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Labor Day Weekend Kicks Off With Mixed Signals for Virginia Beach Businesses
Published 7 months, 4 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, August 30, 2025.
As we wake up on this busy Labor Day weekend, our oceanfront is already filling up as business owners along Atlantic Avenue and the Boardwalk are hopeful for a strong finish to what has been a slower summer than usual. Folks at Coastal Edge and Ocean Eddies say this weekend could make up as much as a fifth of their entire August, and many workers are eager to make the most of these last few days of the tourist rush before we settle into the quiet off-season. Hotels and restaurants across the resort area have seen more vacancies than in previous years, with some pointing to the economy as a driving factor, but there is optimism this weekend will help close the gap. If you are downtown or out by the pier, you will find families and visitors like Hans and his niece Layla from Arlington doing their part to support local businesses, even if it means paying extra for ice cream.
Turning to local government, city hall is facing continued scrutiny after a week of frustration from Windsor Woods residents. There is a strong and persistent odor rising from Thalia Creek, described by neighbors as so intense it is forcing people indoors and impacting their health. City officials met Friday with neighbors but, for now, say the smell is a result of natural processes rather than any chemical or mechanical issue. They are asking for two more weeks to monitor things and are deferring additional testing to the Department of Environmental Quality. Residents say if the problem is not resolved soon, legal steps may follow.
Meanwhile, at Virginia Wesleyan University, tension is running high. Students have organized protests ahead of a private campus meeting to discuss the school’s upcoming name change to Batten University. The decision, honoring major donor Jane P. Batten, is set to take effect in July 2026. Many students and alumni are opposed, with more than 3,800 signatures gathered already, but the administration is standing firm that the change is final.
Weather will be a big factor today for anyone planning to be outside or on the water. We are looking at mostly cloudy skies, highs around seventy-eight, lows in the mid-sixties, and brisk winds from the north-northeast gusting up to twenty miles per hour. Our beaches are seeing seas around two to three feet, so take care if you are boating or swimming. This breezy stretch continues into next week, with a slight uptick in wind and waves on Labor Day.
In city politics, a federal complaint is heating up debate over how we elect leaders. Plaintiffs are working to block a possible return to the old 7-3-1 voting system for city council. They are pushing to keep the current ten-district system, which they argue offers fairer representation for minority communities. The city says minority coalition claims do not apply under federal law, but so far, the court disagrees. This will come before voters in a November referendum.
On the jobs front, local employers remain cautious but optimistic. Many seasonal roles are wrapping up after this weekend, but several resorts and beachside shops are still posting openings for year-round positions as foot traffic along the boardwalk keeps steady.
In real estate, we are seeing a continued demand for waterfront properties, but sales have slowed slightly from their spring highs. Agents point out that the end of summer often brings a price adjustment, so those in the market may find a better deal after the holiday weekend.
For school sports, congratulations are in order for the Princess Anne High School field hockey team after their win against Tallwood on Thursday night. Our student athletes continue to shine on and off the field.
No major crime incidents have been reported overnight, but police urge everyone to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, especially with visitors crowding the ocea
As we wake up on this busy Labor Day weekend, our oceanfront is already filling up as business owners along Atlantic Avenue and the Boardwalk are hopeful for a strong finish to what has been a slower summer than usual. Folks at Coastal Edge and Ocean Eddies say this weekend could make up as much as a fifth of their entire August, and many workers are eager to make the most of these last few days of the tourist rush before we settle into the quiet off-season. Hotels and restaurants across the resort area have seen more vacancies than in previous years, with some pointing to the economy as a driving factor, but there is optimism this weekend will help close the gap. If you are downtown or out by the pier, you will find families and visitors like Hans and his niece Layla from Arlington doing their part to support local businesses, even if it means paying extra for ice cream.
Turning to local government, city hall is facing continued scrutiny after a week of frustration from Windsor Woods residents. There is a strong and persistent odor rising from Thalia Creek, described by neighbors as so intense it is forcing people indoors and impacting their health. City officials met Friday with neighbors but, for now, say the smell is a result of natural processes rather than any chemical or mechanical issue. They are asking for two more weeks to monitor things and are deferring additional testing to the Department of Environmental Quality. Residents say if the problem is not resolved soon, legal steps may follow.
Meanwhile, at Virginia Wesleyan University, tension is running high. Students have organized protests ahead of a private campus meeting to discuss the school’s upcoming name change to Batten University. The decision, honoring major donor Jane P. Batten, is set to take effect in July 2026. Many students and alumni are opposed, with more than 3,800 signatures gathered already, but the administration is standing firm that the change is final.
Weather will be a big factor today for anyone planning to be outside or on the water. We are looking at mostly cloudy skies, highs around seventy-eight, lows in the mid-sixties, and brisk winds from the north-northeast gusting up to twenty miles per hour. Our beaches are seeing seas around two to three feet, so take care if you are boating or swimming. This breezy stretch continues into next week, with a slight uptick in wind and waves on Labor Day.
In city politics, a federal complaint is heating up debate over how we elect leaders. Plaintiffs are working to block a possible return to the old 7-3-1 voting system for city council. They are pushing to keep the current ten-district system, which they argue offers fairer representation for minority communities. The city says minority coalition claims do not apply under federal law, but so far, the court disagrees. This will come before voters in a November referendum.
On the jobs front, local employers remain cautious but optimistic. Many seasonal roles are wrapping up after this weekend, but several resorts and beachside shops are still posting openings for year-round positions as foot traffic along the boardwalk keeps steady.
In real estate, we are seeing a continued demand for waterfront properties, but sales have slowed slightly from their spring highs. Agents point out that the end of summer often brings a price adjustment, so those in the market may find a better deal after the holiday weekend.
For school sports, congratulations are in order for the Princess Anne High School field hockey team after their win against Tallwood on Thursday night. Our student athletes continue to shine on and off the field.
No major crime incidents have been reported overnight, but police urge everyone to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, especially with visitors crowding the ocea