This Week in NFK: Politics, Purchases, Pollution, Podcasts, Performances, Pop-Up Shops, and more.

by | Jul 14, 2023

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Community. 

City Council may entertain other developers for the casino site, while politicians with large casino donations hold up funding for the storm risk project. Rip it.

Norfolk City Council and Norfolk School Board met on Tuesday to discuss the options for closing school facilities. Rip it.

Norfolk’s Economic Development Authority approved the allocation of up to $4 million for the purchase of the Dillard’s building at MacArthur Center. Rip it.

The City of Norfolk approved the purchase and relocation of the Hunton YMCA for $6.6 million. Rip it.  

Critics of the floodwall project say that it doesn’t do enough to address nuisance flooding in the city. Rip it.

O’Connor Brewing announced the sale of its brewing facilities to an outside brewer and will continue to sell beer produced from another facility under the O’Connor branding. Rip it.

Citizens and elected officials have raised concerns about Armed Forces Brewing moving into Norfolk after gun-laden videos and controversial comments from their leadership made waves on social media. Rip it.  

A new group, calling themselves Norfolk Craft Beer Professionals, is circulating a digital form to express concerns about Armed Forces Brewing to local officials. Rip it.

Dozens of residents showed up at a town hall organized by Del Jackie Glass to express concern over Armed Forces Brewing. Rip it.

The 2023 USA Mullet Championship is approaching, and one kid in Norfolk has his eyes on the prize. Rip it.

Norfolk Police Department and NAACP came together to discuss the future of policing in the area. Rip it.

Local food banks are holding the annual Hunger Heroes food drive competition. Rip it.

Work to widen the Willoughby Bay Bridge has begun and plans to finish in 2025. Rip it.

After millions were pumped into Virginia primary elections, calls for campaign finance reform are getting louder. Rip it.  

Virginia and a group of other states reached a settlement in their lawsuit against the EPA for not doing enough to address Chesapeake Bay pollution coming from Pennslyvania. Rip it.

The Virginia Department of Health removed a number of LBTQ+ resources from its website. Rip it.

EVMS is working to address unacceptably high maternal mortality rates for Black mothers. Rip it.

A new study says that Virginia is underfunding public schools by billions. Rip it.

Senators Kaine and Warner are pushing the DOD for better solutions to military housing. Rip it.

The NOAA is proposing more speed boat regulations in light of dwindling whale populations. Rip it.

The Admirals have chosen 6 potential new players for the upcoming season. Rip it.

ODU Football tickets are now on sale. Rip it.

Culture.

Live From Norfolk! This Saturday Night Live-inspired show by Commonwealth Comedy is set to leave Generic Theater in stitches. Rip it.

Catch the interview with Tyler Donavan ahead of his latest project drop and performance at Norfolk Day next weekend. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.
 
Catch the monthly recap of the 757 music scene supported by the Hermitage. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

CAN Fest is back at Assembly this month. Rip it. 

The Chrysler Museum’s new plaque honoring the area’s native heritage will be unveiled in an event next week. 
Rip it.

The music and vendor lineup for The Norfolk Latino Music and Food Fest just dropped. Rip it.

Kinship NFK is back next month for a music and arts manifest. Rip it.

Get ambient with Hotel Neon, Dark Sines, and Requiem next weekend at Vessel Craft Coffee. Rip it.

Jazz & Grits? Make it happen at Toast on select summer nights. Rip it.

Currently on Display:
Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Spring 2023 Glass Studio Assistantship Exhibition at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Heather Beardsley: Strange Plants at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
The Great Exhibition: Bébés at the Barry at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
M/NYC: Rough Draft, a solo exhibition by Thomas O’Casey at Assembly Gallery. Rip it.
“Missing the Mark” by John Runner at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
Portrayed III at d’Art Center. Rip it.
Shapes Everywhere at Commune. Rip it.
Dustin Furlow Photography at The Gallery At ElationRip it.
Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality at Slover Library. Rip it.

Commerce.

Don’t miss the Norfolk Currents pop-up shop at NFK DAY on July 22nd at Smartmouth. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it. 
 
The Architectural Review Board heard from the HeadWaters Resort and Casino on the details of their phase one project. Rip it.

Grant awards ranging from $20,000 to $250,000 are now available to local manufacturers for taking action to join Virginia’s burgeoning offshore wind industry. Rip it.

Changes are coming to the Chesapeake Bay crabbing industry after recent positive developments in pollution and population numbers. Rip it.

For the second month in a row, housing prices in Hampton Roads are at record highs. Rip it.

Cannabis businesses are finding stock difficult after new hemp regulations took effect. Rip it.

Viola!, a restaurant in Freemason, is closing its doors after 20 years in business. Rip it.

A new survey ranks Norfolk International as one of the worst for lost and damaged luggage. Rip it. 

NFK Dad Hat

Norfolk Snapback

Crowds.

Norfolk Currents and Smartmouth are back with another NFK DAY. Celebrate the city and hang with your faves. Rip it.

Don’t miss your chance to catch Norfolk’s best sunset view via the Lafayette River. Sunset tours from Norfolk Kayak Rentals just dropped. (NFK Currents Original Video) 
Rip it.


Reaver Beach hosts 40+ vendors for a Christmas in July Market next weekend. Rip it.


The Tides play Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders from Friday to Sunday. Rip it.

Cova Brewing is going country with line dancing and more. Rip it.

