⭐Arts At Plantation Bay, Sprouts Opens Today, Brower's Message

Issue #846

27 Feb

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🎨 Plantation Bay’s 22nd Annual Art Show Returns

Art lovers, mark your calendars. Plantation Bay Country Club is set to host its 22nd annual Art Show and Sale from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at the Founders Club. Now in its third decade, this beloved community tradition continues to offer local artists a vibrant venue to showcase—and sell—their work.

Guests can expect a colorful and varied display featuring original oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, along with photography, jewelry, sculptures, prints and more. The event welcomes both professional and amateur artists of all ages, highlighting the depth of talent within the community. For 22 years the show has provided a creative platform for local artists, and has grown into a highly anticipated annual gathering.

The exhibition is open to the public, inviting residents and non-residents alike to browse the artwork and meet the artists behind it. The Founders Club is located at 301 Plantation Bay Drive.

For more information, contact Diane Cody at [email protected] or 386-316-9437.

🛒 Fresh Finds Arrive: Sprouts Opens Today in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach’s grocery scene is getting a vibrant new addition. Sprouts Farmers Market officially opens its doors at 7 a.m. today, at 1591 N. Williamson Blvd., just south of LPGA Boulevard, marking its debut in the city and its latest expansion across Volusia County.

The Arizona-based grocer, known for its emphasis on fresh, natural and organic foods, has been steadily growing its Florida footprint. In recent months, new competitors have also joined the local market, including Aldi and Trader Joe's — a sign that the region’s appetite for diverse grocery options is only increasing.

Opening day promises a little fanfare. A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off at 6:45 a.m., and the first 200 shoppers on both Friday and Saturday will snag free reusable totes. On Friday, the first 400 customers will also receive a complimentary long-stem rose. Through Sunday, March 1, shoppers can enjoy product samples, a scavenger hunt from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 20% off purchases when they join the store’s rewards program.

With Florida farms supplying everything from blueberries to sweet corn, Sprouts is positioning itself as both neighborhood market and fresh-food destination — just in time for spring shopping.

🏛️ Brower’s Message: Keep Decisions Close to Home

During the 2026 State of the County address, Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower made a clear case for local control in governance. Speaking at the Center at Deltona on Feb. 25, Brower framed his remarks around the theme “Driving the future. Honoring Tradition,” emphasizing that government works best when decisions stay closest to the people they affect.

“Our Republic was designed as a bottom up government,” Brower said, underscoring his belief that local leaders are best equipped to manage issues ranging from economic planning to environmental protection.

Water quality emerged as a central theme. Recent debate over so-called “toilet to tap” wastewater initiatives — and whether to prohibit the injection of treated wastewater into the aquifer — has stirred strong public response. The County Council voted 4-3 against an ordinance to prohibit the practice countywide, meaning municipalities would need to act individually. Brower stressed that water management decisions should reflect local knowledge and community priorities. “Water is life,” he said.

Fiscal responsibility also took center stage. With state lawmakers considering property tax reforms, Brower said the county is already scrutinizing spending. The $1.4 billion fiscal year 2025-2026 budget includes a $1.6 million reduction in the general fund, while maintaining key service levels and adjusting select millage rates.

From grocery aisles to government halls, it’s clear Volusia County is navigating growth with an eye toward both opportunity and stewardship — a balancing act that will shape the community for years to come.

Recent Arrests

Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Dennis Glauco Vargas (29) – Arrested on Feb. 19. Charge(s): Aggravated battery (pregnant person). Bail: Not set.

Holly Hill Police Department

  • Joseph Scott Varnado (57) – Arrested on Feb. 18. Charge(s): Aggravated assault (deadly weapon); discharging a firearm in public. Bail: $500.

  • Jamin Cuttino Stevens-Leggett (38) – Arrested on Feb. 19. Charge(s): In-state delinquent in possession of firearm, ammunition, electric weapon or concealed weapon. Bail: Not set.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

  • Sandor Istvan Toth (39) – Arrested on Feb. 13. Charge(s): Battery upon a sports official. Bail: $5,000.

  • Frederick Woods (55) – Arrested on Feb. 13. Charge(s): Trafficking—cocaine/mixture. Bail: $150,000.

  • Justin Michael Allen (37) – Arrested on Feb. 13. Charge(s): Burglary of an unoccupied conveyance; possession of burglary tools; cocaine; paraphernalia; criminal mischief. Bail: $10,500.

  • Timothy Mark Howard (65) – Arrested on Feb. 13. Charge(s): Aggravated assault (deadly weapon). Bail: $5,000.

Courtesy Photo

Coleen McMahon: A Nurse’s Heart and a Fighter’s Spirit for Ormond Beach Zone 1

For Coleen McMahon, running for the Ormond Beach City Commission isn’t about politics; it’s about people.. As a nurse, McMahon has spent her life caring for others, and now she is ready to bring that same compassion and dedication to City Hall as the Commissioner for Zone 1.

McMahon’s journey back to Ormond Beach revealed a city that had changed, one where she felt the local government was no longer listening to its hardworking residents. "My heart is for people," McMahon says, noting that she is tired of seeing residents get only three minutes at a podium before being dismissed. She is running to ensure that the community is not just tolerated, but truly heard.

A central pillar of McMahon’s platform is fiscal responsibility and transparency. She has personally dug deep into the city’s checkbook, uncovering what she describes as out-of-control spending, including the auto-renewal of major contracts like Waste Pro without proper bidding. She is questioning why city management salaries dwarf the average resident's income and is calling for a state "DOGE" audit to ensure taxpayer dollars are respected.

