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- ⭐ Commerce Park Approved, Lexi To Lead, County Claw Back, $175k Settlement
⭐ Commerce Park Approved, Lexi To Lead, County Claw Back, $175k Settlement
Issue #810
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Image: City of Ormond Beach
🏢 Ormond Beach Approves New Commerce Park
Ormond Beach is welcoming a new neighbor along North U.S. 1. The City Commission greenlit the Tomoka Commerce Park, a mixed-use development that will bring 110,270 square feet of commercial and light industrial space to a 12-acre site.
The vote passed 4-0, with city leaders touting the project as a well-balanced solution for small businesses. Buildings facing U.S. 1 will house commercial storefronts, while warehouse and light industrial uses will be tucked in back near the railroad tracks.
Though past meetings saw concerns about wetland impacts, flooding, and traffic, Tuesday's commission meeting was quiet—except for two residents who spoke in favor of the project. A big talking point? Avoiding less desirable by-right developments, like adult stores, that could've come from a zoning change.
Developers plan to impact two small man-made wetlands. Officials emphasized the long-term vision: more spaces for small businesses to grow within city limits, not outside them.
Source: Ormond Observer
⛳ Lexi Thompson to Lead Off the Rolex 24
Before engines roar at Daytona International Speedway this weekend, LPGA standout Lexi Thompson will take the mic. She’s been named Grand Marshal for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, one of the most prestigious endurance races in motorsports.
Thompson, a 15-time champion with a major win under her belt, will give the official command to start engines on Saturday ahead of the 1:40 p.m. green flag. A Florida native who started swinging clubs at age five, she’s a fitting choice to represent both the sport and the state.
Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher praised Thompson’s career as an embodiment of determination and excellence—values that echo the grueling 24-hour race she’ll be kicking off.
Thompson’s appearance is more than ceremonial; it connects two demanding arenas of elite competition. Drivers, start your engines… on her command.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🏚️ Update: County Claws Back Grant Money From Preservation Trust
Historic preservation just got a financial reality check. The Volusia County Council has ordered the Heritage Preservation Trust to repay a $485,509 grant tied to the purchase of the Hotchkiss Mather Historic Home in Daytona Beach—and may go after another $425,100 grant for neighboring Lilian Place.
In a unanimous vote, the council approved reclaiming the first grant. It also voted 6-1 to potentially pursue legal action to recover the second. The issue? Lack of maintenance and insufficient public access, both required under the Volusia ECHO grant program.
The nonprofit plans to sell the Hotchkiss home to repay its grant and use remaining funds to fix up Lilian Place. Officials say the properties, once charming Victorian-era homes, have fallen into disrepair—with mold, structural damage, and no regular tours.
With legal pressure mounting, the trust has six months post-sale to bring Lilian Place up to compliance—or risk further action, including a county takeover. Historic homes may be priceless, but they’re also costly.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🚨 County Settles for $175K in Lifeguard Injury Case
Volusia County has agreed to a $175,000 settlement with Sierra Trumble, one of two women injured by a Beach Safety truck on Memorial Day 2024. Trumble was sunbathing on Daytona Beach when Sgt. Arthur Gendreau accidentally ran over her and a friend.
Trumble suffered serious injuries, including a lacerated liver and multiple fractures. The incident occurred west of the emergency travel lane—an area where, critics argue, vehicles shouldn't have been operating without better signage or boundaries.
Gendreau, who had already planned to leave the agency, was cited for careless driving, though the charge was later dropped. He publicly apologized in court. The county's settlement resolves claims against it, but a broader lawsuit against Daytona Beach and Daytona Grande Resort is ongoing.
The resort argues it didn’t control beach access or traffic. A hearing is set for March 23 in DeLand, where the rest of the case will unfold. Beach safety and liability are once again in the legal spotlight.
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:
📅 Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports: The Roar Returns
Rolex 24 at Daytona: Thursday Track Action
The engines officially fire up for the race weekend. Today is packed with practice sessions for all classes, qualifying for the big race, and the first support series race.
Key Schedule Highlights:
10:00 AM: WeatherTech Championship Practice 1
2:15 PM: Qualifying (GTD/LMP2/GTP) — Watch the teams fight for pole position.
5:15 PM: Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 1 — The famous "bumper cars" series; always a fan favorite.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Night Practice — A spectacular chance to see the cars with their lights on/glowing rotors.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏆 Signature Community Event
81st Annual Installation Banquet
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its most prestigious evening of the year. Local business leaders and city dignitaries gather to welcome the new Board of Directors and honor community contributions. (Ticketed Event).
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🥦 Fresh & Local
Before heading to the track, grab some fresh air and local goods. The market is open every Thursday under the trees at City Hall Plaza.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach
🎨 Arts & Workshops
A creative morning for children ages 3-5 to explore art concepts and enjoy a storybook reading.
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum
A therapeutic art session open to anyone seeking a creative outlet for healing and relaxation.
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The Evening Muze @ Hard Rock Hotel
If you aren't at the night practice, enjoy a relaxed evening of live music on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Thursday is Jazz Night at this 1930s-style speakeasy. Enjoy a cocktail in the Havana Bar with live piano/jazz accompaniment.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🤝 Support & Wellness
A compassionate support group for those who have lost a spouse, hosted by the Chamber at The Blake.
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Blake at LPGA (Williamson Blvd)
Friday, Jan 23, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports: The BMW M Endurance Challenge
BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona
The racing action intensifies! Today features the season-opening race for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. It is a grueling 4-hour endurance battle often considered the best wheel-to-wheel racing of the weekend. Witness sports cars from manufacturers like BMW, Porsche, and Aston Martin fight for the win.
Schedule Highlights:
11:05 AM – 12:20 PM: WeatherTech Championship Practice (Final chance to see the big prototypes before the 24-hour race).
1:45 PM – 5:45 PM: BMW M Endurance Challenge (4-Hour Race).
Location: Daytona International Speedway
💎 Luxury & Lifestyle
After the track action cools down, head across the street for an exclusive showcase of high-end luxury and exotic vehicles. This "VIP" style event supports the NASCAR Foundation and offers a chance to see rare hypercars up close.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: ONE DAYTONA (Victory Circle)
🎤 Headline Concert
The Neil Diamond Legacy Concert
Las Vegas headliner Jay White brings his acclaimed tribute to the Peabody Auditorium. Endorsed by Neil Diamond himself, this show recreates the energy and passion of a live Diamond performance with hits like "Sweet Caroline" and "America."
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Kick off the race weekend in style on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. The hotel is typically buzzing with race teams and fans from around the world.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Escape the engine noise for a night of fine dining and smooth jazz in a speakeasy atmosphere.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond 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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