AGP Executive Report

Northern Shenandoah Food Hub: Shenandoah University won a $100,000 GO Virginia grant to plan a shared-use commercial kitchen and culinary hub in its Buzzins dining space, aiming to help small food and beverage entrepreneurs scale up and create jobs. Hampton Roads World Cup Watch: Here’s where to catch FIFA World Cup games locally, with venues in Norfolk and Virginia Beach offering watch parties, food and drink specials, and match-day programming. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Planning: The Parkway is urging travelers to plan ahead as seasonal openings come with ongoing repairs and road projects; Linville Falls trail access has reopened, but the visitor center, picnic area, and campground remain closed. Valley Link Transmission Line Updates: Valley Link released updated routing maps and new open houses for a proposed high-voltage line from Campbell to Culpeper, after community feedback—though some residents say concerns aren’t being fully addressed. Local Safety Note: A motorcyclist died after a crash on Saxis Road in Accomack County, according to Virginia State Police.

Virginia Agriculture: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Virginia’s first Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan, directing the state to build a roadmap to strengthen farming and forestry and help producers find new markets. Aviation & Tourism: The 40th anniversary Sentimental Journey Fly-In at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport in Lock Haven runs June 9-13, drawing pilots and visitors to celebrate Piper aviation history. Outdoor Recreation Safety: Virginia Canyon Mountain Park’s new hiking and biking trails in Idaho Springs have added landing zones for Flight for Life after organizers and emergency crews coordinated access points for faster response. Local Business & Growth: Berryville approved Belfort Furniture’s special-use permit for a renovated 260,000-square-foot distribution site—an outlet and retail expansion near Norfolk Southern tracks. Travel Disruption Watch: A fatal I-95 tour bus crash in Stafford County is moving through court as the driver faces involuntary manslaughter charges; proceedings included interpreter support. Community Events: Roundup Community Dinner Theater wrapped its annual fundraising run, with this year’s production “How I Met Your Mummy,” supporting RSVP senior programs. Pride Travel: Key West Pride’s calendar kicks off with Pride Week events and fundraisers, spotlighting the island’s tourism-friendly festivities.

Road & Commute Updates: VDOT crews will start an overnight I-64 east closure in Hampton (June 12, 12:01 a.m.–4 a.m.) for an overhead sign install, with detours via I-664; and in Northern Virginia, Envision Route 7 could add a faster express bus option (F2X) starting in December as the Leesburg Pike BRT plan moves forward. Local Tourism: Rockbridge Regional Tourism opens a new Buena Vista visitor center (June 15, 4:30–6:30 p.m.) at the Virginia Innovation Accelerator, with maps, local recommendations, and trail access. Nature & Outdoors: Virginia Tech research suggests trained pet dogs can spot spotted lanternfly egg masses more effectively than experienced human searchers—good news for Appalachian Trail and vineyard protection efforts. Agriculture & Food: Gov. Spanberger signed Virginia’s first Farm and Forestry Prosperity Plan at a Surry County farm, aiming to support farmers and boost K-12 fresh-food purchasing. Travel Planning Tip: Gardening experts share “vacation-proofing” steps so plants survive summer trips. Sports Travel: Delta adds special Green Bay flights for NFL games at Lambeau Field, including routes from DCA and other major hubs.

World Cup Travel in Virginia: Croatia’s national team landed at Washington Dulles and will base in Alexandria, training at Episcopal High School ahead of matches vs. England (Dallas), Panama (Toronto) and Ghana (Philadelphia). Tourism & Events: Virginia International Raceway in Alton is launching Off Track Productions, a new 70-acre venue for concerts, festivals and outdoor exhibitions—aimed at bringing more visitors year-round. Family Travel Health Watch: Virginia is reporting a record measles surge (77 cases as of June 2), with guidance tied to an active Buckingham County outbreak—especially for travelers and anyone with unclear vaccination status. Road Trip Disruption: I-66 safety work in Fauquier County starts June 17 with overnight shoulder closures, then lane closures later in July. Travel Safety: A bus driver accused in the I-95 crash that killed five Mass. residents was released from hospital and is headed to Stafford court. Outdoor Fun: Cycling Washington DC’s Mount Vernon Trail gets a spotlight as a quick escape into Virginia’s slower, scenic Potomac corridor. Local Culture: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ free “artmobile” brought America 250 history-themed exhibits to Harrisonburg.

