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This is the official page for the City of Chesapeake, Virginia. The City’s social media pages are not monitored for service requests.

Social Media Comment Policy

The purpose of all City of Chesapeake social media pages is to provide information to the public. The City of Chesapeake encourages comments and sharing of information directly related to the topics in posts. In order to serve the public interests of decorum and order, the following types of comments will be hidden from all of the City’s social media pages:

Off topic

Operating as usual

01/26/2023

Sign up for free financial education and coaching through Bank On Hampton Roads! Registration is now open for their next session of virtual and in-person classes. To register, visit www.bankonhr.org

01/26/2023

GILMERTON BRIDGE UPDATE: Reminder that the planned weekend closures of the Gilmerton Bridge on S Military Highway have been DELAYED due to unforeseen pre-construction delays. New closure dates are forthcoming and will be released once finalized.

01/26/2023

Chesapeake City Council Meeting
Marked Agenda from January 24, 2022
View marked agenda and watch the meeting: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/Agenda

01/25/2023

City Council will hold a Town Meeting on Tuesday, February 7, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Greenbrier Middle School. Residents are encouraged to attend at their leisure to discuss topics of interest with City Council members and City staff. Details: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/TownMeetings

01/24/2023

First Responders Use Technology for Fast Response

Chesapeake EMS uses the mobile Handtevy system to organize their team during a critical event. It tells them in real time what equipment is needed and when to use it. It contains protocols for all ages, with scenarios ranging from shortness of breath to cardiac arrest. Learn more about the system from Lt. Bryan Soriano with the Chesapeake Fire Department.

01/23/2023

Photos from Chesapeake Public Schools's post

Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is hosting a free webinar this Wednesday, January 25, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.,...

01/23/2023

The Dangerous Truth About Today's Ma*****na: Virtual Presentation

Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is hosting a free webinar this Wednesday, January 25, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., to help raise community awareness of the potential risks associated with ma*****na use, particularly at a young age. To register for the webinar, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dangerous-truth-about-todays-ma*****na-virtual-presentation-tickets-500917185787?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete.

Laura Stack, founder of Jonny's Ambassadors, will be discussing "The Dangerous Truth About Today's Ma*****na."

01/23/2023

UPDATE: One northbound lane remains closed.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Northbound Greenbrier Parkway is closed at Eden Way due to downed power lines and traffic signal outages. Police are directing traffic. No estimated time for reopening.

01/20/2023

Chesapeake Public Works is seeking a Stormwater Engineer II to join their team. The selected candidate will be responsible for researching and analyzing engineering data, reviewing and designing plans, and providing assistance with project inquiries. To apply, visit jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/8785. If you have any questions regarding this position, contact Human Resources at 757-382-6492.

01/20/2023

City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 24, at City Hall. Speaker cards will be accepted for the Council Meeting up until 6:30 p.m. Citizens who wish to speak may register on the date of the meeting in the City Council Chamber before 6:30 p.m. or pre-register by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 757-382-6151 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

To view the meeting agenda, visit www.CityOfChesapeake.net/Agenda

The meeting will be aired live on Chesapeake Television (Cox Channel 48, Verizon Channel 43) and will be streamed live at www.CityOfChesapeake.net/TV.

01/19/2023

We are pleased to announce that the City's new website is live! It features a modern design, improved search engine, and the same URL. Check it out: www.CityOfChesapeake.net

01/18/2023

Chesapeake City Council Meeting
Marked Agenda from January 17, 2022
View here and watch the meeting: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/Agenda

On Tuesday, January 17, Public Utilities Director David Jurgens addressed frequently asked questions from the community ...

01/18/2023

City Council Work Session – January 17, 2023 – Water Billing FAQs

On Tuesday, January 17, Public Utilities Director David Jurgens addressed frequently asked questions from the community about water meters and water bills. Watch the work session: https://youtu.be/PCLHZjlwel8. View the presentation: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/Water

At the January 17, 2023 City Council Work Session, Public Utilities Director David Jurgens addressed frequently asked questions from the community about wate...

