Stafford County is making history with the launch of the Stafford African American Heritage Trail, a new initiative designed to highlight the county’s rich African American history. The trail, developed in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington’s Department of Geography, local historians, and community members, officially debuts this week as part of Black History Month celebrations.
Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Deuntay Diggs, announced the trail's opening at the board meeting on February 18, 2025. "This trail system is part of Discover Stafford's commitment to sharing the complete story of the county's history," Diggs stated. "By walking this trail, residents and visitors can learn about the powerful contributions of African Americans to our community and honor their legacy."
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Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) will hold a public hearing on its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The hearing will occur at 7 p.m. during the School Board's monthly business meeting at the School Board Chamber, 31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford. A work session will precede the meeting at 5 p.m.
Community members can sign up to speak in advance via an online form available until 4 p.m. on the meeting day. Afterward, in-person sign-ups will be available until 6:50 p.m. Written comments may be submitted via a digital public comment form by 6:50 p.m. on February 25.
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As Stafford County prepares its fiscal plan for 2026, officials are bracing for both financial opportunities and challenges. Expected increases in education funding and mounting concerns over the rising costs of tax exemptions for disabled veterans are heating up budget discussions among county leaders.
At the latest Board of Supervisors meeting, many residents expressed frustration over rising property taxes, urging officials to find alternative funding sources instead of raising taxes again.
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Stafford County has received an application for a rezoning and conditional use permit to construct a data center along Olde Forge Drive between U.S. 17 and the Rappahannock River, reports FXBG Advance.
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
DUI
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Arrests
- Malicious Wounding (Dumfries, 17100 block of Dumfries Rd.) – Terrance Lemartre WRIGHT, 44, was arrested in Roanoke City on February 17 in connection with a malicious wounding case from May 27, 2024. The incident involved a 48-year-old woman who was assaulted by Wright during a verbal altercation. The victim suffered a non-life-threatening facial injury and later reported the incident. Wright was taken into custody and is currently incarcerated.
- Sexual Assault (Manassas, 9500 block of Damascus Dr.) – Chalillo Rosalio PEREZ PEREZ, 19, was arrested on February 13 for forcible sodomy of a victim under age 12. The assault occurred on July 25, 2024, and was reported in August. The accused was known to the victim. He is being held without bond.
- Armed Robbery (Target, 2460 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge) – Matthew William JONES, 34, was arrested after robbing a 37-year-old victim inside Target on February 17. Jones implied he was armed, demanded money, and fled before being located by officers. He was charged with robbery and is being held without bond.
Incidents
- Attempted Armed Robbery (Dale Blvd. & Hillendale Dr., Woodbridge, 10:08 p.m.) – A 30-year-old man was assaulted by three unknown men while inside his vehicle. One of the suspects brandished a knife before the confrontation ended. The victim's keys were stolen. The suspects, described as 20-30 years old, wearing dark clothing, were not located.
- Reckless Handling of a Firearm (Brandon Ct. & Benton St., Woodbridge, 9:04 p.m.) – An exchange of gunfire between two groups led to six parked vehicles being struck. No injuries were reported, and multiple shell casings were recovered.
- Reckless Handling of a Firearm (Harrison St., Woodbridge, 4:23 a.m.) – An individual was seen in a driveway in the 14100 block of Fisher Ave. firing multiple rounds before fleeing. No injuries or property damage were reported.
- Attempted Commercial Burglary (Exxon, 13594 Quate Ln., Woodbridge, 4:54 a.m.) – Two suspects attempted to break into the Exxon station using an unknown object but failed. Surveillance footage showed them leaving in a U-Haul truck. The suspects wore dark-colored clothing.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to call the Prince William County Police Tip Line at 703-792-7000 or submit a web tip at pwcva.gov/policetip.
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Stafford County has appointed Eugene Loew as its new Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, bringing over two decades of experience in public recreation and leisure services. Loew joins the county from Prince William County, where he served as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.
Loew’s selection follows the retirement of longtime Parks Director Brian Southall, who stepped down in January 2025 after more than 30 years of service to Stafford County. The Board of Supervisors honored Southall, recognizing his dedication and leadership across multiple county departments, including utilities and facilities management, before taking the helm of Parks and Recreation. “Brian has been a cornerstone of Stafford County, ensuring access to top-tier facilities and recreational opportunities,” Board Chairman Deontay Diggs said during the January 21st board meeting. “We thank him for his incredible contributions and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
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Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.
