Episodes

  • Virginia Beach Tech Boom, Auto Shows, and Coastal Weddings: The Local Pulse

    Virginia Beach Tech Boom, Auto Shows, and Coastal Weddings: The Local Pulse
    Jan 5 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Sunday, January 5, 2025.

    We're starting off the new year with some exciting news from the tech sector. Virginia Beach is emerging as a thriving tech hub, with major companies like Doma Technologies investing $3.7 million and creating over 300 new tech jobs[2]. This growth is driven by key sectors such as Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Data Science, with job growth rates reaching up to 28% in some areas. Salaries for tech professionals are also on the rise, with Software Engineers and Data Engineers earning up to $198,000 and $191,000, respectively.

    In other news, the city is gearing up for several events this month. The Hampton Roads International Auto Show is set to take place from January 10-12 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, featuring almost every make and model of new cars without sales pressure[1]. Additionally, the Coastal Virginia Wedding Showcase will be held on January 12 at The Founders Inn and Spa, offering consultations with top wedding-industry professionals.

    Moving on to real estate, there are no major updates on notable property sales or new development projects. However, the city council has a busy schedule ahead, with several workshops and formal meetings planned for the next few weeks, including discussions on short-term rental regulations and innovation park updates[3].

    Weather-wise, it's looking like a chilly but sunny day today, perfect for outdoor activities. However, we recommend checking the forecast for any updates before heading out.

    In terms of new business activity, there are no major openings or closings to report. However, the city's tech scene is buzzing with activity, with companies like In Motion Hosting and Mythics offering competitive salaries and benefits[2].

    Looking ahead to community events, the Winter Wildlife Festival is set to take place from January 25 to February 2, celebrating coastal wildlife and nature with over 50 activities and excursions[1]. Additionally, the Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show will be held on January 18-19 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, featuring the latest in home and outdoor living trends.

    In local school news, there are no major achievements or sports results to report today. However, we'd like to highlight a feel-good community story about the Virginia Beach community coming together to support local libraries in their efforts to review and update their materials.

    Moving on to today's crime report, there are no significant incidents or arrests to report from the past 24 hours. However, we remind everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Virginia Beach Tech Boom, Accountability in Law Enforcement

    Virginia Beach Tech Boom, Accountability in Law Enforcement
    Jan 5 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Sunday, January 5, 2025.

    We're starting with some significant news from the past few days. Three former Virginia Beach deputies have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Rolin Hill. The charges come after a special grand jury heard evidence regarding Mr. Hill's arrest and booking into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported that Hill's death was caused by positional and mechanical asphyxia due to restraint with neck and torso compression. The Virginia Beach NAACP has expressed concerns about accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies and is keeping in contact with Hill's family[1].

    Moving on to today's job market snapshot, Virginia Beach is emerging as a thriving tech hub in 2025. Companies like Doma Technologies are investing heavily in the area, creating over 300 new tech jobs. The tech scene is growing fast, with salaries for roles like Software Engineers reaching up to $198,000 and Data Engineers pulling in close to $191,000. Key sectors driving tech job growth include Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Data Science. The area is also seeing a 20% boost in tech internships compared to last year, with over 160 internship positions available[2].

    In real estate news, while we don't have specific updates on notable property sales or new development projects today, it's worth noting that the city's tech boom is likely to impact the local real estate market positively.

    From city hall, the City Council has a busy schedule ahead, with several meetings and briefings planned for the next few weeks. On January 14, 2025, there will be a workshop with briefings on the General Assembly update and an Innovation Park update[3].

    Weather-wise, we're expecting a relatively calm day today, but it's always a good idea to check the latest forecast before heading out.

    In new business activity, while we don't have specific openings or closings to report today, the tech sector's growth is certainly a positive sign for the local economy.

    Looking ahead to community events, a vigil was held for Rolin Hill at Mt. Trashmore, and we encourage everyone to stay informed about local happenings.

    In local school achievements, we don't have specific updates today, but we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our local students and athletes.

    For a feel-good community story, we'd like to mention the 'Christmas Angel' who helped a Virginia Beach Navy family buy shoes, a heartwarming reminder of the kindness in our community.

    In today's crime report, aside from the significant development in the Rolin Hill case, we don't have other major incidents to report from the past 24 hours. However, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • "Pharrell's Festival, Tech Boom, and Drug Bust: Virginia Beach Local Pulse"

    "Pharrell's Festival, Tech Boom, and Drug Bust: Virginia Beach Local Pulse"
    Jan 4 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for January 4, 2025.