01/18/2023

The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization is hosting a pop-up event this Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Russell Memorial Library to gather input from the community on the Regional Connectors Study. Learn more about the study: connectorstudy.org

Members of the project team will be out in the community at area libraries to share information about the Regional Connectors Study and gather feedback from you! Stop by one of these locations and learn more about future proposed highway improvements for crossing between the Peninsula and Southside.

01/17/2023

City Council is seeking residents who may be interested in serving on various boards and commissions. To view the current list of vacancies and for information on how to apply, visit www.CityOfChesapeake.net/Vacancies

01/17/2023

A statement from The Chesapeake Forum.

01/13/2023

The Chesapeake Fire Department is accepting applications for Firefighter/EMT Trainees and Firefighter/Paramedic Trainees. To apply for the Firefighter/EMT Trainee position, visit jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/8765. To apply for the Firefighter/Paramedic Trainee position, visit jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/8767. If you have any questions regarding these positions, contact Human Resources at 757-382-6492.

01/13/2023

City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 17, at City Hall. There will be a Work Session at 4:45 p.m. followed by the regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Speaker cards will be accepted for the Council Meeting up until 6:30 p.m. Citizens who wish to speak may register on the date of the meeting in the City Council Chamber before 6:30 p.m. or pre-register by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 757-382-6151 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

To view the meeting agenda, visit bit.ly/3ZznQFH

The meeting will be aired live on Chesapeake Television (Cox Channel 48, Verizon Channel 43) and will be streamed live at www.CityOfChesapeake.net/TV.

01/13/2023

UPDATE: All lanes have reopened.

TRAFFIC ALERT: All northbound lanes of Route 168 Expressway are closed at Gallbush Rd due to a vehicle accident. Police are directing traffic onto Battlefield Blvd. Estimated time to reopen is 9:00 a.m. Expect major delays.

01/12/2023

We're just one week away from launching our new website! Please note that once the new website is up and running, pages that you've bookmarked in the past on your web browser will no longer work. When you visit the new website for the first time, be sure to bookmark the pages you visit frequently for quick access. Learn more about the City's new site: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/NewWebsite

01/12/2023

Gilmerton Bridge Weekend Closures

UPDATE: The Gilmerton Bridge weekend closures have been postponed. A new closure start date is forthcoming.

Starting the weekend of January 27, the Gilmerton Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic for six consecutive weekends to allow for important bridge improvements. Learn more about the scope of the project from Public Works Engineering Manager Crystal Bloom. Find the full closure schedule at bit.ly/3H9wJyV

01/12/2023

UPDATE: All northbound lanes of Battlefield Blvd are open at the Great Bridge Bridge. One southbound lane is closed while crews continue to work.

UPDATE (9:46 p.m.): Virginia Natural Gas is on scene responding to the gas leak. Battlefield Blvd S will remain closed to thru traffic at the Great Bridge Bridge overnight. Detour signage has been posted. Local traffic access to all homes/businesses on each side of the bridge is unaffected.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Battlefield Blvd S is closed at the Great Bridge Bridge due to a nearby gas leak. Police are directing traffic. Use Route 168 Expressway as an alternate route. No estimated time for reopening.

01/11/2023

Chesapeake City Council Meeting
Marked Agenda from January 10, 2022
View marked agenda and watch the meeting here: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/Agenda

01/11/2023

All City offices, courts, community centers, and Chesapeake Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Chesapeake Visitor Center will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. There will be no changes to trash collection schedules. Normal operating schedules will resume on Tuesday, January 17.

01/10/2023

Chesapeake Regional Announces Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is coming to Chesapeake Regional Healthcare! The hospital made the exciting announcement this week. Learn more about the program at ChesapeakeRegional.com

01/09/2023

City financial reports can be confusing but understanding how your local government spends money is very important. That’s why the City now creates the Popular Annual Financial Report, an easy-to-read report that spotlights key parts of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. View the inaugural issue: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/PAFR

01/09/2023

UPDATE: The Gilmerton Bridge weekend closures have been postponed. A new closure start date is forthcoming.

