Sept. 9, 2026

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Gulls patrol the beach in Sandbridge in Virginia Beach on Aug. 26, 2026. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

Katherine Hafner

Climate and Environment Reporter

Residents of the tight-knit beach community say they’ve noticed a decline in shorebirds that they believe could be linked to the city's regular beach grooming practices.

Virginia Beach spends about $900,000 annually in Sandbridge for tractor-pulled sweepers to sift the top inches of sand to remove trash, cigarette butts and glass, as well as level holes left by visitors. 

However, conservation advocates argue that removing the wrack, which is a natural collection of seaweed and debris, deprives migratory birds of a vital food source and strips away natural dune stabilization.

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Volunteer Vada Carawan decorates Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers during the Virginia Beach Public Library's community celebration at the start of Library Card Sign-Up Month. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)

John-Henry Doucette

Virginia Beach Reporter

Virginia Beach Public Library kicked off Library Card Sign-Up Month over the weekend with a sneaker-themed event at the Joint-Use Library, complete with shoe-decorating activities and a shoe-shaped slide. 

The library system is partnering with the Virginia Beach Library Foundation to raffle off 10 pairs of custom Converse All Star high-tops and library-themed socks to existing and new cardholders. 

Library officials say the month-long campaign is a way to remind patrons of available resources while encouraging new community members to explore the facilities.

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New Spanberger-created Housing Production Commission holds first meeting Read More

Amtrak to suspend Virginia-to-D.C. service for critical track upgrades Oct. 16–26 Read More

'Her body temperature was 106': How heat is killing Americans in their homes Read More

Flock cameras draw opposition from across the political spectrum Read More

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Julius Ayo

Digital Producer

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