- Ormond Local Pulse
- Posts
- ⭐$10,000 Theatre Gift, School Upgrades Coming, Kidney Donor's Race, 500 Sold Out
⭐$10,000 Theatre Gift, School Upgrades Coming, Kidney Donor's Race, 500 Sold Out
Issue #831
Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE
Table of Contents
+
Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
Swipe image left for more daily forecasts
Attorney Jack Cook presents $10,000 check to Seabreeze Theatre department - Courtesy Photo
🎭 Seabreeze Alum Gives Back in a Big Way
Theater kids, rejoice — the spotlight just got a little brighter. A generous $10,000 gift from local attorney Jack T. Cook is setting the stage for a dazzling production of Mamma Mia at Seabreeze High School.
Cook, a Seabreeze Class of ’95 alum and former member of its American Musical Theatre program, credits his time in the arts with shaping his confidence and lifelong passion. Now, he’s paying it forward — helping today’s students experience the same creative spark.
The donation will fund a professional-quality production opening Friday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m., with shows continuing through the weekend. Cook’s ongoing support for Halifax Repertory Theatre underscores his commitment to expanding arts access across the region.
Tickets to Mamma Mia are available through the school, and judging by the excitement, they’ll be dancing in the aisles. Click here for tickets: our.show/mammamiaseabreeze
Source: Ormond Observer
🏫 Fast-Tracked Upgrades for Volusia Schools
Transitioning from center stage to school campuses, major facility improvements are picking up steam across Volusia County Schools. After delays on a classroom expansion at Pine Ridge High, the School Board approved a bond amendment that shifts funding to seven shovel-ready upgrades — including enhancements at Pine Trail Elementary and Seabreeze High School.
Projects range from improved parent loops (every carline parent just exhaled), to HVAC upgrades, to kitchen improvements at Pine Ridge High School. The IRS encouraged the district to put unused bond funds into action rather than leaving them idle, and the result is a more efficient path to long-needed improvements.
The meeting also welcomed the district’s new chief financial officer, Deidra Whittenberger, who steps into the role with an emphasis on stewardship and transparency. Board members praised her commitment — and bravery — in taking on such a high-stakes position.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏃♀️ A Kidney Donor’s Race Toward Joy and Healing
Next, we hit the pavement with an inspiring Ormond Beach story. After donating a kidney in 2021, Christina Moore made one thing clear to her surgeon: she had to be able to run again. Not only did she return to the sport — she flourished.
Moore recently completed the Clash Endurance half-marathon at Daytona International Speedway, placing 17th in her age group. But her path to that start line began years earlier, when several volunteers at Tomoka Christian Church needed kidney transplants. Learning their stories set her on a life-changing journey.
Though she wasn’t ultimately a match for her intended recipient, her willingness to stay in the donor pool opened a life-saving chain — eight people benefited, including her friend Sarah. Returning to running was slow and humbling, but eventually triumphant: in 2022, she crossed the finish line at the Disney Princess Half Marathon.
Moore now leads Salty Souls, a women’s running club promoting health, community, and mental clarity. Her message is simple: “Anyone can do this… I’m 50 years old, and I want to run until I’m 99.”
Source: Ormond Beach Observer
🏁 Daytona 500 Sells Out Again — With Record Stakes
Racing into our final story, the Daytona 500 is officially sold out — marking 11 straight years of packed grandstands at the famed Daytona International Speedway. More than 100,000 fans are expected as NASCAR’s crown jewel returns with record-breaking energy.
The purse is also making headlines: a staggering $31,045,575 awaits the winner, the largest payout in motorsports history. Speedway President Frank Kelleher called the race a “national moment and cultural landmark,” and this year’s lineup reinforces the spectacle — comedian Nate Bargatze gives the start-engine command, actor Kurt Russell serves as honorary pace car driver, and country star Miranda Lambert performs pre-race.
With history, horsepower, and a sky-high prize purse on the line, the 2026 race promises to be one for the books.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
GET YOUR ORMOND PULSE VIP PASS
Receive Special News Notifications, Special Community Events, etc. Between Publications
Click Image
BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Get your on VIP pass for your group.
Click here for more information
⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!
Get hands-on, no-fluff AI training built for local businesses—not tech geeks. Whether you run a salon, law firm, restaurant, or repair shop, or individual, we’ll show you how to use AI to save time, cut costs, and grow fast.
A community for everyone…local businesses, professionals, individuals.
Check out these proven AI prompts for Local Businesses
Looking for a Great Place To Eat?
Click Image
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐
Great Voucher Dealz
Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.
Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam
Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam
Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam
Currently Unavailable
NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm in
Thursday, Feb 12, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports Headline: The Duels
The Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona
The stakes are high. These two 150-mile qualifying races determine the starting lineup for Sunday’s Daytona 500. Drivers must race their way in, meaning desperation moves and high-speed drafting are guaranteed.
Schedule:
4:00 PM – 4:55 PM: ARCA Menards Series Practice.
5:00 PM – 5:50 PM: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice.
7:00 PM: Duel Race #1 (60 Laps).
8:45 PM: Duel Race #2 (60 Laps).
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏎️ Dirt Track Action
Another massive night at Volusia Speedway Park. The Super DIRTcar Series (Big Block Modifieds) and the World of Outlaws Late Models share the card. Watching the Big Blocks rumble around the half-mile is a bucket-list experience for race fans.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The "World Famous" Boot Hill Saloon on Main Street is the place to be after the races. Local rock legends Big Engine bring their high-energy show to the biker bar crowd.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
For a slightly more relaxed vibe, enjoy live music on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🥦 Fresh & Local
Get your race weekend supplies early. Fresh produce, local honey, and prepared foods available under the trees at City Hall Plaza.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Free Your Mind Flow
Clear your head before the loud engines take over. A Vin/Yin fusion class on the Rock Royalty Terrace.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Friday, Feb 13, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports Headline: The Truck Series Opener
The bumper-to-bumper chaos of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns. This is often the wildest race of the week, as young drivers try to make a name for themselves on the high banks. The night also features the first official practice session for the Daytona 500 cars.
Schedule:
5:35 PM – 6:25 PM: Daytona 500 Practice 1 (See the Cup cars dial in their setups).
7:30 PM: Fresh From Florida 250 (100 Laps).
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏎️ Dirt Track Action
The "World of Outlaws" Late Models take center stage at Volusia Speedway Park. These full-fendered dirt cars slide around the track at incredible speeds. They are joined by the Super DIRTcar Series (Big Block Modifieds) for a premier double-header.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎸 Headline Concerts
Free Fallin: A Tribute to Tom Petty
Sing along to the hits of Florida’s own Tom Petty. "Free Fallin" is widely considered one of the best touring tributes, recreating the sound and feel of the Heartbreakers. Expect hits like "American Girl," "Refugee," and "I Won't Back Down."
Time: 8:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
Shake, rattle, and roll at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. This high-energy production brings the music of the 50s and 60s to life—think Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins—with a "Stray Cats" style edge.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
🥦 Fresh & Local
If you are venturing west toward DeLand before the races, check out this award-winning evening market. It features local produce, food trucks, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Artisan Alley, DeLand
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The hotel will be packed with race fans. Catch a live band on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace to kick off the weekend.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.
Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here. OR scan the QR Code below
Scan for event form
Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.
You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.
We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!
⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐
❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.
We could use your help!
We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?
Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE
 | Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇 |
Reply