City management in Virginia Beach is set to negotiate with Herschend Family Entertainment and Ripley’s Entertainment, both of which have shown interest in operating or purchasing the Virginia Aquarium. The aquarium, a major local attraction, requires significant repairs not covered in the current city budget. City officials, including Mayor Bobby Dyer and City Manager Patrick Duhaney, are exploring private operation as a solution to ensure the aquarium's survival and success. The Virginia Aquarium Foundation, which owns the animals and exhibits, has yet to state its position.

Jerry West, the man who inspired the NBA logo, has passed away at the age of 86. The article also includes a recipe for a copycat version of Starbucks' S'mores Frappuccino and reflections on post-graduation life.

The owner of Paradise Ocean Club, Baxter Simmons, is accusing the National Park Service of discriminatory conduct in the stalled negotiations for a new lease to reopen the club at Fort Monroe National Monument. The club, popular with the local African American community, has been closed due to alleged disrepair and a shooting incident. Despite being awarded the right to negotiate a new lease, Simmons claims the NPS has not negotiated in good faith, ignoring proposals and associating past nuisance behavior with a specific race. The NPS has not commented on the specifics but remains committed to welcoming all communities.

Paradise Ocean Club is set to return to Fort Monroe in summer 2024 with a new lease signed by owner Baxter Simmons. The beachfront bar and restaurant, operating from May to Labor Day for a decade until 2022, faced a lease termination after a non-fatal shooting and concerns from residents. The reopening will see a 1,000-person capacity limit, no boat access, and admission requirements on weekends. The club, known for being the only beach in Hampton Roads where alcohol is legal, aims for a family-friendly environment. The annual lease is $210,000 until January 2034, with rent credits for repairs from the National Park Service.

Virginia Beach is in a debate over the 10-1 district voting system, with Gov. Glenn Youngkin suggesting a delay in charter change until a lawsuit is resolved. State Sen. Aaron Rouse and Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler support the system, which was used in the 2022 election and is favored by 81% of residents. Civil rights advocates view the delay as a tactic to cater to certain interests. A study by the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center found the system complies with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee criticizes Youngkin's amendment as an obstruction to democracy, while the Governor's office has not responded to inquiries.

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach is considering different ownership options due to the need for costly facility improvements. The city, which owns the buildings and employs the staff, did not fund the initial renovation phases in the current budget. The Aquarium's foundation, a non-profit, owns the exhibits and animals. With an estimated $200 to $300 million needed over ten years, the city faces budget constraints from other projects like flood prevention. The aquarium, opened in 1986, is a significant tourist attraction and economic contributor, with plans to expand its main building and add new exhibits. The city is exploring alternative ownership models, including private ownership, and has received responses to a request for information. The foundation is also considering a scaled-back renovation plan. The city conducted a survey where a majority supported city investment in the aquarium, but were less supportive of a sale. The relationship between the city and the foundation remains strong, with a new renovation scope to be submitted to the City Council soon.

Pharrell Williams' Something in the Water music festival is potentially moving to October 2024 in Virginia Beach, as indicated in a city presentation. Despite the lack of official confirmation, multiple sources suggest the change from the traditional April date due to weather issues. The festival, which aims to unite communities and celebrate diversity, has been successful among fans and business owners. The Virginia Beach Hotel Association expressed disappointment over the date change but is pleased the festival remains in the city. Additionally, the City Council is considering sponsoring an Audacy Virginia festival for April 26-28, featuring national and local acts, with the city providing services and funding for advertising.

The Something in the Water festival, founded by Pharrell Williams, will return to Virginia Beach in 2024 but not on the traditional last weekend of April due to past weather issues. A new date is to be announced by the organizers. The City of Virginia Beach is considering sponsoring an Audacy Virginia festival for the April slot and another event for June 2024. The city prioritizes entertainment for the last week of April, historically significant for the community, and is looking to introduce more programming for visitors, especially young adults.

The Suffolk holiday parade, hosted by Suffolk Parks & Recreation, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 7 p.m. in Downtown Suffolk. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, and a Winter Wonderland theme. Brett Hall from WAVY will emcee the event. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect, with free parking available at designated lots around the event site.

Virginia Beach's Sports Center, opened in 2020, has been operating at a loss of over $1.3 million annually, which advisor Brian Connolly claims was expected based on his 2018 projections. The city is considering spending $6 million to terminate its agreement with Eastern Sports Management (ESM), the current operator. The facility has hosted numerous events and contributed to local tourism, but issues with sales strategy, event cancellations, and depreciation have led to financial losses. Connolly suggests that even with a new operator, losses would continue but could be reduced. The City Council is set to decide on a settlement agreement to address the financial issues and find a new operator.

