The video features a number of Richmond community assets.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Office of the Governor contact: press@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Tourism Corporation contact: jthomas@virginia.org

Virginia Welcomed a Record 46.6 Million Overnight Visitors as Travelers Spent $99 Million per Day, Saving the Average Virginia Household $1,020 in Taxes

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that Virginia’s tourism industry continues to reach historic milestones, with visitors spending a record-high $36.2 billion in the Commonwealth. Visitor spending increased 3.1 percent, or $1.1 billion, over the previous year, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in visitor spending.

“Virginia tourism is powering our local economies — supporting jobs, strengthening small businesses, and investing in our communities. When Americans from across our country and visitors from across the globe come to Virginia, they immediately understand why our beautiful Commonwealth is a world-class destination,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “With this record-breaking year for tourism, Virginia households saved an average of more than $1,000 in state and local taxes. We’re continuing to build on this momentum and showcase everything our Commonwealth has to offer.” 

Virginia welcomed a record 46.6 million domestic and international overnight visitors, marking an increase of nearly one million visitors and the second consecutive year of record visitation. Visitors spent $99 million per day in Virginia, up from $96 million the previous year, with dining, recreation, and other experience-based spending fueling much of that growth as travelers continued to prioritize meaningful travel experiences.

“These record-breaking results demonstrate that tourism remains one of Virginia’s strongest economic drivers,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “When visitors choose Virginia, they’re supporting entrepreneurs, artisans, small businesses, and employers in every region of the Commonwealth. The impact of tourism extends far beyond hotels and attractions, with visitor spending supporting internationally-recognized assets in communities of all sizes — from Main Street merchants and retailers to restaurants, wineries, breweries, museums, and outdoor experiences. Together, these businesses help make tourism an essential contributor to Virginia’s diverse economy.” 

Tourism directly generated more than $2.6 billion in state and local tax revenue over the previous year. Including tourism’s full ripple effect across Virginia’s economy, visitors saved the average Virginia household $1,020 in state and local taxes while helping fund schools, public safety, transportation, and other essential local services. Virginia’s tourism industry directly supported nearly 232,000 jobs, an increase of more than 2,700 jobs over the previous year and generated $10.6 billion in wages and salaries for Virginians. 

Leisure travel remained the primary driver of Virginia’s tourism growth, accounting for 90 percent of overnight visitation as travelers increasingly sought high-value destinations closer to home. That trend helped fuel strong performance in Virginia’s leisure-focused regional destinations. Central Virginia led the state in hotel demand growth followed by the Shenandoah Valley and the Virginia Mountains, with standout gains in Staunton/Harrisonburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and Charlottesville. 

Virginia’s record-setting momentum has continued into 2026, with the Commonwealth’s hotel industry outpacing national growth through the first half of the year. Through June, Virginia’s hotel demand increased 3.1 percent, compared to 1.8 percent nationwide, while hotel revenue grew 6.4 percent, reflecting continued strength in both business and leisure travel. 

This success also reflects Virginia’s long-term path for tourism growth through the Commonwealth’s Statewide Strategic Tourism Plan, which Governor Spanberger launched in April 2026. Developed in partnership with industry stakeholders across every region, the plan outlines a coordinated, data-driven strategy to strengthen Virginia’s visitor economy over the next decade.

“For the fourth year in a row, we’re celebrating another record, and that kind of sustained growth speaks to the strength and resilience of Virginia’s tourism industry,” said President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation Rita McClenny. “From coast to cliff, visitors are discovering everything Virginia has to offer, and our tourism partners are delivering the experiences that keep them coming back. Around the clock and across the Commonwealth, our visitor economy never stops. With our hotel performance already outpacing the nation in 2026, we’re building on this momentum and looking forward to another strong year for Virginia tourism.” 

Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from Tourism Economics. The information is based on domestic and international visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips. Visitors included those who stayed overnight or traveled more than 50 miles to the destination. Detailed economic impact data and methodology are available at vatc.org/research. Locality data will be available in September 2026.

Original will be posted https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/

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Local Tykia Gray has launched a basic hygiene essentials drive for students in Westmoreland County, with the hope that there will be sufficient community support to expand for all students on the Northern Neck. She writes on FB, “Every student deserves to start the school year feeling confident and ready to learn. School success isn’t just about having pencils and notebooks it’s also about having access to the everyday essentials that help students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.”

