Early Voting Starts May 2 for June Democratic Primary
Early voting for the June Democratic Primary Election begins Friday, May 2, 2025, in Stafford County. Voters participating in the primary will choose nominees for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. The election will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. There is no Republican primary this cycle.
The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.
During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.
STAFFORD, Va. — A new addition is coming to Stafford County’s food scene.
Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, a growing chain known for its smoothies, açai bowls, croffles (a hybrid of croissant and waffle), and other sweet treats, is set to open its doors at 296 Garrisonville Road in North Stafford. A banner reading “Coming Soon” now hangs on the former vape shop in the Concepts building, formerly a shoe store, located near a Home Depot.
A fire on Easter evening displaced five residents from a single-family home in the 400 block of Smith Street, near Brooke Road in Stafford County. Fire and rescue crews from Stafford and Fredericksburg responded to the scene just before 6 p.m. and quickly brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes.
One person was home at the time and safely evacuated after being alerted by neighbors. Two individuals were treated on scene for minor smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
STAFFORD, Va. — The average homeowner in Stafford County will pay $130 more in property taxes starting July 1, 2025, after the Board of Supervisors approved a three-percent increase to the real estate tax rate—the county’s central funding source for local government and schools. Homeowners with a property assessed at the county average of $434,400 will receive a $4,069 bill.
According to data from Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky, average residential tax bills have increased 62% since 2012, when the typical homeowner paid $2,506. Over the same period, the average home value rose nearly 60%, slightly trailing the pace of tax increases.
A Romantic Escape to Italy—No Passport Required
Tucked away in North Stafford, Robiolina Italian Cuisine offers an intimate setting that is perfect for a memorable date night. The warm ambiance and authentic Italian dishes crafted from scratch set the stage for an evening of culinary delight.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are investigating a suspected case of mass pesticide poisoning at a local beekeeping operation, where more than 50 honeybee colonies were found dead in what the farm’s owner believes was an intentional act of vandalism.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, located at 45 Pinto Lane, on Monday, April 14, at 4:05 p.m. after the property owner discovered thousands of dead bees outside their hives. Deputy B.E. Vaughn took the report, and sheriff’s spokesman Ryan Wilbur confirmed a total of 50 hives were affected. The case remains under active investigation.
Woodbridge (22192) – April 8, 2025
A man entered the ABC store on Smoketown Rd., threatened the employee, and pushed her aside before stealing multiple bottles of alcohol. He fled the scene before officers and K-9 units arrived. The suspect has not been located.
Manassas (20109) – April 7, 2025
Jordan Alan LOCKETT, 28, is wanted after allegedly beating and strangling a 36-year-old woman, temporarily taking her phone to prevent her from calling 911.
Charges: Strangulation, assault & battery, preventing the summoning of law enforcement
After a week marked by tragedy and intense emergency response, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts offers a night of respite to those serving on the front lines. The center is giving away 200 free tickets to local first responders and teachers for Friday night’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar on April 11, 2025.
The offer is open to area educators, fire and rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. All seats are first come, first served, and must be claimed in person at the Riverside Center box office. Valid credentials are required.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 on April 1, 2025, to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for the construction of a solar energy facility on a 36-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Enon Road and Truslow Road in the Hartwood District.
The applicant, Enon Road Solar Farm and its representatives from Energy Systems and Applications (ESA), sought approval for two items: the CUP to operate a solar facility in the A-1 Agricultural zoning district, and authorization for the county to enter a decommissioning agreement.
