Drayage Brokersin Norfolk, VA

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Pilots with Breeze Airways held an informational picket at Norfolk International Airport Tuesday after more than a year-and-a-half of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, according to officials.

“Our airline is on track for a profitable quarter, but our pilots are experiencing unilateral pay cuts and worsening work rules without protections,” said Capt. Alexander Kluge, Breeze Airways ALPA Master Executive Council chairman. “Breeze pilots have a long-term stake in their airline and want to collaborate with management to ensure its success today and in the future. Now is the time for management to stop profiting off the backs of all labor and invest in its pilots.”

According to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Breeze Airways pilots joined ALPA, which represents more than 77,000 pilots at 41 airlines, in 2022. The low-fare Breeze Airways began operating in May 2021.

The 21 Breeze pilots at Norfolk International Airport said they held the picket in the hopes of protecting and improving their quality of life, as well as making the airline desirable for pilots and their families.

They were complaining about broken promises from management, along with the need for collective bargaining to improve work conditions. The pilots sought to bring attention to the negotiations of their first collective bargaining contract.

They carried signs that read, “Breeze pilots are tired of broken promises,” “No more pay cuts” and “Contracts protect our seniority.”

“We are here today to show our resolve to get a contract,” Kluge said, “that it will protect our jobs. That is going to give us better quality of life, and that is going to let us spend more time with our families.”

Kluge is critical of management, and he wants more stability for pilots.

“Right now, we have very little practicability,” Kluge said, “and things can change at a whim and we don’t know what tomorrow brings because management could change the rules tomorrow.”

Scheduling is one of the biggest issues to be negotiated when talks resume May 21.

“For us, the biggest issue is definitely the scheduling,” Kluge said, “just because it is something you need when you want to spend more time with your family so that you can plan things, and it is that we find missing.”

That’s what the collective bargaining does — it highlights the issues to hammer out and what both sides will abide by, and that includes management paying attention to airline needs.

“It seems like sometimes they don’t care,” Kluge said, “so I don’t think they forgot we exist, but we want to be part of the success of this airline, and we all came there to the airline when we could have gone to any other airline. We need protections and the rules, and that’s why we came here.”

Kluge says when Breeze began operating in Norfolk in 2021, the company made promises to the pilots.

“Particularly here in Norfolk, we were told day trips,” Kluge said, “and that means, hypothetically, [being] home every night. Instead, what turned out happening [is] they are gone six days in a row with 12 days off.”

That means less time at home.

“It’s challenging,” Kluge said. “You want to spend time with your family, and now some are gone for a week at a time. Sometimes guys have been gone three weeks at a time.”

How will success at collective bargaining, or a lack of it, help or hurt the traveling public?

“It won’t be impacted as of now,” Kluge said, “so we are still in negotiations with the company, and we are here today to raise awareness and to put pressure on management to change some of our work rules.”

The pilots also suggested management needs to get out of headquarters in Utah and see the rest of the country.”

“We feel they make these decision in glass palaces in Cottonwood Heights Utah, and they forget we are human beings,” Kluge said.

Cottonwood Heights is where the airline’s corporate headquarters is.

Kluge thinks Breeze Airways is at a critical crossroads.

“You can run an airline in different ways, a revolving door where people come, and they don’t leave,” Kluge said, “or you can build something that is special, where they want to stay and build their seniority. They want to build an amazing culture, and they pass that along to their customers, so that’s the reason you need collective bargaining in a contract.”

School Zone Safety Cameras

The school zone speed photo enforcement program goal is to increase driver compliance in the reduced speed zones while improving the safety of students in nearby schools.

A total of 19 cameras have been installed around 10 Norfolk Public School locations. Camera activation will begin on March 4 with a 60-day warning period for drivers.

The Violation

Registered owners caught speeding in a school zone during designated school hours will receive notice of violation/citations that will require the payment of a $100 fine after the warning period ends on May 3. Instructions as to how to pay the fine will be provided with the notice of violation/citation.

