Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for February 28, 2025.
Our community is still reeling from the tragic loss of two of our finest. Officers Christopher Reese and Cameron Girvin were killed in the line of duty last Friday during what began as a routine traffic stop. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with donations for their families surpassing $300,000. A memorial service is planned for next week at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
In lighter news, the much-anticipated Atlantic Park and The Dome are set to open this spring. Backed by our own Pharrell Williams, the development features a 2.6-acre surf lagoon and an entertainment venue that can host up to 5,000 guests. It's expected to cement Virginia Beach's reputation as the East Coast's surfing capital and bring a new dimension to our cultural scene.
The tech industry continues to boom in our city. The cybersecurity job market is particularly hot, with projections showing a 31.5% growth through 2026. Entry-level salaries start at around $78,000, making it an attractive option for recent grads and career changers alike.
Over at Town Center, we're seeing some changes. Legal Sea Foods has closed its doors, but there's buzz about new tenants coming to the old Bed Bath & Beyond space. Golf Galaxy is confirmed for half the spot, and rumors are swirling about Trader Joe's taking the other half. Nothing's official yet, but many residents are excited about the possibility of a new grocery option in the area.
In city news, Mayor Bobby Dyer recently announced that Virginia Beach is actively exploring entertainment options to replace the Something in the Water festival, which was cancelled earlier this year. The city stood firm on its decision despite pleas from Pharrell Williams and festival organizers.
On the weather front, we're looking at a beautiful day ahead with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60s. Perfect for a stroll on the boardwalk or catching some waves at Croatan Beach.
In sports, congratulations to the Cox High School girls' basketball team on their district championship win last night. They'll be heading to regionals next week.
Finally, a heartwarming story from our community. Local resident Sarah Thompson has started a "Little Free Pantry" initiative in her Kempsville neighborhood, providing non-perishable food items to those in need. The idea is catching on, with several other neighborhoods planning to set up their own pantries in the coming weeks.
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
