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The Williamsburg Youth Orchestra and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra will perform a side-by-side concert on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Williamsburg Community Chapel, giving students a chance to perform alongside professionals and gain experience.

CarMax Park project is underway in Richmond’s Diamond District. A new 26-unit condo development is underway on Libbie Avenue in Richmond. A six-story apartment building is underway near the Maury Street roundabout in Richmond. Conversations about new schools, housing developments, and infrastructure are gaining traction throughout Virginia.

Williamsburg restaurant owner Neil Griggs opposes the City Council’s proposed increases to meal, admission, and water taxes in the 2026 budget. Griggs argues the tax hikes disregard the current economic struggles, declining tourism, and businesses lowering prices to survive. He states raising taxes will make Williamsburg less attractive for entrepreneurs and could lead to more national chains. Griggs urges residents to contact the City Council to advocate for sustainable solutions instead of tax increases.

The Williamsburg Garden Club thanked homeowners, volunteers, city departments, and partners for making the recent Historic Garden Week tour a success in Williamsburg. Proceeds support historic garden preservation efforts. The next tour is scheduled for April 17-24, 2026.
Nancy Bolash raised concerns about the decline of Williamsburg’s downtown historic neighborhoods near William & Mary due to increased rentals, arguing that their viability is essential for events like Historic Garden Week.

FREE CONCERTS RETURN TO BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is hosting a series of free summer concerts.
The concerts are included with park admission.
They take place at the Royal Palace Theatre at 7 p.m.
Shows are on select Saturdays through August 2.
Announced performers include Matthew West on May 3 and The Commodores on May 17.
More artists will be revealed later.
The series is starting earlier this year for the park’s 50th anniversary.

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Free Summer Concerts Return at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG PREMIUM OUTLETS ADDS NEW STORES

Williamsburg Premium Outlets announced several new stores opening this May. New additions include The NES Family Entertainment Venue for games and casual dining. The Pampered Bath offers handcrafted natural bath and body products. Tabitha Sewer is a hands-on makerspace for sewing and crafting. Williamsburg Vintique Bazaar features vintage and antique items. Yankee Candle has also relocated and remodeled its store. These stores add variety from family entertainment to unique finds and self-care.

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Williamsburg Premium Outlets Announces New Stores Opening This May

A 13-year-old male student was charged with felony possession of a firearm on school property after bringing an unloaded semi-automatic pistol to Grafton Middle School around 11 a.m. Friday. School administrators and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office found the handgun after students reported it. The student is in custody at the Merrimac Detention Center.

A fatal car crash in York County on April 3 killed a pregnant woman, a passenger, and the woman’s unborn child.
Abigail Pedroza Navarro, 34, died en route to Riverside Regional Medical Center, where doctors unsuccessfully attempted to save her six-month fetus via emergency C-section.
James Leslie Stewart, 21, a passenger in the other vehicle, also died in the Water Street crash.
Hunter Nelson Arnold, 22, is charged with causing the wreck by speeding at 84 mph in a 35 mph zone and driving drunk with a .154 BAC.
Arnold faces two counts of felony homicide but Virginia law currently prevents a homicide charge for the death of the unborn child in this accidental crash.
Court records show Arnold had two previous DUI incidents in 2021.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Williamsburg Premium Outlets is hosting the 25th Annual British & Import Car Show this Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is seeking community input through a survey by May 4 for its Coordinated Human Services Mobility Plan.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofits in certain Virginia counties affected by severe storms and power outages in early January.
The Historic Yorktown Design Committee is seeking applications for new members.
Gloucester County is asking residents for input via a survey to help develop zoning policies to protect and preserve working waterfronts.

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News Briefs for May 2

Complaints continue regarding traffic problems in York County neighborhoods affected by the Colonial Parkway closure. The National Park Service closed a 4-mile segment of the parkway in January for a multi-year renovation project, rerouting motorists onto adjacent roads. Residents report that traffic remains congested and hazardous, especially near Magruder Elementary School on Hubbard Lane. In response to concerns, the Virginia Department of Transportation implemented traffic changes, adding signs and a stop sign. However, residents say these changes have caused confusion and have not alleviated the problems, with some drivers reportedly running the new stop sign. The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the busy intersection and has deputies present during school hours, encouraging residents to report issues. National Park Service officials are monitoring the situation and asking for patience during the project, which is expected to continue through spring or summer 2026.