Signage alerting drivers of cameras were installed at least 100 feet before the cameras’ locations.

*Times subject to change based on school’s individual programming.

PhotoSafe Intersections

The key to PhotoSafe Norfolk’s success is public knowledge of the systems and the assurance that if you run a red light, your vehicle will be photographed, and you will receive a civil penalty for the violation.

The Violation

Registered owners will receive notice of violation/citations that will require the payment of a $50 fine. Instructions as to how to pay the fine will be provided with the notice of violation/citation.

The PhotoSafe violation is not reported to the Division of Motor Vehicles nor to the violator's vehicle insurance company.

Violators will be cited within 10 business days of their violation, and only after the photo and video has been reviewed no less than three times to insure a violation has indeed occurred.

All violators will be given access, via a link, to an online site where they can view photos and a video of their respective violation.

If a violator wishes to contest the notice of violation/citation, information will be provided instructing the recipient how to do so.

Winter can mean cold, gray days hunkered down indoors waiting for warm weather to return. But here in Norfolk, there are many things to do in winter. This cold weather season can mean a vibrant performing arts scene, visiting free museums, taking advantage of seasonal flavors at coffee shops and breweries or watching an exciting sporting event. There’s a small chance of snow here, but even without the white powdery fluff, Norfolk has a beautiful way of coming alive this time of year. Take advantage of this curated selection of 13 winter bucket list items to complete during your time in Norfolk.

Cold temperatures are here, and we can’t help but dream of a tropical island getaway. While you may not be able to hop on a plane this instant, you can check out Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Tropical House Display for a breath of warm air, towering palms and banana trees!

Bundle up and cheer on our professional ECHL hockey team, the Norfolk Admirals, this winter. You can catch a game at the Norfolk Scope Arena located downtown. Freshly popped popcorn awaits you!

Winter months in Norfolk are not complete without a steaming bowl of she-crab soup. Restaurants serving this Southern classic each have their own unique twist to its flavoring, but generally, the soup consists of milk or heavy cream, crab or fish stock, crab meat and crab roe, with a small amount of dry sherry, making for a rich, warm meal during the coldest of days. We highly recommend indulging at Todd Jurich’s Bistro or Freemason Abbey.

Relive those carefree days of yesteryear with classic arcade games plus favorites like skeeball and air hockey at Pixels Pints + Bytes. Enjoy pub classics and a beer as you travel back in time at this locally owned “barcade” in Ghent. Or, head Downtown to Circuit Social to test your skills at the classics like Mario Kart and Pac-Man or enjoy a round of Duckpin bowling. Pair your gaming with a local brew from one of their 48 self-serve taps, or snag a bite to eat from their all-American menu.

Escape the cold for an hour with a rejuvenating and toasty session at Torch Yoga + Cycle. Whether you come for the cycling or the hot yoga, you’ll warm up in no time, channel your inner zen and leave the class nice and toasty, perhaps even appreciating the refreshing cold air outside.

Norfolk has a great appreciation for the performing arts and what better way to get out of the house this winter and into a warm cozy theater than by attending a show. Norfolk is home to the Virginia Opera, Virginia Arts Festival, Virginia Symphony and make sure you check out Norfolk broadway shows at Chrysler Hall.

If you’re in need of some like-minded energy or just a quieter place to sip a warm, tasty cup of coffee, pop into one of Norfolk’s delightful coffeeshops. Each one is unique and offers a warm atmosphere, friendly faces and any type of hot beverage—caffeinated or not—your heart desires on a chilly winter day. Plus, you can grab a housemade pastry or hot meal as you sip the day away.

Sometimes you just need a hot tasty beverage without a jolt of caffeine. Most of Norfolk’s coffee shops offer up delicious teas, so find one you love and take a sip. Need suggestions? Try Coalescence’s Rainier Tea, an organic tisane blend with peppermint flavors. Or, check out Vessel Craft Coffee’s selection, as their teas are sourced directly from family farms that use sustainable farming practices.

