2025 Hurricane Season Preparation

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As hurricane season approaches, from June 1 to November 30, preparedness is more important than ever. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a 60 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season in 2025, with the potential for 6 to 10 hurricanes producing winds of 74 mph or higher. By taking proactive steps now, we can help safeguard Newport News and reduce the potential impact of these powerful storms.

Some Ways to Prepare:

  • Stay Informed: Monitor emergency alerts and local news for updates.
  • Support Your Neighbors: Reach out to neighbors who may require extra help preparing for a storm.
  • Gather Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essentials such as medications, water, nonperishable food, flashlights, disinfectant supplies, and extra batteries. There should be three days worth of food and water per person in your emergency supply kit.
  • Plan for Your Pets: Ensure you have at least a three-day supply of food and water for each pet, along with any necessary medications.
  • Know Your Evacuation Zone: Understand your evacuation routes and decide where you would go in case of an emergency. For detailed information on evacuation zones, click here. First, select the “Find Your Evacuation Zone” button, then go to the “Emergency Management” tab.

Taking a few simple steps now, such as knowing your evacuation zone, gathering essential supplies, and staying informed, can make a big difference during a hurricane. Don’t wait for the storm to start preparing. Stay proactive, stay safe, and be ready.

What You Need to Know About Short-Term Rentals in Newport News

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Warm weather, busy travel plans, and local events make this a popular time for short-term rentals in Newport News. If you’re planning to list your home—or even a room—on a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, there’s an important step you need to take: Acquire a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit.

To support safe and well-managed neighborhoods and provide clear guidelines for property owners, the City of Newport News adopted a short-term rental ordinance in 2022 that requires all short-term rental (STR) operators to obtain a permit.

We’re here to help you stay informed and make compliance easy because when everyone follows the rules, our whole city benefits.

Why Does This Matter?

Operating a short-term rental without a permit is a violation of the Newport News Zoning Ordinance Section 45-517.1. Permits ensure that all STR properties meet important zoning and public safety standards, protecting guests, neighbors, and your investment.

For the past couple of years, the city has offered a grace period to encourage voluntary compliance—but moving forward, active enforcement is underway. We’re promoting the policy now to give you the time and tools to meet the requirements with confidence.

Easy Steps to Get Compliant

Getting permitted is simple—and we’ve created tools to make it even easier:

  1. Download the Short-Term Rental Application and Checklist
  2. Review the helpful permit checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information.
  3. Submit your completed application and materials to: [email protected]

Need assistance?

  • Call the Department of Planning at 757-926-8761, email [email protected], or simply dial 311 to be directed to the right city resource. We’re happy to walk you through the process!

Hosting Responsibly = A Win for Everyone

Whether you’re renting out your home for a few weekends or the entire season, adhering to the short-term rental policy helps maintain the quality of life in our neighborhoods and ensures that guests have a safe and positive experience in Newport News.

Avoid headaches later by taking care of the permit now—and help us keep our community thriving and welcoming for all.

Key Reminders:

  • All short-term rentals (less than 30 days) require a permit—this includes listings through online platforms.
  • If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, please reach out. We’re here to help.
  • Stay ahead of enforcement. A permit now means peace of mind all season long.

Resources at Your Fingertips:

Don’t know where to start? Call 311 and we’ll connect you to the right person.

  • Phone support: 757-926-8761

Let’s work together to keep short-term rentals safe, well-managed, and fully permitted in Newport News.

Traffic Shift Scheduled to Begin on I-64 West at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard and on I-64 East at Hampton Roads Center Parkway

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Lanes shifted as early as May 19 on I-64 west near the J. Clyde Morris Blvd overpass. Use the shoulder lane when merging to I-64 west from the on-ramp from J. Clyde Morris Blvd. Learn more about two upcoming shifts here. Be prepared for additional delays during high traffic volume times.

Memorial Day 2025 City Closures

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In observance of Memorial Day, Newport News will be closing several municipal offices and adjusting hours for public services.

City Offices – Closed Monday, May 26.

City Libraries — Closed Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26.

Recreation Centers — Huntington Park Beach will be open Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27).

Community Centers Brittingham-Midtown, Courthouse Way, Denbigh, Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, and Riverview Gymnastics Center. – Closed Monday May 26.

Garbage, recycling and bulk waste collections – No collections on Monday, May 26. All collections for the week will be delayed one day, i.e., Monday’s collections will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday’s on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and Thursday’s on Friday.

There will be NO holiday collection delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers.

Recovery Operations Center (i.e., convenience/drop-off center) – closed Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter — (Serves the residents of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and York County) — Operating Hours on Monday, May 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for the Reunite Lobby and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. for the Adoption Center.

