🌱 Swanson Parkway Shooting + City Seeks Innovation District Feedback

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Portsmouth Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community these days.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Cooler with clouds breaking. High: 56 Low: 38.
• Sunday: Partly sunny. High: 49 Low: 32.
• Monday: Sun and some clouds. High: 50 Low: 31.
• Tuesday: Warmer with plenty of sun. High: 57 Low: 37.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Portsmouth who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Portsmouth today:

1. A boy and a man have sustained life-threatening injuries following a shooting in Portsmouth on Wednesday. According to police, the incident occurred in the 20 block of Swanson Parkway; both victims were immediately rushed to an area hospital. Information on the shooting is limited as of the time of publication. (13newsnow.com WVEC)
2. Portsmouth officials are planning to revitalize an underdeveloped part of the city by establishing an Innovation District aimed at attracting new businesses. The area, located along High Street to the west of Olde Towne, is currently characterized by open fields and old buildings. Residents can share their thoughts on the proposed district at a meeting at the Social Services Building on Mar. 21 from 2-4. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)
3. Del. Nadarius Clark (D-Portsmouth) will resign from his seat before the General Assembly on Apr. 12, due to a rule in the Virginia Constitution that mandates members to step down if they move out of their district. Democratic candidate Michele Joyce has urged him to either resign his current seat or withdraw from the race for the new one; Clark confirmed he is currently in the process of doing so. The move will leave House Democrats with 47 votes when lawmakers reconvene, putting them at a potential disadvantage when taking up vetoes and amendments from Governor Glenn Youngkin. (Virginia Mercury)

Coming up in Portsmouth:

Saturday, March 18

• First Anniversary Celebration! At That Art Store (9:00 AM)
• Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market At Portsmouth Olde Towne Historic District (10:00 AM)
• A Father's Legacy At Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum (1:30 PM)

Sunday, March 19

• Chris Brydge Jazz Series At Gosport At Portsmouth Olde Town Historic District (6:00 PM)

Monday, March 20

• Senior Bingo At Coleman Meeting Room, Churchland Branch Library (11:00 AM)

Wednesday, March 22

• Open Mic Every Wednesday! At Olde Town Public House (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Want to catch up with what's happening in the city? A recording of the Mar. 14 Portsmouth City Council Meeting is now available to stream on YouTube. (Portsmouth, Virginia via YouTube)
• Prospective pet parents, today might be your lucky day. These adorable pets in Portsmouth area shelters are ready to find their fur-ever homes. (Portsmouth Patch)
• You can buzz your head for a good cause! The Hampton Roads Shave to Raise fundraiser is happening today (Saturday, Mar. 18) at O'Conner Brewing Company from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; proceeds will support children with cancer. (WAVY.com)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.