The Care Closet Drive relies on people power. Individuals, businesses, organizations, groups, and communities can help by donating items, spreading the word about the need and the care closet, and inviting others to help.

No matter the size of the donation, every one helps.

Items needed:

• Tissues
• Deodorant
• Period products: Sanitary napkins and tampons
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Combs

There are two ways to donate:

1. Buy items and, at least for now, connect with Tykia (804-480-9900) to give them to her. Soon there will be drop-off locations.
2. Buy on the Amazon wishlist.

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Virginia’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) is a five-year plan that provides direction and focus for road safety efforts in the commonwealth. The steering committee that provides oversight to the update — made up of VDOT, Virginia State Police, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Health, and other state and local agencies and safety partners — invites public input to help shape the next plan and guide future safety initiatives. 

The statewide survey is now open and will remain available through Aug. 23. This online survey asks Virginians to identify the most pressing safety issues within SHSP emphasis areas such as speeding, occupant protections, impaired driving and others, as well as to provide insight on which countermeasures, actions or strategies they believe would be most effective in reducing or eliminating those concerns.

The number of traffic-related deaths and serious injuries in Virginia decreased in 2025, but they remain at pre-pandemic levels. Public input to the plan through this survey will help focus our actions so that those traveling on Virginia’s highways and streets will arrive alive and unharmed.

The updated plan is expected to be released in early 2027.

Original news.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ALERT (10 AM UPDATE)

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) uses a color-coded air quality
forecast system:

As of 10:00 am Friday, July 17, 2026, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in Richmond and surrounding areas based on current ground-level fine particles has entered the Code Purple range (Current Air Quality Conditions). Active children and adults should avoide strenuous outdoor activities throughout the day. People unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), should avoid all outdoor activities, take more breaks, and do less intense activities. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy. 

As of 10:00 am Friday, July 17, 2026, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in Hampton Roads and surrounding areas based upon the current ground-level fine particles concentrations is in the Code Red range (Current Air Quality Conditions). Active children and adults should limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities throughout the day. People unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, take more breaks, and do less intense activities. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.   

If you know someone else who would like to receive these forecasts, please have them sign up to receive the air quality health alerts.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ALERT

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) uses a color-coded air quality
forecast system:

As of 8:00 am Friday, July 17, 2026, the estimated Air Quality Index (AQI) in Winchester and surrounding areas based upon the current ground-level fine particles concentrations is in the Code Purple range. The Richmond and surrounding areas based upon the current ground-level fine particle concentrations is in the Code Red range (Current Air Quality Conditions). Active children and adults should limit or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities throughout the day. People unusually sensitive to air pollution, especially those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, take more breaks, and do less intense activities. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.

If you know someone else who would like to receive these forecasts, please have them sign up to receive the air quality health alerts.

For More Information, contact:

Kristen Stumpf

Meteorologist, Office of Air Quality Assessments
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
1111 E. Main Street, Suite 1400
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 659-1981
Kristen.Stumpf@DEQ.Virginia.gov

Email from DEQ, July 17, 2026, 8:32am

>HAMPTON, VA – Results of the 2026 Bay-wide Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey show a 46% increase in the abundance of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay, for a total population of 349 million crabs. This increase comes despite another cold winter, which increased the overwintering mortality of crabs throughout the bay and caused cold-stun events in several finfish species throughout Virginia. Overall, the results suggest improved conditions for the 2026 fishery.

>The Winter Dredge Survey found the total estimated population of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay increased from 238 million crabs in the winter of 2024-2025 to 349 million crabs in the winter of 2025-2026. This was driven mainly by an increase of 120% in juvenile blue crabs, up to 228 million juveniles. Adult male crab abundance also increased, from 26 million to 37 million crabs. The adult female population, however, declined to 81 million. Similar conditions were observed following the severe winter conditions experienced in 2014. While overwintering mortality was also elevated during that period, the blue crab population demonstrated resilience and rebounded in subsequent years without long-term impacts to the stock.

>Over the last 15 years, blue crab fishery managers in Virginia, Maryland, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission have used the annual Winter Dredge Survey estimates to help inform management for the coming fishing season. Additional information on the blue crab population is also anticipated through the completion of a bay-wide benchmark stock assessment. Managers will review that information alongside other ongoing monitoring efforts as it becomes available.

