone who’s gone above and beyond to enrich our city’s cultural life, nominations are due by midnight tonight.
Our schools continue to shine, with Ocean Lakes High’s robotics team advancing to the state finals, and several local athletes recently signing to play at the collegiate level. In sports, the Princess Anne girls’ soccer team picked up a win last night, while the boys’ lacrosse teams are preparing for playoff runs.
On the public safety front, police report a quiet night across the city, with no major incidents. Officers remind us to stay alert near the Oceanfront, especially with the large crowds expected this weekend.
We leave you with a feel-good note—students from Kellam High spent yesterday planting wildflowers along Princess Anne Road, a simple act that brightened the morning for many of us on our way to work.
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
We start today with a special moment for our city as Virginia Beach hosts the 2025 International Partnering Forum at the Convention Center. Industry leaders from around the globe have gathered right here in town to discuss the future of offshore wind energy. With Dominion Energy’s 176 turbines rising off our coast and generating more than two and a half gigawatts of electricity, our city is truly cementing its place as America’s renewable energy hub. Mayor Bobby Dyer is front and center, sharing our story of innovation and growth with the world.
Shifting to City Hall, we’re all keeping an eye on an important vote set for Tuesday, May 6th. City Council will decide whether to place a major question on this November’s ballot about how we elect our city council members. There’s a push to shift from our current “modified 7-3-1” system to a “10-1” model, so be sure to have your say by submitting feedback before May 3rd.
Now, weather is always on our minds as we roll into oceanfront event season. Expect partly cloudy skies today, mild temperatures in the upper sixties, and a light breeze—a perfect backdrop for outdoor plans or a stroll along Atlantic Avenue. Just remember that heavy traffic is expected near the resort area as we kick off events like the Salute to Summer, Jackalope Fest, and the North American Sand Soccer Championship. If you’re heading down, the city recommends riding the Wave Trolley or carpooling to avoid parking headaches. Garages at 9th, 25th, and 31st Streets will fill up fast.
In business, Virginia Beach-based developer Mike Sifen just closed a huge deal, purchasing most of Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake for about 22 million dollars. While not in the city, this move could have ripple effects for local jobs and retail. On the jobs front, while the region faces some layoffs, there’s a steady stream of hiring at both the Oceanfront and Town Center, especially as event season gears up.
In real estate, home prices remain steady, with most single-family homes listing just above 400,000 dollars. The market is competitive, but rising inventory is offering more choices for buyers and renters alike.
For the arts, today marks the last day to nominate your favorite champion for the arts in Virginia Beach. If you know someone who’s gone above and beyond to enrich our city’s cultural life, nominations are due by midnight tonight.
Our schools continue to shine, with Ocean Lakes High’s robotics team advancing to the state finals, and several local athletes recently signing to play at the collegiate level. In sports, the Princess Anne girls’ soccer team picked up a win last night, while the boys’ lacrosse teams are preparing for playoff runs.
On the public safety front, police report a quiet night across the city, with no major incidents. Officers remind us to stay alert near the Oceanfront, especially with the large crowds expected this weekend.
We leave you with a feel-good note—students from Kellam High spent yesterday planting wildflowers along Princess Anne Road, a simple act that brightened the morning for many of us on our way to work.
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