Norfolk is filled with museums, many of which are free to visit! Discover Norfolk’s maritime history at the Hampton Roads Naval History Museum; peruse paintings, dolls and glass art at the Barry Art Museum; or explore over 30,000 original works of art that span more than 5,000 years at Chrysler Museum of Art—all of which offer free admission every day.

A chilly day can quickly become warm after a few sips of delicious wine. Step into Mermaid Winery, Virginia’s only urban winery, or Vino Culture, a boutique wine shop located Downtown, for tastings of wines from around the world and around our state. Dine in for Wine Down Wednesday every week for 50% off bottles.

Home to Norfolk’s artistic cinema, the Naro is a cozy spot for catching films you may not see in theaters, as well as reliving some favorite classics. A cultural landmark in Norfolk, the Naro is also home to one of the world’s longest-running showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, with regularly-scheduled showings since 1978.

There’s nothing quite as comforting and exciting as a bowl of ramen from Alkaline. Nearly all ingredients are made in house, resulting in an unparalleled flavor combination of broth, noodles and toppings. Along with their beloved bowls of ramen, Alkaline specializes in Asian sticky wings, stir fried green beans and miso butter cake.

Stouts, porters and winter ales take center stage at Norfolk’s breweries this time of year. Lean in to the chilly season with an even chillier beer and enjoy those toasty notes that’ll warm you right up. COVA Brewing features tasty seasonal offerings such as Cookie Exchange stout, Winter Warmer, Coffee Shop coffee stout and Gold Foil oatmeal stout.

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The city of Norfolk would not be the creative, diverse and vibrant community that it is without the endless contributions made by Black residents and business owners. Some of these Black-owned businesses have become staples, while others have just planted their roots. From scrumptious soul food to self-care sanctuaries, we celebrate these businesses within our city and encourage you to visit their establishments to continue to support and lift them up. Here are a few Black-owned businesses to get you started.

The street view of 350 Grace is a sleek and simple black and white facade, but once you open their front door, a vibrant blue, white and brick interior greets you. Their menu is a perfect marriage of traditional Southern comfort food and modern cuisine. Not only is the food delicious and innovative; it is completely gluten- and grain-free. Chef Willie Moats brings extreme talent to the 350 Grace menu with dishes like Black Garlic Molasses Glazed Half Cornish Hen served with maple sweet potatoes, fried okra, tomato marmalade and melted goat cheese. Their cocktail menu favors Southern concoctions like the Salted Grapefruit Bourbon Martini (Jim Beam Black, ruby red grapefruit juice, simple syrup, grapefruit zest), or try an after dinner drink like Mississippi Mud (Goslings Rum, creme de banana, half-and-half and Hennessy). To cap off the meal, indulge in a Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Brûlée served with fresh blueberry jam.

Southern wraparound porches will catch your eye when you drive by Bar-Q’s location nestled inside Bold Mariner Brewing Company. Then, your attention will quickly divert to the oversized meat smoker that resides in their parking lot, leaving you to wonder just how delicious their barbecue must be. Next, comes the beautiful aromas of freshly smoked meat that will have your mouth watering almost instantly. Bar-Q has an à la carte menu, but we highly suggest filling up a platter with their moist brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich mac and cheese, spicy (but not too spicy) jalapeño and cheddar links and classic cornbread. Pitmaster Jayme Campbell is a barbecue pro but embraces his creative side and hosts occasional BBQ Sushi Nights at the brewery.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, Brothers is the perfect mix of the traditional dining experience with a contemporary flair. Founded and inspired by NBA referee and Norfolk native Tony Brothers, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience that is vibrant, inviting and entertaining. Brothers boats a broad menu that will entice the most sophisticated and adventurous palate. Kindred spirits are invited to enjoy the finest cut of chops, a variety of fresh seafood and a robust selection of spirits.

