Rock the Block volunteers and Portsmouth City staff clean Port Norfolk neighborhood

Volunteers and city staff carried out a neighborhood cleanup in Port Norfolk as part of Portsmouth City's Rock the Block outreach program. "We are out here in the neighborhood trying to make sure we clean it up," said Lauren Emmons, who introduced herself at the start of the event.

A city staff member described Rock the Block as the city's effort to connect with residents one-on-one to address issues ranging from litter to code enforcement and tree trimming. "It's really cool because we can connect with people who are walking their dogs, with people out in the neighborhoods, making sure that they get everything from litter issues addressed to code enforcement, violations, trees trimmed," the staff member said. Organizers said the visible work also encourages residents and local businesses to take part in keeping streets clean.

Organizers framed the event as practical service delivery and outreach rather than a ceremonial appearance. The staff member noted the program allows staff and volunteers to follow through on small, visible tasks such as alley cleaning and litter pickup that they said reinforce trust and neighborhood pride. The event concluded with an upbeat closing reference to Rock the Block in Norfolk.