The Gilmerton Bridge on South Military Highway will be closed to vehicle traffic for six consecutive weekends beginning the weekend of January 27 to allow for important bridge improvements. The improvements are part of a capital project which aims to minimize the amount of future maintenance required for the counterweight system. A marked detour utilizing I-64 will be in place during the closures. Please follow the posted detour signage. The schedule of the closures is as follows:

Friday, January 27, 9:00 p.m. - Monday, January 30, 5:00 a.m.
Friday, February 3, 9:00 p.m. - Monday, February 6, 5:00 a.m.
Friday, February 10, 9:00 p.m. - Monday, February 13, 5:00 a.m.
Friday, February 17, 9:00 p.m. - Monday, February 20, 5:00 a.m.
Friday, February 24, 9:00 p.m. - Monday, February 27, 5:00 a.m.
Friday, March 3, 9:00 p.m. - Monday, March 6, 5:00 a.m.

Additionally, there will be extended openings of the bridge Wednesday, January 25 - Friday, January 27 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., to allow consistent flow of maritime traffic. These openings may last upwards of 20 minutes.

NOTE: This scheduled work is weather-permitting, and inclement weather may result in changes or schedule delays. Any changes to scheduled closures will be communicated via the City's website and social media accounts.

01/09/2023

The Chesapeake Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, January 11, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Speaker cards will be accepted for the meeting between 6:30–7:00 p.m. Citizens who wish to speak may register on the date of the meeting in the City Council Chamber.

Citizens can also submit comments electronically through this form up until 4:00 p.m. on the day of meeting: https://bit.ly/3crFuEp. All comments received electronically will be shared with the Planning Commission prior to the meeting.

To view the meeting agenda, visit https://bit.ly/3AXvsFV

The meeting will be aired live on Chesapeake Television (Cox Channel 48, Verizon Channel 43) and will be streamed live at www.CityOfChesapeake.net/TV

01/08/2023

Jordan Bridge Reopens to Traffic

Wheelabrator (WIN Waste Innovations) contractors with heavy equipment safely removed the damaged conveyor and reopened Elm Avenue, once again allowing travel across the Jordan Bridge.

01/06/2023

*This event is full*

Registration for the 2023 Paddle for the Border event is officially open! The event will be held on Saturday, May 6. Participants will paddle 7.5 miles on the Dismal Swamp Canal from the Great Dismal Swamp Welcome Center in North Carolina to the Ballahack Boat Ramp in Chesapeake. Spaces for this popular event fill quickly! Learn more, including how to register, by visiting www.CityofChesapeake.net/Paddle

01/06/2023

City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 10, at City Hall. Speaker cards will be accepted for the Council Meeting up until 6:30 p.m. Citizens who wish to speak may register on the date of the meeting in the City Council Chamber before 6:30 p.m. or pre-register by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 757-382-6151 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

To view the meeting agenda, visit bit.ly/3VKFSlq

The meeting will be aired live on Chesapeake Television (Cox Channel 48, Verizon Channel 43) and will be streamed live at www.CityOfChesapeake.net/TV.

01/05/2023

On Thursday, January 19, the City will officially unveil its new website! Take a sneak peek at what to expect when the new site launches: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/NewWebsite

01/05/2023

Chesapeake Public Utilities is seeking an Engineering Technical Supervisor with experience in underground utility locating and construction projects to join their team. The selected candidate will lead a dedicated group of professional utility locators, construction inspectors, and cross-connection inspectors. To apply, visit jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/8674. If you have any questions regarding this position, contact Human Resources at 757-382-6492.

01/04/2023

Chesapeake Fire Firefighter Roles

01/03/2023

Happy New Year, Chesapeake! Start 2023 off right with a resolution to be prepared for any emergency.

