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- ⭐Austin is Honored, Cory Mills Service Record, Night to Shine at Tomoka Christian
⭐Austin is Honored, Cory Mills Service Record, Night to Shine at Tomoka Christian
Issue #839
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Austin Blondin tries on firefighters gear. Photo: OB Fire Dept, Pauline Dulang
🧒 Young Hero Honored for Saving His Family
Six-year-old Austin Blondin may only be in kindergarten, but he’s already proven he can keep a cool head in a crisis.
On Feb. 2, around 2:20 a.m., Austin woke up with a sore throat and asked his mom, Renae, for water. As she tended to him, she noticed smoke in the bedroom. A closer look revealed a melted outlet above the fireplace mantel — and fire raging inside the chimney wall.
Austin didn’t freeze. He ran to wake his older brother and helped alert his father, giving the family precious time to escape. They made it out safely and called 911. Firefighters from the Ormond Beach Fire Department responded quickly, rescuing not only the family but also their three large dogs.
On Feb. 10, firefighters from Engine 92 visited Ormond Beach Elementary to present Austin with a Life Saving Award. He even got to try on a firefighter’s uniform and sit in the captain’s seat of the truck — though he noted it was “so heavy” he could barely walk.
Austin, now proudly “Facebook famous,” says saving his family felt “very, very good.” He’s even changed his career plans from police officer to firefighter. After all, he says, it’s “cool.”
The fire, caused by a fireplace construction issue, destroyed much of the home. Still, the Blondins are focusing on gratitude. “We lost everything,” Renae said, “yet I never felt more blessed in my life.”
Source: Ormond Observer
🎖️ Army Releases Cory Mills’ Personnel Records
Meanwhile, in a story drawing statewide and national attention, the U.S. Army has released personnel records for Florida Congressman Cory Mills following a Freedom of Information Act request tied to stolen-valor allegations.
The partially redacted file confirms Mills served from 1999 to 2003 and was deployed to Iraq during the final months of his active duty. It also shows he corrected his 2003 discharge record (DD-214) to reflect a Bronze Star awarded on June 4, 2024.
However, the file did not include a Form 638 document detailing the rationale for the award. Mills previously shared portions of that document with media outlets, describing acts of bravery under intense enemy fire in Baghdad, including administering emergency medical care to wounded soldiers.
Some individuals quoted in outside reporting have disputed aspects of those claims. Further scrutiny has come from a broader investigation published by Mother Jones.
Mills, who recently received an endorsement from Donald Trump, is seeking a third term representing Florida’s 7th Congressional District. He also faces an ongoing review by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics related to other matters.
As questions continue and responses are awaited, this story remains one to watch.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
💃 Night to Shine Lights Up Ormond Beach
Shifting to a celebration filled with joy, Tomoka Christian Church recently welcomed hundreds for its 2026 Night to Shine event.
Held Feb. 13, the annual prom-style celebration honors individuals with special needs and is sponsored globally by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This year’s Ormond Beach event drew more than 600 volunteers, 480 VIP guests and nearly 800 parents and caregivers.
The evening began with a red-carpet entrance, complete with cheering volunteers and flashing cameras. Guests enjoyed hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, dancing and a catered dinner. A Sensory Room provided a quiet retreat, while a Respite Room offered rest and refreshments for caregivers.
The highlight of the night? Every honored guest was crowned king or queen.
Night to Shine, held annually the Friday before Valentine’s Day, has reached more than half a million guests worldwide over the past 11 years, supported by more than 1 million volunteers. Through its Shine On initiative, the foundation continues to equip churches with resources to foster ongoing disability ministry.
For one sparkling evening in Ormond Beach, celebration, dignity and community took center stage.
Source: Ormond Observer
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Lawrence Edward Wagner, 46, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 7 and charged with petit theft. Bail was set at $2,500.
Eliseo Lopez Perez, 36, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 7 and charged with fraudulent use of personal identity information, unlawful use of an identification card and giving false name upon being arrested/detained. Bail was not set.
Jonathan Ross Galbraith, 35, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 7 and charged with improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault (firearm). Bail was set at $26,000.