    We're starting off the week with some significant news from City Hall. The City Council is set to vote on Tuesday on whether to issue an ultimatum to the festival spearheaded by Virginia Beach native and music mogul Pharrell Williams. This decision could have a major impact on our city's cultural scene, so we'll be keeping a close eye on this development.

    Moving on to the job market, Virginia Beach is emerging as a thriving tech hub in 2025. Major companies like USAA and Ferguson Enterprises are driving this boom, with high-demand roles such as Software Engineers and Data Engineers seeing salaries reach up to $198,000 and $191,000, respectively. The tech scene is growing fast, with a projected job market growth of 25% by 2031. Companies like Amazon are investing heavily in the area, creating over 1,000 new tech jobs with their robotics fulfillment center. Entry-level tech salaries average around $59,000, with the potential to reach six figures. This is exciting news for anyone looking to break into the tech industry.

    In real estate news, we don't have any major updates on notable property sales or new development projects today. However, we do know that the local tech ecosystem is getting a boost from innovative companies like IPConfigure and Ferguson Enterprises, who are expanding their operations and bringing cutting-edge projects in cloud computing and AI.

    From City Hall, we have a few updates on upcoming meetings and discussions. The City Council has a packed schedule for the next few weeks, including briefings on the General Assembly update and the Innovation Park update. These discussions will shape the future of our city, so it's important to stay informed.

    Weather-wise, it's looking like a chilly day today, with temperatures in the mid-40s. This might impact some of the outdoor activities and events planned for today, so be sure to check the forecasts before heading out.

    In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today. However, we do know that companies like Doma Technologies are investing $3.7 million and creating over 300 new tech jobs in the area.

    Looking ahead to the next few days, there are several community events worth mentioning. The Ferguson Center for the Arts is hosting a "Christmas Extravaganza" featuring Huntley, the Virginia native who won "The Voice" almost a year ago. This promises to be a fantastic show, so be sure to check it out.

    In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today. However, we do know that our local schools are always working hard to provide the best education for our children.

    On a feel-good note, we have a heartwarming story about a local resident who recently adopted two goldendoodle puppies to help with the empty nest transition. It's always great to hear about our community coming together and supporting each other.

    Finally, in today's crime report, police in Virginia Beach seized more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, marking the largest seizure of the drug in the department's history. This is a significant development in our city's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Virginia Beach Emerges as Tech Hub, Pharrell Fest Decision, and Community Kindness

    Virginia Beach Emerges as Tech Hub, Pharrell Fest Decision, and Community Kindness
    Jan 4 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for January 4, 2025.

    We're starting off the year with some exciting news from the tech sector. Virginia Beach is emerging as a thriving tech hub, with demand soaring for roles like Software Engineers and Data Engineers. Companies like USAA and Ferguson Enterprises are driving this boom, with salaries reaching up to $198,000 and $191,000, respectively. The city's internship program is also seeing a 20% boost, offering hands-on experience in everything from IT systems to digital marketing[2].

    In other news, the City Council will vote on Tuesday on whether to issue an ultimatum to the festival spearheaded by Pharrell Williams. This decision could have significant impacts on the city's cultural scene and local businesses[1].

    Moving on to the job market, we're seeing a 15% jump in job postings this year, making it perfect timing for newcomers to jump in. Major hiring announcements include Doma Technologies investing $3.7 million and creating over 300 new tech jobs. Top local employers like The Select Group and ADS Inc. are leading the transformation, with tech companies now making up 15% of the local economy and creating jobs for nearly 20,000 people[2].

    In real estate, we're seeing notable commercial property sales and new development projects. The area around Virginia Beach is just as lit for tech opportunities, with top IT service providers offering competitive salaries ranging from $120-200 per hour. Weekly median home prices and inventory levels are stable, but we're keeping an eye on significant zoning changes or property developments that could impact local residents.

    From City Hall, we're expecting a comprehensive update on the 2025 Virginia Beach business and economic forecast at the upcoming State of the City luncheon on January 8. City leaders will share insights on projects and initiatives, as well as community involvement[3].

    Weather-wise, we're looking at a partly cloudy day with a high of 52 degrees. There's a slight chance of rain later in the evening, so make sure to check the forecast before heading out.

    In new business activity, we're seeing a mix of openings and closings. The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News is welcoming a new porcupine, and you can help name it. Meanwhile, a 'Christmas Angel' pulled through for a Virginia Beach Navy family to help buy shoes, showcasing the community's spirit[4].

    Upcoming community events include the State of the City luncheon and various holiday festivities. In local school achievements, we're celebrating the success of Huntley, the Virginia native who won "The Voice" and is performing at the Ferguson Center for the Arts.

