Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Saturday, May 17. We wake up to a warm and breezy start along the oceanfront, with temperatures headed for the upper seventies this afternoon. A mix of sun and clouds means it’s a perfect day to get outside. No rain in the forecast, so everything from beach plans to afterschool sports and the big events around town should run smoothly.
Let’s start with breaking news from City Hall. Our City Council has just adopted the revised twenty twenty-five to twenty twenty-six budget and capital program. That’s two point eight billion dollars, up about five percent from last year, and there are some key changes. The plan drops the proposed tax on pleasure boats, replacing it with an annual registration fee tied to boat size. That move is meant to keep our waterways maintained without hitting boat owners with a tax bill. We’re also seeing a new approach to ambulance billing for emergency services. The city will now bill health insurance for ambulance transports starting this summer, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs for residents while providing steady funding for our volunteer rescue squads. Work to set up this system is already underway, and officials say it will help strengthen our EMS support moving forward.
On the real estate and job market front, business activity remains steady. While the latest citywide jobs report is due out next week, we’re hearing from local recruiters who say hospitality and seasonal roles are still plentiful, especially as beach season kicks into high gear. Real estate agents are reporting continued interest in homes near the oceanfront, with median sale prices now just above four hundred thousand dollars.
Now for a look at events lighting up our Saturday. The big headline is the inaugural Strawberry Fest at the Beach, happening today in the Artery District off Laskin Road. There’s live music, food vendors, and fun for the whole family, including chalk painting in the street and plenty of fresh Pungo-grown strawberries. Organizers hope this festival brings new life to Laskin Road and offers something special after the Pungo Strawberry Festival was canceled again this year. Over at the oceanfront, the Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach event is revving up with monster trucks battling it out on the sand—always a thrill for kids and adults alike.
If you’re looking for ways to give back, WTKR and Southern Bank are hosting a Shred-a-Thon on Virginia Beach Boulevard from nine to noon today. Safely shred sensitive documents and, if you’re able, drop off Beach Bags filled with snacks or school supplies to help local students during summer break.
In public safety, after a tense manhunt that spanned three cities, police have arrested a suspect in the tragic shooting on Harbinger Road near Rosemont and Lynnhaven. Officers thank the community for their help and remind everyone to stay vigilant, especially as warm weather brings more people outside.
Our schools continue to shine, with Ocean Lakes High winning the regional track meet yesterday and several elementary schools celebrating standout student art at the Sandler Center.
On a feel-good note, a team of local volunteers surprised residents at a Shore Drive senior home with a pop-up garden this week, bringing smiles and a burst of color as we head into summer.
That’s your Saturday roundup. 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