Justin William Craig Knighton, 36, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 9 and charged with child abuse and lewd/lascivious molest person 18 years of age/older victim less than 12 years of age. Bail was set at $10,000.
Kay Lynn Tomasello, 48, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 12 and charged with grand theft. Bail was not set.
Pamela Ellen Bayuk, 42, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 12 and charged with grand theft. Bail was not set.
Holly Hill Police Department
Christina Lynn Bolin, 36, of Holly Hill, was arrested Feb. 11 and charged with burglary with assault or battery. Bail was set at $15,000.
Volusia County Sheriff's Office
Scott Joseph Herring, 37, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 7 and charged with possession of paraphernalia, a controlled substance without a prescription, and obstructing an officer without violence. Bail was set at $6,000.
Brandy Lynn Keckler, 43, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 7 and charged with possession of paraphernalia and of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail was set at $5,250.
Lee Anne Hendrickson, 56, of Holly Hill, was arrested Feb. 8 and charged with possession of cannabis, a new or legend drug without prescription, and a controlled substance without prescription. Bail was set at $3,500.
Zachary David Shropshire, 34, of Holly Hill, was arrested Feb. 10 and charged with domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment. Bail was not set.
David Eugene Kahle, 48, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 11 and charged with failure of a sex offender to properly register. Bail was set at $5,000.
Corey L. Favors, 32, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Feb. 12 and charged with driving while license revoked (habitual). Bail was not set.
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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 in
Friday, Feb 20, 2026
🎸 Headline Concert
Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years
Close your eyes and you might think you are in Central Park. This critically acclaimed tribute show from the UK performs the duo's most iconic hits, including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It is widely considered the most authentic sounding tribute to the pair.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (US-1)
🧵 Major Event: Day 3
The expo enters its third day. If you are looking to avoid the weekend crowds but want to see the contest winners, Friday is the sweet spot. Classes and lectures run throughout the day.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
💼 Business & Networking
Early risers and business leaders gather at the Daytona Beach International Airport for the Quarterly Economic Development breakfast. It is a high-level networking event often featuring updates on major county projects.
Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Dennis R. McGee Room, Daytona Beach Int'l Airport
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Kick off the weekend with high-energy dance and rock covers. SASS brings a party atmosphere to the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
For a quieter, more romantic Friday night, enjoy fine dining and live piano jazz in the Havana Bar.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🥦 Fresh & Local
If you are up for a drive to West Volusia, this award-winning evening market in DeLand is a perfect Friday night activity with food trucks and local makers.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Artisan Alley, DeLand
Saturday, Feb 21, 2026
🧵 Major Event: The Final Stitch
AQS QuiltWeek - Daytona Beach (Final Day)
It is your last chance to experience one of the largest quilting events in the world. Thousands of fiber artists will be wrapping up their classes, shopping the massive vendor mall, and admiring the award-winning quilt displays before the expo packs up.
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🎪 Charity & Galas
23rd Annual Sweetheart Ball: "Cirque du Soirée"
Volusia County’s premier father-daughter dance takes over the Ocean Center in the evening. Hosted by the Junior League of Daytona Beach, this year's gala features a "Night Under the Big Top" circus theme with dancing, a whimsical candy bar, mocktails, and raffles. All proceeds support local women and children's community programs.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🥓 Festivals & Downtown Events
8th Annual Beer & Bacon Festival
A perfect Saturday afternoon event for foodies. Head to the Riverfront Shops area for this popular annual festival celebrating two of the best things in life: craft beer and bacon. Expect plenty of food vendors, tastings, and a lively downtown crowd.
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Daytona Beach (Magnolia Ave / Beach St)
🎸 Headline Concerts & Shows
Grammy-nominated powerhouse singer and piano player Victor Wainwright brings his high-octane boogie-woogie and blues to Ormond Beach. Backed by his band "The Train," it is guaranteed to be a foot-stomping, high-energy show.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Mark of Excellence National Talent Competition
The Peabody Auditorium hosts this multi-day national dance and talent competition, bringing dedicated young performers from across the region to compete on the big stage.
Time: All Day
Location: Peabody Auditorium, 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.
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