    In today's crime report, deputies used stop sticks to deflate a vehicle's tires and positioned their patrol cars as a barrier to stop the vehicle in a recent incident. We're also seeing a canine distemper outbreak impacting Virginia and NC wildlife, so pet owners, please be vigilant[4].

    Finally, a feel-good community story: the 'Christmas Angel' who helped the Virginia Beach Navy family is a heartwarming reminder of the kindness in our community.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Virginia Beach 2025: Tech Boom, Crime Crackdown, and Community Resilience

    Virginia Beach 2025: Tech Boom, Crime Crackdown, and Community Resilience
    Jan 3 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for January 3, 2025. We're starting off the year with some significant updates from around our city.

    First, let's dive into breaking news. Yesterday, a Virginia Beach judge sentenced Devon Dorsey to eight years in prison for his involvement in the deadly 2021 Oceanfront shooting. This sentencing brings closure to one of the tragic incidents that shook our community. Additionally, just a day ago, Jeremiah Quinones, a 22-year-old from Norfolk, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to a deadly shooting on Virginia Beach Boulevard. The swift arrest, facilitated by license plate reader technology, highlights the innovative approaches our law enforcement is taking to enhance public safety.

    Moving on to our job market snapshot, Virginia Beach is emerging as a thriving tech hub in 2025. Companies like Doma Technologies are investing heavily, creating over 300 new tech jobs. The demand for roles like Software Engineers and Data Engineers is soaring, with salaries reaching up to $198,000 and $191,000, respectively. The tech scene is particularly hot in sectors like Cybersecurity and Data Science, with a projected job market growth of 25% by 2031. This growth is driven by key players like USAA and Ferguson Enterprises, offering flexible work options and a focus on innovation.

    In real estate news, while we don't have specific updates on notable property sales or new development projects today, the overall trend in Virginia Beach continues to be positive, with a growing interest in both commercial and residential properties.

    From city hall, the upcoming agenda includes a workshop on January 14, 2025, with briefings on the General Assembly update and an Innovation Park update. These discussions will provide insights into the city's plans for the new year.

    Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the year, but we're expecting a clear day ahead. Make sure to bundle up if you're planning on venturing out.

    In new business activity, while we don't have specific openings or closings to report today, the overall business landscape in Virginia Beach is vibrant, with companies like In Motion Hosting and Mythics leading the way in employee satisfaction and structured career development programs.

    Looking ahead to community events, keep an eye out for local announcements and activities that will be popping up in the next few days. We'll make sure to keep you updated on any significant happenings.

    In local school achievements, we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our students and athletes, but today, we're focusing on the broader community news.

    For a feel-good community story, we're inspired by the resilience and forgiveness shown by one of the victims in the 2021 Oceanfront shooting, who testified in court and expressed forgiveness towards Devon Dorsey. This act of compassion reminds us of the strength and unity of our community.

    Finally, in today's crime report, we want to emphasize the importance of public safety. The recent arrests and sentencing are a testament to the hard work of our law enforcement. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Tech Boom Drives Growth in Virginia Beach; Arrest Made in Deadly Shooting

    Tech Boom Drives Growth in Virginia Beach; Arrest Made in Deadly Shooting
    Jan 3 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for January 3, 2025. We're starting off the year with some significant news from our city.

    First off, let's talk about a recent crime incident. Yesterday, a 22-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested and charged in connection to a deadly shooting on Virginia Beach Boulevard. Jeremiah Quinones is accused of shooting and killing 26-year-old Lequan Cherry at a business in the 5400 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard. Thanks to license plate reader technology, police were able to track down Quinones and take him into custody after a brief chase. This is a powerful example of how innovation and dedicated law enforcement can deliver justice swiftly and enhance public safety[1].

    Moving on to our job market snapshot, Virginia Beach is emerging as a thriving tech hub in 2025. Companies like Doma Technologies are investing heavily in the area, creating over 300 new tech jobs. The tech scene here is growing fast, with salaries for roles like Software Engineers reaching up to $198,000 and Data Engineers pulling in close to $191,000. Key sectors driving this growth include Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Data Science. If you're looking to break into the tech field, Virginia Beach is definitely the place to be, with a projected job market growth of 25% by 2031[2].

    In real estate news, while we don't have any major updates today, it's worth noting that the area around Virginia Beach is seeing significant growth in tech opportunities, which could impact property values and development projects in the future.

