Good morning, Scoopers!
Big congratulations to Suffolk Fire & Rescue Capt. Robert Hodges on graduating from the Virginia Chief Officer Academy at the University of Richmond.🚒🎓
In this Suffolk Scoop Issue…
🌦️ Weather
🕊️ Oak Lawn funding
🏫 Driver Elementary input
🚦 AI stop sign camera law
🗳️ Early voting
📅 Events
Let’s get into 👇
🌮🍕 Tacos & Crust – Downtown Suffolk
Can’t decide between tacos and pizza? Tacos & Crust brings both to North Main Street, serving tacos, burritos, birria, wings, and handcrafted pizza made fresh from scratch.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, planning a date night, or feeding a crowd, they offer dine-in, online ordering, catering, and private party options.
📍 920 N. Main St., Suffolk
🕐 Mon–Thu: 11 AM–9 PM | Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10 PM | Sun: 12–9 PM
📞 757-935-5382
🌐 tacosandcrustva.com
🕊️ State Money Is Available for Oak Lawn Cemetery, But There’s a Catch
The News: State funding is available to help preserve Oak Lawn Cemetery in Suffolk: $2,340 a year for the care of 468 historic graves. The catch is that a nonprofit or qualified organization is needed to receive and manage the money.
Why It Matters: Over four years, that funding could add up to nearly $10,000 for Oak Lawn. Volunteers have already been doing important work, but the cemetery needs a long-term solution to keep restoration moving.
👉 The Move: Suffolk, this is where someone can make a real difference. Visit oaklawncemeterysuffolk.com or connect with local preservation efforts to learn how you can help save this piece of Suffolk history.
🏫 Suffolk Wants Your Input on the Old Driver Elementary Site
.The News: Suffolk Parks & Recreation is hosting a public input meeting on Wednesday, June 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bennett’s Creek Recreation Center, 1500 Bennetts Creek Park Rd.
Why It Matters: The city wants to hear from residents about what should happen next with the former Driver Elementary School site. All ages are welcome, and the meeting will be open house style, so you can drop in anytime.
👉 The Move: Stop by Wednesday and make your voice heard. Questions? Call 757-514-4920 or email [email protected]. 🗣️
🚦New Virginia Law Allows AI Stop Sign Cameras Starting July 1
The News: A new Virginia law taking effect July 1 allows local governments to use AI-powered cameras for stop sign and crosswalk violations, especially in school and work zones.
Why It Matters: Suffolk drivers should know about it, even though there is no word yet on whether Suffolk will use the cameras. If a locality opts in, there will be a warning period before citations begin. The tickets would be nonmoving violations, meaning no license points.
👉 The Move: Keep an eye on this one. Good safety move or too much?
🗳️Early Voting Opens in 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.
Thursday, June 18
Know Your History: The Facts on Juneteenth – North Suffolk Library – 6:00 PM
Friday, June 19
TGIF Summer Concert Series: RaJazz – Downtown Festival Park – 6:00 PM
Saturday, June 20
CHKD Walmart Charity Car Show – Walmart (College Drive) – 10:00 AM
Celebrating National Pollinator Month – Sleepy Hole Park – 11:00 AM
Grill & Chill Event – N. Main-Suffolk Grocery Outlet – 11:00 AM
The Daniel Jordan Band Live – Decoys Seafood – 6:00 PM
Saturday, July 11
The 11th Annual Amazing Peanut Chase – Morgan Memorial Library – 1:00 PM
Saturday, July 25
Adult Recess: Line Dancing, Zumba & Musical Games – Downtown Festival Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM
Saturday, June 27
Human Trafficking Awareness Forum – King's Fork High School – 9:00 AM
Tuesday, July 28
Little Explorers: Scream for Ice Cream – Bennett's Creek Recreation Center – 10:30 AM–11:15 AM
Saturday, September 26
Adult Recess: Kickball – Wellons Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM
🎶TGIF Summer Concert Series
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.
🎉 Play All Day VA
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.
🕊️ Human Trafficking Awareness
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’s Patriots in the Park
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.
The World Cup Has a Market for Every Match.
From the group stage to the final, trade real outcomes on Kalshi, official regional partner of the Argentine National Team. Who wins, who advances, who takes the trophy. Peer-to-peer, no house, cash out anytime. Get $10 free.
Trade responsibly.
🚂 Choo Choo Is Ready for His Forever Home
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/
🐾 Meet Pearl!
Pearl is a gorgeous Siamese mix who came into care from Suffolk Animal Care. She is calm, gentle, and ready for a quiet home where she can be someone’s sweet companion.
✅ About 1 year old
✅ Spayed
✅ Microchipped with an AKC Reunite microchip
✅ Up-to-date on vaccinations
✅ Up-to-date on preventatives
✅ Tested negative for FIV/FeLV
✅ Fed a premium diet
✅ Fecal exam negative for parasites
Interested in adopting Pearl? Complete an application today: https://suffolkhumanesociety.com/adoption-application/