Campaigns for Virginia's General Assembly elections have spent over $11 million on advertising in Hampton Roads, with significant contributions from political action committees and major donors like Glenn Youngkin, Michael Bills, and Dominion Energy. The election, which includes all 140 seats, is crucial for determining political control, with Republicans aiming to solidify their influence and Democrats striving to maintain their Senate majority and gain control of the House. Early voting and redistricting have intensified the competition, leading to record-breaking fundraising and spending. Key races, such as the Senate contest between Monte Mason and Danny Diggs, highlight the high stakes and substantial financial investments in this election cycle.

Virginians will have a sales tax holiday from October 20-22, as per the amended 2022-2024 state budget agreement. This event, typically held in August, allows tax-free purchases of school supplies, clothing, shoes, hurricane supplies, and Energy Star/WaterSense products. The holiday was initially missed this year due to an oversight by state lawmakers and the governor but will return to its usual schedule next year.

The Virginia Beach City Auditor's Office revealed that the 2023 festivals, including Something in the Water, had a positive economic impact but did not generate enough revenue to receive the full $2 million sponsorship set aside by the city council. The festival, brought back by Pharrell Williams and partnered with Live Nation, collected about $970,000 in taxes, less than half of the anticipated amount, due to weather-shortened operations. The city provided in-kind services valued at approximately $809,000. Despite increased costs, the festival had a $26 million economic impact and prompted over 12,600 hotel stays. The city's investment saw a return of $1.04 to $1.18 for every dollar spent. The city auditor recommended that unearned funds be returned to the Tourism Investment Fund and called for detailed guidelines for large event costs.

The Virginia Beach City Council approved the construction of The Silo at Southern Pines apartments, a 176-unit development that includes 53 units designated for workforce housing. The project, developed by The Franklin Johnston Group, faced mixed reactions, with supporters highlighting its potential to address the housing crisis and critics concerned about zoning law violations and land use. The development will be built on land previously used for farming and is located near the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. The project is expected to be completed by 2026, with workforce housing units rented at below-market rates.

Norfolk City Council is set to vote on a $4.6 million purchase of over six acres of land from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023. The land, located in Fort Norfolk, is intended for potential use in floodwall alignment and possibly a future fire station. The purchase price is higher than city projections, influenced by nationwide real estate inflation. This vote is the first of two required for the transaction, with NOAA planning to relocate its Marine Operations Center-Atlantic to Newport, Rhode Island.

The Virginia African American Cultural Center, a long-planned project in Virginia Beach, is moving forward despite delays caused by leadership turnover, inflation, and COVID-19. The City Council has extended the construction deadline to December 1, 2026. The project, led by Councilwoman Amelia Ross-Hammond, aims to create a 35,000-square-foot facility dedicated to African American history and contributions. The center has received state funding and continues to conduct research with Norfolk State University, although construction costs and other challenges have necessitated a phased approach.

A new plan has been unveiled to transform the former DePaul Hospital site in Norfolk into the 'St. Vincent de Paul House,' a campus for the Next Step to Success program aimed at combating generational poverty. The development will feature learning houses, a gymnasium, a dining hall, gardens, and a soccer field to serve 300 students. The initiative, led by Chuck McPhillips and supported by the James Barry Robinson Institute and The Barry-Robinson Trust, aims to cut Norfolk's poverty rate by half within a generation. The project requires rezoning approval from the Norfolk City Council and will be funded through donations and endowments.

In the year following the shooting at Richneck Elementary School, Newport News Public Schools has invested over $1.5 million in security equipment, including mandatory metal detectors and clear backpacks. The district now employs nearly 120 security officers, ensuring a significant presence in all schools. While no guns have been detected since the implementation of these measures, the overall sentiment among staff, including those directly affected by the incident, is that the increased security measures have made the environment safer.

The city of Virginia Beach is exploring new ownership options for the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center due to the need for expensive facility improvements. The city council did not fund the initial portions of the aquarium's multi-million dollar renovation and expansion in the current budget, leading to considerations of private or non-profit ownership. The aquarium, which provides significant economic impact and tax revenue, requires substantial renovations to replace aging exhibits. The city is gauging interest from potential non-profits and private entities while the aquarium's foundation is reworking plans for a scaled-back approach. A recent survey showed mixed support for city investment and private ownership.