✅ Make an emergency plan with your family
✅ Start and grow your emergency fund
✅ Keep and update emergency supplies
✅ Sign up for Chesapeake Alert to receive emergency notifications: www.CityOfChesapeake.net/ChesapeakeAlert

12/31/2022

As you plan your holiday celebrations, the Chesapeake Fire Department asks you to choose to celebrate without fireworks. Fireworks are not only illegal but they can cause harm and undue stress to the members of our community with autism. On this episode of 'peake Life, we learn more about this from Nicole Miller with the Autism Society.

12/30/2022

The Department of Information Technology is seeking a GIS Analyst I. This position supports the enterprise-wide geospatial platform, with an emphasis on public safety. Using a thorough knowledge of geospatial principles, the selected candidate will develop and integrate GIS-centric enterprise solutions and services. To apply, visit jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/8620. If you have any questions regarding this position, contact Human Resources at 757-382-6492.

12/29/2022

REMINDER: Live Christmas trees may be placed at the curb for collection on your normal collection day. A service request for bulk pickup is not required. Trees must be free of all decorations prior to being placed at the curb.

12/28/2022

The Virginia Department of Social Services has seen a notable increase in scams affecting those with SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Scammers are stealing hundreds of dollars from those who need it most. It’s critical for those with SNAP cards to proactively protect their card and benefits. Tips are available here: www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ebt_scam.cgi

12/27/2022

REMINDER: All City offices, courts, community centers, and Chesapeake Public Library branches will have modified hours in observance of the New Year’s holiday. There will be no changes to trash collections. More info: https://bit.ly/3HNPHLX

Address

Public Communications Dept. 306 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA
23322

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

(757) 382-2489

Website

http://www.CityofChesapeake.net/

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Videos

A Closer Look: Parks, Recreation & Tourism Senior Programs

Paint 4 Fun! Learn about some of the senior programs offered by Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism on this episode of A Closer Look.

Election Day Reminders

Tomorrow is Election Day! Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Keep in mind that you must vote at your assigned precinct, which you can find at www.CityOfChesapeake.net/Vote. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID. We will bring you election updates right here on Facebook starting at 7:00 p.m. on November 8. Look for our pinned post for frequent updates on the City Council and School Board positions on the ballot.

Bagged Yard Waste

In November and December, the number of yard waste bags you can place at the curb each week increases to 50 bags. Please use 35-gallon bags and only fill them with light yard waste such leaves and grass clippings. Our crews manually lift and toss these bags into the back of a trash truck, so it’s important to keep things like rocks, mulch, soil, and other heavy materials out of these bags.

Early Voting Satellite Locations

The additional satellite locations for early in-person voting are now open! Registered voters can choose any location to cast their ballot, regardless of their normal precinct. If you have an absentee ballot that you’ve filled out and want to turn in, you can do so at any of these satellite locations.

Preparing For Inclement Weather

City crews are ready for whatever Ian may bring our way and we hope you are, too. Renee McKinnon from Chesapeake Emergency Management tells us more about the preparation that goes in to any potential weather event.

'peake Life - Plan, Prepare, Activate

Emergency preparedness doesn't have to be hard. Protect the life you've built with just three simple steps: Plan, Prepare, Activate! #NPM2022

Chesapeake Avenue Area Drainage & Utility Improvements Project

A virtual information meeting for the Chesapeake Avenue Area Drainage and Utility Improvements Project is open now. You can view project information and submit your comments online. This project is a great example of departmental coordination to get two major improvements done at one time. For more information, visit bit.ly/VCIMchesave.

'peake Life - Open Table

In this episode of 'peake Life, learn how you can get involved in Open Table, a community initiative that offers long-term individualized support and addresses immediate needs.

