Year in Review: Reflecting on our 60th Year

As we near the end of 2023, we reflect on how we celebrated Virginia Beach’s 60th year. The strategic merger of Princess Anne County and Virginia Beach took effect on Jan. 1, 1963. The City of Virginia Beach celebrated 60 years of growth in 2023 with a new community network initiative, a modernized logo and several community activities for residents to participate throughout the year.

Brand Refresh

To mark this historic milestone, a refreshed modernized “VB” wave logo debuted, along with a fresh color palette inspired by the City seal. Gold and orange represent the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean—an opportunity to start each day refreshed and renewed. Blue represents the miles of clean, healthy waterways that connect and inspire us. Green represents our abundant natural resources and agricultural areas, as well as our vast recreational offerings.

Champions of H.O.P.E.

Mayor Bobby Dyer’s Helping Our People Excel (H.O.P.E.) Initiative seeks to recognize and strengthen those who are committed to making their community and Virginia Beach an even better place through a certification program and cross group networking. This ongoing initiative encourages individuals, community groups, faith-based organizations and corporate entities to apply to become “Champions of H.O.P.E.” Once reviewed, applicants receive a digital certificate, notifications for collaboration opportunities based on their needs and invitations to tabletop discussions with the mayor. The first “Champions of H.O.P.E.” designees were recognized at the 2023 State of the City address in March 2023.

Sea Turtle Naming

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Stranding Response Team responded to 63 sea turtles hooked on fishing lines in 2023. The turtle naming theme this year honored Virginia Beach’s 60th anniversary, designating the admitted sea turtles with names of districts, landmarks and waterways in Virginia Beach. The first hooked sea turtle of the season was a Kemp’s ridley, a critically endangered species, and was named Neptune. After that, admitted sea turtles were named after a variety of iconic Virginia Beach names and locations, such as Oceana, Back Bay, Mount Trashmore, Hilltop, ViBe and more.

Surfboard Art Installation

In May, at the corner of 21st Street and Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach artist Joey Zarilli's 60th anniversary surfboard art wraps were installed. The surfboard wraps, which depict Virginia Beach imagery like Paul DiPasquale's famous "King Neptune" statue, aquatic life, surfing and more, provide a sense of arrival for visitors coming to Virginia Beach at the end of I-264. The surfboards also display the word "welcome" in multiple languages.

Commemorative 60th Anniversary Police Badges and Patches

The Police Department created commemorative 60th anniversary badges and patches and is producing a yearbook for 2023.

Celebrated with City Employees Also Turning 60

In September, City of Virginia Beach employees also celebrating their 60th birthday this year gathered for a photo in front of City Hall. Find out how they feel about sharing a birthday with the city.