Good morning, Scoopers!

Shoutout to the 17 volunteers who cleaned up over a mile of Bennetts Pasture Road and collected more than 750 pounds of litter. Suffolk pride in action! 💚🗑️

And congratulations to Sgt. Johnson on his promotion. Thank you for serving Suffolk! 👮🚔

🌦️ Weather
🏫 Northern Shores expansion
🐾 July 4 pet safety
🏆 SPS national communication awards
📅 Events

Let’s get into 👇

The News: Big things are happening at Northern Shores Elementary. A major expansion project is underway that will bring all students under one roof for the first time, replacing mobile classrooms with a new two-story classroom wing, 16 new classrooms, an expanded cafeteria, a new playground, and additional parking.

Why It Matters: As Harbor View and northern Suffolk continue to grow, so does the need for more space. This project means no more learning cottages, and every Northern Shores student will finally learn inside the main building together.

👉 The Move: The addition is expected to open for the 2027–2028 school year. Great things are coming to Northern Shores!

The News: July 5 is one of the busiest intake days for stray dogs nationwide, and it often starts with July 4 fireworks. Suffolk Animal Control is reminding pet owners to prepare now before the holiday hits.

Why It Matters: Scared pets can bolt fast. Here’s what to do now:

✅ Call your vet now if your pet needs anxiety medication.

✅ Update your pet’s microchip information.

✅ Make sure your pet wears a collar with ID, rabies, or license tags.

✅ Keep pets inside and use a leash when taking them outside.

✅ Double-check fence gates, doors, and kennel latches.

👉 The Move: If your pet goes missing, call Suffolk Animal Control at 757-514-7857, option 2 during business hours. After hours, call Suffolk Police non-emergency at 757-923-2350. Have a safe Fourth, Suffolk!

The News: Suffolk Public Schools’ Communication and Community Engagement Team earned 17 awards from the National School Public Relations Association, including six Awards of Excellence, the organization’s highest honor.

Why It Matters: The winning projects included the SPS Division Website, Student Handbook Redesign, Health Pharmacy Video Series, Back-to-School Social Media Campaign, and Speech Writing. It is national recognition for the team’s work to keep students, families, staff, and the Suffolk community informed.

👉 The Move: Big congratulations to the SPS Communications Team. That is a nice win for Suffolk!

The News: The August 4, 2026 Dual Primary Election is coming up, and Suffolk voters have several ways to cast their ballots. Early voting is open now at the Voter Registration Office, 440 Market Street, First Floor.

Why It Matters: Here are the key dates and details to know:

✅ Early Voting: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 440 Market Street.

✅ Saturday Voting: July 25 and August 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

✅ Sunday Voting: July 19 and July 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

✅ Ballot Drop Boxes are available 24/7 at North Suffolk Library, Curtis R. Milteer Sr. Recreation Center, and the Voter Registration Office.

✅ Election Day: Tuesday, August 4. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

✅ Last day to register or apply for an absentee ballot: Friday, July 24.

✅ Precinct Change: Lakeside 0601 moves from Morgan Memorial Library to Downtown Suffolk Library, 309 W. Washington St.

👉 The Move: Plan ahead, confirm your polling place, and call 757-514-7750 with questions.

Field Maintenance / Season Prep – John Yeates Middle | 9:00 PM

Human Trafficking Awareness Forum – King's Fork High School – 9:00 AM

Formal Ceremony – Downtown Suffolk Library | 9:00 AM

Dragon Presentation & Kung Fu Demonstration – Downtown Suffolk Library | 10:00 AM

Pete the Cat Character Appearance – Downtown Suffolk Library | 10:00 AM

Interactive STEM Experiences – Downtown Suffolk Library | 10:00 AM

SPL Arcade: Video Games – Downtown Suffolk Library | 10:00 AM

250th US Anniversary Mosaic Activity – Downtown Suffolk Library | 10:00 AM

Magic Show featuring Nomo the Magician – Downtown Suffolk Library | 10:30 AM

Paint & Sippy Cup with Kim Ellis – Downtown Suffolk Library | 11:00 AM

Puppet Show featuring Puppets by Richard – Downtown Suffolk Library | 12:00 PM

Bluey Character Appearance – Downtown Suffolk Library | 12:00 PM

Kung Fu Demonstration – Downtown Suffolk Library | 1:30 PM

Paint & Sippy Cup with Kim Ellis – Downtown Suffolk Library | 2:00 PM

Summerween Market – New Realm Brewing Co. | 11:00 AM

The 11th Annual Amazing Peanut Chase – Morgan Memorial Library – 1:00 PM

Adult Recess: Line Dancing, Zumba & Musical Games – Downtown Festival Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

The Artisan Caravan: An Artists & Creators Market – New Realm Brewing Co. -11:00 AM

Little Explorers: Scream for Ice Cream – Bennett's Creek Recreation Center – 10:30 AM–11:15 AM

Adult Recess: Kickball – Wellons Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

Suffolk Parks & Recreation’s TGIF Summer Concert Series kicks off Friday, June 12 at Downtown Festival Park, 215 W. Washington St.

✅ Festivities start at 6 p.m.
✅ Live music runs from 6:30–9:30 p.m.
✅ Admission is free for all ages
✅ Food, concessions, and adult beverages for guests 21+ will be available for purchase
✅ Concerts will be held at Downtown Festival Park and Bennett’s Creek Park
✅ Bring a chair or blanket
✅ No tents or outside alcohol
✅ Free parking is available in nearby public lots

This summer’s lineup includes Island Boy, RaJazz, Slapnation, The Deloreans, The Steals, Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, and The Band Monarch.

For weather updates, follow Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Facebook or call 757-514-7250 ext. 5.

Suffolk Parks & Recreation is joining Play All Day VA from Sunday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, with a full week of free summer fun across the city.

Each day from noon to 2 p.m., Parks & Rec will pop up at a different park with free popsicles, giveaways, and activities.

Follow Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Facebook or Instagram for the daily park schedule.

Join Sheriff David Miles and the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office for the 2nd Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Forum on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Kings Fork High School.

✅ Doors open at 9 a.m.
✅ Open to adults and teens 13+
✅ Learn how to recognize the signs of trafficking
✅ Hear from local agencies, advocates, and keynote speaker Tanya Gould
✅ Get resources focused on prevention, support, and saving lives

The forum will include voices from the Suffolk Police Department, Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Department of Social Services, and other community partners.

Please share this event. Your share could reach someone who needs help.

Suffolk will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Downtown Festival Park.

📍 Downtown Festival Park
🕔 5–8 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to the public

The evening will include:

⭐ Official Reading of the Declaration of Independence
⭐ Civil Air Patrol Presentation of Colors
⭐ National Anthem by Dr. Joleen Neighbours
⭐ The Second Ending Brass Quintet
⭐ Yorktown Fife & Drum
⭐ Living history reenactors
⭐ Merchants and exhibitors
⭐ All-American picnic food

Learn more at SuffolkVA250.com.

Meet Choo Choo, an 8-month-old, 10-pound puppy with a scruffy coat, a playful spirit, and a whole lot of charm. He can be a little shy at first, but once he starts to warm up, this sweet boy loves carrying around his tiny stuffed animals and showing off his playful side. Choo Choo is looking for an active family, a securely fenced yard, and a patient person who can help guide his puppy training. He would likely do best with another small dog to help build his confidence. Apply here: https://suffolkhumanesociety.com/adoption-application/

If you’ve been looking for a gentle, loving lap companion, Callie may be your girl. This beautiful calico is about 4 years old and full of sweetness, affection, and calm companionship. She came to Suffolk Humane Society from Suffolk Animal Care and is ready to find a loving home where she can enjoy cozy naps, chin scratches, and plenty of time by your side.

✅ Approximately 4 years old
✅ Spayed
✅ Microchipped
✅ Up-to-date on vaccinations
✅ Negative for FIV/FeLV
✅ Negative fecal exam
✅ Ready to go home

If Callie sounds like the perfect match, apply today at https://suffolkhumanesociety.com/