Amazon School Supply Donation - Oscar Smith Middle School

It takes an entire community to help our kids have a successful school year and Chesapeake has truly stepped up. A key piece of successful learning is having the right tools available for all learners. Students at Oscar Smith Middle School received a generous donation of schools supplies from the Amazon Delivery Station in Chesapeake.

Servicing Our Schools

Each year, members of the military help our Chesapeake Public Schools teachers prepare their rooms for the new school year during the Servicing Our Schools event. We're so appreciative of all these heroes working together to help our kids!

'peake Life - Child Care Assistance

In this episode of 'peake Life, Chesapeake Television's Karen Meyers chats with Emily Edmonds from Human Services about the Child Care Subsidy Program. Take a look.

A Closer Look - Panhandling Signs

Learn what the City is doing to help address panhandling concerns throughout Chesapeake in this episode of A Closer Look.

Great Bridge Past & Present 3rd Annual Art Show

There are only a few days left to check out the beautiful artwork at the Great Bridge Past & Present 3rd Annual Art Show at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Museum. Dozens of artists have submitted their pieces that you don't want to miss. Learn more at GBBattlefield.org

Adopt a Pet from Chesapeake Animal Services

The shelter is FULL at Chesapeake Animal Services! If you are able to provide a lifetime of love and commitment to one of the many shelter animals, please come visit soon! For specific information on each animal, visit www.CityofChesapeake.net/AnimalServices

Chesapeake Weekly: Homelessness with Mary Riley

For those experiencing homelessness, the cold winter months can be challenging and downright dangerous. The City is committed to partnering with community organizations to make sure a warm safe space to sleep is available to those who need it. In this special interview, Chesapeake Television's Elizabeth Vaughn chats with Mary Riley from the Human Services Department about how the City is handling homelessness and how you can lend a hand.

HRUBS Bill Breakdown & Scheduled Rate Increase

Starting January 1, 2022, Chesapeake water and sewer rates will increase by 2 percent. This does not include the HRSD portion of the bill. Public Utilities Director David Jurgens explains the breakdown of your utility bill and gives an explanation for the rate increase in this video.

Early In-Person Voting

Early in-person voting for the November 2 General Election is available through October 30. Any registered voter can choose to vote early at any one of six satellite options plus the Voter Registrar’s Office at select dates and times.

Vote By Mail

Any registered voter is eligible to vote by mail in the November 2 General Election, no excuse necessary. You must apply to vote by mail no later than Friday, October 22. Completed ballots must be returned to the Chesapeake Voter Registrar’s Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. If returning your ballot by mail, it must be postmarked by November 2 and must be received at the Voter Registrar’s Office no later than noon on November 5.

Customer Service Week - Chesapeake Customer Contact Center

In celebration of #CustomerServiceWeek, we want to take a moment to recognize the members of our Customer Contact Center. In the past month alone, this team of 9 managed 24,070 service requests, 11,356 phone calls, 327 emails, and 461 mobile app requests. Thank you for providing top-notch service to our community and being part of the City that Cares!

Register to Vote by October 12

The last day to register to vote in the November 2 General Election is Tuesday, October 12. This is also the last day to make any changes to your registration (for example if you've moved or changed names). You can register online, in person at the Voter Registrar's Office (411 Cedar Rd), or by mail after getting an application from any Chesapeake Public Library Branch or Treasurer's Office.

Preparing Kids for Emergencies

Our final topic for #NationalPreparednessMonth is preparing kids for emergencies. Involve them in the planning process so they feel confident and know what to do if a disaster strikes. For activities and resources, visit https://www.ready.gov/kids.

Mayor's Emergency Response Roundtable: Episode 15

On this edition of the Mayor’s Emergency Response Roundtable, Mayor Rick West talks with Chesapeake Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton and Greenbrier Intermediate Principal Keith Hyater about the start of the 2021-2022 school year and about how the District continues to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.

Early Voting - November 2021 Election

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. Early voting starts this Friday, September 17. Chesapeake Television spoke with Director of Elections Mary Lynn Pinkerman to get all the information you need in order to cast your ballot.

