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  • ⭐Deep Divide In "Oaks", Volusia Forever Respite, Family Urges Safety, OB Woman Killed

⭐Deep Divide In "Oaks", Volusia Forever Respite, Family Urges Safety, OB Woman Killed

Issue #865

18 Mar

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 📨Letters Reflect Deep Divide Over Tomoka Oaks Plan

As Ormond Beach commissioners move forward with a settlement allowing 254 homes on the former Tomoka Oaks golf course, residents are making one thing clear: the debate is far from over.

In a series of passionate letters to the editor, community members expressed frustration, disappointment and, in some cases, a call for creative alternatives. The March 13 vote — approving a development agreement to settle a federal lawsuit — has been described by critics as a reluctant concession made under legal pressure. Several writers argued the city “capitulated” to avoid potential financial fallout, pointing to waived impact fees and concerns over traffic, flooding, environmental risks and neighborhood compatibility.

Residents noted that previous development proposals had been unanimously denied after years of public meetings and testimony. Some questioned how the latest plan was deemed compliant with land codes after earlier versions were rejected.

Not all feedback stopped at criticism. One resident proposed a land swap, suggesting the developer build on the city-owned Riverbend property instead — preserving Tomoka Oaks’ greenspace while satisfying development rights elsewhere.

With one more public vote scheduled on March 24, residents say the decision will signal how firmly city leaders stand with the community — and how future growth will shape Ormond Beach.

Source: Ormond Observer

🌿 Volusia Forever Stays the Course

After a wave of public feedback, the Volusia County Council has decided to leave the Volusia Forever land conservation program untouched — at least for now.

The council voted 5-1 on March 17 to remove a planned policy discussion from its agenda, effectively shelving proposed changes to the voter-approved initiative. The move followed hundreds of emails from residents urging leaders to preserve the integrity of the long-running conservation effort.

Originally approved in 2000 and renewed in 2020 with 75.6% voter support, Volusia Forever has conserved nearly 7,000 acres through land purchases and conservation easements. Supporters argue the program protects wetlands, safeguards drinking water, and leverages state and partner dollars to stretch local funds.

Still, concerns remain. Councilman Don Dempsey has voiced unease about conservation easements, questioning whether partnerships with the state could limit the county’s long-term control over water resources. Other council members countered that such agreements are essential to protecting natural resources and maximizing taxpayer dollars.

While broader changes are off the table, the council unanimously agreed to hold a future workshop focused specifically on conservation easements and national trends — narrowing the scope but keeping the conversation alive.

🌊 Family Urges Water Safety After Teen Drowning

The family of 19-year-old Ricky Martinez is mourning a heartbreaking loss after he was pulled from the ocean at an unguarded Ormond Beach shoreline this past weekend.

Martinez, described as joyful and full of life, was visiting the area with friends when the incident occurred. Despite rescue efforts by nearby beach safety personnel and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at a hospital on Saturday.

Volusia County Beach Safety officials say his passing marks the first reported drowning on county beaches this year — coming at the start of the busy spring break season.

Ricky was an active participant in Special Olympics sports and a proud supporter of the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears. His family remembers him as someone who “lived life to the fullest” and brought light to those around him.

Now, they’re sharing an urgent message: swim only where lifeguards are present, check beach conditions, and stay alert for rip currents, which can form quickly and without obvious warning.

To help the Martinez family honor Ricky’s life, you can visit their fundraiser on Spotfund: Ricky's Celebration of Life.

Source: WESH2 News

🚗 Woman in Wheelchair Killed Crossing Granada Boulevard

A tragic crash on March 16 claimed the life of a 42-year-old Ormond Beach woman attempting to cross Granada Boulevard west of Booth Road.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the woman was traveling southbound across the westbound lanes of the state road in her wheelchair when she was struck by an SUV. Authorities reported she was not in a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision.

The SUV was driven by an 18-year-old Ormond Beach woman, with a 19-year-old passenger from Delaware. Neither sustained injuries.

Emergency responders transported the victim to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Her identity has not yet been released.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks pedestrians face — particularly along busy corridors like Granada Boulevard — and the importance of using marked crosswalks whenever possible.