Here’s a sample of what’s on the agenda today:
Bylaws Change for Board AppointmentsÂ
The board will review proposed changes to the bylaws to formalize the appointment and removal process of members on Boards, Authorities, Committees, and Commissions (BACC). The proposed changes follow the recent controversial removal of a library board member and the board’s subsequent censure of Supervisor Monica Gary.
Data Centers
There are currently several data center rezoning applications for centers throughout Stafford. A few are listed below:
- Potomac Creek Campus: Falmouth District, near Potomac Creek Drive, south of Eskimo Hill Road
- Accocreek Center: Falmouth District, near Richmond Highway and Eskimo Hill Road
- GWV Data Center: Hartwood District, Ramoth Church Road across from Centreport Parkway
- Austin Ridge Logistics: Hartwood District, Cedar Lane near Courthouse Road
- Enon Road Tech: Hartwood District, Enon Road near Wyatt Lane
- Cranes Corner: Falmouth District, Richmond Highway near Centreport Parkway
In 2023, the Board amended the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan to define data centers, establish development standards, and specify permitted zoning districts. Data centers were allowed by-right in the M-2 zoning district and the ICTP overlay district.
Now, the Board is considering a new amendment requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for data centers in the M-2 district instead of allowing them by-right. CUPs allow for case-by-case review to assess factors such as traffic, environmental impact, noise, and infrastructure needs.
A new ordinance amendment (O25-08) has been proposed, and the Board has referred it to the Planning Commission. A joint public hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2025, to discuss the changes. Data centers would still be permitted by-right in the ICTP district, though no parcels currently have this designation.
Fredericksburg recently gathered attention for an aggressive timeline in pursuing data center development in the city.
Wetlands Board
Resolution R25-49 proposes restructuring the Wetlands Board/Coastal Primary Sand Dunes Board and Chesapeake Bay Board to include seven members with election district designations and up to three alternates. The resolution also establishes staggered initial terms, with subsequent terms set at five years. This change aligns with state law, which requires the county to maintain these boards for regulatory oversight. The Wetlands Board also serves as the Coastal Primary Sand Dunes Board, and its members make up the Chesapeake Bay Board. The modifications aim to ensure compliance with state membership and term-staggering requirements.
Lake Carroll Dam Update
Due to lack of maintenance over the last 20 years, the Kennedy Dam at Lake Carroll is in need of maintenance before regulatory improvements can be done. Legislation was passed 10 years ago that required modification to many dams throughout the state. The board previously approved a loan that was designated towards regulatory improvements and did not include the maintenance needs.
The project also faces constraints on when trees can be cleared due to regulations around an endangered long-eared bat which resides in the area. Trees can only be cleared between November and April, which will create additional hurdles with construction bids and the duration of the work. There is also concern that the project will exceed the funds available if there are any delays or unexpected developments.
Campgrounds
Currently, campgrounds are permitted by-right in the A-1, Agricultural zoning district on at least 10 acres, with no special county regulations. However, state regulations govern campgrounds through the Virginia Department of Health, covering permits, density, utilities, and construction standards.
Staff reviewed campground regulations in other localities and found that most require a special exception or use permit. Only Fauquier County has adopted specific campground regulations. A regional analysis was conducted to assess campground facilities, amenities, and potential impacts.
Based on this analysis, staff recommends requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for campgrounds in the A-1 district, updating campground-related definitions in the Zoning Ordinance, and considering whether to allow campgrounds as a CUP use in other zoning districts. A draft ordinance amendment (O25-07) has been prepared for review.
The proposed Belle Plains Campground generated significant opposition from neighbors, but was allowed by right.
A blue heron in distress received a helping hand from local law enforcement.
On Saturday, February 8, Deputy O.J. Martins responded to Argyle Hills after receiving a call about an injured bird that was unable to fly. Upon arrival, she located the heron trapped in a backyard, unable to take flight.
Nicknamed “Tony Stork” by rescuers, the bird lacked the endurance to leave the ground—unlike his namesake, Tony Stark, in his Iron Man suit. Officials suspect the ongoing bird flu outbreak may have contributed to the heron’s condition.
Tony Stork was transported to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for further care. Wildlife officials hope the bird will make a full recovery and return to its natural habitat in “beak performance.”
The rescue was conducted with the assistance of Stafford County Animal Control, which works to protect animals and educate the public on responsible wildlife and pet care. Residents can learn more about their services, including animal rescue and adoption, by visiting Stafford County Animal Control’s website.
