Good morning, Scoopers!

Big congratulations to Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s Battalion Chief Raphael Brown on graduating from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. That is a major leadership milestone and a proud win for Suffolk. 🚒🎓

🌦️ Weather
❄️ Beat the Heat, Suffolk
🏅 Suffolk officers honored with Life Saving Award
📚 Free Summer Bridge Program
📅 Events

Let’s get into 👇

The News: Summer heat is settling into Hampton Roads, and staying cool is about more than comfort. It is about safety.

Why It Matters: Seniors, young children, outdoor workers, and people without air conditioning are especially at risk during extreme heat. Even a short break in a cool place can help.

👉 The Move: Suffolk residents can use public libraries and recreation centers as cooling spots during normal operating hours. For the latest information, call the City of Suffolk at 757-514-4000 or visit suffolkva.us. If someone is having a heat-related emergency, call 911 right away.

The News: Officer Jernigan and Investigator Grice of the Suffolk Police Department received the Life Saving Award at the 2026 Hampton Roads Chamber Valor Awards.

Why It Matters: The award honors officers whose quick action helped save a life. It is a proud moment for the department and for Suffolk.

👉 The Move: Congratulations to Officer Jernigan and Investigator Grice. Thank you for your courage, compassion, and service to 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!

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.

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/