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- ⭐Avalon Park Clears a Major Hurdle, Fire Chiefs Face a Prosecutor, Chitwood Sues Spring Break Promoters for $800K, Pine Trail Kids Solve 46,000 Math Problems
⭐Avalon Park Clears a Major Hurdle, Fire Chiefs Face a Prosecutor, Chitwood Sues Spring Break Promoters for $800K, Pine Trail Kids Solve 46,000 Math Problems
Issue #903
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🚧🚧Avalon Park Daytona took a significant step forward Thursday when the Daytona Beach Planning Board approved rezoning the entire 2,760-acre project 6-1. At full buildout, the development envisions nearly 9,000 homes and over a million square feet of commercial space west of I-95 — a $3.3 billion undertaking its developers describe as a self-contained town built around walkability and mixed use. The rezoning grants waivers allowing smaller lot sizes, reduced highway buffers, and other design flexibilities the developer argues are essential to the compact urban model. Projected benefits include $70 million in annual property tax revenue and over 2,600 permanent jobs. Ormond Beach residents raised concerns about traffic and flooding. The utility dispute with Ormond Beach remains unresolved in federal court, and calls for a formal affordable housing commitment went unanswered — though the developer cited a goal of homes in the $200,000 range. The project now moves toward the full City Commission for approval.
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🔥🔥The Daytona Beach fire department audit story, which has been building since March, crossed into new territory Friday. Fire Chief Dru Driscoll and Deputy Chief Jessica Matthews have been subpoenaed to appear before a statewide prosecutor on April 29 — a development that transforms what began as an internal spending review into a formal legal proceeding. The audit flagged over $500,000 in vehicle maintenance charges run through purchasing cards in violation of policy, plus $50,000 in food tabs at places like Five Guys and Applebee's. Driscoll has disputed the findings publicly and is required to bring his counter-materials to the proceeding. A subpoena compels appearance and testimony; it carries no presumption of guilt. The city manager's contract — whose fate became entangled in the audit fallout — returns before the commission May 6.
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💵💵The spring break "invasion" that cost Daytona Beach its March now has a price tag and a lawsuit to go with it. Sheriff Mike Chitwood filed suit April 21 against two Georgia women who promoted the unpermitted event under the banner "Daytona Spring Break 2k26," seeking over $100,000 in damages for the $811,421 tab the county absorbed in overtime, helicopter deployments, and drone operations. The lawsuit argues that social media monetization creates a direct financial incentive for promoters to generate the most disruptive content possible, and that permit-free events let organizers profit while residents and businesses absorb the damage. The event featured stampedes triggered by water bottles mimicking gunshots, open carry firearms in dense crowds, and road gridlock that shut down local businesses. Two Daytona Beach businesses — Hog Heaven and Made in the Shade — have filed parallel suits seeking their own damages. Both promoters had been notified in advance that permits were required. One declined to attend her own event. The other showed up and posted against local safety efforts in real time.
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🏫🏫Pine Trail Elementary in Ormond Beach is the state math champion. The school's 600 students in grades one through five correctly answered 46,789 questions on the Prodigy Math platform during March — more than any similarly sized school in Florida — earning the title in the Prodigy State Challenge. The celebration on Friday included donuts and branded swag, which is exactly the right reward for 46,000 correct math answers. The top performer was a first grader who knocked out 744 problems. Pine Trail now advances to the Prodigy National Cup, running May 1–14, where technology grants exceeding $200,000 are on the line. The teacher who has championed the platform for over a decade, Laura Hoskin, is in her 42nd year of teaching and retiring this year. Forty-six thousand correct answers is a fine way to go out.
Sources
"Daytona Beach Planning Board OKs rezoning for Avalon Park Daytona" — Ormond Observer, April 24, 2026
"Daytona Beach fire chief and deputy subpoenaed following audit" — MyNews13, April 24, 2026
"Spring break 'invasion' promoters cost taxpayers $800K. Chitwood sues" — Daytona News-Journal, April 24, 2026
"State champs: Pine Trail Elementary students win math contest by solving over 46K problems" — Ormond Observer, April 24, 2026
Fire and EMS Calls
4/24/2026, 02:51 PM, Person with emergency non-traumatic bleeding at residence
As discussed during the dispatch call, there was a possible emergency involving bleeding that is not traumatic near Coquina Key Drive.4/24/2026, 06:58 AM, Traffic crash at West Granada Boulevard
As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units were dispatched to a reported traffic crash near W Granada Boulevard and Chelsea Place Avenue in Ormond Beach. The exact number of vehicles or injuries was not confirmed from the radio communication.4/24/2026, 05:09 AM, Assistance requested for alarm on Ocean Shore Blvd
As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were called to a possible fire alarm near Ocean Shore Boulevard in Ormond Beach. The call was described as a still alarm requiring assistance.4/24/2026, 04:43 AM, Illegal outdoor fire at S Ridgeland Avenue
As discussed during the dispatch call, fire personnel were dispatched to a location on South Ridgeland Avenue in Ormond Beach for a reported illegal burn. The situation appears to involve an unauthorized outdoor fire.4/24/2026, 04:38 AM, Report of stolen city property at Station 81
As discussed during the dispatch call, an officer was sent to a station on Hand Avenue in Ormond Beach to take a report regarding stolen city property.4/24/2026, 02:35 AM, Person with breathing problems at Meadow Ridge View
As discussed during the dispatch call, medic dispatched for breathing problems near Meadow Ridge View apartments by Lawn Tree Look and Turkey Creek Pass.4/23/2026, 11:38 PM, Person reported with severe pain at Ormond Beach address
As discussed during the dispatch call, medic and engine units responded to a pain emergency near Queen Anne Court close to King Edward Drive.
