Celebrating A Decade of The Vibe Creative District: The Role of Old Beach Farmers Market
By Lori Golding Zontini Contributor
When The Vibe Creative District was officially named a decade ago, it captured a spirit that had long been quietly building in Virginia Beach — one of creativity, community, and a deep connection to the local environment. Few institutions have embodied this spirit more authentically than the Old Beach Farmers Market (OBFM), which has served as a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s identity.
Established in 2008, Old Beach Farmers Market began with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a year-round gathering place where local farmers, food artisans, and consumers could come together in a spirit of sustainability and community. What started as a modest handful of vendors in the parking lot at Croc’s 19th Street Bistro has evolved into one of the area’s most respected farmers markets, now home to more than 50 local farm and food vendors.
Image courtesy of Lori Golding Zontini
Image courtesy of the city of Virginia Beach
Nylia Laney
Old Beach Farmers Market
On Second Thought, Mother’s Day Her Way.
By Karen Beardslee Kwasny Columnist
Karen Kwasny
I am part of what is commonly called a blended family. My husband, Tom, and I have three boys.
The oldest boys are my stepsons. They were 7 and 11 years old, and Tom had custody of them when we first met. Our youngest son was born after we married and merged our households. I have often said it was a baptism by fire for all of us. There were many joyful moments and a multitude of painful adjustments. One of the most challenging aspects for me was Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day became a national holiday in 1914 – almost six years after Anna Jarvis held the first Mother’s Day service in Grafton, West Virginia, in honor of her mother, who passed in 1905. Since then, Mother’s Day has rivaled the flowers for attention every spring. My first year as a mother was filled with anticipation. I looked forward to being celebrated that Mother’s Day. What I did not consider was what that would mean. I wondered, “How does a mother celebrate Mother’s Day?”
It had been a long year for my new blended family. All of us were learning new ways of being and doing. Before Tom and I married
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and settled in Virginia Beach, I had been living with my dog in New Jersey and working full-time as a college professor. My days were spent in the classroom or my office. The evenings were quiet and often filled with research, lesson plans, grading, dog walking and belly rubs. My new life was nothing like that.
I had temporarily given up my career to be a stay-at-home mom to our boys. When time allowed, I did a bit of freelance writing, but, mainly, I took care of the household. This, I soon learned, was exhaustion on a whole new level. Tending to the needs of others whose ages range from infancy through mid-adulthood –is taxing, to say the least. I was tired to the bone by the time May rolled around. So, when someone asked me what I wanted to do on Mother’s Day, I was not surprised to hear myself say – “Nothing -with no one!”
Local Sun Magazine 1724 Virginia Beach Blvd Ste 102 Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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Contributors
Al Chewning Karen Kwasney
Dr. Adelia Gregoire Nylia Laney
Mark Rusnak Noah DeLorenzo Dr. Melissa McKendry
Gary Layne Kim Reed
Anthony Papa Cheryl Lockhart
My response shocked friends and family, who were already planning their Mother’s Day activities with their clans. In conversations with other mothers, in the news, at the table, and on talk shows, the conclusion seemed to be that mothers are best honored by being mothers. The local newspaper survey proclaimed that moms could find bliss on their special day by making a meal for the family, including their mom, spending the day at the beach with the kids, or taking the family to a festival or a local hot spot for brunch. The message was clear -the most honorable way to honor moms on Mother’s Day was by having them be mothers.
What I wanted, however, was a day to myself somewhere else. I loved and enjoyed being with my young family, but I longed for a metaphorical round of golf. Like the still-stereotypical dad on Father’s Day, what I needed was a day of solitary sport, time
Local Sun Magazine (LSM) is published monthly by National Brochure Distributors Inc. for Virginia Beach residents at no charge. All content is copyrighted by LSM. Contents may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or its employees and does not establish an endorsement of products or services. Readers are advised to verify any statements. Advertisers accept full liability and
away from caring for others to do something I enjoyed without worrying (much) about what happened at home. Was this possible? In theory, yes, but it can be difficult in practice. We tried for it, nevertheless.
