🌱 New Vacant Property Online Auction + Free Rides On Cinco de Mayo

Hello, Norfolk! An important announcement for you: Patch has made the decision to temporarily pause the Norfolk Daily, so after today, you may not see this newsletter in your inbox for a little while. But don't worry — we won't be away for too long!

Until then, we sincerely thank you for your support and patience. Writing your daily newsletter has been truly a rewarding experience, and your loyalty has made it all the better!

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 69 Low: 52.

Here are the top three stories today in Norfolk:

1. Real estate developers and builders can now purchase property through the City's Vacant Property Online Auction program. The program, run by the City's Department of Housing and Community Development, awards properties and vacant residential lots to the highest bidder. Part of the program's purpose is to "transform underutilized properties, increase economic inclusion and strengthen neighborhoods with affordable housing options." (WAVY.com)
2. Drive Safe Hampton Roads, a local nonprofit, is partnering with Lyft and offering free and reduced-cost rides from 4 p.m. Thursday, May 5 until 4 a.m. Friday, May 6. The 757 Sober Ride program's goal is to stop people from driving while intoxicated on the Cinco de Mayo holiday. The rides will cover Norfolk and Virginia Beach. (WAVY.com)
3. A man was shot Thursday afternoon in the Glengariff community near Azalea Garden Road. A police spokesperson said the man's injuries were serious but non-life-threatening. The shooting happened around 1 p.m. in the 6400 block of Powder Horn Drive. (WAVY.com)

Today in Norfolk:

• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions At Red Wing Park! (9:00 AM)
• Woodpeckers Hike at Piney Grove Preserve w/ James Abbott At REI(9:30 AM)
• Level 2 Kayaking Lesson At Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve Foundation (10:00 AM)
• STAR TRAK PRESENTS: INVADERS At Elevation 27 (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Next Saturday, May 7, the Franklin Lumberjack Festevent will return to Franklin, VA. The event, about an hour outside of Norfolk, promises a day of fun for the whole family with professional lumberjacks ready to crank up the saw and begin chopping! (WAVY.com)
• There are many Norfolk pets in area shelters desperately in need of a home. View their pictures, read their descriptions, and click the link to learn more about adoption and fostering. (Norfolk Patch)
• The 14th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 at the Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Come down and sample a variety of over 200 wines from Virginia's premier wineries. (WYDaily)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale (April 30)
• Virginia Psychic Fair 2022 (May 1)
• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Carla Varner