• Ormond Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • ⭐Fire Risk Climbs, Tornado Prep, Call For Vets Nominations, OB Man Struck

⭐Fire Risk Climbs, Tornado Prep, Call For Vets Nominations, OB Man Struck

Issue #827

08 Feb

Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE

+

Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops

Swipe image left for more daily forecasts

File Photo

🔥 Fire Risks Climb Across the Region

Area residents are getting an unwelcome reminder that winter can still pack a fiery punch. A cold front slid into Northeast Florida on Feb. 7, ushering in much drier air and what forecasters called “sensitive or near-critical fire weather conditions,” according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Humidity levels dipped over the afternoon, and while winds weren’t especially strong, the landscape was already primed for trouble.

That heightened concern follows a series of recent wildfires, including one in Tiger Bay State Forest that burned more than 200 acres and another in Plantation Bay, where several residents were forced to evacuate earlier in the week. As of Feb. 6, Flagler County Fire Rescue reported that the Plantation Bay fire remained fully contained at 170 acres—still smoldering but no longer spreading.

Fire officials stress that the combination of dry vegetation, freezing temperatures, and gusty winds makes even small sparks a serious risk. One man was arrested in Port Orange after allegedly tossing a lit cigarette near a wooded area—an ill-timed reminder that carelessness can have big consequences.

With no rain in the forecast and drought conditions expected to deepen, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. Even a tiny ember could become tomorrow’s headline.

🌪️ County & Schools Team Up for Tornado Preparedness

Transitioning from fire safety to weather readiness, Volusia County Emergency Management joined schools across the region for Florida’s annual statewide tornado drill. As part of Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week, emergency management staff visited campuses to observe procedures, answer questions, and help administrators fine-tune their response plans.

The National Weather Service activated a practice tornado warning over NOAA Weather Radio, allowing schools to rehearse their emergency actions in real time. This long-standing partnership—more than 15 years strong—remains a cornerstone of the county’s commitment to community preparedness.

But drills aren’t limited to one week a year. Emergency Management teams also work year-round with hospitals, assisted living facilities, HOAs, civic groups, and businesses to review emergency plans and help strengthen resilience before storms appear on the radar.

Organizations seeking plan reviews or preparedness presentations can contact the division at 386-254-1500 or [email protected].

🎖️ Volusia County Calls for Veteran Nominations

The Volusia Values Veterans Program (V3P) has opened nominations for its inaugural Honor a Veteran recognition. With more than 50,000 veterans calling Volusia home, the program aims to spotlight those who continue serving their community long after military duty has ended.

Nominees must be honorably discharged U.S. Armed Forces veterans who currently reside in the county and remain active in community service. Their contributions may include volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, or other efforts that strengthen the lives of fellow veterans and neighbors.

A review committee of veterans will select one honoree, who will be recognized with a proclamation at an upcoming Volusia County Council meeting. It’s a meaningful opportunity to highlight local heroes whose dedication extends well beyond the uniform.

Residents and organizations eager to submit a nomination can find full eligibility details and forms at www.volusia.org/honoravet. The deadline is April 1.

🚨 OB Man Fatally Struck on S.R. 40

Ending on a somber note, a 32-year-old Ormond Beach man was killed Feb. 6 while walking along the shoulder of State Road 40 west of Interstate 95. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a pickup truck drifted onto the shoulder and struck the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, a 44-year-old man from Daytona Beach, told investigators he thought he had hit an animal and drove home after briefly stopping nearby. Authorities later collected the truck as evidence, and the investigation remains ongoing.

It’s a tragic reminder of how quickly roadway conditions can change—and how critical attention, visibility, and awareness are for both drivers and pedestrians.

This Day In Florida History

  • 1832 — Jacksonville’s town charter is approved by the Florida Legislative Council.

  • 1833 — The Union Bank of Florida is created in Tallahassee.

  • 1864 — A Confederate supply depot at Sanderson is abandoned during the Civil War.

  • 1865 — A Union raid begins from Cedar Key into Florida’s interior during the Civil War.

  • 1895 — A severe freeze hits Florida; the Jupiter Weather Bureau site records 27°F (−3°C).

  • 1925 — The Town of Jupiter is officially incorporated.

  • 1949 — The Florida Legislature officially designates the University of Miami as a “university.”

  • 1959 — The First National Bank celebrates the grand opening of its new headquarters at 100 S. Biscayne Blvd in Miami.

