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- ⭐ Father’s Charges Upgraded, Beaches Ready, Future Lawyers, CMX Files Again
⭐ Father’s Charges Upgraded, Beaches Ready, Future Lawyers, CMX Files Again
Issue #610

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Table of Contents

Today’s Forecast
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Brian Shields Tropical Update
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⭐ Father’s Charges Upgraded, Beaches Ready, Future Lawyers, CMX Files Again

Photo: Volusia County Sheriff
⚖️ Ormond Father Charged with First-Degree Murder in Hot Truck Tragedy
A deeply unsettling case in Ormond Beach has taken a more serious turn. A Volusia County grand jury has upgraded charges against Scott Allen Gardner, 33, to first-degree murder after he allegedly left his 18-month-old son, Sebastian, in a sweltering truck for over three hours on June 6. While the toddler was trapped in the vehicle, Gardner reportedly got a haircut and then drank at Hanky Panky's Lounge. When found, Sebastian's body temperature had reached a staggering 111 degrees.
Initially arrested on manslaughter and neglect charges, Gardner is now being held without bail at Volusia County Branch Jail. The Sheriff's Office says Gardner provided conflicting accounts during the investigation, leading to the indictment. Authorities continue to stress the importance of never leaving children unattended in vehicles—even briefly.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🏖️ Volusia Beaches Gear Up for the Fourth, Rain or Shine
Volusia County is bracing for a busy Fourth of July weekend—rain clouds and all. With an expected 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles heading to the coast, local officials are emphasizing safety and cleanliness. Lifeguards will be out in full force (over 100 strong), and beachgoers are being reminded that fireworks are a no-go on the sand.
Beach safety isn’t the only concern. SandTow LLC, a family-run business, will be on patrol to help those who get stuck in the sand. Co-owner Johnny Gardella notes the holiday often brings the biggest workload of the year, averaging up to 30 rescues a day. His father, John, proudly watches his son take the reins.
Officials also warn of severe weather, citing a tragic lightning fatality earlier this month. The takeaway: if you see storms rolling in, it’s time to pack up and seek shelter—even if you don’t see lightning just yet.
Source: MyNews13.com
📚 Future Lawyers Get a Head Start at Kistemaker Law Group
Summer is heating up, and so is the future of law in Ormond Beach. The Kistemaker Business Law Group has welcomed three fresh faces into its 13th annual Summer Internship Program: Mackenzie Allen (Stetson University), Morgan Gurtis (Florida State), and Zavier Kistemaker (Seabreeze High School/University of Florida dual enrollee).
The interns will dive into real-world legal experiences in real estate, construction, HOA, and landlord-tenant law, while also benefiting from professional development workshops and attorney mentorship. Many past participants have gone on to law school and built successful legal careers.
Managing attorney Erum Kistemaker expressed excitement at helping these budding professionals lay the groundwork for their future careers. For those dreaming of a law degree, this program offers a meaningful first step.
Source: Ormond Observer
🎬 IMAX Shines as CMX Daytona Files for Bankruptcy (Again)
In a case of mixed headlines, CMX Cinemas at One Daytona has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy once more—just days after unveiling its brand-new IMAX screen. The Miami-based parent company hopes to reorganize while continuing operations, including at its Daytona location across from the Speedway.
Despite the financial trouble, local moviegoers seem impressed with the upgraded experience. The debut of the Brad Pitt-led racing flick "F1" drew packed crowds, especially since some scenes were filmed right in Daytona and New Smyrna Beach. Fans raved about the immersive screen, surround sound, and those beloved reclining seats.
The future of the theater remains uncertain, but locals like Ormond resident Tracy Vanacore are hopeful. “It was exhilarating,” she said. “We want nothing but to see our city thrive—and that includes our movie theater.”
Source: Daytona News-Journal

🥓 Turkey Bacon Recall Alert: Nearly 368,000 Pounds Recalled Over Listeria Risk

Image: USDA
Oscar Mayer has issued a recall of nearly 368,000 pounds of its turkey bacon products due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The affected items include "Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL" in a range of sizes and lot codes. The recall stems from product testing at the Kraft Heinz Foods facility in Newberry, South Carolina, which indicated the possible presence of Listeria.
Affected Products:
12-oz. vacuum-packed packages
UPC: 071871548601
Use-by dates: 18 JUL 2025 to 02 AUG 2025
Lot code: RS40
36-oz. packages (three 12-oz. packs)
UPC: 071871548748
Use-by dates: 23 JUL 2025 to 04 SEP 2025
Lot codes: RS19, RS40, RS42
48-oz. packages (four 12-oz. packs)
UPC: 071871548793
Use-by dates: 18 JUL 2025 to 04 SEP 2025
Lot codes: RS19, RS40, RS42
What Consumers Should Do:
Do not consume any of the listed products. You should either dispose of them safely or return them to the store where they were purchased.
About Listeria:
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
If you believe you've consumed a contaminated product and are experiencing symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Source: Google Gemini
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐


Great Voucher Dealz
Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.
⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam
Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam
Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info
Thu Jul 3
Event: 🎉Parking Lot Party!, 11 PM
746 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Celebrate Independence Day with a late-night party in the lot—music, fun, and festive vibes!Event: 🥕Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Local produce, artisanal goods, and community connections await at this charming market.Event: 🏳️🌈Daytona Pride Meet & Greet, 6 – 8 PM
Drunken Duck Brewing Company, 101 2nd St Unit 401, Holly Hill, FL
Mingle and connect with the local LGBTQ+ community at this welcoming meet & greet.Event: 🎷BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy live music and laid-back vibes by the ocean.Event: 🤓Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
Flex your brainpower at this lively trivia night with drinks and laughs.Event: 🖼️Third Thursday Docent Tour
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Explore art and nature on a guided tour through the museum and gardens.Event: 🌊Business After Hours - Sea Dreams by Sara!, 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Jul 9
Sea Dreams by Sara, 398 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Network with local professionals in a breezy beachside setting.Event: 🧩Creative Clues & Code: A Week of Puzzles, Patterns..., Jul 21 – 24
1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
A fun and educational week filled with puzzles and coding challenges for young minds.
Fri Jul 4
Event: 🎸RedLine ROCKS 4th of July at The World Famous Iron Horse, 5 PM
Iron Horse Saloon, 1068 US-1, Ormond Beach
Live rock music celebration for Independence Day at a legendary biker bar.Event: 🎆Independence Day Celebration, 8 PM
Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
Fireworks and festivities to celebrate the Fourth of July in a scenic riverside park.Event: 🐾Fiery Flash class on 4 of July for K9s for Warriors, 12 PM
180 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach
Special fitness class supporting service dogs for veterans.Event: 🌅BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
Live entertainment and beachside vibes to ring in the Fourth.Event: 🏋️♂️Private Training: 1 Day, 10 AM – 12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
Sports training session at the local athletic complex.Event: ☕Café Roberto, 6:30 – 9:00 AM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Morning café experience with ocean views and great coffee.
Sat Jul 5
Event: 🍷Wine Curiosity, 2 – 6 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Explore unique wine selections and enjoy a relaxed tasting experience in a coastal setting.Event: ⚽Small Group Saturdays-K, 9 – 11 AM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
A morning youth sports program offering skill-building and fun in a group setting.Event: 🎶Break Away Band Saturday Summer Series, Jul 5 – Jul 6
Fletcher's Irish Pub, 393 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Live music series featuring the Break Away Band in a festive pub atmosphere.Event: 🎤Insomnia @ OBSC!, 7 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
An energetic live performance to keep your Saturday night buzzing.
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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