Category: Local

BUSCH GARDENS OFFERS FREE ADMISSION TO MILITARY

Busch Gardens offers free one-day admission to veterans and up to three guests for Military Appreciation Month.

Active-duty military and their guests already receive free one-day admission year-round.

These offers are part of the United Parks & Resorts’ long-standing Waves of Honor program.

The program salutes military members and families with special pricing and promotions.

Busch Gardens has provided complimentary access to over 10 million military guests through Waves of Honor for more than 20 years.

Eligible veterans and retirees must register online at WavesofHonor.com before May 11.

Veteran tickets must be redeemed by July 6.

A valid military ID is required to participate in the program.

Additional year-round discounts for military are available through MWR/ITT offices and WavesofHonor.com.

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Busch Gardens Offers Free Park Admission to Active-Duty, Veterans and Families for Military Appreciation Month

SPARK COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT HELPS WJCC STUDENTS

A 9-year-old girl named Quinn Eppright and her family started a new nonprofit.
This was inspired by Quinn’s classmate being bullied for not having clean clothes.
The family learned the student lived in a hotel without laundry access.
Their nonprofit, Spark Community Empowerment, will support a laundry token program for WJCC Schools.
They will also collect clothing for a back-to-school distribution event.
Their first fundraiser, a family bingo night, is scheduled for May 16 at WISC.
Prizes for the bingo night include Busch Gardens tickets and WISC camp tuition.
A clothing and new undergarment drive is also running until May 16.
The aim is to boost student confidence and reduce the impact of hardship.

Source:

Local 9-Year-Old and Family Start New Community-Based Nonprofit to Help WJCC Students in Need

VIRGINIA FLOOD INSURANCE AND RISK RISING

Flood insurance costs are dramatically rising in Virginia due to a new FEMA rating system.
Flood risk is also increasing across the state, particularly in coastal areas like Virginia Beach.
Only 3% of Virginia homeowners currently have flood insurance, despite the growing risk.
FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 uses property-specific data like structure, value, and location, replacing the old elevation-based system.
Critics argue Risk Rating 2.0 has significantly increased premiums and doesn’t adequately reward mitigation efforts.
A lawsuit challenging the new rates was dismissed despite claims of dramatic price hikes for some policyholders.
Virginia residents could see an average 45% increase in their flood insurance premiums.
Over 28% of homes in Virginia could face some level of flood risk in the next 30 years.
Communities can participate in the Community Rating System to potentially lower policy costs.

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Virginia Flood Insurance Cost ‘Dramatically’ Rising, as is Flood Risk

WARHILL HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS THE LITTLE MERMAID

Warhill High School will present its spring musical, ‘The Little Mermaid’.
Performances are scheduled for May 2-4.
Director Jacob Noble selected the show to be a family-friendly event for the community.
Senior Ashley Remmert plays the lead role of Ariel.
Senior Ava Shird portrays the villain Ursula.
The production features participation from approximately 60 cast members, 25 tech crew, and 30 pit orchestra students.
Students are highly involved in various roles including directing, choreography, and design.
Showtimes are May 2 at 7 pm, May 3 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and May 4 at 2 pm.
Tickets can be purchased online.

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Warhill High School to Present ‘The Little Mermaid’ May 2-4

VIRGINIA FLOOD RISK AND INSURANCE COSTS RISING

Flood risk is rising in Virginia, causing significant damage like that from Hurricane Helene.
Despite increasing risk, only 3% of Virginia homeowners have flood insurance.
FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 system is dramatically increasing flood insurance costs.
The new system uses property details like value and location to set rates, not just elevation zones.
Critics argue the higher costs are unaffordable and don’t reward flood mitigation efforts.
The average flood insurance cost in Virginia is projected to rise by 45%.
Over 28% of Virginia homes face flood risk in the next 30 years, with coastal areas especially vulnerable.

Source:

Virginia Flood Insurance Cost ‘Dramatically’ Rising, as is Flood Risk

WARHILL HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS THE LITTLE MERMAID

Warhill High School will stage its spring musical “The Little Mermaid” from May 2-4.
Based on the Disney film, the show tells the story of mermaid Ariel’s desire to live on land.
Director Jacob Noble chose the musical to be a family-friendly show for the community.
Senior Ashley Remmert stars as Ariel, describing it as a dream role.
Senior Ava Shird plays the villainous Ursula.
The production features a large student cast, tech crew, and pit orchestra.
Students are heavily involved in key areas like vocal coaching, choreography, and technical design.
Performance times are Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at warhill.booktix.com.

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Warhill High School to Present ‘The Little Mermaid’ May 2-4

BUSCH GARDENS LAUNCHES NEW HEALTH INITIATIVES

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is introducing new health initiatives.

New signs detail mileage and inclines throughout the park.

The signs were created by the operations team based on guest inquiries about steps.

A new Food & Wine Festival 5K called Sip, Savor, and Sprint will take place on May 4th.

The early morning race runs through the park and parking lot.

Finishers will receive a medal, t-shirt, and access to a post-race party.

The 5K is a partnership with Flat-Out Events.

Registration is open with options including park admission.

Source:

Busch Gardens Debuts New Fitness Signs Ahead of Upcoming Food & Wine 5K Race

Constance “Connie” Marie Butler, 58, of Williamsburg, passed away in her home on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Born March 11, 1967, she was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her faith, twenty-four years of service at 7-11 Stores, six years at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and love for shopping and spending time with family and friends.

Shirley Louise White, 88, of Newport News passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25, 2025. A Graveside Service will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Raymond L. Fletcher, 79, of Hampton, a retired USAF Master Sergeant and Vietnam veteran, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Newport News Elks Club 315.