Oceanfront

A Suffolk man was taken into custody following an attempted traffic stop conducted by officers patrolling the Oceanfront. The incident involved recovered guns and drugs after the driver took off when the officers attempted to stop the vehicle.

Virginia Beach is exploring strategies to market its Oceanfront area to local residents. Business leaders and officials aim to boost visitation within the city and broader region.

The Mayor's Task Force for a Safer Virginia Beach held its first of three listening sessions to develop safety recommendations for residents and tourists. The sessions follow two recent shootings at the Oceanfront that prompted a curfew.

Virginia Beach is hosting three community meetings this week as part of a Task Force initiative to improve safety at the Oceanfront. The Task Force includes leaders from community, public safety, business, civil rights, and faith-based organizations.

Virginia Beach hotels are nearly sold out for the July 4 weekend, according to John Zirkle, president of the Virginia Beach Hotel Association. The city's over 13,000 hotel rooms have few vacancies remaining ahead of the holiday.

The Virginia Beach Police Department has launched a new drone program at the Oceanfront to assist during serious emergencies. This Drone as First Responder Program is among the first in the region and coincides with the holiday weekend.

Lifeguards in Virginia Beach's Oceanfront are trained to assist with heat exhaustion, which is a concern during the hot Fourth of July weekend. Despite the heat, out-of-town visitors are present.

Residents and visitors in Virginia Beach experienced extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 95 degrees, prompting people to gather at the Oceanfront despite the discomfort. Quotes from individuals described the heat as 'awful' and 'hot, hot, hot,' while a visitor from New Jersey noted challenges in coping with the conditions.