Cat Porterfield at Stoke Media

08/15/2026

08/13/2026

We livestreamed the open mic after Tuesday night’s City Council meeting and, friends, it was indeed the late, late show. Midnight and everything.

A young entrepreneur came forward seeking support for his men’s urinal hygiene tissue dispenser. It’s called Manly. And yes, we want to know more too. Our support is assured.

Then a local Oceanfront business owner praised council members for tolerating such an ill-behaved citizenry. I’m paraphrasing, but spare me.

Once everything was officially wrapped, Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond called me over to the dais. She politely greeted me and complimented my outfit. I never took her for a Bauhaus fan, but cool.

Then she asked what I was doing.

“Livestreaming the open mic.”

“Did you get permission?”

“The First Amendment was all the permission I needed.”

And that, apparently, was the late-late show.

08/11/2026

Stoke Media will be livestreaming tonight’s Open Dialogue/Open Mic immediately following the Virginia Beach City Council meeting.

Open Mic is typically held after the first Council meeting of each month, but because National Night Out preempted last week’s meeting, this month it falls on the second Tuesday.

The city does not broadcast or record these public comments—a cost-saving measure for taxpayers.

Cool beans. We think Stoke Media can step up.

We’re hoping to make this livestream a monthly community service. We can’t promise top-notch video or flawless sound just yet, but we can promise to show up, hit “live” and make sure these voices can be heard.

Please tune in tonight.

08/05/2026

I’ve always thought merch that told a story was infinitely cooler. Welcome to Stoke Supply Co. where every piece started as an idea, a conversation, or a moment that made me laugh. There are even two visors … Because apparently finding a decent visor for a grown man became an absurd quest this summer. If you’ve ever wanted to support Stoke, this is one way to do it. Every purchase helps us keep doing independent, locals-only journalism. Take a look around. I hope something makes you smile. Link in bio.

08/02/2026

Once a lifesaver, always a lifesaver.

The Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service Reunion is bringing together the people who spent their summers watching the water, working the stands and keeping our beaches safe.

Join old friends, former guards and generations of Virginia Beach lifesavers for a night of rescue, revelry and stories at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum.

Wednesday, August 19
6-11 p.m.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
24th Street and Atlantic Avenue

Grab your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virginia-beach-lifesaving-service-reunion-tickets-1994635657947

A Night for Rescue & Revelry! Come join us at the iconic Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum located at 24th Street & Atlantic Ave.