Residents are Encouraged to Complete NNFD Community Engagement Survey

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The Newport News Fire Department (NNFD) is calling on local residents to complete an important survey that will help shape the future of fire and emergency services in the community. As part of a strategic planning process, the department seeks input from residents to ensure it continues to meet the needs of those it serves. Community feedback is vital in helping to prioritize the services that are most important to the public.

The survey is quick and easy to complete, and it will remain open until March 31. This is a great opportunity for residents to make their voices heard and help the department better serve everyone in the community.

Residents can access the survey online.

President’s Day Holiday Closings & Schedules

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The city will observe President’s Day on Monday, Feb. 17. Here’s a look at how city offices, facilities, and services will be impacted.

City Offices and libraries  — Closed Monday, Feb. 17.

Recreation Centers — Operating on normal schedule.

Garbage, Recycling & Bulk Waste Collections — No collections on Monday, Feb. 17. All collections for Village Green will be Tuesday, Feb. 18.

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

Recovery Operations Center (convenience/drop-off center) — Closed Saturday, Feb. 15 and Monday, Feb. 17.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter — (Serves the residents of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and York County) — Operating on normal schedule.

Loose Leaf Collection Update

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From the City of Newport News: We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to complete the loose-leaf collection. Due to unforeseen delays, we are currently behind schedule. To ensure all areas are serviced, we will be extending collection hours, working on weekends, and utilizing other city staff to augment crews currently working. Our crews are making every effort to expedite the process, and we estimate the final collection date to begin in late February. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to complete the collection as quickly as possible.

To find out more information on the leaf collection progress, please call 311 or visit the Leaf Collection Progress tracker.

Need a few volunteers to help with split rail fencing

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It is going on 12 years since Andy Fry’s Eagle Scout project where the split rail fencing was replaced (THANK YOU).

We are looking for a few volunteers to assist with replacing the split rail fencing along the access paths on Prescott, Plymouth, Valley Forge, and Brandywine.  The goal is to have it completed by mid May.  Send email to [email protected] if you can assist with the project.  If you cannot assist and would rather help with the funding, please let the board as well at [email protected].

Fix/replace split rail fencing on access paths leading to the VGCA park

    • VOLUNTEER(S) NEEDED for this.
    • Prescott, Plymouth, Valley Forge, and Brandywine
    • VGCA will provide materials as determined by volunteer(s).
    • TARGET DATE: by mid May

Here are few pictures of the disrepair.

MLK Holiday Closings, Schedules

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The City of Newport News will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 20. Here’s a look at how city offices, facilities, and services will be impacted.

City offices and libraries — Closed Monday, Jan. 20.

Recreation Centers — Operating on normal schedule.

Garbage, Recycling, Bulk Waste Collections — No collections on Monday, Jan. 20. All collections for the week will be delayed by one day. There will be no holiday collection delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers.

Recovery Operations Center (convenience/drop-off center) — Closed Saturday, Jan. 18, and Monday, Jan. 20.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (Serves Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, York County) — On Monday, Jan. 20, the shelter will be open for adoptions from noon – 5 p.m. and the Reunite Center will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

City Prepares for Another Weekend of Winter Weather

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As the second consecutive weekend of winter weather approaches, Newport News is stepping up efforts to keep residents safe in the face of a forecasted storm. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures are expected to cause hazardous conditions, prompting the city to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact on the community.

Public Works crews have been treating roads with salt and de-icing materials, preparing for another round of icy conditions. Newport News’ Emergency Operations Team is monitoring the weather closely and will continue to provide updates on changing conditions.

Winter Weather Safety Tips

  • Stay Informed: Stay connected through local news, the city’s website, or social media for real-time weather updates and important alerts.
  • Travel Cautiously: If travel is necessary, be sure your vehicle is equipped with winter essentials such as snow tires, blankets, food, and a flashlight. Avoid non-essential travel whenever possible.
  • Prepare Your Home: Keep emergency supplies like extra blankets, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and non-perishable food on hand in case of power outages.
  • Check on Neighbors: Help elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance with snow removal or preparing for the cold.
  • Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: If you encounter downed power lines, stay at least 30 feet away and report them to authorities immediately.

Shelters and Resources

  • The Four Oaks Day Service Center (7401 Warwick Blvd.) will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to provide warm shelter and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • The PORT Winter Shelter, operated by LINK of Hampton Roads, offers overnight relief from the cold from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. The current PORT site is First Baptist Church Newport News (12716 Warwick Blvd.) and will remain in place through Tuesday, Jan. 14.
  • Parks and Recreation facilities are closed on Saturday, Jan. 11.
  • Libraries are closed on Saturday, Jan. 11.
  • Recovery Operations Center (ROC) is closed on Saturday, Jan. 11, and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 13 at 8 a.m.
  • Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) is closed on Saturday, Jan. 11; however, the Reunite Center will be open from 10 a.m. – noon.