FRIDAY:
Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee On The River at Pagoda & Garden Foundation. 6:30 am. Rip it
Summer Party at The Muse!. 5:00 pm. Rip it
Soundside performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at The Willoughby Fish House. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Zach DeSocio performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Soul Intent Live at Ocean View Beach Park. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Scranton RailRiders at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it
Swiftie Summer Night at Nauticus 1. 7:00 pm. Rip it
She-Js on the Rooftop Silent Party at Assembly. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Hocus Pocus You’re Dead Murder Mystery at The Granby Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
imprOV: Norfolk’s Night of Improv Comedy in Oceanview. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
The Connells perform live atat The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it
7 Minutes in Kevin at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Miller Lite Hot Country Nights: Morgan Evans at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Don Bunch performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Flash Back Presents Wet Hot American Summer at Naro Cinema. 9:15 pm. Rip it
The Improv Jam with Kevin Gillese at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.  

SATURDAY:
Weekend Long Run with OV Run Club. 7:15 am. Rip it
Send It Saturday Morning Group Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 8:00 am. Rip it
City Girls Walk Saturday Walk at Chelsea Business District. 9:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market at Shore Drive. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Yoga at the Plot. 9:30 am. Rip it
COVA Moves: Goat Yoga. 10:00 am. Rip it
Christmas in July at 757 Creative ReUse Center. 10:00 am. Rip it
Family Village Outdoor Markets at 6870 Military Hwy. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it
Flea Market at Mrs. Pinkadot. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Flow and Flight at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 10:45 am. Rip it
The Tao of Improv at Push Comedy Theater. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Adult Only Field Day at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Photo Talk & Walk with exhibiting artist John Runner at Offsite Gallery, MacArthur Center. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Spin Art Class at d’Art Center. 1:30 pm. Rip it
Auditions – Flyin’ West at Generic Theater. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Picnic in the Park[ing Lot] at Benchtop Brewing Company. 2:00 pm. Rip it
The Tao of Improv (2nd Session) at Push Comedy Theater. 2:30 pm. Rip it
Friends Don’t Let Friends Line Dance Alone at Rhythm Tavern. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Yoga + Wine Tasting at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 4:00 pm. Rip it
Hoos Happy Hour at Hank’s Filling Station. 4:15 pm. Rip it.
Consequences of Magic at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Live Jazz with Justin and Eddie at the Green Onion. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Derek Smith performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:35 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Scranton RailRiders at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it
LAVA Presents: Chandler, Twin Bee, blvckhndz at Chicho’s Pizza Backstage. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Myra Smith the Phoenix & The Phoenix Band perform live at Boss Queens. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Hocus Pocus You’re Dead Murder Mystery at The Granby Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Richard Elliot & Rick Braun performs live at Harrison Opera House. 8:00 pm. Rip it  
Wolves X4, Nerve Scheme, And Mean Jesus perform live at Norfolk Taphouse. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
7 Minutes in Kevin at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Saved By The 90s at The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Richard Elliot & Rick Braun Live In Concert at Harrison Opera House. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Don Bunch performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Jam with Kevin Gillese at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.  
90’s After Party at Chicho’s Backstage. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Soul Sail Cruise Party departing Waterside Marina. 11:00 pm. Rip it.  

SUNDAY:
Slow-Mo Sunday Group Ride at Local Bike Shop NFK. 10:30 am. Rip it
Yoga on Tap at Reaver NFK. 10:45 am. Rip it
Magic: The Gathering – Commander League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Elated Markt at Elation Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Massage for Yoga Teachers at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Vintage Market at Smartmouth Brewing. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Soundside performs live at Hank’s Filling Station. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Blues Jam at Cova Brewing. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
TomKat performs live at the Ocean View Fishing Pier. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
John Baldwin performs live at Makers Brewery. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Scranton RailRiders at Harbor Park. 4:05 pm. Rip it
Bark in the Park with Norfolk Animal Care Center at Harbor Park. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
New Moon Circle at Aries Apothecary. 5:30 pm. Rip it
The Khedive Notables Dance Band at Big Bands On The Bay. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
The Nascar Jones Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it

 

Chow.

Norfolk Dogs are back for NFK Day at Smartmouth, courtesy of Ghost Kitchen. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week returns with bold dishes on display. (NFK Currents Original). 
Rip it.

Cavatelli with basil pistou and baby zucchini comes to Glass Light’s Restaurant Week menu. Rip it.

Hanger Steak is showing out on the Codex Restaurant Week menu. Rip it.

Your chance to try escargot just landed. Omar’s Restaurant Week menu is rocking it. Rip it.

Beer popsicles are now cooling off the crowds at The Birch. Rip it.

Look, I’m gonna be honest I don’t know what a Texas Twinkie is, but you can get one at Redwood Smoke Shack. Rip it.

Lemon blueberry donuts and blueberry frappuccinos, I’m sold! Rip it.

Blueberry craft lattes too? Blue everything up! Rip it.

Want a side of legs with your eggs? Burlesque meets brunch at 80/20 next month. Rip it.

This gorgeous espresso soda at Cure won’t last long. Rip it.

Whole red snapper? Lola’s has it. Rip it.

Mudita is the perfect spot to sip some sangria. Rip it.

Cippolline cantenesi, a Sicilian street food, is now served at Blanca. Rip it.

We’re doing margarita flights now? Go off HOTD. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
The Lit Auntie at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen, Big Belly, & Nacho Libre at Cova. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Ortega’s Street Tacos at Benchtop. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Saturday:
LIT Food Trailer & Revery Eats at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Sour Street Pizza & Deutscher Imbiss at Cova. Rip it.
Tone Bonez BBQ at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Yolees GDawgz at Benchtop. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner.  Rip it.

Sunday:
Gavins at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Moontide Sundries at Cova. Rip it.
Flippin Hangry at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Ortega’s Street Tacos at Benchtop. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

The Ripcurrent.

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.