Construction on the $350 million Atlantic Park Project in Virginia Beach faces delays due to contaminated groundwater, with high iron levels affecting nearby Lake Holly. The city and developers dispute who should cover the additional $1 million cost for water treatment. New equipment is expected to arrive next month to address the issue. The project, a significant public-private partnership, includes a surf park, concert venue, and mixed-use spaces, and is set to open next year.

The USS Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, serves as part of Naval Surface Force Atlantic and is based at Naval Station Norfolk. Built in Bath, Maine, and commissioned in 1991, the ship is named after the Battle of Gettysburg. Commanding Officer Capt. Justin Hodges and the crew frequently engage with the Gettysburg community despite the ship's inability to reach the landlocked area. The ship plays a vital role in training and operations, including anti-smuggling and anti-piracy efforts in the Middle East. Everyday life aboard includes unique roles such as RS3 Charity Fisher, who serves as the ship's barber.

Portsmouth's interim city manager is set to negotiate with Hampton Roads Regional Jail leadership to acquire the soon-to-be-closed facility for use as the city's jail. This move aligns with the city's long-term goal of closing the current jail on the downtown waterfront to enable redevelopment. The city council has approved the talks, and the economic development authority is conducting a market study on the waterfront properties. The closure of the regional jail is seen as a potential catalyst for revitalizing Portsmouth's historic downtown. The current jail, part of the Portsmouth Civic Center, has faced condemnation and legal battles over its condition. The study on the redevelopment of the waterfront is expected to be completed early next year.

Environmental and public health organizations, led by the Sierra Club, have petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate coal pollution from open-top railcars. The petition argues that coal dust from these trains, which pass through populated areas, pollutes communities and water with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. The coal industry has seen a decline, but the petition cites evidence of ongoing environmental damage. Residents near coal terminals report coal dust and health issues, while the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is conducting an air monitoring project. Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation have not directly addressed the petition, and the Association of American Railroads did not respond to a request for comment.

Virginia Beach City Council approved a $22.5 million development agreement to build a new road servicing a 3.2-million-square-foot e-commerce robotics fulfillment center and an additional 'last-mile' facility, reportedly for Amazon. The project, expected to create over 1,000 jobs, will be funded by real estate tax revenue growth over 20 years. Concerns were raised about truck traffic, budget cuts to other roadway projects, and the potential impact on small businesses. The development is anticipated to begin construction by the end of the year.

Virginians will have a sales tax holiday on October 21 and 22, pending the passage of a bipartisan budget agreement by the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, and subsequent signing by Governor Glenn Youngkin. The event, typically held in August, allows for tax-free purchases of school supplies, clothing, shoes, hurricane supplies, and Energy Star/WaterSense products. The holiday was initially overlooked during the General Assembly session.

Pharrell Williams' Something in the Water music festival is likely to be held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront in October 2024, as indicated in a presentation to the City Council. The festival, traditionally held in April, may be moved due to past weather-related issues. While some local business owners are disappointed by the date change, they are pleased the festival remains in Virginia Beach. The City Council is also considering sponsoring another festival by Audacy Virginia in April, which will feature national and local acts. The city plans to support this event with services and advertising funds.

Municipal leaders in Williamsburg are taking steps to ensure that the proposed Williamsburg Sports & Events Center avoids the financial pitfalls experienced by the Virginia Beach Sports Center. The Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA) is emphasizing transparency and realistic financial expectations, predicting an annual operational loss of $300,000 to $400,000. The center, estimated to cost $80 million, aims to boost local tourism and tax revenue. Key differences in the operating agreement and management fees are being implemented to prevent the issues faced by Virginia Beach, which recently terminated its agreement with Eastern Sports Management due to significant losses.

City management in Virginia Beach is negotiating with Herschend Family Entertainment and Ripley’s Entertainment, both of which have expressed interest in operating or purchasing the Virginia Aquarium. The aquarium, a major attraction in Virginia, requires significant repairs, and the city is exploring private operation to secure necessary funding. City officials, including Mayor Bobby Dyer and Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson, emphasize the need for a thorough evaluation and timely decision to ensure the aquarium's success and address staffing challenges.

Portsmouth's interim city manager is set to negotiate with Hampton Roads Regional Jail leadership to acquire the soon-to-be-closed facility for use as the city's jail. This move aligns with the city's long-term goal of closing the current jail on the downtown waterfront to enable redevelopment. The city council has approved the talks, and the economic development authority is conducting a market study for the waterfront properties. The current jail, part of the Portsmouth Civic Center, has been a point of contention due to its aging infrastructure and legal battles. The study on the redevelopment of the waterfront is expected to be completed early next year.

