Potomac Local News

Published July 23, 2025 at 11:15AM

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Boaters across Prince William County saw an increased law enforcement presence on local waterways over the Fourth of July weekend as the Police Department’s Marine Unit took part in “Operation Dry Water,” a national effort to reduce boating under the influence and promote safe water recreation.

The Marine Unit patrolled busy spots including the Occoquan and Potomac rivers, Leesylvania State Park, Lake Jackson, and the Occoquan Reservoir. The Fourth of July is traditionally one of the busiest times on the nation’s waterways, often leading to a spike in boating incidents and fatalities.

Prince William

Dumfries Woman Dies After Crash on Four Seasons Drive, Police Suspect Medical Emergency

By Potomac Local News

Published July 23, 2025 at 11:00AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Officers responded to the scene at 7:41 p.m. on July 18 in the area of Four Seasons Drive near Dumfries Road (Route 234) after a report of a single-vehicle crash. According to police, a 2011 Toyota Highlander was traveling westbound on Four Seasons Drive when it veered off the road to the left, entered the median, and struck multiple trees before coming to a stop.

Investigators believe the driver, 60-year-old Diedra Adare White, of Dumfries, suffered a medical emergency just before the crash. Police noted White was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she died on July 20.

Prince William

Belmont Bay HOA Calls for Permanent Freeze on $100M Flyover as Survey Shows Overwhelming Opposition

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 23, 2025 at 10:00AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The president of the Belmont Bay Homeowners Association says a clear majority of residents oppose a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at the intersection of Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Gordon Boulevard (Route 123).

In a message sent to residents and shared with Potomac Local News, KP Lau, president of the Belmont Bay HOA, detailed the results of two surveys showing overwhelming community opposition to the project.

Manassas

All Manassas Students Eat Free—But How Long Has That Been the Case?

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 23, 2025 at 9:30AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Families in Manassas may be pleasantly surprised to learn that every student enrolled in Manassas City Public Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch again this school year—but it’s not a new perk.

The school division has been participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) since the 2021–2022 school year, a program that allows schools in low-income areas to serve free meals to all students without collecting household applications. What began during the height of the pandemic has quietly become the new normal for Manassas schools.

Features

Meet Prince William: Q+A with Matt Villareale, Facilities and Fleet Director

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published July 23, 2025 at 9:00AM

Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

News

Traffic Deaths in Virginia Are Up 29% Since 2014

By Potomac Local News

Published July 23, 2025 at 8:53AM

A new report says Virginia traffic deaths are up 29% over the past decade, despite a recent drop in fatalities since 2021. Released by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, the report details both the human toll and financial cost of crashes in the state—estimated at $35 billion in 2024 alone.

The study highlights a troubling rise in pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist deaths nationwide, and notes that although Virginia saw a 6% decline in fatalities from 2021 to 2024, the longer-term trend is still heading in the wrong direction. Between 2014 and 2024, the state’s fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased by 23%.

Features

All American Steakhouse Opens in Manassas Park’s Park Central, Bringing Flavor to Downtown Revitalization

By Potomac Local News

Published July 22, 2025 at 2:30PM | Updated July 31, 2025 at 11:14AM

By Michael Whitlock

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The long-awaited All American Steakhouse opened its doors to the public today at Park Central Plaza, marking another milestone in the transformation of Manassas Park’s downtown.

Manassas

VRE Proposes 5% Fare Hike for FY2027 Amid Rising Costs and Slower Ridership Recovery

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 22, 2025 at 1:15PM

A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

The VRE Operations Board is expected to review the proposal in September 2025 as part of the draft FY2027 budget. The plan would trigger a public participation process in fall 2025 before any final vote.

Current Fares and Impact

Fredericksburg

Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center Celebrates 5 Years in Fredericksburg, 10 Years in Virginia

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 22, 2025 at 11:15AM

The practice is celebrating 10 years of serving patients across Virginia and five years at its Fredericksburg-area office, located on Lafayette Boulevard in Spotsylvania County. Founder Dr. Danielle VonDerLinden shared that her team has helped more than 16,000 patients over the past decade — totaling nearly 60,000 visits. “We think of our mission — exceeding our patients’ expectations when they choose us to be part of their health care team,” she said during the ceremony.

In a Facebook video, Chamber President and CEO Susan Spears praised the clinic for opening its Fredericksburg office in 2020 — during the height of the pandemic — and continuing to grow. “They are doing fantastic work helping our community with all needs, foot and ankle,” she said.