In response to a series of violent incidents at the Oceanfront, the Virginia Beach City Council has approved a temporary curfew aimed at enhancing public safety in the area. The curfew, effective on Friday and Saturday nights, restricts public access between 9:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. in a designated two-mile stretch from Pacific Avenue to the Atlantic Ocean, spanning from Rudee Park to 31st Street.
This measure comes in addition to existing curfews for unaccompanied minors, which have been adjusted to start at 7 p.m. on weekends in the same area, and a citywide curfew for unaccompanied minors now beginning at 10 p.m., moved up from 11 p.m. by the City Council. Exceptions to the curfews are permitted for individuals commuting to or from work and those experiencing medical emergencies.
City leaders emphasize that these curfews are temporary and are part of a broader strategy to reduce disturbances during the spring season and ensure a safer environment for residents and visitors as the summer approaches. The Council plans to monitor the effectiveness of these measures and consider further actions as necessary to maintain public safety at the Oceanfront.