  • 1960 — DeLand sees the first Florida student protest against segregation.

  • 1978 — Kimberly Leach is kidnapped near her middle school in Lake City.

  • 1989 — Tiffany Sessions is last seen in Tampa.

  • 1995 — The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) is incorporated.

  • 2015 — Florida’s Secretary of State announces several Florida properties have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • 2020 — The ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter mission launches from Cape Canaveral.

  • 2024 — Florida orders flags at half-staff in honor of former Representative Marlene O’Toole.

GET YOUR ORMOND PULSE VIP PASS

Receive Special News Notifications, Special Community Events, etc. Between Publications

Click Image

⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

Get hands-on, no-fluff AI training built for local businesses—not tech geeks. Whether you run a salon, law firm, restaurant, or repair shop, or individual, we’ll show you how to use AI to save time, cut costs, and grow fast.

A community for everyone…local businesses, professionals, individuals.

Check out these proven AI prompts for Local Businesses

Looking for a Great Place To Eat?

Click Image

⭐ Today's Meme ⭐

Great Voucher Dealz

Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.

Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam

Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam

Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam

Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam

Currently Unavailable

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm in


Sunday, Feb 8, 2026

🏈 The Main Event: Super Bowl LX

  • Super Bowl Watch Parties

    • With no racing on the schedule, the entire region turns its attention to the big game. Expect every sports bar to be at capacity. Kickoff is approx. 6:30 PM.

    • Where to Watch:

🏐 Youth Sports

  • Nike Daytona Beach 100 Volleyball Tournament

    • The Ocean Center shifts from gymnastics to volleyball. This massive youth tournament takes over the convention center, bringing thousands of players and families to the beachside district.

    • Time: All Day

    • Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach

🏎️ Motorsports Update

  • Track Status: COLD (No On-Track Activity)

    • Unlike years past, there is NO Daytona 500 Qualifying or "Clash" today. Qualifying has moved to Wednesday night.

    • Volusia Speedway Park is also OFF tonight. The dirt racing teams use Sunday as a rest/repair day before the Late Models arrive tomorrow.

🥂 Brunch & Culture

  • Sunday Brunch @ Hard Rock

    • Start Super Bowl Sunday with a relaxed brunch and live acoustic music before the party starts.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Museum of Arts & Sciences

    • Since the tracks are quiet, it is the perfect day to explore the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art (the world's largest collection of Florida art).

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    • Location: MOAS Campus, Daytona Beach

Monday, Feb 9, 2026

🏎️ Motorsports Headline

  • DIRTcar Nationals: Late Models & Non-Wing Sprints

    • A major transition day at Volusia Speedway Park. The winged sprint cars have moved on, and now the DIRTcar Late Models and USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars take over. Watch as the traditional non-wing sprints slide through the corners without downforce—a display of pure driver skill.

    • Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM

    • Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)

🧘 Wellness & Recovery

  • AumShanti Yoga: Living on the Breath

    • Start the week centered. This alignment-based class focuses on breathwork and posture, held on the oceanfront Rock Royalty Terrace.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

🎲 Nightlife & Entertainment

  • Rock & Roll Bingo @ Hard Rock

    • A high-energy spin on the classic game. Listen to music clips, mark your card, and win prizes. It’s a fun, low-stakes way to spend a Monday night by the ocean.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Sessions Terrace)

🍽️ Dining

  • Grind Gastropub: Locals' Night

    • As the town fills with tourists, escape to a local favorite for all-day Happy Hour pricing.

    • Time: 11:30 AM – Close

    • Location: Grind Gastropub, 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.

Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here. OR scan the QR Code below

Scan for event form

Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.

You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

We ❤️ Local Businesses!


Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!

⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐

❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.

We could use your help!

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?

Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE

Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇

😊😊😊😊😊 Have A Great Day

TECH NOTE: Some readers using the Edge browser have reported getting warning messages that they are attempting to access an unsafe site. This is a glitch in the Edge browser. If you switch to Chrome, Firefox or Safari you should have no problems. Rest assured our site IS SAFE
OUR NEWS POLICY: Our goal is to provide synopses of locally relevant news and articles for Ormond residents. This may include local issues, county and state news affecting Ormond Beach, and other matters such as health, technology, pets, etc.. We hope to provide something of interest to all readers. We welcome your feedback here

1 

Reply

or to participate.