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- ⭐Books For Badge, Serious Storytime, Help The Turtles, A Final Farewell
⭐Books For Badge, Serious Storytime, Help The Turtles, A Final Farewell
Issue #820
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Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
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Holland Financial CEO David Holland and Sheriff Chitwood. Courtesy photo
📚 Books for the Badge
In a meaningful show of appreciation, Holland Financial CEO David Holland donated 852 copies of his book Smart Over Heart to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office during a “Thank the Blue” event on January 14. Held at the VSO Training Center, the donation wasn't just symbolic—it offered practical insights into resilience and decision-making, aligning closely with the demands of law enforcement work.
According to the press release, the book underscores mental discipline, an essential counterpart to the physical and emotional stamina required by deputies. Every member of the agency will receive a copy, reinforcing both personal growth and professional support.
Holland, a longtime advocate of financial literacy and sound decision-making, framed the donation as a way to give back to the people who serve the community daily. The event blended heartfelt thanks with a forward-looking gesture aimed at continued strength and clarity in the force.
Source: Ormond Observer
📖 Leaders Take Storytime Seriously
Continuing the theme of community care, Celebrate Literacy Week (Jan. 26–30) brought local leaders into classrooms across Volusia County, where they swapped council chambers for circle time. Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie and other city officials read to kindergarten students, spreading the joy of reading and underscoring its vital role in childhood development.
Participating schools included Ormond Beach Elementary, Pine Trail, Pathways, and Tomoka. Sheriff Mike Chitwood even joined in the fun by reading to students at McInnis Elementary in DeLeon Springs.
Volusia County Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin emphasized the importance of community involvement in literacy, saying, “Their presence sends a powerful message: when a community comes together to support literacy, our students thrive.”
Source: Ormond Observer
🐢 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Need a Helping Hand
As the temperature drops, Volusia County residents are being asked to keep an eye out for cold-stressed sea turtles—especially in areas near the water. The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet is already caring for about 10 turtles and expects dozens more as frigid weather continues.
Sea turtles become “cold-stunned” when water temperatures dip below 50°F. Hypothermia sets in, slowing their metabolism and impairing their ability to breathe. The center’s veterinarians, like Brooke Burkhalter, urge residents not to warm up turtles on their own. Instead, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
The center can house around 30 turtles at a time and plays a critical role in both rehab and public education. With the chill not letting up, your vigilance could help save a turtle in need.
Source: MyNews13
🚀 A Final Frontier Farewell
From the ocean to the stars, a Florida-based startup is taking memorials to new heights—literally. Space Beyond, based in Satellite Beach, plans to launch its first “memorial spaceflight” aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket by the end of 2027. Their satellite will carry the remains of up to 1,000 people (and pets) into orbit, where they’ll circle the Earth for years before re-entering the atmosphere as a shooting star.
Dubbed by some as “space burials,” these symbolic send-offs offer a poetic twist on tradition. Space Beyond founder Ryan Mitchell says the project offers “continuity, perspective, and being part of something larger than ourselves.”
The company is marketing its services as more affordable than competitors, with prices starting at $249. Families receive kits to safely prepare and return a portion of ashes, which are sealed in a satellite and tracked in orbit.
The first mission is scheduled for October 2027 on the SpaceX Transporter 22 mission. It’s a celestial way to say goodbye—and maybe even wish upon a star.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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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:
Sunday, Feb 1, 2026
🤸 Sports & Competition (Final Day)
The final day of competition at the Ocean Center. Watch as talented gymnasts from across the country compete in the floor, vault, beam, and bars events. It’s a great indoor activity for families.
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Approx.)
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🏎️ Motorsports Update
DIRTcar Nationals: OFF DAY
Note for race fans: There is NO racing tonight at Volusia Speedway Park. The teams are taking a scheduled break. The action resumes tomorrow (Monday, Feb 2) with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds.
🥂 Brunch & Leisure
Sunday Brunch @ Hard Rock Hotel
Enjoy the "Sessions" terrace with ocean views, mimosa specials, and live acoustic music. It’s a relaxed atmosphere compared to last weekend's race crowds.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
Spend a quiet Sunday wandering the largest collection of Florida-themed art in the world. It’s a beautiful way to start the month.
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Museum of Arts & Sciences Campus, Daytona Beach
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Dream On, Stretch Long
A gentle, restorative yoga class held on the oceanfront Rock Royalty Terrace.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Here is the curated event list for Monday, February 2, 2026.
After a brief Sunday pause, the racing engines fire back up at the dirt track, and a unique "horror-themed" circus begins its run in Daytona Beach.
📅 Ormond Beach & Beyond: Monday, Feb 2, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports (Dirt Track)
Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Night 4)
The action resumes at Volusia Speedway Park! Tonight features the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. This series is known for aggressive wheel-to-wheel racing on the half-mile clay oval. It is the start of a full week of racing leading up to the World of Outlaws arrival.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM/6:00 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎪 Entertainment & Nightlife
Paranormal Cirque: "Nightmare"
A unique, edgy entertainment experience arrives in Daytona Beach. "Paranormal Cirque" is a fusion of circus arts, theater, and cabaret with a horror theme. Note: This show contains adult language and imagery; it is generally restricted to ages 17+ (or 13+ with a parent).
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Check Local Listings (Typically held under the Big Top near the Daytona Beach Mall or Speedway)
💼 Conferences & Expos
Association of Marina Industries Conference & Expo
A major industry trade show begins today at the Ocean Center. While mostly for professionals, locals may notice increased activity and traffic around the beachside convention district.
Time: All Day
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🍽️ Dining & Leisure
Game Day Specials @ Dave & Buster's
Beat the Monday blues with all-day Happy Hour and "Unlimited Video Games" specials. It’s a popular spot for locals to unwind near the Tanger Outlets.
Time: All Day
Location: Dave & Buster's, Daytona Beach
🧘 Wellness
The Daytona Shores Community Center hosts open play for Euchre and Samba card games, offering a friendly environment for residents.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Daytona Shores Community Center
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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