Good morning, Scoopers!

We’re starting today with some classroom good news. Florence Bowser Elementary posted 95.73% attendance, and Col. Fred Cherry Middle came in at 95.72%. That deserves a big shoutout to students and families at both schools.

🌦️ Weather
🚩 Suffolk Sheriff Warns of Jury Duty Scam
🏫 Big School Plans for Suffolk
🏡 Suffolk Dream Home Supports St. Jude
📅 Upcoming Local Events

Let’s get into it 👇

Suffolk Scoop is a growing community newsletter featuring local news, events, and stories from around Suffolk. We’re inviting local businesses, organizations, and groups to be featured and share their story with local readers. Don’t own a business? That’s okay. Know one we should feature? Click here to fill out our Feature Request Form.

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving fake jury duty and court calls.

The News: Scammers are calling or texting people and saying they missed jury duty or a court date. Some even use names, badge numbers, or phone numbers that look real.

Why It Matters: The Sheriff’s Office says it will never call and demand money over the phone.

👉 The Move: Hang up, do not send money, and do not click any links. If you are unsure, call the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office directly at 📱(757) 514-7840. If you believe you or someone you know may have been the victim of a scam or fraud, please contact the Suffolk Police Department to file a report.

Suffolk Public Schools is planning ahead as some schools deal with crowding and older buildings. Leaders say several big school projects are in the pipeline.

The News: The city’s long-term plan includes a new Elephants Fork Elementary, more space at Northern Shores Elementary, and other future school projects.

Why It Matters: The goal is to give students more space and reduce the use of portable classrooms as Suffolk keeps growing.

👉 The Move: Watch the budget talks. That is where these school plans start turning into real projects.

Read More…

A new Suffolk home is part of this year’s St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

The News: The 2026 Hampton Roads St. Jude Dream Home is in Suffolk, and tickets are $100.

Why It Matters: Every ticket helps support St. Jude families while giving someone a chance to win a brand-new home.

👉 The Move: If you want a shot at the home and want to support a good cause, grab a ticket before they sell out. How to reserve: Call 1-800-834-5799 or visit the official St. Jude website.

Gourmet Burger Bistro is turning 2 years old, and they’re celebrating in a big way.

They’re hosting an anniversary event at their spot on East Washington Street with BOGO gourmet burgers, free gifts, and a full-on burger-eating contest.

The defending champ is coming back to protect the title, and the stakes are real this year. The winner walks away with free burgers for all of 2026 plus a trophy.

If you’re looking for something fun (and competitive) to do, this might be one of the most entertaining events in town.

📍 Gourmet Burger Bistro
📍 202 E. Washington St, Suffolk

The Retreat at Harbour Cove is hosting a community yard sale on Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shoppers can expect items from multiple households, including clothing, tools, electronics, home décor, household items, and more. It all takes place at 1103 Elaina Place in Suffolk, with a rain date of May 3.

Great Dismal Swamp Safari – Suffolk Visitor Center – 9:30 AM

Basic Watercolor – Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts – 6:00 PM

Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour – Suffolk Visitor Center – 2:00 PM

Whiskey & Wings – Outdoors at the Center – 6:00 PM

Blue Cowbell Debut – Sojourn Fermentory – 6:00 PM

Mini M’Art Fine Art Fundraiser – Suffolk Art Gallery – 6:30 PM

Coffee Vibes & 20th Anniversary – SunBlocked Tint Co. – 8:30 AM

Healthy Kids Day – Suffolk Family YMCA – 10:00 AM

Cultivate Your Curb Appeal – Johnson's Gardens – 10:00 AM

Post Game Celebration – AJ’s Downtown Dogs – 12:00 PM