The city of Virginia Beach is exploring new ownership options for the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center due to the need for expensive facility improvements. The city council did not fund the initial portions of the aquarium's multi-million dollar renovation and expansion in the current budget, leading to considerations of private or non-profit ownership. The aquarium, which provides significant economic impact and tax revenue, requires substantial renovations to replace aging exhibits. The city is gauging interest from potential private and non-profit entities while the aquarium's foundation is reworking plans for a more achievable renovation approach. A recent survey showed mixed support for city investment and private ownership, with other city projects like flood prevention and school renovations taking higher priority.

North Carolina experienced record visitor spending in 2022, with a 15.2% increase in travel statewide, reaching $33.3 billion. Dare County led with $2 billion in visitor spending, while Currituck County saw $550 million. Urban counties like Wake, Mecklenburg, and Durham also contributed significantly to the growth. Camden County, despite being at the bottom, saw a 15.8% increase in tourism spending. N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders highlighted the importance of tourism to the state's economy.

Virginia Beach will host a new two-day music festival in October, organized by Audacy Virginia. The festival, featuring national pop and rock artists, will take place on 31st Street and is supported by $750,000 from tourism taxes and $1.5 million from Audacy. This event marks the third large-scale festival debuting on the beach this year, following the Jackalope action sports festival and the Beach It! country music festival. The city aims to promote Virginia Beach as a top travel and tourist destination.

The VB Atlantic Park project in Virginia Beach, a $350 million public-private partnership, is progressing towards its planned spring 2025 opening despite construction challenges. Key stakeholders, including Venture Realty Group, W.M. Jordan Construction, and Pharrell Williams, are addressing issues such as dewatering complications and underground utility conflicts. The development features a 3,500-seat indoor entertainment venue, a surf lagoon, and significant public investment. City officials and developers remain optimistic about the project's timely completion.

The USS Wasp, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1989, is profiled as part of WAVY’s Navy Ship Salute series. The ship, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is gearing up for deployment and boasts significant medical capabilities, including four operating rooms and 16 ICU beds. Unique features include a facility dog named Lt Cmdr. Ike, who helps reduce crew stress. The article highlights the ship's readiness, medical facilities, and the positive impact of its mental health initiatives.

The USS Fort Lauderdale, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock warship commissioned in 2022, is profiled as part of WAVY’s Navy Ship Salute series. Built at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi, it is the first U.S. Navy vessel named after the city of Fort Lauderdale. The ship, costing $1.8 billion, can accommodate 350 sailors and 600 U.S. Marines. Although it has not yet been deployed, it has participated in Defense Security Cooperation Agency drills and is prepared to assist communities during hurricane season. Training on board is rigorous, with sailors undergoing various drills to ensure readiness.

Virginia is set to have a sales tax holiday on October 21 and 22, as confirmed by Del. Barry Knight, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The tax-free shopping event, usually held in August, allows for the purchase of school supplies, clothing, shoes, hurricane supplies, and Energy Star/WaterSense products without sales tax. The holiday is contingent on the bipartisan budget agreement passing the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate and being signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The Norfolk Economic Development Authority has approved an agreement for the potential sale of a 24-acre site at the former Military Circle Mall for a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient health clinic. The clinic would be the second largest in the Hampton VA Healthcare System and is estimated to cost $62 million. The site meets all federal requirements, including elevation above the floodplain and proximity to amenities. The future of three redevelopment proposals for the site, including one favored by a team involving Pharrell Williams, remains uncertain as negotiations have stalled. Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander believes the VA's potential acquisition will not significantly impact the overall vision for the site.

Virginia's sales tax holiday, which has been a popular event for over a decade, will not occur this coming weekend due to legislative oversights. Del. Barry Knight, a key budget negotiator, is hopeful that an agreement with Senate Democrats could reinstate the holiday later in the year. The delay in the two-year budget amendments, now over five months late, is due to stalled negotiations between the Republican-controlled House of Delegates and the Democrat-controlled State Senate. Knight emphasizes the need for new legislation to codify the sales tax holiday in future sessions.

WAVY-TV's Navy Ship Salute profiles different ships at Naval Station Norfolk, with this feature focusing on the USS Truxtun, an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer commissioned in 2009. Named after American Naval hero Capt. Thomas Truxtun, the ship is 510 feet long, can carry 380 sailors, and is equipped with various weapons and two helicopters. The USS Truxtun recently returned from a deployment in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Arabian, and Red seas, and was featured in the 2013 film Captain Phillips.

