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- ⭐Arya Running To Win, Bond Blunder?, Cold Shelter Schedule, OB Umpire School Is Done, OB Circle-K Fights
⭐Arya Running To Win, Bond Blunder?, Cold Shelter Schedule, OB Umpire School Is Done, OB Circle-K Fights
Issue #818
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
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🐶 Arya for the Win? Ormond Beach Pup Competes for “America’s Favorite Pet”
Andrea Nurse of Ormond Beach is shining a light on the power of unconditional love — in the form of four-legged companionship. Her dog Arya, a greyhound-Vizsla-Staffy mix, is competing in America’s Favorite Pet, and while winning would be great, Nurse is all about the message: pets can save lives.
Arya entered Nurse’s life in 2019 during a dark period of depression and anxiety. The two found each other at Halifax Humane Society, and Nurse credits Arya with pulling her back from the brink. "Everybody says I rescued her, but no — she rescued me," she said.
Now seven years later, Arya’s in the running to be featured in Modern Dog Magazine and potentially win $10,000. If victorious, Nurse says she’d donate to local shelters and use the platform to advocate for mental health and animal adoption.
Support Arya and read more of her story here😀
Source: Ormond Observer
⚖️ Bond Blunder? Former Cop Re-Arrested on More Drug Charges
In what Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood called a head-scratcher, former police officer Amber Williamson was released without bond after being arrested for trafficking in fentanyl and meth — only to be re-arrested days later on more trafficking charges.
Last night, the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force took Williamson back into custody on new felony warrants. This time, Judge Chris Miller said "no bond," after 53 grams of fentanyl — enough for thousands of lethal doses — were found during her initial arrest.
Sheriff Chitwood didn’t hold back: “It makes you wonder why our deputies and police are busting their asses to lock them up in the first place.” His frustration echoes broader public outcry over judicial decisions and the risks of releasing serious offenders prematurely.
Source: Sheriff Chitwood Facebook
🧥 Warm Tonight, Cold Tomorrow: Volusia Shelters React to Changing Forecasts
While Friday night’s mild temperatures will keep cold-weather shelters in Volusia County closed, colder nights are on the way. Shelters will reopen Saturday and Sunday nights (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1) as temps dip again.
On the west side, The Bridge in DeLand will offer overnight shelter and breakfast. On the east side, Halifax Urban Ministries is coordinating services with local churches. Residents in need of shelter or transportation are encouraged to call early.
The County is actively monitoring weather conditions and supplying food, bedding, and other essentials to shelter providers.
Source: Volusia County
⚾ OB Umpire School Bids Final Farewell After 50 Years
The Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Ormond Beach is calling its final game. With Major League Baseball centralizing umpire training, the class of 2026 will be the last to graduate from the iconic school.
Started by Harry Wendelstedt Jr. and now run by his son Hunter, the school built a legacy of excellence and inclusivity. “Maybe the title I’m most proud of is ‘I’m one of Harry’s guys,’” said Greta Langhenry, co-founder of Level Ump, Inc., which sponsors women in umpire training.
Sixteen women are in this year’s class — a record — with Langhenry joking they might finally have enough to call themselves “Harry’s gals.”
MLB veterans like Larry Vanover and Laz Diaz gathered to honor the school’s legacy, while students hit the field for one last inning of instruction, critique, and camaraderie.
Source: Ormond Observer
🧑⚖️ OB Circle K Fights to Attend Murder Depositions
In a high-profile case involving the tragic killing of off-duty Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell, Circle K is seeking a front-row seat — legally speaking. The convenience store chain wants its attorney to observe depositions in the criminal case against its former clerk, Eduardo Labrada Machado.
Machado is charged with first-degree murder and could face the death penalty. Prosecutors allege he shot Jewell multiple times after retrieving a firearm he had just purchased.