The crash remains under investigation.

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📅Wednesday, March 18, 2026

🎭 Live Theater & Music

  • 'The Rat Pack Together Again' Starring Tony Sands

    • Transport yourself back to the golden era of music! This thrilling tribute brings the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. back to the stage with a wonderful mix of song, brilliant musical arrangements, comedy, and sketches.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)

    • Tickets: Starting at $40

📚 Library & Community Education

  • Chair Yoga In-Person

    • Led by a certified instructor, this relaxed morning session gives participants an opportunity to move their bodies and clear their minds without the strain of a traditional yoga mat class.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (Sea Turtle Room)

  • Crafty Cards: Book Lovers Club

    • Have fun with a special edition of Crafty Cards! This adult workshop focuses on creating beautiful, custom greeting cards centered around reading and books. All materials are provided.

    • Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (LaunchPad)

🛼 Family Fun

  • Astro Skate: Alien Green Out!

    • Keep the St. Patrick's Day energy going! Kids and families are invited to wear their most creative green outfits for this themed skating night. Guests who wear green get free pizza, punch, and cotton candy during the first hour.

    • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Location: Astro Skate Center (250 N. US-1)

    • Cost: $8 admission (plus skate rental)

🛡️ Community & Safety

  • 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

  • Stay Alert & Defend Yourself (SADY) Class

    • Hosted by the City of Holly Hill, this free community course focuses on situational awareness and basic self-defense strategies. It is a highly practical and empowering class for local residents looking to boost their confidence and safety skills.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    • Location: Check the Holly Hill city calendar for the exact community room.

Here is your hyper-local event list exclusively for Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, and Ormond-by-the-Sea on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Thursday is a fantastic day in the neighborhood, featuring a massive local pickleball tournament kickoff, our favorite weekly farmers market, and some great charity and cultural events!

📅 Local Events: Thursday, March 19, 2026

🥦 Fresh & Local

  • Ormond Beach Farmers Market

    • A beloved Thursday morning tradition! Stroll through the City Hall Plaza to shop for fresh regional produce, baked goods, local honey, plants, and handcrafted items. Located right next to the library and across from the beautiful Halifax River, it is a great way to start your day.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall Plaza (22 S. Beach St)

🤝 Networking & Charity

  • Fueling Futures 2026: Driven by Purpose

    • Join the Volusia Young Professionals Group for a purpose-driven networking event supporting VCan's mission to eradicate youth hunger and homelessness. Enjoy an evening of inspiration, connection, and great local beer for a fantastic cause.

    • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

    • Location: Lydecker Warehouse / Ormond Brewing Company (301 Division Ave)

    • Cost: $25 for VYPG Members / $60 Regular Tickets

🎨 Arts & Culture

  • Third Thursday Docent Tour at OMAM

    • Join the Ormond Memorial Art Museum's amazing docents for a guided, one-hour tour. You will explore pieces from the permanent collection, take a walk through the gardens to see the veterans tributes, and tour inside the historic Emmons Cottage. The tour concludes with complimentary tea on the terrace!

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)

📚 Community Education

  • Recipes and Reads Culinary Lab: Foods That Built America

    • Head to the Ormond Beach Regional Library for a fun, free cooking demonstration presented by the library staff. Today's focus is on the fascinating history of supermarkets!

    • Time: 2:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (30 S Beach St)

🏓 Major Sports Event

  • Pictona Challenge 2026 (Day 1)

    • Today marks the official kickoff of the 5th annual Pictona Challenge! This is a massive, four-day pickleball tournament featuring hundreds of players competing across various skill and age brackets. Even if you aren't playing, the facility will be buzzing with energy and it's a great day to spectate and grab a bite at The Kitchen.

    • Time: Matches begin at 8:00 AM and run through the afternoon

    • Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Jasmine Cain Live at Rowsey's

    • Looking for some evening entertainment? Award-winning rock artist Jasmine Cain is bringing her high-energy show to Holly Hill's favorite local pub.

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Location: Rowsey's Pub (1065 Ridgewood Ave)

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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