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VB Local Pulse: Apartment Fire, Boat Fees, EMS Billing Changes, Unsettled Weather, and More
Published 10 months, 4 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, May 29. We start today with a look at breaking news across our city. Overnight, fire crews responded to a serious apartment fire on Dodson Court. One person has died and four others are displaced. Our thoughts are with the affected families, and the Red Cross is on site assisting those in need. In other public safety news, city police remind us to stay aware of increased vandalism reports around Bonney Road and the Oceanfront. Please keep your eyes open and report anything suspicious.
At City Hall, major decisions are shaping our summer. The Virginia Beach City Council has just adopted the revised operating budget for fiscal year 2026. Our $2.8 billion plan avoids a proposed pleasure boat tax, instead creating a new annual boat registration fee based on vessel size. This will help fund dredging and waterway maintenance. Council has also launched what they’re calling compassionate billing for EMS services. That means starting this summer, EMS will bill insurance companies for ambulance rides, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for our residents.
If you are out and about today, expect unsettled weather. Forecasters predict scattered showers and storms rolling through midday, with sunshine peeking through by this afternoon. Highs will be in the upper 70s near the Oceanfront. If you’re headed to any outdoor events or the beach, be prepared for a quick change in conditions.
The job market in Virginia Beach remains steady, with hospitality businesses along Atlantic Avenue and at Town Center hiring for the season. Job seekers are encouraged to check listings for hotel and culinary jobs, as well as open positions with city agencies. In real estate, inventory has ticked up a bit, with around 600 homes currently listed across the city. Home prices remain strong, with the average sale nearing five hundred thousand dollars, but new listings mean more options for buyers.
In business news, the abrupt closure of the Mount Trashmore Summer Carnival has left both staff and families surprised. Workers report not being paid, and city officials are looking into the sudden shutdown. Meanwhile, we’re welcoming a new wave of local eateries at Red Mill Commons and along Shore Drive, including a new farm-to-table bistro set to open next week.
For arts and culture, tonight brings College Night live music at Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen. This weekend the Sandler Center hosts a performance by the Virginia Symphony, and the summer concert series at the Oceanfront kicks off tomorrow night. Don’t forget, the annual Something in the Water festival is just a few weeks away.
On the sports front, we’re celebrating Howard University graduate and Virginia Beach native Noah Langford, who advanced to the NCAA East Regional quarterfinals in track and field. Local high school baseball and softball teams are also wrapping up their seasons, with several heading into postseason play.
Before we go, a quick feel-good update. Seven-year-old Landyn Davis of Virginia Beach had his wish granted by LEGOLAND this week, after a heartfelt community campaign brought his dream to life.
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
At City Hall, major decisions are shaping our summer. The Virginia Beach City Council has just adopted the revised operating budget for fiscal year 2026. Our $2.8 billion plan avoids a proposed pleasure boat tax, instead creating a new annual boat registration fee based on vessel size. This will help fund dredging and waterway maintenance. Council has also launched what they’re calling compassionate billing for EMS services. That means starting this summer, EMS will bill insurance companies for ambulance rides, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for our residents.
If you are out and about today, expect unsettled weather. Forecasters predict scattered showers and storms rolling through midday, with sunshine peeking through by this afternoon. Highs will be in the upper 70s near the Oceanfront. If you’re headed to any outdoor events or the beach, be prepared for a quick change in conditions.
The job market in Virginia Beach remains steady, with hospitality businesses along Atlantic Avenue and at Town Center hiring for the season. Job seekers are encouraged to check listings for hotel and culinary jobs, as well as open positions with city agencies. In real estate, inventory has ticked up a bit, with around 600 homes currently listed across the city. Home prices remain strong, with the average sale nearing five hundred thousand dollars, but new listings mean more options for buyers.
In business news, the abrupt closure of the Mount Trashmore Summer Carnival has left both staff and families surprised. Workers report not being paid, and city officials are looking into the sudden shutdown. Meanwhile, we’re welcoming a new wave of local eateries at Red Mill Commons and along Shore Drive, including a new farm-to-table bistro set to open next week.
For arts and culture, tonight brings College Night live music at Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen. This weekend the Sandler Center hosts a performance by the Virginia Symphony, and the summer concert series at the Oceanfront kicks off tomorrow night. Don’t forget, the annual Something in the Water festival is just a few weeks away.
On the sports front, we’re celebrating Howard University graduate and Virginia Beach native Noah Langford, who advanced to the NCAA East Regional quarterfinals in track and field. Local high school baseball and softball teams are also wrapping up their seasons, with several heading into postseason play.
Before we go, a quick feel-good update. Seven-year-old Landyn Davis of Virginia Beach had his wish granted by LEGOLAND this week, after a heartfelt community campaign brought his dream to life.
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