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  • ⭐Copper Theft Suspected In Makai Fire, DAR Turns 60, Circle K Clerk Gets Life

⭐Copper Theft Suspected In Makai Fire, DAR Turns 60, Circle K Clerk Gets Life

Issue #927

19 May

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Photo: Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters-Facebook

🔥 Copper Theft Suspected in Beachside Hotel Fire

An electrical fire at the long-blighted Makai Beach Lodge on South Atlantic Avenue drew a swift response from Ormond Beach firefighters on May 8. Crews arriving at the basement encountered live electrical hazards that complicated suppression efforts, requiring careful coordination before flames could be safely extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

According to police, witnesses saw a man fleeing the scene in a black sedan shortly after the fire began. Florida Power & Light later determined the blaze likely started in the basement’s utility room when someone attempted to steal copper wire from an energized main feed line. The risky move appears to have sparked the fire.

The Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters union commended crews for their deliberate and effective response under hazardous conditions. Units from across the city assisted in containing the damage.

🇺🇸 DAR Chapter Marks 60 Years of Service

From fire response to community resilience, Ormond Beach shifted gears this week to celebrate a milestone of service. The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution commemorated its 60th anniversary on May 18 at the Anderson-Price Memorial Building.

Founded in 1966 by Pauline Hamilton Schrager with just 18 members, the chapter has grown steadily over the decades, surpassing 100 members by the 1980s and continuing its mission into the 21st century. During the celebration, members honored the organization’s legacy, inducted officers for 2026–2028, and enjoyed a reenactment of Capt. James Ormond.

Chapter Regent Susan Demorsky reflected on the group’s longstanding focus on historical preservation, education and patriotic service. Today, members continue traditions like Constitution Week observances, Memorial Day ceremonies and ROTC medal presentations, carrying forward a foundation built six decades ago.

Source: Ormond Beach

⚖️ Circle K Clerk Sentenced to Life in Officer’s Killing

In more somber news, a Circle K clerk who fatally shot off-duty Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell last September has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Eduardo Labrada Machado, 25, pleaded no contest on May 18 to first-degree murder with a firearm, avoiding a potential death sentence. Investigators said Jewell, unarmed and out of uniform, was waiting at the counter of a convenience store in Ormond-by-the-Sea when Labrada Machado retrieved a Glock from his car and shot him multiple times. State Attorney R.J. Larizza later stated that Jewell was shot 20 times.

During sentencing, Jewell’s wife and family members delivered emotional statements describing a devoted husband, father and officer who “never had a chance.” Law enforcement officers from across Volusia County filled the courtroom in tribute.

With the plea finalized, officials said they hope the resolution brings some measure of closure to a grieving family and community.

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Events for Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🤝Morning Member Meetup, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    Launch Credit Union, 240 Williamson Blvd, Ormond Beach

    Start your morning connecting with local professionals and business owners. This casual neighborhood meetup is hosted by the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce to foster community partnerships.

  • Event: 🏛️Government Affairs Committee Meeting, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    Chamber Board Room, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

    Local business advocates and committee members gather to review city ordinances, legislative shifts, and civic issues affecting the Ormond Beach business landscape.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 📜Holly Hill History Nights at the Museum, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    Holly Hill History Museum, 1065 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill

    Dive into the unique heritage of the area with a local historian. This evening presentation features vintage photographs, civic archives, and storytelling centered on Holly Hill’s founding families and historic landmarks.

  • Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill

    Tuesday open play is running all day on the premier campus. Drop in to enjoy the social atmosphere and practice your game on one of the 49 professional courts.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🖼️Museum in Motion, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

    Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Dr, Daytona Beach Shores

    Presented by The Brown museum staff, this interactive mobile educational experience brings historical artifacts, fine art discussion, and local history deep-dives directly to the community center.

  • Event: 🎸Daniel Jude Acoustic Live, 7:00 PM

    Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions Stage), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach

    Unwind with ocean breezes and acoustic tunes. Local musician Daniel Jude delivers a soulful, stripped-down set of contemporary rock hits and original music overlooking the Atlantic.

  • Event: 🎭Beetlejuice - The Musical (Touring), 7:30 PM

    Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd, Daytona Beach

    The ghost with the most comes to Daytona! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious, high-production Broadway national tour hits the historic Peabody stage for an evening of underworld antics, spectacular set design, and catchy showtowers.

Events for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
    (New Location) Grace Life Beachside Church Hall, 6 Sandra Drive, Ormond Beach
    All Are Welcome!  More info at (386) 441-4421

  • Event: 🖼️Quiet Light: The Art of Sara Pedigo, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Mid-week is an ideal time to view this solo exhibition exploring the beauty of fleeting light in domestic spaces, paired with a peaceful walk through the museum's tropical gardens.

  • Event: 🎨Summer Art Camp Registration Open, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach Registration is active today for the 2026 youth summer art sessions (ages 6–12). Parents are encouraged to lock in spots early as class sizes for the creative seasonal workshops are limited.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Wednesday open play is running all day long. Drop in to enjoy the top-tier facility and jump into recreational or competitive matches across the 49 available courts.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🎒Volusia County Schools Early Release Day, 12:00 AM (Afternoon Release) Volusia County Schools, Daytona Beach / Regional Area A scheduled early release day for district students. Residents should keep an eye out for increased school-zone activity and shifting afternoon traffic patterns.

  • Event: 🏋️Fitness, Fun & Freedom Class, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Dr, Daytona Beach Shores A morning wellness class designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall functional fitness in a highly social, welcoming community setting.

  • Event: 🎭Beetlejuice - The Musical (Touring), 7:30 PM Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd, Daytona Beach The national Broadway tour continues its run at the Peabody. Based on Tim Burton's classic film, this musical comedy delivers a wild, high-energy show full of underworld magic and striking set designs.

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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