Sponsored by
Good morning, Scoopers!
We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on.
In this Suffolk Scoop Issueβ¦
π¦οΈ Weather
πΏ Where will Suffolk allow marijuana shops?
π Two undefeated teams. One huge night at Kingβs Fork.
ποΈ This piece of Suffolk history is getting a second chance
πΎ Stray found in Southern Suffolk
π Community events
Letβs get into it π
How 2M+ Professionals Stay Ahead on AI
AI is moving fast and most people are falling behind.Β
The Rundown AI keeps you ahead of the curve.Β
It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.
Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and theyβll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses β tailored to your needs.
πΏ Suffolk Is Preparing for Legal Marijuana Sales
The News: Virginia is set to begin recreational marijuana sales on July 1, 2027, and Suffolk officials are already working on zoning rules for future retailers, growers, processors, and other cannabis businesses. The city cannot ban marijuana businesses outright, but it can decide where they can operate and what local requirements they must follow.
Why It Matters: Retail shops and microbusinesses must generally stay at least 1,000 feet from schools, day cares, hospitals, and other marijuana retailers. Retail stores would also be limited to 2,500 square feet, with no free samples, on site consumption, or drive through service. Suffolk planners are still working through details such as how the 1,000 foot distance will be measured.
π The Move: City staff plans to bring specific zoning recommendations forward in the coming months. Watch the Planning Commission and City Council as Suffolk gets its rules in place before businesses begin applying for licenses.
π Suffolkβs Biggest Football Game of the Year Is Tonight
The News: Undefeated Kingβs Fork (7-0) hosts undefeated Indian River (8-0) Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at Kingβs Fork High School. The two teams are unbeaten in Southeastern District play, making this a huge game in the race for the district title.
Why It Matters: Kingβs Fork won the Southeastern District outright in 2023, while Indian Riverβs last district championship came in 2018. Both teams are rolling. Kingβs Fork beat Hickory 30-13 last week, while Indian River shut out Lakeland 56-0.
Thereβs plenty of college-level talent too. Kingβs Fork receiver Anthony Henderson Jr. is committed to Maryland, and defensive lineman Tyler Williams already has multiple Division I offers. Indian River sophomore quarterback Lord Malik Heru is also drawing recruiting attention.
π The Move: Grab your tickets and get to Kingβs Fork early. Suffolk, this is the game everybody is going to be talking about.
ποΈ Historic Phoenix Bank of Nansemond Enters Its Next Chapter
The News: Restoration work is moving forward at the historic Phoenix Bank of Nansemond. The first phase is complete, including structural stabilization, brick repairs, and rebuilding the original storefront. Next up is work around the property, including a new sitting plaza, historic marker, parking, and sidewalk improvements.
Why It Matters: Built in 1921, the bank served Suffolkβs African American community at a time when Black farmers and business owners faced major barriers getting loans from white-owned banks. The city has committed $1.9 million toward the propertyβs design and renovation, with plans to eventually use the building as community meeting space.
π The Move: The city plans to gather public input on how the inside should be designed. Keep an eye out for your chance to help shape the next chapter of this piece of Suffolk history.
Thursday, October 29
Speakeasy Halloween Cocktail Dinner β Fin & Tonic (1301 Bridgeport Way) | 7:00 PM β 9:00 PM
Friday, October 30
Outdoors at the Center β Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts (110 W Finney Ave) | 6:00 PM
Halloween Eve on the Creek β Decoys Seafood - Blind Duck Tiki Bar (3305 Ferry Rd) | 6:00 PM β 10:00 PM
Emo Night β Halloween Eve Party β Sojourn Fermentory (1400 Bridgeport Way, Suite 103)
Friday, November 6
Outdoors at the Center β Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts (110 W Finney Ave) | 6:00 PM
Sunday, November 8 β Sunday, November 15
Suffolk Restaurant Week β Participating Restaurants Throughout Suffolk, VA
Meme of the Day
Howl-O-Scream Teen Trip
Suffolk Parks & Recreation is taking teens ages 13β17 to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream on Friday, Oct. 30. Registration is required and the cost is $30 per person.
π East Suffolk Recreation Center: Depart 4:30 p.m., return 11:30 p.m.
π 138 S. Sixth St.
π Bennettβs Creek Recreation Center: Depart 5 p.m., return 11 p.m.
π 1500 Bennetts Creek Park Rd.
π 757-514-4500
π§ [email protected]
π¦ Suffolk Veterans Day Observance
The City of Suffolk will honor local veterans during a special Veterans Day Observance on Monday, Nov. 9.
π
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
β° 10 to 11 a.m.
π Suffolk City Council Chambers
442 W. Washington Street
The community is invited to come recognize and thank those who have served in our nationβs Armed Forces.
π«‘ Salute to Veterans Stall Crawl
The Salute to Veterans Stall Crawl is set for Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Suffolk.
The event brings together three local barns for one patriotic day of horses, community, and honoring veterans. π΄
πΎ Found Dog in Suffolk
A stray was found Oct. 29 in the Southern Suffolk area.
Log #49623
π 757-514-7855, option 2
This animal is not available for adoption.
Thanks for reading Suffolk Scoop!
Know someone whoβd love it? Forward this to βem. And if this was forwarded to YOU, welcome! πSubscribe here π https://www.suffolkscoop.com/