Good morning, this is Virginia Beach Local Pulse for Thursday, April 3, 2025. Let’s dive into today’s top stories, updates, and everything happening across our city.
Breaking news this morning – the much-anticipated Atlantic Park surf complex, backed by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, is officially opening its doors today. The 2.6-acre surf lagoon, powered by Wavegarden technology, is the first of its kind in an urban setting in the U.S. It’s set to become a major attraction for both locals and visitors, offering an experience for everyone from beginner surfers to seasoned pros. Next door, the newly opened Dome entertainment venue is already drawing crowds with live music and events.
In the world of jobs, Virginia Beach continues to shine. Our city’s cybersecurity job market is heating up with a projected growth of 31.5% by 2026. Entry-level salaries are impressive at nearly $79,000, while firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin are actively hiring. If tech isn’t your field, opportunities abound elsewhere too. Virginia Beach was recently ranked 21st nationally for the best cities to find a job, and unemployment in the area continues to drop, now sitting at just 2.8%. With housing prices up 4.7% over the past year, including a median sale price of $377,000, the real estate market remains competitive and strong.
At Town Center, exciting developments are underway. While the departure of Legal Sea Foods is noteworthy, rumors are swirling about Trader Joe’s taking up residence in the old Bed Bath & Beyond space. Residents are hopeful, as it would make grocery shopping more convenient for those in the area.
Today’s weather looks like a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the mid-60s and a light breeze off the ocean. It’s a great day for outdoor activities, and the forecast remains pleasant for the weekend, perfect for exploring local events.
Speaking of events, tonight you can check out the Vintage Button Earring Workshop at the Mid-Century Garage, or make plans for this weekend’s Cherry Blossom Festival at Red Wing Park. With the Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy Japanese cultural performances, family activities, and springtime beauty.
In local sports, congratulations to First Colonial High School’s girls’ soccer team. They secured a decisive 3-1 victory earlier this week in regional play, advancing to the semifinals. Meanwhile, beach volleyball enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Virginia Beach continues to host prominent collegiate beach tournaments, further cementing our reputation as a hub for the sport.
On the cultural side, the Virginia Aquarium’s “Emotions at Play” exhibit, inspired by Disney and Pixar’s *Inside Out*, continues to delight visitors of all ages. It’s running through May, so there’s still plenty of time to explore this interactive journey into the five core emotions.
Crime-wise, police responded to an armed robbery late Wednesday night at a convenience store on Virginia Beach Boulevard. Thankfully, no one was injured, and authorities are actively investigating. They are reminding everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
To round things out, we’ve got a feel-good story that reflects the heart of our community. A group of volunteers from Ocean Lakes High School gathered yesterday to clean up Sandbridge Beach, removing nearly 300 pounds of debris. Their efforts remind us all about the importance of preserving our beautiful coastline.
This has been Virginia Beach Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. Stay safe and enjoy your day!
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