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- ⭐A Vending Machine That Dispenses Books, Five Local Walmarts Getting Makeovers, Two Rockets Launching Today — One With a Sonic Boom
⭐A Vending Machine That Dispenses Books, Five Local Walmarts Getting Makeovers, Two Rockets Launching Today — One With a Sonic Boom
Issue #905

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Table of Contents

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Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
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🚌🚌Beachside Elementary in Daytona Beach unveiled something worth celebrating this week: a book vending machine where students exchange tokens — earned through positive behavior and academic achievement — for a book they get to keep. The initiative came together through the Kiwanis Club of Daytona Beach, Family Health Source, and a $5,000 donation from City Commissioner Ken Strickland. The context matters: roughly three-quarters of Beachside's students are considered economically disadvantaged, and the school has the third-highest rate of student homelessness in the district. For a child who doesn't have many books at home, the chance to earn one — and own it — carries weight that goes well beyond the reward itself. The school is A-rated and clearly doing things right. This is one more reason why.
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🏪🏪Walmart announced this month that five Volusia County locations are among 58 Florida stores slated for renovation this year. The upgrades are described as a full modernization of the in-store experience — updated layouts designed to cut down shopping time, expanded pharmacy services including free delivery for Walmart+ members, vision center enhancements, and a store navigation app to help customers find what they need faster. The company is putting similar updates into more than 650 locations nationwide in 2026. Timing for the local renovations hasn't been specified, but if your nearest Walmart starts looking different in the coming months, this is why.
Volusia County Walmart locations being remodeled
DeLand Walmart Neighborhood Market — 955 S. Woodland Blvd.
Deltona Walmart Supercenter — 101 Howland Blvd.
Orange City Walmart Supercenter — 2400 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.
Ormond Beach Walmart Supercenter — 1521 W. Granada Blvd.
Port Orange Walmart Neighborhood Market — 3811 Clyde Morris Blvd.
✦
🚀🚀Monday is going to be a good day to step outside and look south. Two rocket launches are scheduled from Cape Canaveral — a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in the morning and a United Launch Alliance Atlas V in the evening — and both should be visible from Volusia County if the weather cooperates. The Falcon Heavy, one of the most powerful rockets currently flying, will carry a broadband satellite eastward toward geosynchronous orbit beginning at 10:21 a.m. Expect a sonic boom. The evening launch, carrying 29 Amazon internet satellites on a northeast trajectory, lifts off at 8:52 p.m. with no boom but a striking visual as it arcs across a darkening sky. Weather permitting, both should be visible well up the coast. Set a reminder — especially for the morning one, which is the louder of the two.
Monday rocket launches at a glance
SpaceX Falcon Heavy — 10:21 a.m., Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center. Eastward trajectory. Sonic boom expected.
ULA Atlas V (Amazon satellites) — 8:52 p.m., Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral. Northeast trajectory. No sonic boom.
Live coverage at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before each liftoff
Sources
"Beachside Elementary unveils new book vending machine" — Ormond Observer, April 25, 2026
"Walmart to remodel 5 stores in Volusia County" — Daytona News-Journal, April 21, 2026
"Back-to-back rocket launches from Florida, see liftoffs from Volusia" — Daytona News-Journal, April 26, 2026

This Day In Florida History
1790 — Future Florida Supreme Court justice Thomas Douglas was born; he later came to Florida in 1826 and served on the state’s high court.
1841 — Florida legislator and duelist Leigh Read died after being ambushed, a death later reflected in the temporary renaming of Mosquito County to Leigh Read County.
1861 — Florida’s Convention of the People adjourned after ratifying the Confederate constitution earlier that month.
1878 — Former Florida legislator James Wolf Smith died in Rhode Island after a political career that included service in both the Florida Senate and House.
1892 — George Humphrey Gwynn Jr. was born in Tallahassee, part of a prominent Florida family later noted in state archival collections.
1909 — The Florida House approved the orange blossom as the official state flower.
1917 — A Navy blimp and its hangar were documented at Naval Air Station Pensacola, reflecting Florida’s growing importance in naval aviation during World War I.
1927 — The Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine was completed, linking the historic city with Anastasia Island.
1935 — Billy Creek drainage work was documented in Fort Myers, part of New Deal-era community development in southwest Florida.
1946 — Theodore Naeselius of the Koreshan Unity died in Fort Myers, marking the passing of a member of one of Florida’s best-known utopian communities.
1955 — Florida’s reapportionment fight was sharp enough to inspire a Tampa Tribune political cartoon recorded on this date.
1961 — Florida lawmakers were photographed in Tallahassee debating the proposed highway commissioner plan during the legislative session.
1970 — The Seminole Tribal Council passed resolutions on leases, Seminole history, and the return of Chief Osceola’s remains.
1973 — The former Alcazar Hotel was dedicated as St. Augustine City Hall after remodeling.
1992 — Governor Lawton Chiles was photographed delivering a speech in Tallahassee during his administration.