Memories of 9/11 with Chesapeake Firefighter Faith Gayheart

In the weeks, months, and years after the attacks on 9/11, heroes from all across the country put down what they were doing for their own community and flocked to New York City to lend a hand. First responders from right here in Chesapeake were among them, including Senior Firefighter Faith Gayheart. This former Chesapeake police officer and native New Yorker continues to make it her mission to keep the memory of those we lost alive by sharing her story and by continuing to serve. #September11 #NeverForget

School Bus Rules Refresher

School is back in session which means buses are back on the road. Please use caution in areas where students are entering or exiting a bus and STOP for buses displaying warning lights and extended stop-arms. New road signs warning drivers of upcoming school bus stops have been installed along several roadways in Chesapeake where repeat stop-arm violations have occurred. Here's a quick refresher on when you are required to stop for school buses in Virginia.

Emergency Pet Kit

Happy National Dog Day! As we move into the peak of hurricane season, Cinco from the Chesapeake Fire Department wants to remind all pet parents to have an emergency kit ready to go for their furry friends. Be sure to include food, water, medicine, a leash, and a collar with an ID. Find more tips at ready.gov/pets.

Hurricane Evacuation Plan - Where will you go?

As we're getting closer to the height of hurricane season, let’s talk about evacuations. Do you know what evacuation zone you’re in? What’s your plan in the event of an evacuation? Now is time to answer those questions. Find your evacuation zone at KnowYourZoneVA.org.

Adopt from Chesapeake Animal Services!

Chesapeake Animal Services has tons of felines, dogs, and small animals available for adoption! We visited the shelter this morning to chat with Outreach Coordinator Krista Loveless about the adoption process, their upcoming Kitty Karnival, and volunteer opportunities.

Chesapeake Weekly - Wireless Emergency Alerts

Comments

: Connect with your neighbors to see how you can help each other before, during, and after an emergency. Exchange contact information and offer to help them put together an emergency kit.

Due to the weather and the potential for icing overnight, community center and libraries will close at 6 p.m. tonight and all City offices, community centers, and libraries will delay opening until 10 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, January 4. Please be careful on the roads!

Today's wintery mix is likely to make the evening rush hour messy. Please slow down, leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you, and expect slippery conditions. Black ice will likely still be a concern in the morning.

Here is the most current, updated schedule for testing and vaccinations from the Health Department.

Add emergency preparedness to your New Year's resolutions. by:

✅ Making a family emergency plan
✅ Building an emergency supply kit
✅ Starting an emergency fund
✅ Signing up for Chesapeake Alert to receive emergency notifications: www.CityofChesapeake.net/ChesapeakeAlert

We’re likely to miss out on a chance of snow today but the rain coupled with high tide will lead to flooding in roadways and low-lying areas. High tide is at 10 a.m. and is expected to be almost 6 inches higher than originally forecast. Please use caution and remember to never drive through flood waters.

There’s still time to share how you think Chesapeake should allocate over $1.5 million in community development and affordable housing grant funds. Every year, the City applies for grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Share how you think these funds should be used by emailing Beverly Pender at [email protected] with your comments before January 13, 2022. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3JyyHrM.

REMINDER: Live Christmas trees may be placed at the curbside for collection on your normal collection day. Trees must be free of all stands, lights, ornaments, and decorations prior to being placed at the curb.

UPDATE: Bruin Drive will remain closed between Morningside Drive and Mapleton Crescent until the bears come down from the tree. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources personnel will remain on scene until the bears are safely removed.

Chesapeake Animal Services and Police are currently on scene in Western Branch where a black bear with cubs is in a tree.

Officials there would like residents to STAY IN THEIR HOMES until after the Department of Wildlife Resources Conservation Officers arrive to assess the situation.

Black bears can be unpredictable, especially when sows (mothers) have cubs. This is an extremely stressful situation for the bears, so it's important to stay away from the area. That includes driving past the site.