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Good morning, Scoopers!
Let’s start today with a big Suffolk welcome. 🍎
Suffolk Public Schools welcomed 152 new teachers yesterday during its annual New Teacher Orientation Kick-Off. That is a lot of new faces joining classrooms across the city, and a big moment as the new school year gets closer.
Welcome to Team SPS, teachers. Suffolk is glad to have you!
In this Suffolk Scoop Issue…
🌦️ Weather
⚠️ West Nile Virus alert
🗳️ November ballot races
☕ Suffolk coffee leader makes history
📅 Events
Let’s get into 👇
A new blueprint for AI-powered support
What happens when AI can do more than answer customer questions? On August 13th, hear from Junan Pang (Fin) and Emily Haahr (Plaid) on how AI and trusted financial connectivity can deliver more proactive customer experiences.
We’ll cover everything from reducing onboarding and bank-linking friction to resolving real financial tasks directly within the customer conversation.
⚠️ West Nile Virus Detected in Downtown Suffolk Mosquitoes
The News: West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in downtown Suffolk. Health officials are reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and remove standing water around their homes.
Why It Matters: West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. Most people do not get seriously sick, but it can cause severe illness in some cases, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The CDC says West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S.
✅ Use insect repellent
✅ Wear long sleeves when mosquitoes are active
✅ Dump standing water from buckets, flowerpots, gutters, and birdbaths
✅ Make sure window and door screens are in good shape
👉 The Move: Suffolk residents should take this seriously, especially around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Check city and health department updates for any mosquito control notices.
🗳️ Suffolk Voters Will See Council and School Board Races This November
The News: Suffolk voters will choose candidates for City Council and School Board in the November 3 general election. The local races are nonpartisan, so candidates will not have a political party listed beside their names on the ballot.
Why It Matters: These local seats affect decisions on schools, roads, development, public safety, budgets, and neighborhood issues. The city registrar’s office lists Chuckatuck, Cypress, Holy Neck, and Suffolk boroughs as having both City Council and School Board seats on the ballot this year.
👉 The Move: Check your registration, learn who is running in your borough, and make a plan to vote on November 3. Local races can shape daily life more than people realize.
☕ Suffolk Coffee Leader Earns Rare Global Certification
The News: Nora Johnson, Vice President of Commodities at Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA in Suffolk, has earned her ICE Certified Coffee Grader license. The company says she is the youngest woman ever to pass the exam and is now part of a very small group of experts licensed to grade green coffee for the global Arabica coffee market.
Why It Matters: This is a big deal in the coffee world. MZB-USA says only seven women globally hold this Arabica Coffee Grader title, and two of them now work for the Suffolk-based company.
👉 The Move: Raise a cup for a major Suffolk business win. MZB-USA’s headquarters and primary roasting facility are right here in Suffolk on Progress Road.
Saturday, August 15
Art Rowe Live at Suffolk Farmers' Market – Suffolk VA Farmers' Market (524 N Main St) | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
37th Annual Nansemond Indian Pow Wow (Day 1) – Pembroke Lane (Chuckatuck Borough, Suffolk) | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Grand Entry at 12:00 PM)
WTCSB Community Day – Western Tidewater Community Services Board Click to open side panel for more information (215 W Washington St) | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Books & Brews – New Realm Brewing Co. (5941 Harbour View Blvd) | 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Band-It Live – Il Paesano Pizza & Grill Click to open side panel for more information (2815 Godwin Blvd) | 7:00 PM – 11:15 PM
Sunday, August 16
37th Annual Nansemond Indian Pow Wow (Day 2) – Pembroke Lane (Chuckatuck Borough, Suffolk) | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Grand Entry at 12:00 PM)
Midsummer Oddities Market – New Realm Brewing Co. (5941 Harbour View Blvd) | 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 17
Oil Painting Class (6-Week Series Begins) – Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, September 26
Adult Recess: Kickball – Wellons Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM
Meme of the Day
🎶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.
🥜 The 48th Annual Suffolk Peanut Fest returns this October
The 48th Annual Suffolk Peanut Fest returns to Suffolk Executive Airport from October 8 through 11 with country headliner Chris Cagle, a brand-new drone show, a live butterfly walk-through exhibit, and more. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Generations, One Picture Perfect Memory at a Time!” The festival is one of Suffolk’s biggest annual events, and this year’s new drone show and butterfly exhibit give families even more reasons to mark the calendar.
🐾 Two Strays Found in Downtown Suffolk
Two strays were found together on August 6, 2026 in the Downtown area of Suffolk. Call 757-514-7855 with questions and reference Log #49081 and #49082.
🐾 Found Stray in Northern Suffolk
A stray was found on August 8, 2026 in the Northern area of Suffolk. If you recognize this animal or have questions, call 757-514-7855 and reference Log #49094.
This animal is not available for adoption.
🐾 Two Strays Found in Southern Suffolk
Two strays were found together on August 8, 2026 in the Southern area of Suffolk. Call 757-514-7855, option 2 and reference Log #49095 and #49096.
They are not available for adoption.
🐾 Stray Found in Downtown Suffolk
A stray was found on August 6, 2026 in the Downtown area of Suffolk. Call 757-514-7855 with questions and reference Log #49086.