Drayage Brokersin Virginia Beach, VA
Contact RelyEx today to quote your next shipment.
Unique Logistics Solutions to Complex Container Drayage Issues
Today, more than 80% of global shipping involves containers. They're packed with everything from personal storage items in dry containers to heavy machinery on flat rack containers. For business owners shipping products, getting a container from point A to point B requires precise planning and high-level tracking. But that's easier said than done when global supply chains become over-congested, leading to loading time issues and delays.
That's bad news for business owners who are already under a massive amount of stress. The truth is that container storage delays can cripple a business, but there's a viable solution: drayage brokers in Virginia Beach, VA like RelyEx. Drayage companies provide unique solutions to minimize demurrage and help ensure the successful delivery of your freight.
With more than 30 combined years of experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx has quickly become the first choice for streamlined, efficient drayage services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's offerings in the global logistics industry, it helps to understand first what drayage is and why it's used.
What is Drayage and Why Is It Important?
If you're a seasoned business owner who uses port drayage to transport your products, you know exactly how important the service can be. But if you were to poll a group of random people, you may get five different definitions of the term "drayage." That begs the question, how is one of the most crucial steps in the supply chain and most vital components of global trade such a confusing concept? When you break it down, it's not too difficult to grasp.
Drayage, by definition, means the transportation of freight from an ocean port to another destination. Today, drayage is also used to describe the process of transporting products and goods over short distances or over "the first mile."
While drayage often means short-distance movements during the supply chain process, it's primarily used in the container shipping space. Drayage loads usually have arrival and departure points in the same city and don't include long-haul, national transportation.
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Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:
Why Are Drayage Companies in Virginia Beach, VA So Important?
You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.
To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.
Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.
If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.
As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.
But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.
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The RelyEx Difference
RelyEx was created because our founders saw a need in the logistics space for more reliability and efficiency. The reality of the shipping and logistics industry is that it has become very transactional. It's an odd evolution, because most businesses seek a third-party logistics partner that is accessible, transparent, and committed to providing solutions.
As the logistics space continues to grow, it creates newfound expenses and complexities. Clients like ours know that and need a supply chain partner who is genuinely interested in their business. By understanding the needs of our customers and carriers, we can provide the most reliable, effective drayage services possible.
Unlike some drayage companies in Virginia Beach, VA, we begin managing your containers before they ever hit the ports by mapping out the most efficient pathways of delivery. That way, our team can discover the best drayage pathways to expedite delivery time and reduce fees that cut into profits.
Our valued drayage customers choose RelyEx because:
RelyEx Solves Problems
At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.
RelyEx Has a Unique Vantage Point
RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:
- Inventory Management
- Logistics
- Purchasing
- Finance
Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.
RelyEx Nurtures Strong Carrier Relationships
When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.
Why Choose RelyEx as Your
Drayage Company in Virginia Beach, VA?
Based in the port city of Virginia Beach, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Customers choose RelyEx because:
- We are a reliable drayage logistics partner that manages your freight from beginning to end
- We have a rare industry vantage point with 30+ years of client-side experience
- We foster and fortify the strongest vendor relations
- We take a proactive approach to problem-solving, not a reactive approach
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843-885-3082
Your Drayage Shipments Managed from Start to Finish
Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.
Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.
Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.
We Source Top-Notch Operators at the Best Prices
Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.
With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.
We Make Transparent, Timely Communication a Priority
Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.
As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.
We Have Robust Project Management Experience
Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.
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How to Avoid
Demurrage Fees for Your Business
Based in the port city of Virginia Beach, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
What is shipping demurrage?
Demurrage is a charge issued by a port, carrier, or railroad company for storing containers that do not load and unload their cargo promptly. Once the daily limit of free time is exceeded, shippers are charged daily demurrage fees until their cargo is shipped. Though different ports have different policies, charges can range from $75 to $150 per container, per day, for a set number of days. Additional demurrage fees are incurred if a shipper exceeds the port's parameters.
What causes demurrage charges?
Even when shippers maintain a tight schedule for unloading freight, external factors can play an uncontrollable part. Typically, shipping mistakes caused by human error trigger the most demurrage charges. Some of the most common causes of demurrage include:
- Paperwork Errors
- Payment Delays
- Documents Received Too Late
Paperwork Errors
Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.
Payment Delays
If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.
QUOTE REQUESTDocuments Received Too Late
Paperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.
Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:
- Damaged Container Storage
- Custom Released Containers
- Storage Containers Are Too Heavy
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RelyEx:
The Supply Chain Partner You Can Count On
At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.
When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.
843-885-3082
Latest News in Virginia Beach, VA
Where to Eat and Drink in Virginia Beach
Tierney Plumbhttps://dc.eater.com/maps/virginia-beach-best-restaurants-bars
Located around 3.5 hours from D.C., Virginia Beach is an ideal escape for those in search of surfer bars, cute cafes, and longtime local hangouts. Southeastern Virginia’s welcoming waterfront community has surged in popularity in recent years, thanks to an influx of fresh fine-dining restaurants, microbreweries, hotels, music festivals, and entertainment options.Situated right where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal city is naturally known for its indulgent seafood selection. And it’s not a trip to V...
Located around 3.5 hours from D.C., Virginia Beach is an ideal escape for those in search of surfer bars, cute cafes, and longtime local hangouts. Southeastern Virginia’s welcoming waterfront community has surged in popularity in recent years, thanks to an influx of fresh fine-dining restaurants, microbreweries, hotels, music festivals, and entertainment options.
Situated right where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal city is naturally known for its indulgent seafood selection. And it’s not a trip to Virginia Beach without a creamy bowl of she-crab soup, a regional favorite made with crab roe and sherry.
The historic getaway is also attracting some big names from D.C. Northern Virginia’s Aslin Beer Co. is gearing up to open a new brewery and tasting room here, complete with a tiki bar.
The seaside haven is also home to Coastal Edge ECSC — the oldest-running surf contest in the world — which returns for its 62nd year starting on August 18.
Read on for 15 must-try dining and drinking destinations in Virginia Beach. And to plan a 24-hour getaway packed with more prime eating options, go here.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
Locals and fisherman flock to Simple Eats for all-day brunch service. Opt for the plentiful Shipwreck platter (scrambled farm eggs, sausage, peppers, home fries) or North Carolina blackened shrimp and stone-ground Virginia grits loaded with Edwards sausage and bacon. Playful drinks include mimosa (or sorbet) flights and a caprese-flavored bloody mary.
A waterfront staple since 1998, this high-energy hangout with live music donates all of its oyster shells to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to replenish local waterways. Along with its destination raw bar, the versatile menu includes tacos, jumbo fried shrimp, crabby burgers, and a dozen creative crushes in varieties like creamsicle, Ranch Water, and cherry limeade.
The catch-all menu at the Porch includes a fried flounder BLT, mains like herb-crusted rack of lamb, and selection of sushi like a Cali-Virginia roll packed with lump blue crab.
For epic views of lapping waves and cargo ships in the distance, head to the top of the new-ish Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront for Asian street foods, sushi, and wok specialties at Orion’s Roof. On weekends, the rooftop party perched 183 feet above the Atlantic goes until 1 a.m. Down below, Tulu offers healthy seaside fare.
Around since 1927, the reimagined Cavalier Hotel is the epitome of sophistication and elegance. At its chic, lobby-level restaurant Becca, feast on lobster bruschetta, crab cakes, and its wood-grilled catch of the day. Move downstairs to enjoy rustic American fare at its handsome Hunt Room tavern, well-executed cocktails in the stylish Raleigh Room, and poolside eats at Cavalier Beach Bar (open May to October). The hotel even boasts its own distillery, where guests can taste whiskey and bourbon.
This rising seaside staple serves complex cocktails like the Pisco Disco (Macchu pisco, passion fruit liqueur, limoncello, Amaro Montenegro, cherry bitters, lemon, and sparkling water). Hot and cold tapas include goat cheese and olive tapenade, duck confit tacos, and potstickers, plus a flatbread and pasta that rotates daily.
Atlantic continues to impress oyster aficionados with bivalves prepared all sorts of ways. A namesake seafood platter ($95) showcases oysters, clams, snow crab clusters, shrimp, and lobster tail. The nautical-styled stalwart also offers caviar and blinis, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs with salmon pastrami, and a lobster roll.
Local produce, meats, fish, and seafood shine at this “coastal Southern” seasonal restaurant with three Virginia Beach locations. During the summer, Bay Local serves hand-picked crab from Virginia’s Eastern Shore and strawberries from nearby Pungo, and collard greens and kale from nearby farmers come winter. Crowd-pleasing orders include fried chicken sandwiches, grilled oyster melts, and breakfast burritos. Vintage light fixtures and reclaimed barn wood contribute to a lived-in look.
