A surfer rides a wave to shore at Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach. (Photo by Toby Cox)
Virginia Beach may have no waves, but its surf culture is more than a century strong
Toby Cox
Business and Growth Reporter
Despite its relatively flat waters, Virginia Beach has cultivated a vibrant surfing community over the past century, tracing its local roots to a 12-foot Hawaiian surfboard brought to the city in 1912.
Post-World War II economic growth and surfboard innovations helped surfing take off locally and led to the creation of the East Coast Surfing Championship in the 1960s.
The local culture continues to evolve as more women enter the sport, highlighted by the city hosting its inaugural Super Girl Surf Festival.
Norfolk considering rolling back building standards meant to boost climate resilience
A home that has been lifted in Norfolk in October 2023. (Photo courtesy of Lathan Goumas, Virginia Sea Grant)
Norfolk city officials are thinking about scaling back the city's 2018 Resilience Quotient zoning ordinance, citing concerns that the current mandatory regulations serve as a barrier to housing and commercial development.
The proposed revisions would convert the resilience point system from a requirement into an optional incentive program for large developments.
Environmental advocates warned against weakening flood protections, arguing that the city should refine rather than dismantle its innovative climate adaptation framework.
Virginia Beach may ask state for help with large gatherings, flood prevention, rural preservation
Virginia Beach City Council may again ask the state for ways to help people address large crowds, which have been a particular concern in the resort area. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)
Virginia Beach's draft state legislative agenda includes requests for enhanced authority to manage unpermitted gatherings, expand flood mitigation funding and restrict dense development in rural areas.
A central priority is "pop-up" event legislation that would grant localities emergency powers to establish "community safety zones" in response to sudden, large-scale crowds that pose public safety risks.
City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposals on Tuesday before a formal vote in November.
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