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  • ⭐Gas Prices Fall, School Budget Challenges Continue, OB Medicaid Fraud Charges

⭐Gas Prices Fall, School Budget Challenges Continue, OB Medicaid Fraud Charges

Issue #963

24 Jun

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⛽ Florida Gas Prices Drop Ahead of July 4th Travel

Good news for holiday travelers: Florida gas prices are trending lower just ahead of the Independence Day weekend. According to AAA, the statewide average dipped to as low as $3.61 per gallon before settling at $3.68 on Tuesday, the lowest levels seen since March.

Locally, Flagler County averaged $3.67 per gallon while Volusia County came in at $3.69. Despite the recent decline, drivers are still paying more than they did a year ago, when Florida's average price was $3.11 per gallon.

AAA says global events continue to influence fuel prices, particularly developments involving oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. For now, lower prices are providing welcome relief for Floridians preparing for summer road trips.

🎓 Volusia Schools Trim Deficit but Face Ongoing Challenges

Volusia County Schools has reduced its projected budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year to $6.3 million, a significant improvement from this year's $14.8 million shortfall. District leaders credit strategic staffing reductions and cost-saving measures, but caution that financial pressures remain.

Declining enrollment continues to reduce district revenue while funding directed to charter schools and scholarship programs continues to rise. District officials estimate that more than 21% of education funding now flows to those alternatives, compared to about 5% just a few years ago.

School Board members also discussed the possibility of future school closures as enrollment declines persist. No decisions have been made, but community discussions and facility evaluations are expected later this year.

⚖️ Ormond Counselor Accused in $219K Medicaid Fraud Scheme

An Ormond Beach mental health counselor is facing multiple felony charges after state investigators alleged she fraudulently billed Medicaid for more than $219,000 in services that were never provided.

According to court records, investigators claim Venessa Thomas submitted hundreds of questionable claims, including so-called "impossible days" in which more than 40 hours of therapy services were billed within a single 24-hour period. Authorities also allege she used patient information obtained through Medicaid systems to create "phantom" clients and submit fraudulent claims.

Investigators say the funds were spent on travel, luxury purchases, and medical spa treatments. Thomas was arrested June 18 and later released on bail. The case remains under investigation, and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.

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Fire and EMS Calls

  • 6/23/2026, 05:00 PM, Person possibly mentally ill reported sick at Farmingdale Road
    Medical Emergency — Farmingdale Rd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Paramedics were dispatched for a sick person near Farmingdale Road; caller indicated the patient may be mentally ill.

  • 6/23/2026, 01:55 PM, Medical response near Falls Drive in Ormond Beach
    Medical Emergency — Gln Fls Dr, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Medic 154 and Ladder 11 were dispatched near Falls Drive and Falls Way Drive.

  • 6/23/2026, 11:42 AM, Medical response to call near Queen Anne Court
    Medical Emergency — Queen Anne Ct, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Emergency units responded near Queen Anne Court in Norman Crossing, close to Senior Drive.

  • 6/23/2026, 02:57 AM, Fire incident at Fleming Avenue mobile home lot
    Fire & Arson — Fleming Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Fire units were dispatched to a reported type three fire near Fleming Avenue and Jerome Boulevard, described as a mobile home lot.

  • 6/23/2026, 12:04 AM, Person experiencing emergency abdominal pain
    Medical Emergency — N Old Kings Rd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Medic dispatched for a possible abdominal pain emergency near North Old Kings Road.

  • 6/22/2026, 09:05 PM, Medical response dispatched near North Yonge Street
    Medical Emergency — N Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Engine 93, Medic 210, and Medic 213 were dispatched near North Yonge Street, Monroe Avenue, and Greenwood Avenue.

  • 6/22/2026, 09:04 PM, Medical dispatch to patient location at Ocean Shore Blvd
    Medical Emergency — Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176. Medic 213 was dispatched near Sunset Boulevard and Castle Drive; the patient problem was unclear.

All transcripts, headlines, and summaries are automatically generated by AI from live dispatch audio. These alerts are not an official report. Alerts are based on unconfirmed dispatch communications that may change as situations develop. Review the original audio and verify details with official sources before relying on this information

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Events for Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🍳Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Breakfast, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Free dine-in breakfast; no forms or registration required.

  • Event: 👶Baby Tales on the Move, 10:00 AM–10:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Early-literacy program for babies and caregivers.

  • Event: 💻eLab, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library LaunchPad, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Basic computer skills training and assistance for adults.

  • Event: 🤝Social Worker in the Library, 2:00 PM–4:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Sea Turtle Room, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Meet with a library social worker for help identifying community resources and services.

  • Event: 🍕Party Like a Pizza!, 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Sandcastle Auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Pizza-themed library program co-sponsored by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏓Junior Summer Pickleball Camp, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117
    Youth pickleball camp session; listed as part of the June 22–24 camp dates.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 💃Showbiz Daytona Beach Nationals, begins 6:00 AM
    Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Public dance nationals event held in the Ocean Center’s arena, ballroom, and meeting rooms.

  • Event: 🏎️Track Night 2026: Daytona International Speedway, gates open 7:00 AM
    Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    SCCA Track Night in America driving event at Daytona International Speedway.

  • Event: 🧘AumShanti Yoga - Highway to OHM, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
    Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Beginner-friendly gentle yoga class on the Rock Royalty Terrace.

  • Event: 🌺Aloha Summer Luau, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
    Tanger-Daytona Beach, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32117
    Free family fun day near the Splash Pad with face painting, crafts, Polynesian and fire dancers, music, and more.

  • Event: 👧Toddler Time, 11:00 AM–11:30 AM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Interactive literacy program for toddlers and caregivers.

  • Event: 🎶Wiggle, Giggle, Groove, 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Music-and-movement program for young children.

  • Event: 🍽️Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Lunch, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free sit-down lunch served at the library during the listed hour.

  • Event: 👾Lore Librarian: Stranger Things™, 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library Auditorium North, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Library pop-culture program themed around Stranger Things.

  • Event: ⚽World Cup Watch Party, Match times vary
    PopStroke Daytona Beach, 1283 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Watch World Cup matches on 40 televisions with match-day food specials.

  • Event: 🏃The Running Elements – Wednesday Run Club, 6:00 PM
    ONE DAYTONA, One Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free weekly community run open to all abilities.

  • Event: 🧠Twisted Trivia w/Will Hammer, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
    Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Three hours of music, trivia, and prizes in Sessions.

Events for Thursday, June 25, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🛍️Ormond Beach Farmers Market, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
    David Hood Plaza, 22 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Weekly Thursday farmers market featuring local produce and market vendors.
  • