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Good morning, Scoopers!
Let’s start today with a little Suffolk cheers. 🍻
Nansemond Brewing Station’s Beenut took home first place in this year’s National Honey Beer Competition in the Vegetable/Spice category. That is a sweet win for a local brewer, and just in time for the taproom reopening on September 1.
Of course, Beenut will be on tap when they welcome everyone back. Congrats to Nansemond Brewing Station! 🥇
In this Suffolk Scoop Issue…
🌦️ Weather
🚛 Truck ban on Manning Road and Arthur Drive
🏪 Downtown business support
🥜 Suffolk Peanut Project
📅 Events
Let’s get into 👇
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🚛 Suffolk Bans Tractor-Trailers on Manning Road and Arthur Drive
The News: Suffolk City Council voted 7-0 on August 19 to ban tractor-trailers on Manning Road and Arthur Drive. A city study found 43 crashes on Manning Road, including one fatality and 22 injuries. New signs are being installed and should all be in place by September 11.
Why It Matters: Neighbors say trucks are still using the road, even after the ban. Bobi Suponski, who has lived on Manning Road for 26 years, said the area used to feel more rural before truck traffic became a problem. One concern is that the first warning sign appears after drivers have already turned onto Manning Road from Copeland, making it harder for them to turn around safely.
👉 The Move: Tractor-trailers should stay off Manning Road and Arthur Drive now that the ban is in effect. Residents who see violations can report them to Suffolk Police at 757-923-2350.
🏪 Downtown Suffolk Works to Help Small Businesses Thrive
The News: Downtown Suffolk Manager Lisa Bleakley is working with the Retail Alliance on a 10-week program called Retail Catalyst. The program helps entrepreneurs build business plans, find financing, and prepare for the realities of opening a brick-and-mortar business. The effort comes as AJ’s Downtown Dogs has closed its downtown location after about eight months, though the business is going mobile with a food truck and plans to be at Taste of Suffolk.
Why It Matters: Opening downtown can be exciting, but it is not easy. Bleakley said new businesses often need at least three years to build a steady customer base. The city is also working with property owners to fill spaces and using events like Taste of Suffolk to bring more people downtown.
👉 The Move: Thinking about opening a business downtown? Look into the Retail Catalyst program. And for the rest of us, shopping local and showing up for downtown events really does help keep Suffolk’s small business scene moving.
🥜 Suffolk Peanut Project Wants Giant Peanut Sculptures Across the City
The News: The Suffolk Peanut Project has created its first giant peanut sculpture, crafted by sculptor Myke Irving, the artist behind Norfolk’s mermaid statues and Chesapeake’s Blue Heron sculptures. The goal is to place painted peanut statues across every borough and village in Suffolk, including Whaleyville, Holland, and Chuckatuck. The first peanut will be painted live at Taste of Suffolk on September 12 and Peanut Fest from October 8-11.
Why It Matters: This is public art with a local twist. Each peanut sculpture will benefit charity, and sponsors can choose an artist to give their statue its own personality. The Suffolk Parks and Trails Alliance is overseeing the project and will approve designs to make sure each one is Suffolk-focused and family-friendly.
👉 The Move: Artists can apply to paint a peanut, and businesses or residents can apply to sponsor one. Contact the Suffolk Parks and Trails Alliance to learn more and help bring a little more peanut pride to every corner of Suffolk.
🚦 Flagging Operations Planned at Pitchkettle and Constance
The News: Suffolk drivers should expect temporary traffic impacts at the intersection of Pitchkettle Road and Constance Road beginning the week of August 31, 2026. Crews will be doing underground utility work, and the traffic signal will be temporarily turned off during work hours.
Why It Matters: Flaggers will direct traffic from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, while the signal is out. The work is expected to take about one week, weather permitting.
👉 The Move: Use caution, follow flagger directions, and allow extra time if you travel through the area. Drivers may want to use another route when possible.
Thursday, September 5
KWPN-NA Dutch Warmblood Keuring – Six Pound Farm | Starts at 8:00 AM
Band-It Live – Il Paesano Pizza & Grill Click | 7:00 PM – 11:15 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
Sunday, September 27
Fall Wine Social – Decoys Seafood | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Meme of the Day
🍽️ Taste of Suffolk Turns 20
The 20th annual Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival is set for Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic downtown Suffolk. The fun continues with an After Party from 5 to 8 p.m. at Downtown Festival Park. Expect food, vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly fun across downtown. Check tasteofsuffolkva.com for details.
🥜 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.
🏢 New Business Opens on Carolina Road
Storage Authority Carolina Road recently celebrated its grand opening at 865 Carolina Road. Glad to have another new business joining the Suffolk community!
💆 Welcome to Suffolk, Suffolk Massage
Suffolk Massage is now open at 1256 Holland Road and recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and five days of specials. Welcome to the Suffolk business community, Suffolk Massage!
🐾 Two Strays Found in Southern Suffolk
Two strays were found together on August 22, 2026 in the Southern area of Suffolk. Call 757-514-7855, option 2 and reference Log #49193 and #49194.
These animals are not available for adoption.