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- ⭐County Audit Recommends Changes, Starship's New Flight Sched, Florida's Rise In Cyclosporiasis
⭐County Audit Recommends Changes, Starship's New Flight Sched, Florida's Rise In Cyclosporiasis
Issue #1007
.George Sloane
07 Aug
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🏗️ Audit Calls for Improvements in County Permit Process
An internal audit of Volusia County's building inspection program is prompting a series of recommended reforms after uncovering procedural gaps, uncollected fees and thousands of permits that expired without final inspections. The review found more than 8,400 permits expired between 2008 and 2025 without documented completion, along with an estimated $400,000 in annual lost revenue from missed reinspection and other fees. Auditors also cited weaknesses in conflict-of-interest safeguards and documentation practices, leading county leaders to discuss stronger oversight and updated procedures. While council members differed on whether certain fees should increase, there was broad agreement that improving accountability and modernizing the permitting process should be a priority moving forward.
Source: Ormond Observer
🚀 Starship's Ambitious Flight Schedule Draws Attention
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says the company hopes Starship will reach orbit by the end of August and eventually launch as often as once a day. The ambitious timeline has generated excitement as the company prepares to bring Starship operations to Florida's Space Coast, possibly later this year. However, space experts caution that such a rapid launch cadence may be difficult to achieve, pointing instead to a more gradual increase while SpaceX continues developing the vehicle for NASA's Artemis lunar missions. Even so, continued growth in commercial launches is expected to keep Florida at the forefront of the nation's expanding space industry for years to come.
Source: WESH.com
🥗 Florida Sees Rise in Cyclosporiasis Cases
Florida health officials are reporting a sharp increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce. Since May 1, the state has confirmed 342 probable and confirmed cases across 42 counties, including 11 in Volusia County. Although a large multistate outbreak has been associated with recalled iceberg lettuce distributed in other parts of the country, Florida's cases have not been connected to a specific source. Symptoms typically include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue, with older adults and those with weakened immune systems facing a greater risk of complications. Officials encourage anyone experiencing persistent symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Robert Newton Dillard (47), Ormond Beach – Arrested on July 24. Charge(s): Battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Bail: Not set.
Amy Renae Taylor (28), Ormond Beach – Arrested on July 24. Charge(s): Public assistance fraud of more than $20,000. Bail: Not set.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
D’Andre T. Jones (23), Holly Hill – Arrested on July 27. Charge(s): Leaving the scene of a crash with injury. Bail: Not set.
Sean Christopher Catlett (42), Holly Hill – Arrested on July 28. Charge(s): Grand theft (motor vehicle), grand theft $750–$5,000, driving while license suspended/revoked, revocation equity status, drugs. Bail: $3,000.
Brian Keith Manning (53), Ormond Beach – Arrested on July 26. Charge(s): False identification given to a law enforcement officer; possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail: $3,000.
Thomas Edward Beach (74), Ormond Beach – Arrested on July 29. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription; drug equipment possession/use; accessory after the fact. Bail: $4,500.
Justin Wayne Stone (31), Ormond Beach – Arrested on July 30. Charge(s): Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. Bail: Not set.
Volusia County Corrections
Spencer Clay Darnell (41), Holly Hill – Arrested on July 28. Charge(s): Drug equipment possession/use; possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail: $2,000.
James Stevens (41), Holly Hill – Arrested on July 30. Charge(s): Domestic battery by strangulation; false imprisonment. Bail: Not set..
NOTE: This report lists arrests only, not convictions, from publicly available information, All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Anthony J. Pandolfi, 44, Ormond Beach — arrested April 10; burglary of an occupied dwelling, possession of a controlled substance without prescription, giving false name on being arrested/detained, and possession of ammunition by a convicted in-state felon. Bail $36,000.
Holly Hill Police Department
Blake William Geyer, 36, Holly Hill — arrested April 10; child abuse. Bail not set.
Ariel Marie Pickens, 28, Holly Hill — arrested April 11; neglect of a child. Bail not set.
Amir K. Afshar, 36, Holly Hill — arrested April 11; aggravated assault, weapon, and assault. Bail $1,500.
Jonathan Robertson, 41, Holly Hill — arrested April 11; child abuse. Bail not set.
Christopher Grill, 64, Holly Hill — arrested April 15; aggravated battery (bodily harm) and misuse of 911 services. Bail not set.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Jerrid Allan Buhler, 32, Holly Hill — arrested April 10; fleeing/eluding law enforcement, operating a vehicle too close, no proof of registration, possession of a controlled substance without prescription, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and driving with a canceled license. Bail not set.
Valerie Ann Short, 43, Ormond Beach — arrested April 10; grand theft and driving with a canceled license. Bail $500.