Modeled after a big ocean liner, Virginia Beach’s 10,000-square-foot adult playground pairs beach-y mojitos and beers with floor shuffleboard, bocce, and board games in a bright and tropical setting. Starters swing from lumpia to cheese curds, and mains include handhelds and flatbreads.
Virginia Beach’s Key West-loving dive, billed as “7 bars, 1 location,” just turned 25 this summer. Weekly specials include taco and tequila deals on Thursdays, fajita Fridays, Western Wednesdays with a $15 steak special, and a pup-friendly Sunday brunch. The indoor-outdoor island getaway packs in various vibes, with a huge central sand pit for corn hole.
Founded by Army veterans in 2013, Virginia Beach’s small-batch brewhouse also specializes in a famous hot chicken sandwich. Local and national touring talent take to its high-tech sound stage to put on blues and rock shows any given night of the week. The taproom pours 20 local beers on draft at a time, plus six packs, cans, and growlers available to-go. Its best-selling brews include the Young Veterans Lager and fruity DreamCycle ale.
The beach’s beloved brewery brings flavor-packed American ales, fruity seltzers, and balanced European lagers to the Virginia shore. The versatile venue in the ViBe Creative District hosts ongoing events (think: boozy book clubs, music bingo, and run clubs), chef pop-ups, and food trucks.
Husband-wife restaurant vets Tim and Kristina Chastain brought this welcoming addition to the ViBe Creative District in 2015. Nestled in an Art Deco-era building, Esoteric showcases dozens of local brews on tap alongside a stellar surf-and-turf menu full of charred octopus, duck tacos, a burger of the month, ribeye, and Southern staples like homemade pimiento cheese. Plated produce is as fresh as it gets; herbs, veggies, and fruit are plucked from an on-site garden.
Anchored in the heart of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront since 1981, Waterman’s remains a local favorite for fresh seafood and orange crushes built with vodka from woman-owned distillery Waterman Spirits.
For cones with throwback style, head to Lolly’s Creamery. With multiple locations around town, this retro ice cream shop scoops up both classic flavors like strawberry and mint chocolate chip to monthly and limited releases. The wilder options include frosted animal cookie, cheesecake brookie (a mashup of cheesecake, brownie batter, and cookie dough) or bubblegum studded with mini Chiclets.
Locals and fisherman flock to Simple Eats for all-day brunch service. Opt for the plentiful Shipwreck platter (scrambled farm eggs, sausage, peppers, home fries) or North Carolina blackened shrimp and stone-ground Virginia grits loaded with Edwards sausage and bacon. Playful drinks include mimosa (or sorbet) flights and a caprese-flavored bloody mary.
A waterfront staple since 1998, this high-energy hangout with live music donates all of its oyster shells to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to replenish local waterways. Along with its destination raw bar, the versatile menu includes tacos, jumbo fried shrimp, crabby burgers, and a dozen creative crushes in varieties like creamsicle, Ranch Water, and cherry limeade.
The catch-all menu at the Porch includes a fried flounder BLT, mains like herb-crusted rack of lamb, and selection of sushi like a Cali-Virginia roll packed with lump blue crab.
For epic views of lapping waves and cargo ships in the distance, head to the top of the new-ish Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront for Asian street foods, sushi, and wok specialties at Orion’s Roof. On weekends, the rooftop party perched 183 feet above the Atlantic goes until 1 a.m. Down below, Tulu offers healthy seaside fare.
Around since 1927, the reimagined Cavalier Hotel is the epitome of sophistication and elegance. At its chic, lobby-level restaurant Becca, feast on lobster bruschetta, crab cakes, and its wood-grilled catch of the day. Move downstairs to enjoy rustic American fare at its handsome Hunt Room tavern, well-executed cocktails in the stylish Raleigh Room, and poolside eats at Cavalier Beach Bar (open May to October). The hotel even boasts its own distillery, where guests can taste whiskey and bourbon.
This rising seaside staple serves complex cocktails like the Pisco Disco (Macchu pisco, passion fruit liqueur, limoncello, Amaro Montenegro, cherry bitters, lemon, and sparkling water). Hot and cold tapas include goat cheese and olive tapenade, duck confit tacos, and potstickers, plus a flatbread and pasta that rotates daily.