Aiming to please and ever the optimist, Tom took the baby and the boys and sent me on my way. It does not matter where I went or what I did that day. What matters is that the making of Mother’s Day was my choice. It was free of guilt or pressure to prove myself to others or live up to an expectation of motherhood that could impede a woman’s ability to enjoy her day. When I was growing up, many mothers spent their days at home caring for the family. On Mother’s Day, besides the flowers, candy, and homemade cards they received, most mothers did what they always did – take care of others. Much has changed since then. Their special day persists, but how we honor our moms is, now, less about who they are to us (mothers) and more about what they need to value themselves -space and time. And, as we grow up and go our own ways, the day is not about what they do for us. It is about what we can do for them –show our gratitude through care and attention. Happy Mother’s Day.
Karen Beardslee Kwasny is a former Virginia Beach Planning Commissioner and college professor. leejogger@gmail.com
accountability for all content of advertisements published and for any claims arising from such advertising. LSM does not validate for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. Publisher reserves the right to revise or reject any material, including advertisements. The opinions conveyed in the editorials and contributed articles are not necessarily those of the editor and publisher.
Local Events
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival 20th Anniversary
Kite enthusiasts and spectators of all ages can enjoy a colorful, two-day spectacle at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is held on the beach. The event features exciting workshops, fun activities, and a free daily “Best Kite Contest” open to everyone.
• Sat 5/3 10 am - 4 pm
Sun 5/4 10 am - 4 pm
• Free
• On the beach, 16th to 18th Streets Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• beacheventsvb.com
Monsters on the Beach
For over 25 years, Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach has delivered thrilling monster truck action to the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Enjoy high-flying races, Tough 4X4 competitions, monster truck rides, and the Show & Shine truck show. Upgrade with the Monster Experience for exclusive perks. Event runs rain or shine.
• Fri 5/16 7:30 pm
Sat 5/17 noon & 7:30 pm
Sun 5/18 2 pm
• $25 per person plus fees
• Between 4th & 8th Streets Boardwalk
• beacheventsvb.com
Neptune’s 20th Annual Spring Wine Festival
31st Street Park becomes a global wine destination, offering over 70 wines from 8 countries. Each ticket includes unlimited tastings, a commemorative glass & live music. Food available to purchase from local food trucks. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean backdrop & discover new zero-proof options in 2025. An unforgettable afternoon of music & flavor!
• Sat May 17 Noon to 5 pm
• $40 to $50 per person, Reserved Table Packages Available Other fees may apply
• Neptune’s Park - 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• neptunefestival.com
Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with free concerts featuring local bands of various genres. Enjoy a weekend of sun, swimming, & surfing. Honor fallen heroes with the Heroes’ Walk banners along the boardwalk, sharing stories from local students about U.S. military history.
• Fri May 23 to Sun May 25
• Free and open to the public
• 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• beacheventsvb.com
49th Annual Norfolk Harborfest
America’s largest and longest-running free maritime festival celebrates its 49th year in 2025. From June 6-8, enjoy thrilling activities, live music, the Parade of Sail (noon on Friday), a massive fireworks show, a drone show, Navy exhibits, family fun, artisan foods, and regional entertainment.
• Fri 6/6 Noon to 11 pm Sat 6/7 Noon to 11 pm Sun 6/8 Noon to 6 pm
• Free • Town Point Park Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
• festevents.org
May 2025
5/3 Kentucky Derby
5/5 Cinco de Mayo
5/11 Mother’s Day
5/14 Jamestown Colony Founded 1607
5/16 Busch Gardens Opened 1975
5/17 Armed Forces Day
5/17 Preakness Stakes
5/26 Memorial Day
June 2025
6/1 Hurricane Season Starts
6/6 D-Day
6/7 Belmont Stakes
6/126/15 US Open Golf Championship
6/13 VB Public Schools - Last Day
6/15 Father’s Day
6/19 Juneteenth Independence Day 6/20 Summer Solstice/1st Day of Summer
All events are subject to change. For the most current info please check event website.
sustainability, the district has flourished — and so has OBFM. The market’s success helped to anchor The Vibe’s reputation as a destination where authenticity is celebrated and innovation is nurtured.