>The Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC), an advisory group under the Chesapeake Bay Program, met on May 13 to discuss the results from the 2025-26 Winter Dredge Survey and the upcoming release of the benchmark stock assessment. Their analysis of the Winter Dredge Survey will be published in the full CBSAC Annual Report this June. The results of the Winter Dredge Survey will also be presented to the Crab Management Advisory Committee in a public meeting on May 27, 2026, at 4 PM. (Emphasis added)

Fish Consumption Advisories -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued new fish consumption advisories. A fish consumption advisory is not a prohibition of eating fish, but a warning about the contaminants present in a fish species. Each advisory specifies the waterbody or segment of a waterbody affected, the contaminants present, and meal recommendations for eating specific fish species caught there. The meal recommendations presented were developed to protect the general public. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children are advised not to eat any fish listed in a fish consumption advisory. Learn more at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/fish-consumption-advisory/ (includes a table of current fish consumption advisories in Virginia that is searchable by species, locality, waterbody, or contaminant). New advisories (updated: April 27, 2026) include:
   ++ Chickahominy River for PFOS
   ++ Flannagan Reservoir for PCBs
   ++ Potomac Watershed/ Occoquan River for PFOS

Original from Announcements 2026.5.12 Virginia Water Monitoring Council Google Group email. To subscribe: virginia-water-monitoring-council+subscribe@googlegroups.com

The Northumberland County Department of Emergency Services has a new emergency alert system: Everbridge.

Everbridge replaces CodeRED as the county’s emergency alert system. To receive alerts with the new system, people have to register with Everbridge.

According to the May 11 Facebook post, Everbridge fuctionality includes sending texts and emails about severe weather, public safety incidents, evacuations, road closures, and more.

Signing up is easy. There are three ways; select the one that is easiest for you.

1. Download the “Public Safety by Everbridge” mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Or, scan the QR code in the flyer below, and follow the instructions.
2. Text NCVAREG to 888777 and follow the instructions.
3. Visit the member portal: https://member.everbridge.net/88684095340714/login

Note: Search for Northumberland or NCVA to sign up for the correct alert system. If asked for an organization code, enter NCVA (exact match is required). If you need help registering, call Chief of Emergency Services Chris Bailey at (804) 580-2589.

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Original blog post.

Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed. In 2026, each eligible school‑age child will receive a one‑time $120 benefit. Benefits will be added to your household’s SNAP EBT card. Eligible families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will be mailed a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card.

You can use SUN Bucks to buy groceries — including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat — at grocery stores, farmers markets and other businesses that accept SNAP EBT benefits.

More info: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks/

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The National Quilt Project has launched and NNK-made small quilts (18” square!) are being coordinated by Susie Cambria, quilter and Policy on the NNK blogger, via NNK Region ~ National Quilt Project.

As NNK Region ~ National Quilt Project explains, the project is

>an idea that can help repair our torn social fabric.

>Everyone is invited to participate: Children, adults, artists, those with no artistic ability but an interest in reducing the polarization across the US, English speakers, non-English speakers, paper artists, painters, quilters, trash-to-treasure afficianados! You name it, we’d love for you to join us.

>Joining entails organizing an event at which blocks are made and/or making 18” square quilts. The blocks will be shown across the country starting this July and the final tour stop will be in Washington, DC in 2030.

Please, don’t be put off by “quilt.” This project embraces many forms of art and artistic expression. The point is that we share our take on American values and ideals.

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“Museums for All helps families with SNAP/EBT get free or low-cost admission to participating museums, usually between $0 and $5. It’s a great way to enjoy spring break, explore something new, and make family memories on a budget!” One thousand six hundred museums participate across the US.

Two museums on the NNK participate: Menokin in Warsaw and Stratford Hall Historic Preserve in Stratford.

Museums for All lists and shows in a map the participating museums. To take advantage of Museums for All, families show their EBT card and ID and these documents allow up to four people to pay no more than $5 for admission. Families may use Museums for All as many times as they like.

This Institute of Museum and Library Services program provides support to museums every step of the way. There are toolkits, evaluation, and FAQs.

M4A reports 45,248 museum attendees in 2025 in Virginia. Of those, 3% attended using the Museums for All program. The total economic benefit for M4A visitors was $446,712.

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The Thriftiquing in the Northern Neck map has been updated! The map, maintained by the Northern Neck Tourism Commission, tells you “where to find antiques, collectibles and decorative items in the Northern Neck of Virginia, from fine antiques, upcycled painted furniture to kids’ clothing and books!”

Send updates/corrections to the NNTC staffer via email, nntc (at) northernneck (dot) org.

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