Farm Aid in Virginia Beach: The 2026 Farm Aid lineup is set for Sept. 26 at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), Margo Price, and Nathaniel Rateliff plus more artists—tickets go on sale Friday. Road & visitor access: After nearly four years of work, the northern George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean and Arlington is being rededicated following a $161 million rehabilitation, easing travel through a major corridor. Local streetscape work: Arlington County says the next phase of Wilson Blvd upgrades (sidewalks, signals, utilities, and removing a slip lane) is expected to start late summer. Safety project on I-66: VDOT crews begin a Fauquier County I-66 westbound guardrail replacement and high-friction surface treatment, with overnight closures starting June 17. Energy policy watch: Virginia energy watchdogs are urging caution as the Dominion–NextEra merger moves forward, pushing for stronger protections for ratepayers. Tourism & culture: Rocky Forge Wind marks progress on Virginia’s first land-based wind farm, while Springhouse’s SparkFest (June 13) offers a free, family-friendly music-and-land skills fundraiser in Pilot.

Family Travel & Summer Safety: Virginia Beach police launched LIAM, a new youth assistance program named for 11-year-old Liam Metz, offering a one-stop shop for job help, substance-use services, and mental health support during summer break. Local Planning & Growth: Halifax County officials toured Southside Virginia Community College’s Center for Information Technology Excellence to understand data centers’ workforce and economic impacts. Historic Downtown Reuse: Zachary is seeking proposals to lease its former Town Hall (1931) and train depot for up to two years, aiming to bring new retail tenants to the railroad-era landmarks. Outdoor & Conservation: World Oceans Day spotlights the harm of single-use foam (Styrofoam), urging bans and cleanup as plastic breaks into pieces that can reach wildlife and even people. Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and E15 prices varying across Virginia counties and cities, with Staunton’s lowest midgrade at $4.71 and Winchester’s lowest E15 at $3.68 for the week ending May 30. Big Event on the Calendar: Farm Aid is coming to Virginia Beach for the first time on Sept. 26 at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, with tickets going on sale June 12.

VA Tourism & International Travel: Virginia Tourism Corporation is ramping up outreach to India’s travel trade after India became the state’s second-largest international source market, aiming to boost overnight stays beyond day trips to Luray Caverns. Outdoor & Trails: The U.S. Department of the Interior designated six new National Recreation Trails, including Virginia’s Leopold’s Preserve trail system, adding 162.5 miles for hiking and paddling. Local Travel Deals: Virginia Breeze is offering 50% off one-way fares with promo code VA50 for Juneteenth weekend (June 19–21) and July 4th weekend (July 2–5). Camping Spotlight: Smith Mountain Lake gets a summer-focused camping feature, from tent sites and cabins to state-park trails and lakefront fun. Food & Community: Fairfax Pediatric Associates marks 60 years and opens a new Centreville location, plus a summer open house. Road-Trip Reality Check: Gas prices remain volatile; GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest midgrade and premium deals in parts of Virginia as drivers plan for summer travel. Health & Summer Planning: The Red Cross is urging Virginians to donate blood as summer travel threatens scheduled donation drops.

Virginia Beach Restaurant Crash: A car slammed into Yomi Hibachi and Sushi in Landstown Commons around 5:30 a.m. Sunday; no injuries were reported and owners hope repairs finish quickly. Local Safety & Crime: Arlington County Police say overall crime fell 10.9% in 2025, with property crimes down 14.9% and more traffic citations/warnings and DUI arrests as a focus. Summer Travel Costs: Roanoke-area swim club Forest Hill Swim Club raised summer pool membership prices about 5% to keep up with inflation. Outdoor & Nature: Lynnhaven River Now hosted a workshop in Virginia Beach where residents built bee hotels to support native pollinators. Sports & Community: Virginia Tech landed a 2027 commitment from Woodberry Forest OT Junior Saunders, plus two more 4-star pledges on Sunday. Health Awareness: Virginia Beach mom Audrey Leishman says her “stomach bug” turned into sepsis and toxic shock syndrome, and she’s now spreading warning-sign awareness. Local Economy Watch: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and premium prices varying across Virginia counties and cities heading into summer driving season.

