At 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, Fredericksburg Police responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of William Street in Downtown Fredericksburg. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds on the adjacent Charles Street and provided aid until rescue personnel arrived.

The victim, identified as Tyler Lee Jones, 23, of Fredericksburg, was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.


In a statement, Dr. Duffy shared that recent developments within his family and his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, initially treated in 2019, prompted him to reprioritize his commitments. “My family needs me, and I need them,” Dr. Duffy stated, visibly moved as he addressed his colleagues and the public.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Duffy expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and collaborate with fellow council members and city staff. “This body means so much to me and this city. It has been an amazing experience,” he said. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about his decision, calling himself “the luckiest person you will ever meet.”


No sound, no touch, no light: Elysian Float Spa offers a sensory deprivation spa experience to take away the stress of the holidays. Located in Fredericksburg, Elysian offers 60 minute or 90 minute float therapy sessions. Owner Debbie Elkins said float therapy has three main targets: athletic recovery, chronic pain,, and mental wellness (anxiety, depression, PTSD).

Two couples, Mark and Debbie Elkins from Stafford and Jason and Christy Ostrander met 15 years ago at a small church group. After a float spa experience in Williamsburg, Mark and Debbie told Jason, a career massage therapist, that this type of wellness experience was needed in the Fredericksburg area. 


“Fredericksburg Toyland” was the theme of this year’s parade, and this paved the way for creativity in the form of lighted floats and energetic teens. Some may have been staying active just to keep warm on this frigid night. Just about every family gathered on the curbside had a few blankets draped over everyone.

“My face is frozen,” said one man on Caroline Street, but it seemed there were lots of vendors handing out hot chocolate, including the Christian Motorcyclists Association who were up on Princess Anne Street handing out free hot chocolate. This year wasn’t their first parade. “We’ve been doing this for a whole lot of years,” said one of the members.


The Fredericksburg City Council has outlined an ambitious three-year celebration that will start with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 and culminate with the city’s 300th anniversary two years later.

The plans, unveiled during the November 26 work session, will spotlight the nation’s founding, Revolutionary War heritage, and Fredericksburg’s integral role in American history.


Emergency repairs are underway on the northbound Route 1 lane at the Falmouth Bridge, with delays expected during peak times. Various construction and maintenance projects are ongoing throughout the Fredericksburg District, including road closures, lane restrictions, and bridge repairs across multiple counties, with some projects set to be completed in the coming years.

Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:


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