Stay Informed

Please remember: Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

Ambassador Pass: Free Attraction Admission for City Employees, Residents

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The 2025 Newport News Ambassador Passes are now available! This pass allows Newport News residents and city employees the opportunity to visit eight Newport News attractions for FREE starting Jan. 13. Each pass is good for two adults and two children. Ambassador passes are also available to Fort Eustis active-duty military and spouses, Christopher Newport University students, and retired city employees.

To learn more, including distribution locations and attraction schedules go to visitnewportnews.com.

Please call the Newport News Visitor Center at 757-886-7777 with any questions.

Winter Storm Brings Potential for Roadway Impacts to Hampton Roads

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Travelers with destinations beyond Hampton Roads should continue to monitor conditions along their entire route, as forecasts may be more severe in different parts of the state.

Due to the threat of winter weather impacts on the region, motorists traveling into and around Hampton Roads should stay alert for potentially hazardous road conditions throughout this weekend and continuing into early next week. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District personnel stand ready to respond with needed materials and equipment to address possible road impacts.

Beginning the morning of Saturday, Jan. 4, crews will start pretreating the district’s interstates and state-maintained primary roads with work continuing until sunset and resuming on Sunday, Jan. 5, until complete. Drivers are urged to stay alert for slow-moving, mobile operations this weekend, giving extra space around any trucks or equipment they may encounter on the roads. Slower travel speeds are required to apply pretreatment onto the road with precision, and to ensure an adequate amount is absorbed in the pavement.

Motorists are encouraged to travel as needed on Saturday, Jan. 4 and should monitor changing weather and road conditions throughout the duration of the inclement weather while being prepared to limit non-essential travel within the district and statewide, should roadway conditions warrant. The Hampton Roads region is predicted to see cold temperatures dipping below or at-freezing with rain, sleet, or snow possible in some areas.

While traveling, motorists should exercise caution, reduce speed and provide extra following distance to ensure safety. Travelers with destinations beyond Hampton Roads should monitor conditions along their entire route, as forecasts may be more severe in different parts of the state, particularly along the I-81 and I-95 corridors, as well as the Fredericksburg, Staunton, Culpeper and Northern Virginia regions.

Crews will work to clear and treat the interstate and state-maintained roadways as needed. Continued treatment operations will include spreading of sand and salt, as needed, on icy patches or slick spots to improve traction.

VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads in Hampton Roads. Individual municipalities maintain their own primary and secondary routes.

Winter weather preparations across the state are underway for interstates and state-maintained roads. District-specific travel alerts and storm information can be found at www.vdot.virginia.gov/news-events/news/.

If travel is unavoidable:

  • Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov/ for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
  • Give crews time and space to treat roads.
  • If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
  • Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
  • Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
  • Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
  • Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.

Resources:

  • Free 511 Virginia Tools — Get the latest traffic conditions before traveling by calling 511, or visiting 511.vdot.virginia.gov/ You also can download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app at Apple and Android app stores.
  • 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) — Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.
  • Social — Follow on X at @VaDOTHR and @511statewideva for the latest traffic and road updates during a storm.

For more winter driving information, visit www.vdot.virginia.gov/travel-traffic/driver-safety/weather/.

Photo:  Example of a VDOT truck engaged in pretreatment activities in advance of expected potential for roadway impacts from ice and snow.

Bring Christmas Trees to ROC

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The Recovery Operations Center (ROC) is a great place to bring your Christmas tree. There, it will be turned into mulch and compost, which will be sold to the general public.

Bring your natural Christmas tree – free of all tinsel, ornaments, and lights – to the ROC Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 520 Atkinson Boulevard, just one mile north of Denbigh Boulevard.

Learn more about ROC services, including this year’s loose leaf collection schedule, by visiting www.nnva.gov/909/Recovery-Operations-Center or calling 757-933-2311.

Lifeguards needed for Village Green pool

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We are looking to start pay at $12.75/hr for entry level certified lifeguards and $13+/hr for more experienced lifeguards.   We will have a limited number of lifeguard spots available this year, so please get your application in as soon as possible (even if you are not certified yet).

If you are interested in being a lifeguard with VGCA, please fill out the application located here:

https://vgnn.org/lifeguard_application