Fire and EMS Calls
4/26/2026, 01:52 PM, Person experiencing breathing trouble in Ormond Beach apartment
As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency responders dispatched to breathing trouble near South 40 Trail and Crossings Trail in Ormond Beach.4/26/2026, 08:51 AM, Rollover vehicle crash on Trailwood Drive
As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units responded to a possible vehicle rollover near Trailwood Drive and Orchard Street in Ormond Beach. The crash was described as high hazard, and medical personnel were sent to assist.4/26/2026, 01:49 AM, Person with breathing problem at Run Circle and 11th
As discussed during the dispatch call, a breathing problem emergency occurred near Run Circle and 11th, close to Lake Bridge Road.4/26/2026, 12:23 AM, Person experiencing breathing trouble in Ormond Beach
As discussed during the dispatch call, a breathing trouble call was dispatched near Springleaf Drive close to Wolf Avenue in Ormond Beach.4/25/2026, 11:28 PM, Person suffers allergic reaction causing breathing difficulty
As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a breathing problem and allergic reaction near Cardinal Drive, off Robin Road.4/25/2026, 07:59 PM, Non-emergency medical alarm at Kilkenny Court
As discussed during the dispatch call, a non-emergency medical alarm was reported near Kilkenny Court and Kilkenny Lane.
Source: CrimeRadar-Ormond Beach
All transcripts, headlines, and summaries are automatically generated by AI from live dispatch audio. These alerts are not an official report. Alerts are based on unconfirmed dispatch communications that may change as situations develop. Review the original audio and verify details with official sources before relying on this information
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Events for Monday, April 27, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: ⚖️Special Magistrate Hearing, 10:00 AM City Commission Chambers, 22 S. Beach Street, Ormond Beach This formal administrative session involves a Special Magistrate reviewing cases and evidence regarding local code enforcement and property ordinance violations.
Event: 🏠Housing Authority Meeting, 3:00 PM Housing Authority Office, 100 New Britain Avenue, Ormond Beach The local board meets to discuss the management of public housing, resident services, and ongoing community development projects in the Ormond Beach area.
Holly Hill
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Start your week at one of the nation's premier pickleball facilities. Open play is available all day across 49 courts for members and visitors to participate in recreational or competitive matches.
Daytona Beach
Event: 💧Florida Water Resources Conference (FWRC), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Ocean Center, 101 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach A major professional conference bringing together environmental scientists, engineers, and utility managers to discuss the latest in water conservation and infrastructure.
Event: 🎸Houston Keen Live, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Enjoy an evening of live music with Houston Keen at the Hard Rock Hotel. This outdoor session offers a mix of popular covers and original tunes with a stunning view of the Atlantic.
Event: 🥁Devin Leigh & the Locs Live, 6:00 PM Ocean Deck, 127 S Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach Experience the high-energy blues and rock-abilly sounds of Devin Leigh at Daytona's iconic beachfront bar. The performance provides a classic "Old Florida" beach vibe for locals and visitors alike.
Events for Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: 🚣Explore Volusia: St. Johns River Paddle, 9:00 AM Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp, 907 Lemon Bluff Rd (Regional Event), Osteen/Ormond Area This group paddle travels from Lemon Bluff to Hickory Bluff Preserve. Participants provide their own watercraft to explore the scenic river landscape with local environmental guides.
Event: 🦆Nature Walk at Central Park, 8:00 AM – Sunset Central Park, 601 Hammock Ln, Ormond Beach A self-guided exploration of the city's largest park, featuring four distinct lakes and extensive trails perfect for morning birding and spring photography.
Holly Hill
Event: 📊Workshop: Carryover Funds & SB64 Discussion, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM City Hall Commission Chambers, 1065 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill A city workshop focusing on carryover funds, CRA funds, capital equipment items, and legislative discussions regarding SB64.
Event: 🏛️Regular City Commission Meeting, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM City Hall Commission Chambers, 1065 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill The regularly scheduled meeting where the Holly Hill City Commission votes on local ordinances and municipal business.
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Mid-week open play at the world-class Pictona facility. Players can drop in for recreational matches on 49 courts.
Daytona Beach
Event: ⚖️Special Magistrate Rental Program Meeting, 9:00 AM City Hall, 301 S Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach A formal public meeting where the Special Magistrate reviews cases and compliance issues related to the city's residential rental program.
Event: 🏢Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM City Hall, 301 S Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach A public meeting focused on reviewing local policies, land development regulations, and initiatives related to affordable housing within the city.
Event: 🧘Gentle Yoga, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Dr, Daytona Beach Shores A relaxing evening yoga session designed for all skill levels, focusing on flexibility and stress relief in a community setting.
NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.
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