    From City Hall, the upcoming agenda includes a workshop on January 14, 2025, with briefings on the General Assembly update and an Innovation Park update. These discussions will provide insights into how local policies and projects are shaping our community[3].

    Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the year, but we're expecting a relatively calm day today. Make sure to check the latest forecasts before heading out.

    In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today, but we're always on the lookout for updates on our local business scene.

    Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days, though specific details are not available at this time. We recommend checking local event calendars for the latest information.

    In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our local students and athletes.

    For a feel-good community story, while we don't have a specific tale to share today, we're always inspired by the resilience and community spirit of Virginia Beach residents.

    Finally, in today's crime report, aside from the recent shooting incident, we don't have any other significant incidents to report from the past 24 hours. However, we urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • 2025 Virginia Beach Update: Emergency Services, Job Growth, and Upcoming Events.

    2025 Virginia Beach Update: Emergency Services, Job Growth, and Upcoming Events.
    Jan 1 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for January 1, 2025. We're starting the new year with a look back at some recent developments and a peek at what's coming up in our city.

    First off, let's talk about the recent upgrades to our emergency services. The Virginia Beach Emergency Communications & Citizen Services (ECCS) has made significant improvements to its 911 and 311 systems, enhancing resiliency and security during disaster situations. This includes a new call handling platform and the launch of a Watch Desk that monitors daily city operations for potential local impacts[1].

    Moving on to the job market, we've seen positive growth in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, total nonfarm employment increased by 17,100 over the year in May 2024, with a 2.1% local rate of job gain compared to the 1.8% national increase. Education and health services added 6,700 jobs, with healthcare and social assistance accounting for 4,000 of those jobs[2].

    In real estate news, while we don't have specific updates on recent property sales or new development projects, it's worth noting that the city continues to grow and evolve. If you're interested in learning more about the current state of real estate in Virginia Beach, we recommend checking out local listings and market reports.

    From City Hall, we have an upcoming event that might interest you. On January 8, 2025, city leaders will share the 2025 Virginia Beach business and economic forecast at a luncheon event at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. This is a great opportunity to learn about projects and initiatives that will shape our community in the coming year[3].

    Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the year, with temperatures in the mid-50s. We recommend checking the latest forecast for updates on today's activities and events.

    In new business activity, we don't have any major announcements to share today, but we're always on the lookout for new openings and changes in our local business scene.

    Looking ahead to community events, the State of the City luncheon on January 8 is definitely worth marking on your calendar. Additionally, keep an eye out for local school achievements and sports results, which we'll be sharing in future updates.

    On a more serious note, our crime report for the past 24 hours includes a tragic incident where a male swimmer was found washed ashore at the Oceanfront and 16th Street, with two others reported missing. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this incident[5].

    Finally, let's end on a positive note. Virginia Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant community, and we're looking forward to sharing more stories about the people and places that make our city special.

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Virginia Beach Update: Tragedy at the Beach, Job Growth, and City Planning Ahead

    Virginia Beach Update: Tragedy at the Beach, Job Growth, and City Planning Ahead
    Jan 1 2025
    Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We're starting the new year with a mix of updates and news that impact our community.

    First off, a tragic incident occurred over the weekend when a male swimmer was found washed ashore at the Oceanfront and 16th Street, and two others were reported missing. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this incident.

    Moving on to the job market, we have some positive news. The latest data from May 2024 shows that total nonfarm employment in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area increased by about 17,100 jobs over the year, with a 2.1% growth rate that outpaces the national average. Education and health services added 6,700 of these jobs, with healthcare and social assistance accounting for 4,000 of those positions[2].

    In real estate, we don't have any major updates today, but we're keeping an eye on new developments and construction projects that will shape our city's landscape.

    From City Hall, we have a look ahead at the upcoming council meetings. The City Council has a packed schedule for January, including a workshop on January 14, where they'll discuss the Innovation Park update and other planning items[3].

    Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the year, with temperatures around 54°F. We're expecting a calm day today, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

    In business news, Motel 6 is being acquired by the parent company of Oyo, a hotel operator based in India. This could bring changes to our local hospitality scene[1].

    Looking ahead to community events, we don't have any major events scheduled for the next few days, but we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

    In local sports, William & Mary defeated Furman 34-24 at Zable Stadium in Williamsburg, Virginia, on September 21, 2024. We're proud of our local teams and their achievements[1].

    On a lighter note, Virginia Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces. It's a great time to enjoy our parks and take in the natural beauty of our city[4].

    In crime news, we're focusing on a recent incident where a hole was visible after a crash, which also damaged a support structure. We urge everyone to stay safe and report any incidents to the authorities[1].

    This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins