James City County had one heck of a year.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, residents mourned the loss of a local businessman and once the virus spread throughout the Historic Triangle, tourist attractions like Busch Gardens were forced to close.

A viral video sparked local protests against police brutality with many demanding justice.

Then an iconic, family-run vineyard went up for sale.

Here are WYDaily’s top five stories of the year:

1. Billsburg Brewery

Staff and fans of Billsburg Brewery are coming together as a community to remember the life of owner Dave Baum, who died on Sunday. He was 46 years old. READ MORE.

Community mourns death of Billsburg Brewery owner (Free read)

2. Black Lives Matter

The sounds of chanting and marching footsteps echoed through the streets of James City County as hundreds came out to protest against police brutality Monday night. READ MORE.

‘I can’t breathe’: Cry of protesters resonate in James City County

3. Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been fighting to reopen during the pandemic and park officials have expressed frustration at Busch Gardens still being unable to operate under Gov. Ralph Northam’s Phase 3. READ MORE.

Busch Gardens launches new survey to learn more about how to reopen

4. Homeless with COVID-19

Is the Virginia Department of Health and the Peninsula Health District tracking positive cases of the coronavirus in the local homeless population? Not really. READ MORE.

Is the health department tracking positive coronavirus cases in the local homeless population? Not really

5. Williamsburg Winery

The Williamsburg Winery, the iconic property near Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, has been listed for sale. READ MORE.

Williamsburg Winery is up for sale. The asking price: $40 million

See the top five most-read stories about James City County below:

• Notice a lot of pit bulls in local shelters? Here’s why
• The Confederate battle flag: Different meanings for different people
• The requirements for unemployment have changed. Here’s what you need to know
• First coronavirus death in the state reported in James City County. Peninsula residents urged to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people
• Coronavirus: Aldi, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Sam’s adjust hours