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 Saturday, April 25, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: 🎶GRAMMY Nominated Dana & Sharon Live, 2:00 PM
31 Supper Club, 31 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Enjoy live music from world-class Las Vegas entertainers Dana and Sharon while dining in a sophisticated, 1930s-style atmosphere. The duo brings a mix of high-energy performance and soulful vocals to the stage.
Event: 🎭I HRT Broadway: A Broadway Review, 7:00 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N US-1, Ormond Beach
A spectacular musical journey through the greatest hits of the Great White Way. This local theatrical production features a talented cast performing beloved anthems and choreography from Broadway's most iconic shows.
Holly Hill
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
Experience the thrill of "The Hill" at one of the nation's premier pickleball destinations. With 49 courts available, Saturday is the perfect time for social matches, competitive ladder play, or a casual game with friends.
Event: 🧺Holly Hill Community Market, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Holly Hill City Hall Lawn, 1065 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
Support local makers and growers at this weekend market. Browse a variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods while enjoying the fresh air at the heart of Holly Hill.
Daytona Beach
Event: 🚙Jeep Beach Main Event: Vendor Show & Obstacle Course, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach
The signature Saturday event for one of the world's largest Jeep gatherings. Explore over 200 industry vendors, watch expert drivers tackle the massive obstacle course, and immerse yourself in the Jeep Beach Village.
Event: 🦀Crab & Seafood Festival, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Daytona Beach (Specific Venue TBD), Daytona Beach
A delicious celebration of Florida's coastal flavors. This festival features fresh seafood from local vendors, live music, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.
Event: 🎸Midtown Music Concert Series, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Midtown Precinct, Daytona Beach
A vibrant community concert featuring local bands and musicians. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of outdoor music, food trucks, and neighborhood camaraderie.
Events for Sunday, April 26, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: 🦆Nature Walk at Central Park, 8:00 AM – Sunset
Central Park, 601 Hammock Ln, Ormond Beach Take a peaceful stroll through the winding trails and scenic lakes of Central Park. This is an ideal time for bird watching and enjoying the lush, spring greenery of Ormond Beach.Event: ☕Sunday Jazz Brunch, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
31 Supper Club, 31 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Enjoy a sophisticated brunch accompanied by live jazz in a venue that transports you back to the glamour of the 1930s.
Holly Hill
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Finish the weekend strong at "The Hill." Sunday open play offers a great opportunity for social matches and family fun at this world-class pickleball facility.Event: 🧺Riverside Relaxation, All Day
Sunrise Park, 1135 Riverside Dr, Holly Hill A perfect day for a picnic or a walk along the Halifax River. This park provides some of the best waterfront views in the city for a quiet Sunday afternoon.
Daytona Beach
Event: 🏖️Jeep Beach: World's Most Famous Beach Parade, 7:30 AM Daytona Beach Shoreline (Starting at North end), Daytona Beach The grand finale of Jeep Beach 2026. Thousands of Jeeps gather for a massive parade along the sand of the "World's Most Famous Beach." It is a must-see spectacle for automotive enthusiasts.
Event: 🍳Sessions Brunch Remix: Vange Durst, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Elevate your Sunday brunch with live music from Vange Durst. Enjoy panoramic ocean views and a curated menu in a high-energy, rock-and-roll setting.Event: 🎸Lynne Gibson Duo Live, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Wind down the evening with soulful acoustic covers and original music from the Lynne Gibson Duo at the iconic Hard Rock.Event: 🕹️Sunday SIP (Service Industry Professional) Night, 9:00 PM – Close
Dave & Buster’s, 1507 Cornerstone Blvd, Daytona Beach A dedicated night for restaurant, hotel, and hospitality workers featuring half-priced drinks and free game play with proof of employment.
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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