Freelance reporter

Lee Belote

Lee Belote is a Bay Island resident who loves writing about her hometown for the Virginia Beach Beacon section of The Virginian-Pilot.

Virginia Beach has many spots that boast beautiful waterfront views. But as summer ends, a new attraction will deliver the best expansive views of the coastline in an open-air observation deck.

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Things To Do |
New observation tower set to debut at summer’s end near Virginia Aquarium

June 22, 2024 at 10:03 a.m.

Virginia Beach has many spots that boast beautiful waterfront views. But as summer ends, a new attraction will deliver the best expansive views of the coastline in an open-air observation...

The news of the closure went viral on social media. The fast food spot, between Chic's Beach and First Landing, was only a few steps from the Chesapeake Bay, so it was a popular stop for families heading to the beach.

Inside Business |
Shore Drive McDonald’s, popular spot for beach-goers, closes

June 26, 2024 at 10:34 a.m.

The news of the closure went viral on social media. The fast food spot, between Chic's Beach and First Landing, was only a few steps from the Chesapeake Bay, so...

Vinyl banners were recycled into notebooks, zipper pouches, wallets and totes while old wetsuits were transformed into insulated sleeves to keep drinks cool. The items are for sale in the aquarium’s north building gift shop.

Inside Business |
Virginia Aquarium gift shop merchandise made from recycled wetsuits, billboards

June 16, 2024 at 1:59 p.m.

Vinyl banners were recycled into notebooks, zipper pouches, wallets and totes while old wetsuits were transformed into insulated sleeves to keep drinks cool. The items are for sale in the...

The ViBe paid the artists to paint the murals, which resulted in a good advertising opportunity in the shopping center for the creative district. Each mural has a window sticker that can be scanned that shares the artist's bio and contact information. The murals will remain for about six months.

Inside Business |
Norfolk Premium Outlets taps ViBe Creative District artists for murals

June 12, 2024 at 12:19 p.m.

The ViBe paid the artists to paint the murals, which resulted in a good advertising opportunity in the shopping center for the creative district. Each mural has a window sticker...

In 2017, Jordan Lee started a flower business out of his home as a side gig. One of the first clients that propelled his business was the Cavalier Hotel, which is still a client today along with a list of local restaurants, banks, law and real estate offices.

Inside Business |
Wisps of Willow offers specialty florals, unique home decor in Virginia Beach

June 3, 2024 at 1:19 p.m.

In 2017, Jordan Lee started a flower business out of his home as a side gig. One of the first clients that propelled his business was the Cavalier Hotel, which...

Columnist Lee Belote reflects on many "lasts" as her daughter prepares to graduate from high school and move on to college.

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Lifestyle Columnists |
Amid graduation season, finding the positive in a year of ‘lasts’

June 3, 2024 at 10:02 a.m.

Columnist Lee Belote reflects on many "lasts" as her daughter prepares to graduate from high school and move on to college.

Tamara Vogrin Tara logged over 90 volunteer hours at Birdneck Elementary School in Virginia Beach to paint a mural in its library.

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Local News |
‘Vibrant, imaginative and lifelike’: Slovenian artist gifts mural to Virginia Beach elementary school

June 2, 2024 at 12:54 p.m.

Tamara Vogrin Tara logged over 90 volunteer hours at Birdneck Elementary School in Virginia Beach to paint a mural in its library.

Lee Belote

All Stories

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Things To Do |
New observation tower set to debut at summer’s end near Virginia Aquarium

Inside Business |
Shore Drive McDonald’s, popular spot for beach-goers, closes

Inside Business |
Virginia Aquarium gift shop merchandise made from recycled wetsuits, billboards

Inside Business |
Norfolk Premium Outlets taps ViBe Creative District artists for murals

Inside Business |
Wisps of Willow offers specialty florals, unique home decor in Virginia Beach

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Lifestyle Columnists |
Amid graduation season, finding the positive in a year of ‘lasts’

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Local News |
‘Vibrant, imaginative and lifelike’: Slovenian artist gifts mural to Virginia Beach elementary school

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Inside Business |
Chesapeake business launches division for eco-friendly promotional swag

Things To Do |
See 15 live paintings in action at the 1st VB Street Art Festival

Inside Business |
New store selling trendy swimwear, coastal attire opens in Virginia Beach’s Town Center