Atlantic continues to impress oyster aficionados with bivalves prepared all sorts of ways. A namesake seafood platter ($95) showcases oysters, clams, snow crab clusters, shrimp, and lobster tail. The nautical-styled stalwart also offers caviar and blinis, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs with salmon pastrami, and a lobster roll.
Local produce, meats, fish, and seafood shine at this “coastal Southern” seasonal restaurant with three Virginia Beach locations. During the summer, Bay Local serves hand-picked crab from Virginia’s Eastern Shore and strawberries from nearby Pungo, and collard greens and kale from nearby farmers come winter. Crowd-pleasing orders include fried chicken sandwiches, grilled oyster melts, and breakfast burritos. Vintage light fixtures and reclaimed barn wood contribute to a lived-in look.
Modeled after a big ocean liner, Virginia Beach’s 10,000-square-foot adult playground pairs beach-y mojitos and beers with floor shuffleboard, bocce, and board games in a bright and tropical setting. Starters swing from lumpia to cheese curds, and mains include handhelds and flatbreads.
Virginia Beach’s Key West-loving dive, billed as “7 bars, 1 location,” just turned 25 this summer. Weekly specials include taco and tequila deals on Thursdays, fajita Fridays, Western Wednesdays with a $15 steak special, and a pup-friendly Sunday brunch. The indoor-outdoor island getaway packs in various vibes, with a huge central sand pit for corn hole.
Founded by Army veterans in 2013, Virginia Beach’s small-batch brewhouse also specializes in a famous hot chicken sandwich. Local and national touring talent take to its high-tech sound stage to put on blues and rock shows any given night of the week. The taproom pours 20 local beers on draft at a time, plus six packs, cans, and growlers available to-go. Its best-selling brews include the Young Veterans Lager and fruity DreamCycle ale.
The beach’s beloved brewery brings flavor-packed American ales, fruity seltzers, and balanced European lagers to the Virginia shore. The versatile venue in the ViBe Creative District hosts ongoing events (think: boozy book clubs, music bingo, and run clubs), chef pop-ups, and food trucks.
Husband-wife restaurant vets Tim and Kristina Chastain brought this welcoming addition to the ViBe Creative District in 2015. Nestled in an Art Deco-era building, Esoteric showcases dozens of local brews on tap alongside a stellar surf-and-turf menu full of charred octopus, duck tacos, a burger of the month, ribeye, and Southern staples like homemade pimiento cheese. Plated produce is as fresh as it gets; herbs, veggies, and fruit are plucked from an on-site garden.
Anchored in the heart of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront since 1981, Waterman’s remains a local favorite for fresh seafood and orange crushes built with vodka from woman-owned distillery Waterman Spirits.
For cones with throwback style, head to Lolly’s Creamery. With multiple locations around town, this retro ice cream shop scoops up both classic flavors like strawberry and mint chocolate chip to monthly and limited releases. The wilder options include frosted animal cookie, cheesecake brookie (a mashup of cheesecake, brownie batter, and cookie dough) or bubblegum studded with mini Chiclets.
The cost of solar panels in Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
EnergySagehttps://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-panel-cost/va/virginia-beach-city-county/virginia-beach/
Written by: Emily Walker How much do solar panels cost in Virginia Beach, VA in 2024? $12,612 or lessMarket Average...
Written by: Emily Walker
How much do solar panels cost in Virginia Beach, VA in 2024?
$12,612 or less
Market Average
$14,838
$17,064 or more
| System Size | System Cost | System Cost (after ITC) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | $8,903 | $6,232 |
| 4 kW | $11,871 | $8,310 |
| 5 kW | $14,838 | $10,387 |
| 6 kW | $17,806 | $12,464 |
| 7 kW | $20,774 | $14,542 |
| 8 kW | $23,742 | $16,619 |
| 9 kW | $26,709 | $18,696 |
| 10 kW | $29,677 | $20,774 |
See how Virginia Beach, VA solar prices compare to other states
20-Year Savings
$34,448
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For longtime residents in Virginia Beach's Seatack, historic recognition means everything: 'It shows that we matter'
13newsnow.comhttps://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/virginia-beach/virginia-beach-seatack-neighborhood-gets-historic-recognition/291-162a5055-7b18-45d9-bfc7-930fd8838782
In Seatack, families can trace their lineage back generations, and in some cases even back as early as the 1800s.VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Living underneath the daily roar of Naval Air Station Oceana’s fighter jets may sound like a nuisance. But generations have learned to love all that comes with living along Birdneck Road because roots run deep in Virginia Beach's Seatack neighborhood.Stepping into a Sunday service ...
