Discussion at Community Listening Event
Article by Jane Bloodworth Rowe

VB Community Listening Series: Oceanfront

Discussion at Community Listening Event
Article by Jane Bloodworth Rowe

Concerns about safety following recent shootings at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront dominated a community listening event that brought together local residents, business owners, city staff, and city leaders.

The May 21 meeting was held at Esoteric Restaurant on 17th Street and was organized by Neely Media in conjunction with the restaurant and Virginia Beach City Council Member Worth Remick, who represents District 6, which includes much of the Oceanfront.

The event was designed to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and hear directly from those involved in public safety, resort management, and community outreach.

Panelists included Al Neely, owner of Neely Media; Council Member Worth Remick; Virginia Beach Resort Management Administrator Bill Kelly; Mark Stevens, a local business owner, member of the Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Committee, and director of the nonprofit StandUp for Kids; and Virginia Beach Police Captain James Gordon.

In response to questions about Oceanfront safety, city officials discussed the challenges posed by informal pop-up events, which are often organized through social media and can draw large crowds to randomly selected locations.

Two mass shootings occurred at the Oceanfront earlier this spring following pop-up gatherings. One shooting happened March 7 in the 1800 block of Atlantic Avenue and left five people injured. Another shooting occurred April 11 near the 1400 block of Atlantic Avenue, injuring eight people.

Following the April shooting, City Council imposed a 9:30 p.m. curfew for April 17, April 18, and April 24. However, the April 24 curfew was not enforced after a restraining order was issued following a lawsuit filed by some Oceanfront business owners.

When Neely asked about pop-up events, Gordon and Kelly said social media and changes in youth behavior have made these gatherings difficult to monitor. They noted that the issue is not unique to Virginia Beach and has become a growing challenge in cities across the country.

“Today’s social media isn’t like the social media that an old guy like me is used to,” Kelly said. He explained that the number of platforms, along with the use of usernames instead of real names, can make it difficult to identify where a gathering originated.

Kelly said that when possible, city officials may try to counter online rumors by posting that an event has been canceled or by showing up at the location and reminding those present that large gatherings require permits.

Stevens emphasized the need for stronger community involvement, especially when it comes to reaching young people.

“You must be physically out there with the kids,” Stevens said, calling for residents and community members to be present, engage with young people, and talk with crowds during busy weekends.

Stevens and others also noted that many of those involved in the shootings were young adults rather than juveniles and that those involved were not from Virginia Beach.

“The youth from Virginia Beach don’t want to be out there when a shooting’s going on,” Stevens added.

Resident Matthew Knox raised concerns about the city’s social media strategy, saying he believed the city needed younger, more social media-savvy staff to help monitor and respond to online activity. He described the city’s social media presence as looking like “Old Man Canva,” referring to the graphic design platform.

Gordon and Kelly said problems at the Oceanfront are more likely during unusually warm weekends in early spring and tend to decline later in the spring and summer. They also defended the temporary curfew, saying the Oceanfront was generally quiet on April 17 and April 18 when it was in effect.

Still, Remick acknowledged that a longer-term solution is needed.

“I don’t want to vote on another curfew,” Remick said.

Remick also responded to a question from resident Melissa Lukeson about the appearance of Atlantic Avenue. He said planned improvements will include better lighting, new landscaping, and some repaving.

Organizers described the May 21 meeting as a listening event, created to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and speak directly with city leaders.

“I have a passion for people,” Neely said, “and for the community and for honesty. We wanted to reach out to the community and to talk about recent events.”

Remick said he welcomed the opportunity to hear from residents.

“I want to listen to citizens because that’s what we’re supposed to do as elected representatives,” he said.