Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Friday, November seventh. We wake up today after an historic election week, with our city again at the center of attention statewide. The much-watched Virginia governor’s race saw a dramatic shift, as Abigail Spanberger swept Virginia Beach with nearly 55 percent of the vote. That’s a jump of more than 23 percent over the last Democratic run, a swing that made headlines as one of the biggest in all of Virginia. Politicos across the Commonwealth are calling our city the new bellwether, with both parties now scrambling to analyze what this shift means for the state’s future.
Closer to home, the election also settled a debate about how we elect our city council. Voters decided by a margin of nearly 10,000 to keep the 10-1 district council system, meaning each resident will continue to vote for just one representative from their district and the mayor at-large. This has some city leaders saying it’s a win for local representation, but community groups who pushed for a 7-3-1 system argue it means residents have less of a voice on big city-wide issues.
Turning to city hall, we’re watching two big development projects that could shape our resort area for years. The city is advancing the long-awaited mixed-use entertainment complex between 18th and 20th streets, known as the old Dome Site. And down at Rudee Inlet, there’s renewed debate over what should go up on the last prime parcel along the oceanfront. Both projects are up for more public input later this month. If you want your voice heard, city council is inviting all of us to upcoming community forums.
Today’s weather starts off with overcast skies and temperatures in the upper fifties. Winds off the ocean are steady at around 17 miles per hour, with gusts up to 26 expected later. If you’re out along Atlantic Avenue or heading to the boardwalk, bundle up and keep an umbrella handy as light rain is possible by late afternoon. The good news is the weekend looks quieter, with sunshine and highs returning to the low seventies by Sunday.
In business news, real estate agents report a steady fall market. Nearly 350 new home listings came online this past month, but supply is still tight, and average home prices are holding steady around 425 thousand. For job seekers, Sentara Healthcare and Virginia Beach Public Schools are hosting a major hiring event along Independence Boulevard next Tuesday, with hundreds of open positions in health care, education, and skilled trades.
Music lovers have a treat this weekend with the return of the Oceanfront Acoustic Festival at the 24th Street Park. Local legend Shep Rodell headlines tonight, and food truck alley will be open along Pacific Avenue. Just down the road, Virginia Wesleyan University will host the TowneBank Tipoff Tournament today and tomorrow, bringing Division Three basketball powerhouses—including the nationally ranked Hampden-Sydney Tigers and number fourteen Marlins—right here to town.
In local school news, congratulations to the Cox High School marching band for winning gold at the regional championships Wednesday night. On the sports field, Kellam’s girls’ volleyball squad clinched another regional title with a hard-fought win over Landstown.
Crime reports from city police show a quieter last twenty-four hours. Officers made an arrest Monday evening related to last week’s shooting on Schoolhouse Road. Police say the suspect is now in custody and there’s no ongoing threat to the neighborhood. There was, however, a fatal crash earlier this week on Cypress Avenue, and public safety crews remind us all to take extra care as wet roads return today.
For a feel-good story, let’s spotlight the veteran volunteers at Mount Trashmore, who are setting up flags this morning for the upcoming Veterans Day ceremony. Thanks to their tireless work, our city’s service members will be honored with a sea of red, white, and blue all next week.
Looking ahead, there are plenty of ways to get involved over the weekend. The annual Yorktown Tea Festival kicks off today at the American Revolution Museum, and the Virginia Beach Library is hosting a free family movie night Saturday on Princess Anne Road.
That’s all for today. Thank you for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a beat on local news. 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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