In Seatack, families can trace their lineage back generations, and in some cases even back as early as the 1800s.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Living underneath the daily roar of Naval Air Station Oceana’s fighter jets may sound like a nuisance. But generations have learned to love all that comes with living along Birdneck Road because roots run deep in Virginia Beach's Seatack neighborhood.
Stepping into a Sunday service at one of the longtime historic congregations in the community is like stepping into the past. Stepping back in time to when everybody knew everybody and nobody was a stranger.
"I tried living a couple places, Florida, Washington D.C., Maryland, but I always had sand in my shoes and came back home," Donnie Gregory told 13News Now.
Gregory, who's lived in Seatack for almost seven decades, is the man you'll hear behind the microphone at St. Stephen's Church of God in Christ.
It's the same congregation he's attended since childhood.
"I guess I was so used to the camaraderie in this community, that fellowship with family. My family is here, I guess I’m addicted to that type of relationship," he said.
Like many who call Seatack home, he’s lived here a long time and lived through a lot of change.
“We [family] tended about 100 acres, my dad had a vegetable farm when he first started out on Newtown Road three times a week he had a mule and wagon," said Simuel Johns, who turned 98 last year.
In Seatack, families can trace their lineage back generations, and in some cases even back as early as the 1800s.
The historic African American community prospered in Princess Anne County, miles away in the shadow of a segregated Virginia Beach Oceanfront. As Princess Anne County dissolved into the expansion of the city of Virginia Beach, the Seatack community grew as well, growing as a self-sustaining community of African Americans through the mid-1900s.
“We had to stop and eat at the back doors, separate bathrooms at the Greyhound station," said longtime resident Rosa Boone.
"Segregation to think about back to those days, it was tough. I'm not going to lie, cops were hard to Black people," Johns said.
Residents have long known their history matters, now it’s officially in the record books.
“A community that’s still like small local communities used to be," said Mark Reed, the historical planning commissioner for the City of Virginia Beach. "Today in our neighborhoods we don’t know the neighbors next to us. Here, they know just about everyone.”
In December, Seatack landed on Virginia's landmark registrar of historic places through the Department of Historic Resources.
RELATED: Virginia Beach's Seatack community added to Virginia Landmarks Register
It “obviously instills pride,” said Reed. “In particular, recognizing African American resources and communities… because they’ve been overlooked for a long time.”
The honor opens the door for historical tax credits and federal protections for the community.
“Getting it on the record like it is now… it means everything. Maybe it stops some of these people coming into our community with ideas that doesn’t mirror our community,” added Gregory.
But more than anything, it’s a symbol that Seatack’s residents embody what it means to be living history.
“It shows we matter," said Boone.
Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts: What to know about inaugural Virginia Beach music festival
13newsnow.comhttps://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/virginia-beach/oceanfront-ready-for-audacy-music-festival-crowds/291-7e0e0a95-2e8d-4cb3-9e34-06e5cecd2ca5
On Thursday, crews spent hours setting up the main stage on the beach next to Neptune's Park, where famous artists like Juicy J and NLE Chopper will perform.VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Crews, crowds and local businesses are gearing up for the inaugural Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts, which kicks off this we...
On Thursday, crews spent hours setting up the main stage on the beach next to Neptune's Park, where famous artists like Juicy J and NLE Chopper will perform.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Crews, crowds and local businesses are gearing up for the inaugural Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts, which kicks off this weekend at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
On Thursday, crews spent hours setting up the main stage on the beach next to Neptune's Park, where famous hip-hop artists like Juicy J, Tee Grizzly and NLE Chopper will perform, starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
"The crowds are fun. We've been around them before, so we'll just see how it is coming in and out," said concert attendee Aubree Midgett, who attended Something in the Water music festival last year.
The three-day live music event — which is happening on the same weekend SITW festival has previously taken place — will also feature free music at the 17th and 24th street stages. A huge lineup of local artists will perform there each day from noon to 5 p.m., when gates open for the main concert area.
