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Good morning, Scoopers!
It is going to be a hot one this holiday weekend, Suffolk. The city has your back with three cooling centers open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Suffolk Library, the Suffolk Visitor Center, and the Suffolk Police Headquarters Lobby.
Free AC, water, and restrooms. No reason to tough it out in the heat.
Check on your neighbors. Keep kids and pets out of hot cars. Stay safe out there, and Happy 4th, Suffolk! 🇺🇸
In this Suffolk Scoop Issue…
🌦️ Weather
🏫 School funding
🎆 Fireworks safety
🚧 Turlington Road closure
🌡️ Amazon heat claims
📅 Events
Let’s get into 👇
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🏫 Suffolk Schools Need Big Money, But Sales Tax Vote Will Wait
The News: Virginia’s new budget allows most cities and counties, including Suffolk, to ask voters to approve a 1% sales tax increase for school construction. But Suffolk will not put the question on the ballot this year. Councilmember Shelley Butler Barlow says there is not enough time to organize a referendum before voters head to the polls this fall.
Why It Matters: Suffolk is looking at major school construction needs, including replacing five schools that are more than 50 years old. The cost could top $377 million through 2036, and with expansions and renovations included, the total could approach $500 million. A 1% sales tax could bring in about $19 million a year, but delaying the vote could also mean higher costs later.
👉 The Move: This conversation is not going away. Suffolk families will likely hear more about school construction, funding, and a possible future sales tax vote soon.
🎆 Suffolk Says Skip the Home Fireworks This July 4
The News: Suffolk Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to leave fireworks to the professionals this Fourth of July. With Suffolk still under a burn ban, officials say anything loud, anything that shoots projectiles, and even sparklers are illegal in the city.
Why It Matters: It only takes one spark to start a fire, especially in hot, dry weather. Fire officials say even used fireworks can catch trash cans, yards, or nearby homes on fire if they are not handled safely.
👉 The Move: Enjoy the holiday safely at Suffolk’s Stars and Stripes Spectacular at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina. Festivities start at 6 p.m. Saturday, with fireworks at 9 p.m. Leave the fireworks to the experts, Suffolk!
🚧 Turlington Road Closes July 10 for Bridge Work
The News: Turlington Road will close as early as July 10, 2026 for the Speights Spillway Bridge Replacement Project. Crews will replace the bridge deck over the spillway between Lake Speight and Lake Kilby, make structural repairs, and install new guardrails.
Why It Matters: This will be a long closure. The road is not expected to reopen until spring 2027, so drivers who use Turlington Road regularly will need a new route.
👉 The Move: Plan ahead, use an alternate route, and allow extra travel time starting July 10. Thanks for your patience, Suffolk!
🌡️ Amazon and Workers Disagree Over Suffolk Heat Claims
The News: Amazon is pushing back on reports of dangerous heat conditions at its ORF3 fulfillment center in Suffolk. The company says it has invested more than $350,000 to keep the facility safe and that its climate control system is working within normal limits.
Why It Matters: Some workers are telling a different story. One employee said people are sweating through their clothes and still feeling sick during long shifts. Amazon says only a small number of its rooftop AC units are undergoing routine maintenance, while workers say the heat problems have been going on since April.
👉 The Move: Suffolk workers, your safety matters. If you are experiencing unsafe conditions at work, contact OSHA at osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA.
Saturday, July 4
Art Rowe Music Live – Suffolk Visitor Center Pavilion | 9:00 AM
Apple Pie Baking Contest – Cheesecakes Unlimited by Chey | 11:00 AM
4th of July Celebration & Market – Sundries Fresh Market & Bakery (Eclipse) | 3:00 PM
Stars and Stripes Spectacular – Constant's Wharf Park & Marina | 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
Sunday, July 26
The Artisan Caravan: An Artists & Creators Market – New Realm Brewing Co. -11:00 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.
🇺🇸 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.
🐾 Meet Callie!
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/