Virginia Tourism & Events: Stage 2 is bringing A Midsummer Night’s Dream to McCain Theater at Meridian Community College, with performances June 5-7—an easy weekend plan for theater lovers and families. Local Planning & Growth: Shenandoah County’s planning commission voted 6-1 to recommend its first data center ordinance to the Board of Supervisors after a charged public hearing, with residents warning the rules still leave the door open. Road Trip Costs (Gas Watch): GasBuddy reports show E15 at $3.68 in Winchester city (week ending May 30), plus diesel lows like $4.93 in Dickenson County and $5.69 in Floyd County—useful for travelers timing summer drives. Retire-Ready Travel (Wine Country): A new look at Charlottesville’s Trump Winery area weighs the region’s big draw—vineyards, Blue Ridge views, and culture—against whether it’s affordable for retirees. Community Spotlight: A Falls Church man drowned at Lake Anna State Park, underscoring summer water-safety reminders for visitors.

Virginia Beach Summer Fun & Safety: The Virginia Beach Sand Soccer Championships drew thousands to the Oceanfront, with Mayor Bobby Dyer’s Mayor’s Task Force for a Safer Virginia Beach aiming to keep the area welcoming while addressing safety concerns. FBI Personnel & Local Ties: FBI Director Kash Patel fired several analysts connected to a controversial 2023 “Catholic ideology” memo that originated in the FBI’s Richmond field office, reigniting First Amendment and political backlash. VA Outdoors for Families: Virginia’s Free Fishing Days return June 5–7, with DWR waiving recreational rod-and-reel license and access permit requirements statewide and expanding stocked-trout opportunities. VA250 on the Move: The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience heads to Front Royal June 18–21, offering an interactive “museum on wheels” on Virginia’s role in American history. Road Safety Watch: Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal I-64 crash in Goochland where a 28-year-old driver was ejected after running off the road and striking trees. Travel Planning Note: Southwest is reportedly adding nine new nonstop routes in 2027, which could reshape flight options for travelers heading to and from the region.

Road Safety: Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal head-on crash on the Route 175 Chincoteague Causeway in Accomack County; a 2000 Ford Explorer crossed into the westbound lanes and struck a 2014 Toyota Camry, sending the Explorer into the marsh. The Ford driver, 25-year-old Tyler W. Crockett, died at the scene; the Toyota driver had minor injuries. Travel Health: Virginia reported a record 77 measles cases as of June 2, and a VDH advisory flags how travelers moving through northern Virginia’s Dulles airport could intersect with the World Cup’s public-health planning. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy’s week-ending May 30 reports show diesel and regular prices hovering around the mid-$4 to mid-$5 range across the state, with notable lows like diesel at $5.18 in Norfolk and regular at $3.93 in Harrisonburg. New to Virginia Beach: Dutch Bros Coffee is coming to Virginia Beach (first state location), with a drive-thru planned for Q4 near Lynnhaven Mall. Commemorations: Multiple D-Day remembrance pieces highlight local Normandy connections and the anniversary’s ongoing meaning for travelers and history buffs.

Virginia Travel & Tourism: Virginia State Parks are rolling out summer music series across the Commonwealth, from bluegrass and beach music to country, rock, and symphony—perfect for a low-key outdoor night with friends and family. Road & Travel Alerts (Virginia): Expect overnight disruptions on I-95 in Stafford: milling and paving near exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) with lane and ramp closures, plus a separate Stanard Street closure in Stanardsville (June 11–12) for ditch and curb work. Local Events: The Eucharistic National Pilgrimage drew hundreds of Catholics through historic Williamsburg on June 5, adding another faith-focused stop for travelers planning a Virginia visit. Family Travel Idea: Chincoteague Island is spotlighted as a quick, scenic getaway—wild ponies, hiking, a wildlife reserve, and sunset cruises. Safety Note: NASA Langley in Hampton tested drone delivery of a human kidney, a reminder that Virginia’s tech and travel future is moving fast.

