At the community meeting on July 17, Councilman Schulman, Parks and Rec Department Director Kirschman and 3rd Precinct Captain Gordon presented the background for the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp, the Additional Safety measures that have already been taken and the Safety Enhancements that are coming in the near future.

Newest Safety Enhancements:
1. 3 solar-powered wireless boat ramp signs on Shore Drive (funded, ordered and awaiting delivery for install). These will alert boaters and visitors that the parking lot is full and closed before they turn into the neighborhood.

2. FLOCK camera (LPR-License Plate Reader) will be installed on the entry road so that all license plates will be recorded. (Ordered, install when received).
3. On-site armed security-PILOT program. DCIS armed security will patrol the property from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, seven days a week until October 31. They are tasked with providing a presence in cooperation with the police to address security concerns in the evening/ night.

A number of residents expressed appreciation for the additional safety measures. Concerns were raised about some illegal charter boat businesses operating out of the boat ramp. One charter boat owner commented that there are businesses like his who are operating legally and who are observant of the rules. Concerns about safety were also raised due to the amount of traffic that is routed through the narrow neighborhood streets.

Thanks to those who joined us through the deluge! We heard the Treasurer’s report and Jill reported on Fireworks. President Danny Murphy clarified the various McLeskey projects that are planned in Ocean Park noting that on July 3 a Subdivision Construction Plan was submitted to the city for the 14 lots behind Chesterfield. Danny noted that this is a by right project but that it must meet all current development stormwater standards. More to come. Here are the meeting slides:

Just a reminder that driving a vehicle of any kind on the beach is prohibited by code. Handicapped placards are not transferrable to a golf cart. There is a special process to receive permission to operated a motor vehicle for a handicapped person.

Some reminders about “golf carts” in our community. Although some communities in the area are designated golf cart communities, Ocean Park is not a designated or approved golf cart community. Because of this, to drive lawfully on the streets of Ocean Park golf carts must be street-legal electric vehicles as defined by state and city law. This means they must meet all the vehicular requirements, be titled, registered with low-speed license plates from DMV and covered by minimum insurance requirements. They may only be operated by drivers with a valid license or learner’s permit and the driver must follow all the same rules of the road as a normal vehicle. (Virginia Beach Codes of Ordinance: Sec. 7: 65-68 ).

A word of caution: Ocean Park is not an approved golf cart community so only DMV licensed golf carts driven by licensed drivers are legal: use your own judgement about participating if you are not street legal. Ocean Park is not a designated golf cart community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE– Join us in thanking VB Parks & Rec Lynnhaven Boat Ramp management & staff, P&R Director Kirschman, City Manager Duhaney & office, Councilman Schulman and VBPD 3rd Precinct led by Captain Gordon! We appreciate their listening to our concerns and taking these additional actions!

From Parks and Recreation:

“With the busy July 4th weekend upon us, Parks and Recreation, Va. Beach Police, and Emergency Management have partnered to add Garda World security personnel to the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp holiday operations. We will have an armed security guard with a marked SUV on-site from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Security personnel will be tasked with providing a presence in cooperation with the police department to address any potential security concerns over the weekend.”

“Additionally, on Sunday, July 6th, the VBPD will have its mobile command unit onsite for the Ocean Park & Bay Lake Pines fireworks display from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.”

Neighbors,

We want to share some important information from 3rd Precinct Captain Gordon, VBPD:

“As we all are aware, on June 17, 2025, we had a small group of individuals remaining at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp when a disagreement occurred and a subject produced a firearm and fired several shots into the air.  All parties fled prior to police arrival; however, since then the Third Precinct Crime Suppression Squad (CSS) has been diligently following up.”

The Third Precinct has announced that yesterday, July 01, VBPD CSS and SWAT Units executed a search warrant in Virginia Beach resulting in the arrest of the individual involved and the recovery of a rifle believed to have been used in the incident at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp on June 17th.

“The subject has now been arrested and charged with Firearm by Felon, Reckless Handling, and Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place. The suspect’s information will not be released at this time as the investigation is ongoing and there is a potential for additional charges unrelated to the events of June 17. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

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or mail a check to: Box 55385 Virginia Beach, VA 23471

FIREWORKS HISTORY AND WHY WE NEED DONATIONS from Jill Doczi:

“In the past, Shore Drive residents paid for, and shot off, individual fireworks along the beaches to celebrate the Fourth of July. The explosions occurred from dusk throughout the night during the days surrounding July 4. It consisted of MANY homegrown mini fireworks shows up and down the entire beach on both sides of the Lesner Inlet, each trying to outperform the others. While spectacular to watch, it was also unregulated and unsafe, resulting in injuries, fires and trash.”

“About a decade ago, the Virginia Beach fire marshal launched an effort to stop nonprofessional Independence Day fireworks. It succeeded with heavy patrolling, enforcement and penalties — ending personal fireworks on our beaches that year. The following year, Ocean Park Civic League pulled together a beach show using a pyrotechnic company. This ended heavy patrolling on the holiday. After a few years, changes in permit and safety requirements meant the show had to become a barge show. To offset the cost of fuel and barge rental, the other bayfront civic leagues joined forces rather than see Shore Drive fireworks on the Fourth end. A more central location was chosen with Coast Guard approval.”

“Please know that you support our community fireworks celebration through donations to the show. Active participation in your community provides events like these for you, your friends and family to enjoy. Thank you for your support.”

Organizing communities: Baylake Pines and Ocean Park (including Pelican Dunes, Chesapeake House, Bay Vista, 3556 on the Bay, Aeries on the Bay, Water Oaks tand Three Ships Landing). Additional communities like CXB help through donations and we thank them for their support.

The show occurs on a barge in the bay, centrally located between the borders of Baylake Pines and Ocean Park, and the viewing area is all along the bay. This spectacular show is arranged with personal donations only. No money comes from general civic league funds or the city. No amount is too small (or too large), but the average household amount is $25-$100 per household. If we don’t raise the money, we don’t have a show.”

To receive updates make sure you email communication@opcl.org.
Additional information on the OPCL website at www.opcl.org

Secure credit card through Cheddar Up or PayPal:

PayPal:

Cheddar Up:

Check: “OPCL Fireworks” and mail to:
OPCL, Fireworks
P.O. Box 55385

Costs have gone up and will continue to go up with all the bridge construction and tariffs. Your donation is appreciated!