Today, visitors to Old Beach Farmers Market can experience the fruits of this decade-long evolution: local produce, sustainably raised meats and seafood, fresh-baked breads, and
artisan foods — all available in a walkable, welcoming setting that still retains the neighborly spirit that first drew people to it. Old Beach Farmers Market runs every Saturday from April through October, 9 AM to 12 PM, with a Winter Market continuing from November through March at the same hours. It’s a rhythm that connects visitors to the seasons — and to the hardworking hands that bring
food from farm to table.
As The Vibe Creative District celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is worth reflecting on how institutions like Old Beach Farmers Market have not only kept pace with the area’s growth but have actively shaped it. The market stands as a reminder that vibrant communities are built by those who invest deeply in authenticity, relationships, and a shared vision for the future.
Want to learn more? Visit
and experience firsthand what makes Old Beach a beloved local tradition, week after week, season after season.
Market Schedule
through October Every Saturday from 9-12 pm
Market Season November through March 1st & 3rd Saturdays 9-12 pm In November there may be an extra market before Thanksgiving. Check website.
Parking
Parking available in designated areas. Visit website for info.
The Fascinating World of Raptors in Virginia
By Nylia Laney Contributor
We have an abundance of fascinating raptors in our area including eagles, osprey, hawks, owls, kites, falcons, and vultures. A raptor is a certain species of bird that captures prey. They have an acute vision and hearing with their ears found behind their eyes. The ears are essential for capturing prey. One ear is higher than the other which helps them find their prey more precisely. Their eyes are large and are not able to move their eyes around as humans do, instead they have extra bones in their neck that enables them to move their whole head around. They use their huge thick talons to catch their prey.
There are six species of hawks in Virginia. They are the red-tailed, red-shouldered, broad-winged, Cooper’s, sharp-shinned, and the Northern harrier.
Laney
Most seen are the red tail hawk which perches along the roadside on top of poles and tall trees searching for prey. They can be found most anywhere, woodlands, roadsides, open fields and most anywhere where there are high perches. Their prey may include mammals such as rats, mice, voles and rabbits, reptiles, and birds. They may sometimes eat frogs and insects. The red tail hawk can carry prey that weighs about half their weight.
If you have spotted a hawk in your backyard, it was most likely a cooper’s hawk or a sharp-shined hawk. They particularly like to prey on small songbirds. The cooper’s hawk and the sharpshinned hawk are remarkably similar in appearance, and it is difficult to tell them apart. The Cooper’s hawk is larger. They both have short, rounded wings and long narrow tails.
There are two main species of vultures in Virginia, the turkey vulture, and the black vulture. They are scavengers that feed on dead animals that help to control potential disease outbreaks. They are vital to our ecosystem. Both species can be found in parks, fields, forests and even along the highway eating a meal.
The most intriguing of the raptors to me are owls. The owls in our area are the great horned owl, barred owl, barn owl, and Eastern
screech-owl.
The eastern screech owl is the most common owl seen although they can blend in with tree bark very easily. They are year-round residents in Virginia. They are about 8 to 9 inches in length and weigh about 6 ounces. If you hear what sounds like a horse whinnying in the spring, it is likely a screech owl. They are strictly nocturnal. They will spend the nights hunting small mammals
All photos by Nylia
Barred Baby Owls
Barred Owl
Cooper Hawk
like mice, rats, and moles. Occasionally they will eat other mammals such as rabbits and squirrels as well as small birds. They can be either reddish brown or gray. They can be found in woodlands as well as in suburban areas if there are trees. They will nest or roost in a nest box. It should be about 10-30’ above ground. I have had a red morph and a gray morph roost in two different nest boxes at the same time for five or six years.