McMahon is also a champion for "responsible growth". While acknowledging that growth is inevitable, she opposes developments that threaten wetlands and exacerbate flooding issues, particularly in vulnerable areas of Zone 1. Her commitment to Zone 1 is specific and actionable: she is fighting to reopen the Riverbend Golf Course, mitigate airport noise for nearby residents, and ensure the safety of local soil and water by opposing "Toilet-to-Tap" initiatives.

Beyond policy, McMahon is a hands-on advocate for the vulnerable. She is currently standing up for seniors in mobile home parks facing skyrocketing lot rents and actively helping homeless veterans secure housing. She promises to be a commissioner who doesn't just sit behind a dais but goes out to meet residents where they are.

Coleen McMahon offers Ormond Beach a fresh start—a leader who combines the caring heart of a nurse with the tenacity of a resident ready to fight for her community. She is ready to hold the city accountable and ensure Ormond Beach remains a wonderful place to live for everyone

“My campaign is a true grassroots campaign, not backed by special‑interest groups or developers. I’m standing with residents, and I’m asking for your help so we can win this together. Please visit McMahon4OrmondBeach.com and support the campaign with your time or a contribution. Every bit of community support makes a real difference.” ..Coleen McMahon

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📅 Friday, Feb 27, 2026

🏍️ THE MAIN EVENT: 85th Annual Daytona Bike Week

  • Official Bike Week Opening Day

    • The thunder has arrived. Today marks the official kickoff of the 85th Annual Daytona Bike Week, a massive 10-day rally bringing an estimated 500,000 riders to the area. Vendor villages are fully operational, the bikes are loud, and the city is transformed into a motorcycle mecca.

    • Location: County-wide (Heaviest concentrations on Main Street, Daytona International Speedway, and Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach).

🎸 Bike Week Headquarters & Live Music

  • Main Street Station: Day 1 Kickoff Party

    • Start the rally right in the heart of the action on historic Main Street. Main Street Station hosts nonstop live music across two stages from the afternoon well into the night.

    • Lineup Highlights: Sets from local favorites Greentree Brothers, Diesel, Montra, Papa Wheelee, and a late-night set by Nookie (a Limp Bizkit tribute).

    • Time: Music starts at 1:00 PM and runs until 2:00 AM.

    • Location: Main Street Station (316 Main St), Daytona Beach

🏟️ Speedway Action

  • Bike Week Marketplace at Daytona International Speedway

    • The "World Center of Racing" opens its massive front-stretch midway. This is the area's largest motorcycle marketplace, featuring factory demo rides from major manufacturers, custom builders, stunt shows, and endless gear vendors. It's also a major move-in day for the RV city in the infield.

    • Time: All Day

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway (International Speedway Blvd)

🍻 Bar & Vendor Hubs

  • The Ormond Beach US-1 Corridor

    • If you want the Bike Week experience without venturing into the tight quarters of downtown Daytona, North US Highway 1 is the place to be. Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson (Destination Daytona) and the world-famous Iron Horse Saloon will be packed wall-to-wall with bikes, outdoor vendors, and live music.

    • Time: All Day & Night

    • Location: US Highway 1, North Ormond Beach

🧘 Escape the Roar

  • Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

    • If motorcycles aren't your thing, head south! Ponce Inlet remains relatively insulated from the heaviest Bike Week traffic. Climb Florida's tallest lighthouse for a spectacular, quiet coastal view far away from the exhaust fumes.

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    • Location: Ponce Inlet (South of Daytona Beach)

Saturday, Feb 28, 2026

🏁 Motorsports Headline: Daytona Supercross

  • 56th Annual Monster Energy AMA Supercross

    • The longest continuous Supercross event in America takes over the "World Center of Racing." Watch the best dirt bike racers in the world tackle a brutal, custom-built dirt track right on the Speedway's legendary tri-oval grass. It is an intense night of high-flying, side-by-side action under the lights.

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

🎸 Headline Concert & Anniversaries

  • Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary Party feat. Kip Moore

    • America's First Motorcycle Company is celebrating its 125th birthday with a massive, free kick-off party for all riders. The night is headlined by multi-platinum country music star Kip Moore.

    • Time: Doors at 5:45 PM | Opening Act at 7:00 PM | Kip Moore at 8:15 PM

    • Location: Daytona Beach Bandshell (Oceanfront)

🏆 Custom Bike Shows & Group Rides

  • Annual Indian Motorcycle Owners Ride

    • Indian owners are invited to start their morning with a complimentary breakfast before embarking on a massive group ride through Daytona Beach, returning for raffles and live music.

    • Time: Breakfast at 8:30 AM | Kickstands Up at 10:00 AM

    • Location: Indian Motorcycle of Daytona Beach

  • Full Throttle Bike Week Kick-Off Bike Show

    • One of the first major custom bike shows of the rally. Check out some of the most incredible custom builds and paint jobs as builders compete for early Bike Week bragging rights.

    • Time: Afternoon

    • Location: Check official Bike Week guides for this year's specific host lot.

🍻 Bike Week Hotspots (All Day & Night)

  • If you aren't at the track or a specific concert, the action is spread across these legendary hubs, which are completely free to walk around:

    • Historic Main Street (Daytona Beach): The beating heart of the rally. Lined with vendors, leather shops, and iconic biker bars like the Boot Hill Saloon and Froggy's.

    • Destination Daytona (Ormond Beach): A massive 150-acre complex anchored by Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson. Features the Coca-Cola Pavilion, food trucks, and wall-to-wall vendors.

    • Iron Horse Saloon (US-1, Ormond Beach): Famous for its free live concerts all week and the legendary "Wall of Death" stunt show.

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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