The City of Norfolk is in negotiations to purchase the Dillard’s building at MacArthur Center, with the Norfolk Economic Development Authority setting aside up to $4 million for the acquisition. This follows the city's recent $18 million purchase of the mall interior. The Dillard’s store, which opened in 1999, is transitioning to a clearance center model, closing off the second and third floors. The city's Director of Economic Development, Sean Washington, is leading the negotiations, and the city plans to transfer the building to the city after demolition of Military Circle Mall. There are no solid plans for redevelopment, but the city anticipates an additional $9.9 million in revenue from the purchase.

The Hampton Queen has started offering daily sightseeing cruises from downtown Hampton, marking the return of harbor cruises to the area after a two-year hiatus. The boat, managed by Kimberly Cassioppi and owned by Charleston Harbor Tours, will soon provide dining experiences, including a Sunday Brunch and Wine Down Wednesdays, with food catered by local Hampton restaurants. The service is a first for Peninsula residents, who previously had to travel to Norfolk for similar experiences. Ticket prices range from $15 for sightseeing to an expected $60 for special events.

The Democratic primary race in Virginia's 18th senatorial district between State Senators Louise Lucas and Lionell Spruill is marked by significant campaign funding, primarily from Dominion Energy. Both candidates have long-standing political careers and are supported by different factions within the gaming industry. Lucas has received substantial donations from casino operators, while Spruill is backed by supporters of skill games. The redistricting process has forced the two incumbents to compete against each other, leading to a high-stakes and closely watched election.

Norfolk City Manager Larry 'Chip' Filer may be leaving his position as the city's chief executive, with the City Council unanimously approving a severance package for June 2023 that includes a year's salary and health insurance. The severance language in the FY 2024 Compensation Plan has changed from 'if terminated' to 'shall receive,' indicating a planned departure. Filer has not been terminated or resigned but did not comment on future plans. The severance package is at least $281,000. Filer, who was appointed in August 2019, has faced criticism for his management, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and in overseeing public safety. Council members expressed surprise at the severance language, with some unaware of the change. Mayor Kenny Alexander and Councilman John 'JP' Paige have not provided details on Filer's status, while Councilman Tommy Smigiel criticized the lack of communication regarding the severance inclusion.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities has proposed to use the former Seton Youth Shelters on St. Nicholas Catholic Church's campus in Kings Grant, Virginia Beach, as a temporary home for unaccompanied migrant children aged 5 to 17. The plan aims to reunite the children with family in the U.S. and requires Virginia Beach City Council to modify a conditional use permit. An informational meeting is scheduled for June 15, following concerns from the community and a deferral request by Councilman Chris Taylor. The home will provide on-site services and operate with a staff member present at all times. The Virginia Beach Planning Commission recommends a three-month maximum stay and a limit of 10 children at a time. Financial aid will be provided through the Virginia Department of Social Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for the care of unaccompanied children at the border.

The Norfolk City Council has voted 7-1 to allocate up to $18 million to purchase the MacArthur Center, a shopping mall in downtown Norfolk. The city plans to operate the mall in the short term and has hired GEI Advisors LLC for management. The purchase price is $11.1 million, significantly lower than the mall's recent city assessment. The future of the mall has been uncertain since anchor tenant Nordstrom closed in 2019 and other retailers left. Mayor Kenny Alexander supports the purchase, seeing it as strategic for downtown development. Councilman Tommy Smigiel voted against the purchase, citing concerns over downtown spending versus other city areas.

Due to inclement weather, all outdoor activities for the Patriotic Festival in Norfolk have been moved indoors to the Scope Arena. The pre-show activities, which are free to attend, will take place from May 26 to May 28 on the upper and lower concourses of the arena. The festival features performances by country artists Walker Hayes, Corey Kent, Sam Hunt, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson, and Randy Houser, with ticketed evening shows. WAVY TV 10 is a media sponsor of the event, with team members present throughout the weekend.

An unnamed medical manufacturer is considering a $175 million investment to build a facility in Virginia Beach, potentially creating up to 400 jobs. The project, known as 'Project Wayne,' faces opposition due to its location within a protected agricultural area defined by the city's 'green line' policy. Deputy City Manager Taylor Adams highlighted the economic benefits, while residents and Councilwoman Barbara Henley raised concerns about policy violations and unanswered questions. The project could expand to employ up to 2,000 people and generate over $500 million in investment, but its future remains uncertain amid public debate.