The barred owl is truly fascinating. They average around
16” to 20” in length with a wingspan of 31/2 to 4 feet and weigh 1.5 to 2.5 pounds with a large round head with big dark eyes and no “ear” tufts. They favor a mostly dense thick wooded area with only scattered clearings. They hunt by day or night but mostly at dusk and dawn. Barred owls’ mate for life and raise one brood per year. They usually keep the same nest and territory for many years. They are yearround residents in our area. The great horned owl is likely to be the greatest natural enemy of the barred owl. A barred owl will
sometimes leave a territory if a great horned owl is in the area. The barred owls hooting is very loud and is described as “whocooks-for-you, who-cooks-foryou-all”. I have a pair of barred owls in my area, and I hear them often calling to each other, usually in the late afternoon but I may hear them at any time. The barred owl has a varied diet, which includes small rodents, rabbits, frogs, snakes, insects, crayfish, and occasionally fish. Barred owls are opportunistic predators
of the woodlands eating what is available. Barred owls typically nest in natural cavities 20-40 feet high. Occasionally a barred owl will use a nest box with a height of about 15 to 30 feet. Put it up well before breeding season and preferably within 200 feet of water. It should not be on the edge of a wooded area or close to a residence.
Nylia Laney is a native of Virginia Beach and enjoys nature photography.
Black Vulture
Osprey
Gray Morph Screeh Owl
Red Morph Screech Owl
“I am very satisfied... I received several calls my first month, resulting in two sales.”
- Don Pipkin Owner, Pipkin Home Improvements
“Sun Magazine has been such a blessing for our small business.”
- Chuck Snellinger Owner, 757 Fence and Deck
“My ad payments vs return have shown this was a good decision.”
- Christian Davis Owner, Beach Tree Care
“Our ad in the Local Sun has brought us new customers every month”
- Patty Scherer Owner, John’s Barber Shop at London Bridge Shopping Cener
All photos by Nylia Laney
Virginia Beach City Public Schools 2025 Graduation Schedule
All ceremonies are held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach VA 23451
Tuesday June 10 Bayside High School 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday June 10 Salem High School 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday June 11 An Achievable Dream Academy 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday June 11 Floyd E. Kellam High School 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday June 11 Ocean Lakes High School 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday June 12 First Colonial High School 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Thursday June 12 Green Run Collegiate 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday June 12 Tallwood High School 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday June 13 Green Run High School 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Friday June 13 Princess Anne High School 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday June 14 Kempsville High School 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday June 14 Frank W. Cox High School 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Saturday June 14 Landstown High School 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Plan ahead. Students must be in place at least one hour before the ceremony starts. Allow significant time for traffic and parking.
Practice patience and watch for pedestrians. Thousands of students and patrons of other events will be on sidewalks and crosswalks. Pedestrians should observe crossing signals to stay safe. For additional information (including tickets) visit vbschools.com/families/student/graduation
Events are subject to change. For the most current info please check website.
Source: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Congrats to the Class of 2025
QuickBooks?
Image courtesy of the city of Virginia Beach, Photo taken on 6/18/2010
History of the Cape Henry Lighthouses
By Al Chewning Author/ Historian/ Storyteller
Al Chewning
Not long after arriving in Virginia in 1607, it became obvious that the survival of the settlers was dependent on the continual delivery of men and supplies. The entrance to the Chesapeake Bay had no identifying landmarks, and since “dead reckoning” was not a dependable form of navigation, it could be missed. The cape needed to be marked.
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse Undated Postcard
For decades bonfires were used to mark the entrance, but they were dangerous and weather dependent. They needed a lighthouse, but their King would not authorize it.