Joseph Martin Radcliff, 50, Ormond Beach — arrested April 15; petit theft and burglary of a dwelling. Bail $250.
NOTE: This report lists arrests only, not convictions, from publicly available information, All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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📅 Local Events: Friday, August 7, 2026
TGIF! Kick off your weekend with beautiful art and history in Ormond Beach, get your rally on at the pickleball courts in Holly Hill, and enjoy a vibrant evening in Daytona Beach featuring a waterfront market and a legendary tribute concert!
📍 Ormond Beach
🎨 Arts & Culture
"The World We Make" Exhibit
Start your Friday with some creative inspiration. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is featuring "The World We Make," an exhibition of thought-provoking contemporary works by Isabella Losskarn & Jeff Schofield. Don't forget to stroll the lush gardens afterward!
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd) | Cost: $2 suggested donation
🏛️ History & Heritage
Historic Tour of The Casements
Step back in time at "The Jewel of Ormond Beach." Take a free guided tour of the beautifully preserved winter home of John D. Rockefeller. Explore the historic exhibits and enjoy the stunning riverfront views before the weekend rush.
Time: Tours between 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Location: The Casements (25 Riverside Dr) | Cost: Free (Donations accepted)
📍 Holly Hill
🏓 Active & Leisure
Friday Open Play @ Pictona
End your work week on a high note at Pictona! Head over to Holly Hill's premier pickleball facility for Friday open play. With 49 courts and plenty of covered options to beat the summer heat, it's the perfect way to get moving heading into the weekend.
Time: Open all day | Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
📍 Daytona Beach
🛍️ Shopping & Community
Riverfront Market at the Esplanade
Experience the heart of Downtown Daytona Beach at the weekly Riverfront Market! Held along the beautiful Riverfront Esplanade, this Friday night market features up to 45 local vendors and live music by Aaron Esposito. It's the perfect relaxed, waterfront atmosphere to start your weekend.
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Location: Riverfront Esplanade | Cost: Free to attend
🎸 Live Music & Entertainment
Sounds of Summer: The Bruce Tribute
Get ready to rock out with an unbeatable ocean backdrop! The historic Daytona Beach Bandshell continues its Sounds of Summer concert series with "The Bruce Tribute," an incredible homage to Bruce Springsteen. Bring a chair, enjoy the ocean breeze, and get ready for a classic Friday night on the boardwalk!
Time: 7:15 PM | Location: Daytona Beach Bandshell (70 Boardwalk) | Cost: General Admission is Free (VIP seating available for purchase)
📅 Local Events: Saturday, August 8, 2026
It's the weekend! Make the most of your Saturday with a scenic nature drive in Ormond Beach, a full day of pickleball in Holly Hill, or an explosive night of baseball, live music, and fireworks in Daytona Beach!
📍 Ormond Beach
🌳 Outdoors & Nature
Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail Drive
Spend your Saturday morning taking a gorgeous drive, motorcycle ride, or bike trip along the famous Ormond Scenic Loop. Enjoy over 30 miles of natural beauty, including state parks, historic sites, and unobstructed ocean views.
Time: Open all day | Location: Starts at Birthplace of Speed Park (21 Ocean Shore Blvd)
🎨 Arts & Culture
"The World We Make" Exhibit
Escape the midday heat and enjoy a peaceful Saturday stroll through the local arts. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is featuring the contemporary works of Isabella Losskarn & Jeff Schofield. Don't miss the beautiful outdoor botanical gardens!
Time: Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)
📍 Holly Hill
🏓 Active & Leisure
Saturday Open Play @ Pictona
Saturdays are made for pickleball! Head to Pictona for a full day of open play. Bring your friends and family for some friendly competition, then grab lunch or a cold drink at The Kitchen restaurant located right on the premises.
Time: Open all day | Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
📍 Daytona Beach
⚾ Sports & Family Fun
Daytona Tortugas Saturday Night Baseball
Take the family out to the ballgame! The Daytona Tortugas continue their home stand at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Enjoy an evening of Minor League Baseball action right on the Halifax River with special weekend promotions and activities for the kids.
Time: 6:35 PM | Location: Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 E Orange Ave) | Cost: Tickets start at $12
🎸 Live Music & Fireworks
Star Spangled Summer Concert & Fireworks
It's a Daytona Beach Saturday night tradition! Head to the oceanfront Bandshell for an incredible tribute concert experience. Keep your seats after the music stops, because every Saturday night concert is immediately followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean!
Time: Concert at 7:15 PM, Fireworks at 9:45 PM | Location: Daytona Beach Bandshell (70 Boardwalk) | Cost: Free GA / VIP Available
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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