Outdoor & Family Fun: Virginia’s DWR is bringing back Free Fishing Days June 5–7, with licenses and DWR access permits waived statewide and expanded trout-stream access (fee-fishing areas still cost). Travel Planning & Safety: VDOT is issuing weekly traffic alerts for southwestern and Staunton-area work zones, reminding drivers to use 511 and expect lane shifts and nighttime closures. Road Trip Nostalgia: A roundup of vintage road-trip photos (70s/80s) spotlights how highway travel used to feel—paper maps, open windows, and less “optimized” planning. Local Getaways: A guide highlights Marion as a base for exploring Hungry Mother State Park. Commemorations: Bedford is set for 82nd anniversary D-Day events tied to the National D-Day Memorial’s 25th year. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show regular gas deals in parts of Virginia (including Isle of Wight at $4.19 in the week ending May 30). Tourism Policy: Prince William County received $160K in transportation planning grants for parking demand and neighborhood traffic studies near Yorkshire.

Bus Safety Scrutiny: A deadly commercial bus crash in Virginia has triggered fresh questions about driver history, company practices, and whether safety tech and oversight are keeping up, as investigators look into speed, possible fatigue, and prior speeding tickets tied to the driver. Tourism Policy: Winchester City Council is weighing a new Tourism Zone that could unlock state-style incentives for hotels, restaurants, retail, and outdoor recreation. Film vs. Tourism Incentives: A Virginia watchdog review found tourism incentives in Norfolk and Virginia Beach delivered strong returns, while film incentives have struggled to build a lasting film industry. Data Center Backlash: Virginia Beach leaders are considering zoning changes that would limit or ban large “hyperscale” data centers, while residents in Prince William County raise concerns about water and local impacts. Historic Landscape at Risk: Preservation groups say the Valley Link transmission line could threaten Central Virginia’s rural historic character, prompting calls for documentation and protection. Travel Fuel Watch: Gas prices remain volatile across the Commonwealth, with multiple counties reporting notable week-to-week lows. VA250 Travel Perks: Virginia’s “Virginia 250” passport program offers discounts at participating historic sites as the 250th birthday season ramps up.

Military Families & Care Access: Partners in PROMISE launched a survey on how 2025 EFMP respite-care standardization is affecting military caregivers of children with special needs, urging families to share their experiences so policymakers can adjust support. Road Work & Travel Planning: VDOT says a long-term traffic shift on I-64 east in Norfolk starts overnight June 8 for the Hampton Roads Express Lanes project, moving eastbound traffic near I-564 from outside to inside lanes through late summer 2026. World Cup Base Camp Buzz: Alexandria is gearing up as Croatia’s FIFA World Cup base camp, with team practices set across the Potomac. Big Family Fun in Virginia: Big Bounce America (the world’s largest touring inflatable event) lands at Bull Run Special Events Center in Centreville June 6–14. Health Watch: Virginia measles cases climbed to 77, with officials warning of declining vaccination rates and pointing to a Buckingham County outbreak. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas deals in several Virginia counties this week, including $3.84 in Mecklenburg and $3.97 in Wythe. Local Food Holiday: Hampton Roads doughnut shops are rolling out National Doughnut Day freebies and deals Friday.

Sail250 & America 250 Planning: Ports of Virginia and Maryland are gearing up for Sail250, with a 26-mile Parade of Sail and waterfront festivals—key Virginia dates include ships gathering June 16–18 near Lynnhaven Anchorage, then the parade launching June 19 and rolling into Norfolk/Portsmouth with public viewing spots and a Blue Angels flyover. Local Travel & Community: Falls Church residents packed a meeting over a proposal to expand the Falls Church Farmers Market into nearby streets, with supporters pushing for more vendor space and entertainment while opponents worry about changing the event’s character. Outdoor & Seasonal Safety: Virginia Beach keeps red flags up, warning of dangerous surf and rip currents—lifeguards urge extreme caution and to follow beach closures. Hampton Roads Events: Norfolk’s Diggs Town Juneteenth celebration is set for June 20, with organizers saying Sail250 and Harborfest won’t overshadow the parade and family festivities. Road & Weather Prep: Virginia officials are urging hurricane preparedness as the 2026 season begins, and drivers should expect major delays from an I-66 Express Lanes shutdown after a multi-vehicle crash in Fairfax. Food & Fun for Families: Free Fishing Days run June 5–7, a timely boost for summer anglers.