All images courtesy of Al Chewning unless otherwise noted.
The old Cape Henry Lighthouse. Picture taken from atop the new Cape Henry Lighthouse shorty after it became operational.
In 1772, an unrecorded amount of sandstone, or “freestone”, was ordered from the Aquia Creek quarries and delivered to Virginia. The stone was to be used in the construction of a lighthouse at Henry. Perhaps the colonial government thought the Crown would pay the tab.
That didn’t happen. In fact, it was Mach, 26, 1790, after
defeating the British, when the new Federal Government ordered and funded the country’s first public works project. The estimated cost of building the Cape Henry lighthouse was a staggering $15,500. An additional $2,500 was required to finish the project.
the lighthouse has eight sides and is ninety-five feet tall. Its diameter at the base is twentysix feet and sixteen feet at the top. It is built on a tall sand dune. There are three windows on the east side and four windows on the west side. There are 191 steps from the base to the top.
In 1792, George Washington ceremoniously appointed a Norfolk man, LaBan Goffgan as the first lighthouse keeper. He kept that position for one year. The total number of men who served after him is uncertain.
Willis Augustus Hodges, the first African American Lighthouse keeper was employed for several months in 1870. The keeper when the lighthouse was decommissioned on December
The lighthouse was illuminated by Argand style lamps that burned in turn, fish oil, sperm oil, colza oil, lard oil, and finally kerosene after the discovery of petroleum in Pennsylvania in 1859. Reflectors were used to enhance the brightness. In 1857, a dioptric Fresnel lens was installed. The lamp produced a single, fixed light, not a rotating or flashing beacon.
In 1861, when Confederate forces were withdrawing from Princess Anne County to defend Richmond, a group of soldiers climbed to the top of the lighthouse, extinguished the flame and stole or destroyed the new lens. It wasn’t repaired until 1863 and was afterwards guarded
Continued on page 27
Designed by John McComb, Jr.,
15, 1881 was Jay D. Edwards.
Sand Dunes and Lighthouses at Cape Henry, VA 1922
Old and New Lighthouses, Cape Henry, VA 1927
New and Old Lighthouses at Cape Henry, VA Undated Postcard
Accessing Inner Wisdom to Achieve a Growth Mindset
By Adelia Gregoire, Psy.D. Contributor
The ability to self-reflect and act as an observer of our own thoughts, feelings and behaviors distinguishes human beings from other species in the animal kingdom. It grants us the unique ability to significantly change our circumstances and to evolve into higher functioning beings during the course of our lifetime. And by that I mean people who are increasingly adaptive, resilient, emotionally regulated, empathic, goal-oriented, and intentional. People who manage life well.
Human beings are complex and multi-layered with different natures and aspects within each of us. One of the most powerful dimensions to our nature is our inner wisdom. Buddhists call it the “Buddha Nature”, Hindus call it “Atman”, Christians call it the “Holy Spirit”, psychologists call it the “Wise Self”, others call it “Intuition”. This is that part of one’s self that offers wisdom, guidance and peace. It is an inner voice that is calm, loving, compassionate and non- judgmental, both towards ourselves and towards others.
Importantly, it is distinguishable from and often at odds with the “False Self”. Unlike the Wise Self, which is internally driven, the False Self is externally focused and fear-driven. It develops from a sense that others regard and love for us is conditional. The False Self feeds on peer and family pressure, external norms and expectations, messages from social media. The False Self lies to us and keeps us dysregulated. The Wise Self connects us to universal truth and is ultimately calming and regulating. This is not to say that the Wise Self does not challenge us. Quite the contrary since growth does not occur independent of work and effort and discomfort. But it is a discomfort that is grounded in Truth, not fear, and therefore more confidence-building than disruptive.
