Episode Details

Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, October twenty fifth, and we’re glad you’re starting your weekend with us. As we look out over our city, we’re waking up to cool temperatures at around forty seven degrees and mostly cloudy skies. It’ll stay mostly cloudy throughout the day with highs just touching sixty, and a bit of a breeze from the north, so if you’re heading out, keep a light jacket handy. No rain in the forecast, so it’s a great day for outdoor plans.

There’s extra good news for folks heading to Norfolk State University’s homecoming today, with expanded free Tide light rail service all day. The parade kicks off at Park Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard this morning, and later, NSU takes on South Carolina State at two at Dick Price Stadium. Light rail trains are running every fifteen minutes throughout the day to help fans and parade-goers make the most of it. Last westbound trains leave from Newtown Road Station at eleven tonight, and eastbound from EVMC at eleven thirty.

City Hall moves forward with decisions on zoning changes near Town Center to greenlight a mixed-use project, and the planning commission meets Monday to debate easing parking minimums around Atlantic Avenue. Both could mean more housing options and less time hunting for a spot. In real estate news, home listings in Virginia Beach are averaging four hundred forty thousand dollars, with average time on market dropping under three weeks as families look to settle before the holidays. Apartment rents remain steady, hovering just above one thousand seven hundred a month citywide.

On the local job front, Sentara Healthcare is hiring for over forty positions across the city, including nurses and IT staff at the Princess Anne and Leigh campuses. The hospitality sector at the Oceanfront is also adding seasonal work, especially as restaurants prep for holiday events. If you’re job-hunting, now’s the time to polish those resumes.

A new French bakery opened its doors yesterday on Laskin Road, drawing crowds for flaky croissants and rich espresso. Meanwhile, Big Anchor Tavern on Virginia Beach Boulevard announced it will close at the end of the month after thirty years, citing rising costs. Small business advocates urge us to shop local to help independent stores weather these times.

Looking at community events, the Oceanfront Art Festival runs through Sunday, transforming Pacific Avenue behind Neptune Park into a lively outdoor gallery. Tomorrow’s Neptune’s 8K Run kicks off at five a.m., with proceeds going to support youth athletics in our schools. For families, Mount Trashmore’s Trunk or Treat starts at three this afternoon.

Congratulations to Cox High’s volleyball team, which swept Bayside last night to clinch a spot in regionals. At Princess Anne Middle, the robotics club is celebrating after winning top prize at the Tidewater STEM Fair. Speaking of achievements, students at Old Donation School raised over five thousand dollars for the local food bank this past week.

Turning to public safety, Virginia Beach Police responded to a break-in on Great Neck Road overnight. Officers made a quick arrest and believe this was an isolated incident, with no threat to the public at this time. Police remind us to keep doors and vehicles locked, especially with shorter days ahead.

To wrap up, we have a feel-good story out of Kempsville, where neighbors rallied this week to help a local family after a fire damaged their home. Volunteers organized meal deliveries, and a GoFundMe drive hit its goal within hours. That’s the spirit that makes Virginia Beach so special.

Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe so you stay up to date every morning. This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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