Organizers say the concert series is aimed toward college-aged students, but the concerts are open to all ages. Guests over the age of two must have a ticket, and an adult must accompany minors.
Virginia Beach officials are not sure how much money the concert series will bring in for the city, since it is the inaugural event, but they said they plan to study it once the event is over. One thing is for sure: big crowds are expected! And that means more business for Oceanfront restaurants and less available parking for people going to the beach.
"It's always exciting to get people down here to see our beach and enjoy all the great restaurants on the Oceanfront," said Eddie's Seafood Restaurant manager Debbie Lou Hague.
"Parking is one thing Virginia Beach lacks," said Jimmy Holt, who manages an Atlantic Avenue parking lot. He said that although his parking lot was empty Thursday, he expects all 130 spaces to be filled over the weekend.
Who is performing at Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts and when?
Here's a breakdown of the schedule, according to Z104's Instagram.
Friday:
Saturday:
Traffic impacts, where to find parking at Virginia Beach Oceanfront
According to Visit Virginia Beach, municipal parking lots are also available and can be found on Atlantic Avenue at 4th Street, Rudee Loop, 2nd Street, and Croatan Beach. The lots charge a daily fee from April 1 to October 31. The municipal parking garages are located on Pacific Avenue at 9th Street, 25th Street, and 31st Street. The maximum fee for the day at any of the garage locations is $20 unless staying overnight. (Croatan is free from October 1 to March 31)
RELATED: Audacy Concert weekend at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront: Where to find parking
On-street metered parking can also be found throughout the resort area, which is $2 per hour from April 1 through October 31.
Visit Virginia Beach says to call 757-385-4800 for additional parking information at the Oceanfront.
Attendees can find info about parking and prohibited items on Audacy's website.
Future of Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center remains uncertain
13newsnow.comhttps://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/virginia-beach/virginia-beach-city-council-talks-future-of-virginia-aquarium-marine-center/291-cab10ce7-587e-490a-9e70-5aab00d6e890
For nearly a year, Virginia Beach City Council has been exploring future options for the sustainability of the aquarium.More VideosVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — During a presentation on Tuesday, Virginia Beach City Council members discussed plans to change the ownership of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center...
For nearly a year, Virginia Beach City Council has been exploring future options for the sustainability of the aquarium.
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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — During a presentation on Tuesday, Virginia Beach City Council members discussed plans to change the ownership of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
Members did not vote on anything Tuesday afternoon. However, city officials say they presented options to find a "sustainable future" for the aquarium.
Currently, the aquarium is a private-public partnership. The city owns the land and hires employees, while the Aquarium Foundation owns the animals and exhibits.
The current economic model that the aquarium and city use is not sustainable as it stands now, according to Virginia Beach Assistant City Manager Monica Croskey. Virginia Beach currently subsidizes the aquarium around $7.4 million annually.
The presentation also laid out the results of a public survey. That survey, according to the City of Virginia Beach, revealed most people were supportive of any plan to keep the aquarium.
One question the city did not ask was "If people would be OK with a tax increase when it comes to expanding the aquarium?"
The four models discussed are just plans at the moment — no action has been taken.
The first plan discussed maintaining the status quo. But even then, Croskey says the centers' needs aren't being met.
The second option, also known as Reduced Scope, would provide funding at a significantly lower level than the aquarium asked for.
Meanwhile, the third option known as Original Scope would significantly increase funding for the operation and expansion of the aquarium.
The fourth and final option discussed was to explore an alternative partnership model. Virginia Beach formally submitted a request for information from potentially interested parties. Three companies responded.
ZoOceanarium — which operates in St. Louis, Missouri and Dallas, Texas — is the latest to express interest.
Another interested company is Ripley Entertainment. It's based out of Canada and has three accredited aquariums in Toronto, Canada; Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Ripley Entertainment's portfolio features "Believe or Not" and "Guinness World Record." They also have experience in marine science but not stranding — which is a major goal of Virginia Aquarium.
A third potential owner is Hershcend Enterprises, which has aquariums close to Cincinnati, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Vancouver, Canada. They operate one of the largest mammal rescue operations in the world. They also own parks and brands like "Dollywood" and "The Harlem Globetrotters."
City council members did not come to a decision Tuesday, saying further conversations need to happen. Councilmembers also discussed visiting other aquariums and talking with the Virginia Aquarium Foundation before making a final decision.
The entire presentation can be viewed here.
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