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- ⭐Better Lighting Coming, School Board Pushback, VSO Sarge Arrested, School Employee Arrested
⭐Better Lighting Coming, School Board Pushback, VSO Sarge Arrested, School Employee Arrested
Issue #825
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City of Ormond Beach
🏟️ Bright Ideas for Better Fields?
It was a lively week for parks and recreation as Commissioner Kristin Deaton revisited the conversation around LED lighting for fields 11 and 12 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. The city previously submitted a $300,000 grant request to the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District, with the remaining project cost expected to come from the Recreation Impact Fee Fund. But after a January teen altercation left officers struggling to find the unlit field, urgency has entered the chat.
Deaton noted that upcoming youth flag football programs will rely heavily on these fields, making lighting not just helpful—but essential. For now, temporary Pop Warner lights cost the city about $11,000 each season, a tab no one seems eager to keep picking up. Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland agreed that signage is equally overdue, calling the need “a no-brainer.”
Assistant City Manager Claire Whitley confirmed that the Finance Department is already reviewing options, so expect a follow-up soon. And with talk of clearing palmetto underbrush for better visibility, the path forward—literally—may be getting brighter.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏛️ School Board Pushback on SB 1620
Legislative tensions rose in Tallahassee where the Volusia County School Board voiced concerns over Senate Bill 1620—filed by Tom Leek and co-sponsored by Don Gaetz. The proposed “District School Board Member’s Bill of Rights” aims to improve board access to internal documents, expand oversight, and allow for independent legal representation. Critics, however, question whether the bill overreaches.
School Board Chair Ruben Colon argued the bill could disrupt Florida’s governance model by blurring the separation between oversight and operations. Meanwhile, Board Member Donna Brosemer—whose conversations with Leek helped shape the bill—defended its purpose but acknowledged the unexpected blowback. Additional board members, including Krista Goodrich, Jessie Thompson, and Jamie Haynes, expressed concerns about data privacy and the potential for confusion if board members bypass administrative channels.
Even the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office chimed in, with Sheriff Mike Chitwood cautioning that the current governance model already works well. As the bill moves through committees, the debate promises to continue—with plenty of policy nuance and just a hint of drama.
Source: Ormond Observer
🚓 VSO Sergeant Arrested for DUI in Colorado
Turning to law-enforcement news, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Sgt. Steven Edgecomb was arrested in Summit County, Colorado, for driving under the influence after deputies observed him weaving in traffic near Breckenridge. Edgecomb, a 20-year veteran of the agency with no prior DUI history, now faces both a criminal case and an internal affairs review.
The VSO has relieved him of all law-enforcement duties and revoked his on-duty driving privileges while investigations proceed. The agency emphasized its commitment to transparency, noting that although Edgecomb is entitled to due process like any citizen, officers are held to a higher standard.
As the legal process unfolds in Colorado, the internal review in Volusia County will remain open at least until the criminal case concludes.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🏫 School Employee Accused of Kicking Student
Closing out this week’s updates, a difficult situation at Seabreeze High School resulted in the arrest of school employee Dontel Wright on charges of child abuse without great bodily harm. Deputies say Wright kicked a 17-year-old student with Down syndrome during a behavioral incident, later pulling the student from under bleachers with enough force to jolt the teen’s head backward.
Although the student was not physically injured, the family intends to press charges. Two investigations are now underway—one criminal through the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and one administrative via the district’s Professional Standards team. Wright has been removed from campus during the review.
Principal Tucker Harris reiterated the school’s commitment to student well-being as authorities continue their work.
Source: Fox35
Recent Arrests
Holly Hill Police Department
Ritchie C. Holt (38) – Arrested on 2024-01-20. Charge(s): Battery – second/subsequent offense. Bail: Not set.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Levick Alan Gerow (65) – Arrested on 2024-01-19. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail: $1,500.