For those who want to pursue a growth mindset, it is important to learn how to quiet the False Self and amplify the Wise Self. The following are ways to achieve this:
1. Work on discerning the False Self from the Wise Self. Hallmarks of the False Self are an unsettled mind, unfavorable comparisons with others, nervousness, feelings of inadequacy, a false sense of urgency, a negative view of self and circumstances. The Wise Self
fortifies us against anxiety and depression while the False Self, left unchecked, triggers anxiety and ultimately depression.
2. Be still. Spend time in selfreflection and meditation.
3. Work on acting, not reacting. Spend more time being intentional, less time being reactive.
4. In the effort to be more intentional, play out different scenarios in your mind without being invested in a specific outcome. Stay open to different thoughts, possibilities, and avenues.
5. Be an objective observer of your choices and behavior. Resist the tendency to judge yourself. This is a product of the feardriven False Self that is at direct odds with the Wise Self.
6. Recognize that fear-driven attempts to rationalize easy choices are the work of the False Self. Often the Wise Mind calls for us to be uncomfortable, even challenged.
7. Be honest with yourself about what’s motivating you. Fear? Pride? Or Truth and Love? Allow that to inform your next steps and choices.
I encourage you to spend more time with your Wise Self. In this way we can promote peace and harmony within ourselves and towards others in a world that desperately needs it.
Adelia Gregoire
Tariff Terror. Stay calm, cool and collected
By Anthony Papa Contributor
Liberation Day was hardly liberating for most investors’ 401K accounts.
Following President Trump’s April 2nd announcement of sweeping tariffs, the equity markets went into full retreat mode wiping out trillions of dollars in market value over the course of a few days and bringing into question the administration’s economic policy. The merits of this policy are certainly debatable. Tariffs enacted as long-term policy could lead to higher consumer prices, job losses and slower economic growth. The SmootHawley Tariff Act, passed in 1930, was another attempt at economic protectionism which is widely believed to have prolonged and deepened the Great Depression.
Financial market corrections, defined as a decline of 10% or more from a recent peak, are not uncommon. On average, we see a correction about once every 18 months. Bear markets, defined as a decline of 20% or more from a recent peak, are less common and occur on average once every six years. The recovery time varies based on economic and financial market conditions.
As an investor, you may feel inclined to do something. Anything. But for most investors that may not be the correct course of action. Incremental change may be appropriate depending on your situation but that depends on your unique personal and financial circumstances. Here are a few general tips that could benefit most investors during severe market pullbacks.
Review Liquidity
Cash in the banking system can help provide a security blanket for unexpected expenses and life emergencies. This helps alleviate the need to sell distressed assets during market pullbacks. You should view your liquidity as a multiplier of your monthly expenses. Your age, risk tolerance, asset base and financial obligations determines how much liquidity you need. If you’re a younger person with no family and limited financial obligations, your multiplier would be much lower than a head of household or a retiree. If you don’t know what your monthly expenses are, make a budget. This will provide an excellent barometer of your liquidity position.
Incremental Portfolio changes
You should fight your impulse to sell when the market goes down. If you sell now, do you have clearly defined parameters of when to go back into the market? Most individual investors do not. Selling based on negative market conditions could cap your upside if the market recovers. With that being said, there are a couple reasons to consider selling into a bear market. If you’re underweight cash or
uncomfortable with the overall risk of your portfolio, consider selling incrementally. The peace of mind that additional liquidity can provide may keep you in the market longer and give you an opportunity to participate in a recovery without guessing when to get back into the market. Also, if you find yourself with stocks or funds that have a loss, you may be able to lower your tax liability. Selling at a loss and re-investing those funds can help provide tax relief while also keeping you invested in the market. Note, this strategy is applicable to taxable accounts not tax deferred or tax-free accounts. Also, the wash sale rule prohibits selling an investment for a loss and replacing it with the same or similar investment 30 days before or after the sale.