Street Sweeping on Friday 5/23

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It’s been officially spring, and that means it’s time for the city’s annual spring cleaning! The Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department began street sweeping operations on Monday, April 8, and will continue through mid-October, weather permitting. Village Green is in Section E from the map. Section E’s scheduled dates are: May 19-23; Jul 28-31; and Oct 13-17. Village Green already has a sign up at our entrance for the streets to be swept Friday, May 23.

Street sweeping plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of our local waterways by removing accumulated debris and pollutants, such as sand, salt, metals, petroleum products, and bacteria, before they enter the storm drains. This season, the city is deploying ten mechanical street sweepers at regularly scheduled times to clear debris from city-maintained roads. In 2023 alone, 20,085 miles of curbs were swept and 6,558 dump truck loads of debris were removed from city streets.

Please be mindful of the bright signs posted on major streets leading into neighborhoods, indicating temporary parking restrictions for street sweeping.

On street sweeping days, ensure that vehicles, basketball goals, and other bulk items are off the streets by 9 a.m.; parking may resume after 3 p.m.

For a detailed street sweeping schedule and more information about the program, please visit the Public Works Website or call 757-933-2311.

REAL ID Requirements Take Effect May 7

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As we move closer to the federal REAL ID deadline, it’s important to be aware of new identification requirements that may affect your travel and access to certain federal facilities.

You’ll need a REAL ID (or another federally accepted form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID) to:

  • Board a domestic flight
  • Enter a secure federal facility
  • Enter a military base (some may already require this)

If you choose to keep a standard license or ID, it will be marked with “Federal Limits Apply” at your next renewal. While it’s still valid for driving and general identification purposes, it will not be accepted for federally regulated purposes listed above after May 7.

For more details, including a list of acceptable documents and frequently asked questions, visit the Virginia DMV’s REAL ID webpage.

Get Ready to Celebrate: Cinco de Mayo Block Party

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City Center’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party is back! The event returns Saturday, May 3 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. held at City Center at Oyster Point, 704 Mariners Row. Come celebrate with friends and family as the spirit of Cinco de Mayo comes to life.

This event is free to the public and welcomes all ages. There is something for everyone to enjoy, even leashed dogs.

Highlights Include:

  • Music from DJ Rocky and DJ Macky Pro
  • Sip & Stroll: Guests can order beverages from participating restaurants then sip drinks while taking a stroll down Mariners Row, dance, play games, and shop from local craft vendors
  • Bachata Vida Salsa Dance Lessons – From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Take in the art at Contemporary Art Network’s latest exhibition
  • Board Games
  • Free face painting for the kids

 

Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family an experience you won’t want to miss.

For more information, visit the City Center website.

Long-Term I-64 Lane Closures Scheduled to Begin in Newport News

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Beginning as early as May 5, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will implement long-term lane closures on I-64 in Newport News as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment project. These closures are expected to continue through early 2026.

Key Details:

  • Locations Affected: I-64 at the J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (Exit 258) overpass and near Hampton Roads Center Parkway (Exit 261).​
  • Lane Closures: One inside lane in each direction will be closed, reducing travel lanes from four to three. Traffic will be shifted toward the outside of the roadway.​
  • Ramp Closures: Overnight closures of the I-64 east and west on-ramps from J. Clyde Morris Boulevard and Hampton Roads Center Parkway are scheduled during the implementation of the new traffic pattern, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs, and drive distraction-free.

Click here to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts, and to sign up to receive project updates.

757 Sober Rides for Cinco de Mayo

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Drive Safe Hampton Roads Offering 757 Sober Rides for Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a time of celebration but it’s also a time to make smart choices. To help keep our roads safe, Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is once again sponsoring the 757 Sober Ride program for Cinco de Mayo.

How It Works

  • Download the Lyft app to your smartphone.
  • Access the special promo code starting at 6 p.m. on May 5 to access the special promo code.
  • In the Lyft app, go to the “Payment” section, then select “Add Lyft Pass.”
  • Enter the promo code provided to claim your free ride home (up to $15).

The offer is only valid for rides that begin or end in the Hampton Roads area and only while promo code supplies last. Standard Lyft Terms of Service apply. Whether you’re heading out to a party, a restaurant, or a local event, be sure to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving.

Newport News Election 2025

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In-person, early voting, and ballot drop-off stations will be available at the following locations for the Tuesday, June 17 Primaries:

  • City Hall, 2400 Washington Ave. 6th floor.
  • City Center, Fountain Plaza II, 700 Town Center Dr. 1st floor conference room.
  • Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd. Room 152

City Hall in-person early voting begins Friday, May 2 and will continue Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

City Center, Fountain Plaza II in-person early voting will begin Tuesday, May 6 and will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Denbigh Community Center in-person early voting will begin Monday, June 2, and continues Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

All three locations will be open on Saturday, June 7, and Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Important Dates

  • May 27 – Last day to register to vote for the June 17 Primary by 5 p.m.
  • June 6 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by 5 p.m.
  • June 14 – Last day of in-person early voting.
  • June 17 – Election Day polls open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.