Welcome to Neptune’s Weekly - Your Guide to Virginia Beach’s News and Weekend Events

🌊 The Coastal Update  

Virginia Beach Crime Stats Give Locals Something to Smile About

Virginia Beach just dropped some feel-good news that has folks around town buzzing. Our police chief Paul Neudigate shared stats showing violent crime at its lowest in 5 years - something I haven't seen since before masks and social distancing were part of our vocabulary.

The numbers tell quite a story for our beach community. Out of 8,000 crimes last year, barely 5% were violent - mostly just property stuff. What really caught my eye was the 49% drop in shooting incidents. Having walked the Oceanfront boardwalk for years, the difference in atmosphere is noticeable.

Here's what really has locals talking: every single homicide case from 2024 was solved. That's music to the ears of my neighbor who runs that corner store on Pacific Avenue and used to worry about staying open late.

The department's also bouncing back from those staffing shortages we all heard about. Remember the "Help Wanted" signs at every precinct? They've slashed vacancies from 100 to just 37. Those new license plate readers you've probably spotted around town aren't hurting either.

For those keeping score, that's a 22% drop in violent crime and a whole lot of relieved Virginia Beach residents hitting the beaches with more peace of mind this year.

🥘 Local Eats Spotlight 

Sorella’s: This local owned spot is a modern Italian eatery specializing in handmade pasta, Neapolitan pies, wine & cocktails. It’s interior is located in a plaza but offers a cozy atmosphere. A perfect place to bring that special someone for Valentines Day!

🎉 Weekend Rundown 

Friday 2/14

🍺 Weekend Happy Hour: Head over to Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery from 3-6pm for their Happy Hour deals. $2 off ALL appetizers, cocktails, and beers!

🧸 Pixar’s Inside Out Event: The Virginia Beach Aquarium is hosting an event called Emotions at Play where you can experience the role emotions, memory, and imagination play in our everyday lives. There will be hands-on and digital experiences in the exhibit focus on the five emotions featured in the Pixar film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear.

💘 Cupid’s Crush Valentine Party: Single for Valentines Day? Well then check out LunaSea at 9pm - 2am for their Cupid’s Crush Valentine Day party. The evening will be filled with music, dancing, and good vibes.

🎭️ Tone Bell: Comedian Tone Bell is coming to town to preform at The Funny Bone.

🕯️ Candle Making Experience: Need last minute Valentines Day plans? Then head over to Sea Love to take your loved one for a cute candle making experience. Reservations and Walk-ins are Welcomed!

💓 Valentines Day Adult Prom: Head over to VB Winery for an unforgettable night filled with love, laughter, and everything prom!

🍷 Friday Wine Tasting: Stop by the Virginia Beach Winery for $5 wine tasting from 12pm - 9pm. Sample 6 wines of your choice and there will be wine slushies on tap too!

Saturday 2/15

📽️ The Dinner Detective Comedy and Murder Mystery Dinner Show: Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner!

🎭️ Tone Bell: Comedian Tone Bell is coming to town to preform at The Funny Bone.

🧺 Shore Drive Farmers Market: Come out from 9am - 12pm to get quality local products such as freshly cooked sausage sandwiches, fresh veggies and seafood, and more! See what your Local Producers have to offer!

🫑 Old Beach Farmers Market: You can head over to Old Beach Farmers Market to see over 40 local, artisan vendors to tempt your taste buds from 9am - noon.

🧘 Yoga at Vibrant Shore Brewery: You can get some morning yoga in at the Vibrant Shore Brewing Company! Stick around at the end to mingle with the yoga community!

🛍️ VB Flea Market: Feeling nifty? Well then you can check out the VB Flea Market from 8am - 2pm to find clothes, records, motorcycle parts, and much more!

Sunday 2/16

🥂 Lovers and Friends Day Party: The 80/20 Eatery is hosting a 21+ day party from 3pm- 9pm. There will be Bottomless Mimosas along with music!

✡️ Annual Virginia Festival of Jewish Film: Check out one of the longest-running Jewish film festival in the country!

🎻 Symphonicity: Experience an extraordinary mix of orchestral and choral performances showcasing over 200 talented musicians, including vocalists from ODU, Regent University, and Symphonicity Chorus.

🏃 4th Annual Tidewater Striders: Feeling competitive? Well then the Tidewater Striders 4th Annual All-Comers indoor track meet will be held at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. This event is open to all levels and ages!

🧘‍♀️ Yoga at Reaver VB: Head over to Reaver Brewery VB for some good and relaxing morning yoga. This is open to everybody and is from 10:45-11:45.

🐶 Pups on the Patio: From 4pm till close head over to Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen to enjoy $2 off draft pours and 50% off appetizers along with well behaved & leashed pups on the patio!