Jeffrey Martin Lendway (55) – Arrested on 2024-01-20. 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 2024-01-21. 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, and unlawful use of two-way communication device. Bail: $7,500.
Sean Edward Bell (45) – Arrested on 2024-01-22. Charge(s): Conspiracy, unlawful use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and possession of cannabis. Bail: $33,000.
Preston Joseph Meier (30) – Arrested on 2024-01-22. Charge(s): False imprisonment and obstructing an officer without violence. Bail: $500.
Nicholas Carl Lezotte (43) – Arrested on 2024-01-22. Charge(s): Possession of a weapon by an in-state felon, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of synthetic cannabinoid with intent to sell or deliver, possession of controlled substance without prescription, and 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 in
Friday, Feb 6, 2026
🎸 Headline Concerts
The Frontmen: Country Supergroup
Three lead singers, one stage. The voices behind 90s country giants Lonestar (Richie McDonald), Restless Heart (Larry Stewart), and Little Texas (Tim Rushlow) perform their massive catalog of hits, including "Amazed" and "God Blessed Texas."
Time: 8:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
A night of legendary songwriting. Bonoff is famous for writing hits like "Someone to Lay Down Beside Me" (Linda Ronstadt) and her own hit "Personally." She performs in the intimate setting of the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (US-1)
🏎️ Motorsports Headline
The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars return for their second night of action alongside the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. Friday nights at the speedway are typically electric, with the fastest cars on dirt fighting for championship points.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎨 Arts & Community
Stroll along historic Beach Street for this monthly cultural event. Galleries stay open late, hosting artist talks, live music, and wine tastings. It coincides with Downtown Daytona Nights, featuring food trucks and street performers.
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach (Beach St.)
Bring the kids for a creative evening at the museum. Families can work together on a fun, hands-on art project on the garden terrace.
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Friday nights on the Sessions Terrace feature high-energy live bands and ocean views. It’s a perfect after-party spot if you are coming from the Art Walk.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Saturday, Feb 7, 2026
🛸 Headline Spectacle
Sky Adventures: Drone & Laser Show
A futuristic entertainment experience takes over Daytona Stadium. Hundreds of drones and high-powered lasers light up the night sky in two distinct shows. It is a visual spectacle perfect for families.
Show 1: "T-REX LIVE: Time Rift Rescue" (7:00 PM) – Dinosaur-themed drone formations.
Show 2: "OCEAN ADVENTURE LIVE" (9:00 PM) – Aquatic-themed visual journey.
Location: Daytona Stadium (LPGA Blvd)
🎨 Festivals & Community
Granada Grand Festival of the Arts
Ormond Beach’s signature arts festival takes over New Britain Avenue. Enjoy over 80 artists, pop-up chalk art, live music, and food trucks. It’s a vibrant celebration of local culture in the heart of the city.
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza / New Britain Ave, Ormond Beach
15th Annual Wine & Chocolate Walk
A sweet tradition in Downtown Daytona Beach. Stroll through the Riverfront Shops on Beach Street, visiting merchants for wine pours and chocolate pairings. It’s a perfect pre-Valentine’s outing.
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach (Beach St.)
🏎️ Motorsports Headline
The racing action hits a fever pitch at Volusia Speedway Park. It’s Saturday night under the lights with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. Expect a packed house and aggressive racing.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎭 Theater & Film
The hilarious, interactive comedy play arrives in Ormond Beach. "Sister" teaches an adult catechism class to the audience, rewarding correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and reprimanding naughtiness. It’s "nunsense" fun.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Catch screenings of the best international surf documentaries and short films. Tonight features "Antarctica - Domain One" and "Mountains of the Moon."
Time: 5:00 PM (Doors) | 6:00 PM (Screenings)
Location: News-Journal Center at Daytona State College
🤸 Sports & Competition
Competition continues at the Ocean Center with gymnasts from around the country competing on the floor, beam, and bars.
Time: All Day (8:00 AM – Evening)
Location: Ocean Center, 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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