Conversely, if you are heavy cash, a more aggressive investor and / or have a longer time horizon, now might be an opportune time to ease into the market. There is no guarantee the market won’t continue to slide. But we are well off the all-time highs and valuations of stocks are more reasonable relative to where they were at year-end 2024. There is inflationary risk to holding
too much cash - another reason to make a budget and know your savings multiplier. Dollar Cost Averaging, or DCA, is an investment strategy where a fixed amount is invested over regular intervals; typically, monthly. It can help to reduce the impact of market volatility as more shares are bought when the market is down and less when it is up.
Stay the course
If you have an investment plan you’re comfortable with and is suitable given your goals and risk tolerance, ignore the noise. We can’t control the political landscape, economy or market volatility. What’s important is that we keep a cool head and avoid making big portfolio decisions during times of market stress.
Anthony Papa is a Financial Advisor with Davenport & Company. Anthony can be reached at 757-306-4817 or apapa@ investdavenport.com Davenport & Company is a financial services firm and does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your professional accounting or legal advisors prior to acting on any information provided by us that may have an effect in these areas.
Anthony Papa
Adobe Stock
CABINETS WITH FLAIR
Virginia Beach Police Department Releases 2024 Crime Data
On February 11, 2025 Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate presented detailed 2024 crime statistics to Virginia Beach City Council on Part I crimes to include Violent Crimes* and Property Crimes (burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from motor vehicle, all other larceny). He also presented data on fatal traffic crashes in the city in 2024. Below are some highlights from the presentation
Violent Crime
Of the 7,977 Part I crimes that occurred in 2024, only 5.5% were violent. In fact, violent crimes are down 22.3% compared to 2023 and down 21% compared to the previous three-year average (2021 – 2023), making 2024 the lowest year for violent crimes in the last five years.
Property Crime
Part I property crime is down 4.3% compared to 2023, from 7,882 offenses to 7,541. Of particular note, larcenies from motor vehicles continue to drop, down 17%, and thefts of motor vehicles are down 27% compared to 2023 – the lowest either number has been in five years!
Shooting incidents decreased by 49% in 2024 from 73 to 37, and shooting victims decreased by 56% from 88 to 39. Related, VBPD seized or came in possession of 1,221 illegally possessed firearms in 2024. Shootings
Homicides
The homicide rate fell by 46% in 2024, from 24 to 13. Of those, 100% have been positively cleared. VBPD’s homicide clearance rate continues to be far superior to the national average of 52% (as reported by the FBI in 2022).
Vehicle Accidents
Citywide vehicle crashes are down 4% since 2023 and 7% since 2022.
Citywide fatal vehicle crashes are down 31% since 2023.
When compared to neighboring cities in Hampton Roads, at 4.8 per 100,000 residents, Virginia Beach had the lowest number of fatal vehicle crashes in 2024.
All information above is from the City of Virginia Beach Police Department. The entire press release above can be viewed at virginiabeach.gov/connect/news/vbpd-releases-2024-crime-data
The City of Virginia Beach Police Department 2024 Stats Review can be viewed at edocs.vbgov.com/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=51466890&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk&cr=1
*Publisher Note.
Since this is a family publication, the list of Violent Crimes is omitted and can be viewed at the press release address below. virginiabeach.gov/connect/news/vbpd-releases-2024-crime-data
How To Recognize a Phone Scam
People lose a lot of money to phone scams — sometimes their life savings. Scammers have figured out countless ways to cheat you out of your money over the phone. In some scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they threaten or try to scare you. They’ll do what it takes to get your money or your personal information to commit identity theft. Don’t give it to them. Phone scams come in many forms, but they tend to make similar promises and threats, or ask you to pay certain ways. Here’s what to know.
There is no prize
The caller might say you were
agency. They might say you’ll be arrested, fined, or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away. The goal is to scare you into paying. But real law enforcement and federal agencies won’t call and threaten you.
making a decision on the spot.