Canvas Social Cuisine, located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk serves up comfort food, soul, Caribbean and American inspired dishes.

Did you know that Norfolk is home to a black-owned record store? Even though vinyl sales are skyrocketing in the U.S., only a fraction of the country’s 2,500 record stores are Black-owned, according to an article from Insider. At Freshtopia you can browse their vinyl record collection, shop for “fresh” hip-hop-related gear or catch beesus the DJ spinning live on fresh radio.

Get Well Soon founders Virginia Thornton and Zahra Ahmad have created a self-care sanctuary to cater to a need they saw in themselves and in their community: suffering anxiety and depression in silence. Get Well Soon offers guided meditation, yoga, massages, facials, brow and lash services, an infrared sauna and a merchandise shop. This fun and welcoming environment is ideal for achieving healthier minds and bodies.

This all-vegan restaurant located in Park Place brings alternative options to meet without compromising the flavor. The secret is Jikoni Kush, a non-hybrid grain hailing from the tropics of Africa. Try their vegetable pasta mixed with Jikoni Kush, tomatoes, mushrooms, mixed bell peppers, onions and avocados, smothered in Jibini (Alfredo mixed with spicy Jamaican jerk sauce and topped with potatoes). Looking for something sweet? Try a vegan smoothies made with almond milk, organic agave and cashews for added creaminess. This cafe shares its location The House of Consciousness bookshop, promising that if guests arrive with an empty stomach and open mind, they’ll send them back full.

Owner Chris Simmonds launched this zero waste + refill shop in multiple cities throughout the region, including Norfolk. His Ghent shop features sustainable alternatives to everyday items that are healthier for you and our planet. Look for eco-friendly products made from natural ingredients that are free from harsh, synthetic chemicals and stem from makers who are environmentally aware. Household items like soap, lotion and deodorant are sold in recycled, recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging—or without packaging at all. While you’re there, peruse the vast, curated selection of nonalcoholic beverages at Ceremony, a section of the store within Less Than.

Experience an elevated dining experience on Granby Street with Prime 255, located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk. The restaurant combines a luxury atmosphere with craft cocktails and culinary delights.

Pure Lagos is an Afropolitan Boutique and Art Gallery. African art pieces decorate the walls while African jewelry, clothing and accessories are featured throughout the store. Owner Sia Alexander not only sources all of these goods from Africa herself but prides herself on being a Fair Trade boutique. With a degree in Human Psychology and incredible knowledge in herbology, nutrition, yoga and spiritual healing gained from time spent in Paris, Capetown and West Africa, Sia offers African holistic health consultations to assist with deep healing. Find Pure Lagos at 251 W. Bute St.

Shark City Naturals is a family-owned and operated, all-natural cosmetics company. The products were initially created to combat adverse reactions from products made with unknown substances but quickly evolved into a business providing a variety of beauty products made with wholesome ingredients.

Established in 1924, Stark and Legum, a haberdashery, is a Granby Street landmark offering customers the finest selection of men’s clothing, including designer suits, shoes and hats. Their talented and knowledgeable staff will help choose the best apparel and accessories for any occasion.

Pop-up art studio and workspace. Pop in any time for simple free flow crafting like creating bookmarks, bracelets, paintings and more. Sign up for guided workshops by yourself or with a group. Also carries local art, jewelry and more, created by the owner and other talented artists.

With a mission to share the true taste of West Africa cuisines with our region in an authentic, fresh and contemporary way, Yendidi is a cultural gem in our city. Start with an Afro Pie, a flaky, buttery pie filled with vegetables and a choice of beef, fish or chicken. Opt for a Ghana salad as a lighter option, or dive into a combination platter like Black Beans Jolly Burrito. With a tantalizing selection of soups and stews, plus meat, poultry, seafood and vegan options, there’s something to excite everyone’s taste buds at Yendidi.

