Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Sunday, October 26, 2025. We are waking up to a cool and partly sunny day, with highs right around 60 degrees. As we head outside, it feels like proper autumn around the Oceanfront and Town Center. Tonight will be chilly, dropping into the low 40s, so if you are heading out for evening plans, do not forget a jacket. Over the next couple of days, we stay cool and dry, but expect a chance for some showers to swing in by midweek.
We start with a regional headline affecting many in our community. The federal government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight, taking us into the fourth week. This means local federal employees, including those at the Oceana Naval Air Station and the regional offices off Independence Boulevard, are still either furloughed or working without pay. The city is stepping up support, and Mayor Dyer has announced expanded food bank hours, plus utility assistance through city programs until federal paychecks resume.
City Council held a public input session this weekend about zoning changes near Lynnhaven Mall, aimed at encouraging more mixed-use development. Residents on Holland Road voiced traffic concerns, while business owners are optimistic it could bring new green spaces and retail. The decision is expected next month.
On the business front, there is buzz about the new tech incubator opening its doors in the ViBe District this morning. This space is focused on green energy startups and has already attracted three regional companies set to bring around 80 new jobs over the next quarter. Across town, listeners have probably noticed the closing of Seaside Café on Atlantic Avenue after 20 years. Owner Maria Torres cites labor costs and rising rent, but also says she is grateful to the regulars who turned the closing week into a true community send-off.
Let’s talk real estate. The median home price in Virginia Beach now sits near 410,000 dollars, with an uptick in listings reported this week. Competition is a bit cooler than last spring, but we are still seeing homes in desirable neighborhoods around Great Neck and Kempsville selling within two weeks.
On the job front, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is holding a walk-in hiring day this Tuesday, looking to fill at least 30 positions from nursing to food service. The Virginia Beach City Public Schools also announced several openings for teaching assistants and bus drivers.
Turning to schools, congratulations to the Princess Anne High School girls’ volleyball squad, who clinched the regional title in straight sets Friday night at their home court. Over at Cox High, the marching band took first place in the state invitational—truly a proud weekend for our students.
Music lovers have plenty to check out this week as the Neptune Festival continues with nightly concerts at 31st Street Park. Tonight, catch local favorite Corey Parker and his jazz ensemble. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and proceeds benefit the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad.
For community events, Saturday morning brings the 5K on the Boardwalk to support local mental health services, starting at 8 a.m. near King Neptune. The Virginia Aquarium hosts its annual Halloween Spooktacular this afternoon, so bring the kids in costume for crafts and up-close animal fun.
On the public safety side, Virginia Beach Police responded to a late-night burglary at a retail store near Hilltop Plaza. No injuries are reported, and one suspect was apprehended two blocks away after K-9 units tracked the scent. Patrols have increased in the area, and police remind us to secure homes and cars. Additionally, a vehicle break-in on Bayside Road was stopped by a neighbor’s quick call—officers say the community’s vigilance is making a difference.
A feel-good note to end: volunteers from our own First Landing State Park teamed up to collect over 300 pounds of litter from the trails and shoreline yesterday, helping keep our coastal beauty intact ahead of the migration season. Organizers say more cleanups are on tap, and everyone is invited.
Thank you all for tuning in and being part of our community. Remind a friend to subscribe so they never miss an update. 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 quietplease dot ai.
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