Only scammers demand you pay certain ways
information
No government agency is going to call you out of the blue and ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number. They’re lying if they say they’re with a government agency you know, like the Social Security Administration or IRS.
You shouldn’t be getting all those calls
You don’t need to decide now
Most honest businesses will give you time to think their offer over and get written information about it before you commit. Take your time. Don’t get pressured into
Scammers will often insist you pay in a way that makes it hard to get your money back — by wire transfer , gift card, cryptocurrency, or payment app. Anyone who insists that you can only pay that way is a scammer.
Government agencies won’t call to confirm your sensitive
If a company is selling something, it needs your written permission to call you with a robocall. And if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry, you shouldn’t get live sales calls from companies you haven’t done business with before. Those calls are illegal. If someone is already breaking the law calling you, what they’re calling about is probably a scam.
What To Expect When Buying or Selling a Home
By Gary Layne Contributor
Gary Layne
Begin your home buying or selling journey with ease. Here is a guide to move smoothly through each step, making the path clear and straightforward.
Buying Set A Budget
Before starting your search, evaluating your financial situation and determining an appropriate budget is critical to selecting a property that meets your needs. It is important to consider factors like down payment amounts, closing costs, and monthly mortgage payments.
Get Pre-Approval
Involving a lender early in the buying process helps buyers understand upfront how much can be borrowed with a mortgage to purchase a property. Having pre-approval before submitting an offer ensures you are a competitive buyer.
Start Searching
With a budget established and pre-approval in hand, you can begin searching for the home that meets your needs. Using online listings, working with your agent, and attending open houses, you can start looking for your ideal
Make Offers
Once you find a home you like, you can work with your agent to determine a fair market value for the property and prepare an offer. At this stage, you should take into account current market conditions and the state of the property.
Complete Inspections
After a seller accepts your offer, you will typically hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly examine the property and identify any issues or repairs that may need to be addressed before closing.
Closing
Your final step in the home buying process involves transferring ownership of the property from the seller, making payment, and signing the necessary paperwork to solidify your transaction.
Selling Home Prep
Before your home is ready for sale, enhance the marketability of your home through decluttering, cleaning, and making any necessary repairs needed to increase its appeal to potential buyers.
Showings
Once listed, we will hold open houses and work with interested buyers to schedule tours. We encourage our clients to keep a
clean and tidy home and to assist their agent with answering any questions potential buyers may have.
Review Offers
After receiving offers from buyers, your agent will carefully review them and work with you to determine a fair purchase price, potential contingencies, and closing timelines to help you make your final decision.
Inspections
before closing.
Closing
Your final step in the home selling process involves transferring ownership of the property to the buyer, receiving payment, and signing the necessary paperwork to solidify your transaction.
Gary Layne is a Real Estate Agent & Owner of ProActive Real Estate Services. Direct 757-652-1225, Main Office 757-383-9510 gary@callproactive.com property.
With an accepted offer, the buyer will schedule an inspection of the property to identify any potential issues or repairs to be addressed
America and Lighthouses; Fascinating Facts.
Candy Cane Look
The Assateague Lighthouse in Virginia has a striking red-and-white spiral design, resembling a giant candy cane. (look right)
First Cast Iron Lighthouse
The Monomoy Point Lighthouse in Massachusetts was one of the first lighthouses in the U.S. to be built from cast iron.
Bowling Alley & Bar
The Falkner Island Lighthouse in Connecticut once had a bowling alley and a bar, until a law was passed prohibiting alcohol sales on lighthouse property.
Haunted Lighthouses
Many lighthouses have ghost stories, including St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida, which is rumored to be haunted.
Automated Lights
Most lighthouses today are automated, meaning they no longer require a keeper to maintain the light.
Guiding Ships for Centuries
Lighthouses have been crucial for maritime navigation, helping ships avoid dangerous coastlines and reefs.
Michigan has the most lighthouses of any state, with around 124.
Source: MS Copilot