Fall (aka sweater weather) has arrived, bringing with it a slew of fantastic events and activities, plus eats and drinks. Arguably one of the best times of year to visit Norfolk, fall means weather that’s just right, sunny days and brisk, cozy evenings and a ramped up festival season. We’ve put together some local favorite activities and recommendations for your ultimate fall bucket list in Norfolk!

Sure, you can enjoy oysters from any coastal town, but have you tried a Virginia oyster? Fall is oyster season, and November is Virginia Oyster Month! Dining at one of Norfolk’s many oyster restaurants will allow you to taste the character of our waters in one quick, complex bite.

With crisp fall air comes pumpkins, full moons and all things spooky. So, head to Velvet Witch, a modern, witch boutique in the Freemason neighborhood where the owner is a psychic medium and professional tarot card reader. After your reading, shop the store for all your incense, crystals, candles and magic supplies. Other local options include Aries Apothecary in Riverview and The Crystal Sunflower in Freemason.

It’s officially pumpkin spice season, but that’s certainly not the only fall flavor around. Check out our coffee guide on where to find the best cup of joe, and explore menus to find your perfect sip of autumn. Go traditional with a PSL, or discover a new favorite flavor like Biscoff, coriander caramel, hickory boysenberry or whiskey brown sugar. Plus, you can get perks as you sip with our Perk Up Pass, offering discounts and rewards at participating coffee shops.

Visit one of our breweries and enjoy a seasonal brew! Smartmouth Brewery has the Princess, a Märzen (copper lager) that boasts the perfect union of caramel toffee sweetness with warm, toasty maltiness. This is their version of an Oktoberfest beer that is named for the fair and fertile Princess Elizabeth (she birthed 13 royals) and is the namesake of the river that courses through our region, the Elizabeth River. Elation Brewery Company is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration where wearing dirndls and lederhosen are highly encouraged.

Attend one of Norfolk’s seasonal farmers markets to find plenty of fresh fall produce including squashes, pumpkins and fall flavored sweet treats like cinnamon apple scones.

Norfolk Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for a stroll with a hot latte to admire fall flowers, which include the popular Chrysanthemum (mums) which can be found in the Matson Garden. Keep in mind that our fall foliage usually does not occur until November, so you can still see green leaves in September and October. Once those leaves start to turn, the experience is nothing short of magical.

Since Norfolk’s temperature is perfect this time of year, it makes for the best time to attend an outdoor waterfront festival. Attend the Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival and you’ll find yourself sipping some of Virginia’s finest grapes. That same weekend, you can also peruse paintings, pottery, jewelry and more from artists local, regional and beyond at the Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival. Another great option is the NEON Festival celebrating Norfolk’s very own arts district. For more of our fall festivals, click here.

Football season has arrived, and our friends at Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University are just waiting for you to cheer them on! Attend one of their home games to feel the Norfolk spirit, or if you’re looking to cheer on your favorite college or NFL team, head to Waterside District. They broadcast the games on massive screens while selling plenty of wings and beer for you to enjoy.

Head to one of our bakeries or restaurants for scrumptious seasonal desserts. You will find everything from traditional apple pie from Stockpot to pumpkin cheesecake brownies from Bar-Q Desserts. If you’re a fanatic ice cream lover all year long, Strawberry Fields creates some amazing fall flavored gelato like brown butter pecan.

As cooler temperatures make their debut in Virginia, strolling the ERT is much more enjoyable. Whether you walk, bike, run or picnic along the ERT, relax your day away by listening to the swaying of the fall leaves. For chillier days, don’t forget to treat yourself to a Mermaid City hoodie from our Mermaid Market, conveniently located Downtown.

Journey through some of Downtown’s otherworldly histories from ghost stories and real life tragedies to experiments from another dimension. Norfolk Tour Company will guide you through the depths of Norfolk to explore all the spooky charm our city has to offer.