VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - During the busy July 4th weekend, a Floatopia event is scheduled for this Saturday at Chic's Beach, according to a social media post.
City Councilman John Moss said the city and police department have been working to develop a plan for the event. "I have been asked not to disclose those actions, but residents would be pleased," Moss said in a Facebook post.
"As part of holiday operations, City Departments are preparing with enhanced support in terms of trash cans and sanitation facilities and increased collection and services respectively," Moss added.
The eventin 2019 led to tons of trash being left on the beach, which angered neighbors.
"Even worse than that - what happened in the neighborhoods with parking and people walking through yards urinating and things like that," said Danny Murphy, the president of the Ocean Park Civic League. "We just want to see that that doesn't happen again."
On Monday, the city sent out a letter, saying the event doesn't have a permit, but because it's a public beach people can just show up. The city will be adding trash cans, dumpsters, and portable bathrooms in the area.
"The City wants everyone to have a good time, and we will work to quickly address any issues that may arise as a result of the larger-than-normal crowds we expect to see this weekend," the letter states.
News 3 reached out to the man who created the Facebook event, but did not get a response. The page does say people need to clean up after themselves and respect the rules of the beach.
"People with families and kids want to enjoy the beach out here as well, so we just ask that they be respectful to everyone and the residents out here," said Murphy.