Circle K, being sued by the officer’s family for over $20 million, argues its attorney should be allowed to attend depositions of its employees to streamline its own civil case prep. But the judge and both the state and defense aren’t convinced. The judge gave the attorney 30 days to submit case law to back the claim — and until then, Circle K stays on the legal sidelines.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
Recent Arrests
Holly Hill Police Department
Ritchie C. Holt (38) – Arrested on 2026-01-20. Charge(s): Battery – second/subsequent offense. Bail: Not set.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Levick Alan Gerow (65) – Arrested on 2026-01-19. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail: $1,500.
Jeffrey Martin Lendway (55) – Arrested on 2026-01-20. Charge(s): Possession of cannabis, paraphernalia, a controlled substance without a prescription, and driving while license revoked (habitual). Bail: $4,500.
Jaqueline S. Upson (53) – Arrested on 2026-01-21. Charge(s): Sale of amphetamines, possession with intent to sell/manufacture/deliver Schedule III/IV drugs, possession of paraphernalia, sale of opium/derivative Schedule I/II, unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a crime. Bail: $7,500.
Sean Edward Bell (45) – Arrested on 2026-01-22. Charge(s): Conspiracy, unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, possession of cannabis. Bail: $33,000.
Preston Joseph Meier (30) – Arrested on 2026-01-22. Charge(s): False imprisonment, obstructing an officer without violence. Bail: $500.
Nicholas Carl Lezotte (43) – Arrested on 2026-01-22. Charge(s): Possession of weapon by in-state felon, possession of firearm during commission of felony, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of synthetic cannabinoid with intent to sell or deliver, possession of controlled substance without prescription, possession of paraphernalia. Bail: $5,500.
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NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info:
Friday, Jan 30, 2026
🦜 Headline Concert
A1A: The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute
End the month with a "License to Chill." A1A is the only tribute band endorsed by Jimmy Buffett himself. Expect a high-energy show filled with Parrot Head classics like "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and "Fins" at the Peabody.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
🏎️ Motorsports (Dirt Track)
The action intensifies at Volusia Speedway Park. Friday night features the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) and the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. Watching these 360 Sprint Cars slide around the half-mile clay oval is a spectacle of speed and skill.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM/6:00 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎨 Arts & Workshops
Graphite Portraits: Final Session
The final class of the "Graphite Portraits for Beginners" series. Participants will put the finishing touches on their artwork under the guidance of instructor Sylvia Gortz.
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Kick off your Friday night on the Sessions Terrace. Enjoy live music, cocktails, and the ocean breeze in a vibrant atmosphere.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
For a more sophisticated evening, head to the Havana Bar for fine dining, craft cocktails, and live jazz/piano music.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026
🎭 Headline Concert
Still Surfin': A Tribute to The Beach Boys
Close out January with the sounds of summer. "Still Surfin'" brings the harmonies of The Beach Boys to the Peabody Auditorium, performing hits like "California Girls," "Good Vibrations," and "Surfin' USA."
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
🏎️ Motorsports (Dirt Track)
The action continues at the "World's Fastest Half-Mile." Tonight features the 360 Winged Sprint Cars and DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. It is loud, fast, and dusty—a true racing experience.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM/6:00 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🏍️ Special Interest (Ormond Beach)
An exclusive after-hours party for motorcycle enthusiasts. Be among the first to see the 2026 Triumph model lineup. The event features food, drinks, and a "VIP" style reveal.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: RiderMarket Daytona BMW & Triumph (S. Yonge St, Ormond Beach)
🤸 Sports & Competitions
The Ocean Center is transformed into a massive gymnasium for this multi-day competition. Watch talented gymnasts from across the region compete in various disciplines.
Time: All Day (Competition typically runs 8:00 AM – Evening)
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The Band Penta @ Hard Rock Hotel
Wrap up the month with a high-energy performance by The Band Penta on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. Great for dancing and drinks by the ocean.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🥦 Farmers Markets
Daytona Beach Downtown Farmers Market
Enjoy the cool January morning air along the Halifax River. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and plants on City Island.
Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Market @ Magnolia (Beach St. & Magnolia Ave)
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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