Real estate developer named Va. Beach’s King Neptune
VIRGINIA BEACH — W. Taylor Franklin will be the youngest king to reign over the decades-old Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.
Franklin, 40, a real estate developer, was crowned King Neptune at a gala Saturday night. He will serve as a ceremonial ambassador of the city while participating in the festival events, including a spring wine tasting, a seniors gala, a sandsculpting contest and a parade.
As king, Franklin will don a flowing robe and carry a scepter. Growing a beard is encouraged.
This year’s “royal court” will include, for the first time, female tritons, who are members of the business community and accompany the king to events. A prince also will join a group of princesses in the court, which was a first last year at the urging of a local teenage boy.
The Neptune Festival began in 1974 and has been held every year except 2020, when it was canceled amid the pandemic. Each year, a committee choses a king after nominations are solicited from the general public. The criteria includes community involvement and contributions to the quality of life in Virginia Beach.
Franklin and his father helped start The Franklin Johnston Group, headquartered in Virginia Beach, which develops and manages real estate properties in seven states. He’s a member of the Virginia Beach Development Authority and chairman and president of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation board.
Inside Business magazine has included him in its “Power List” and “Top 40 Under 40.” Franklin and wife Emily have three children.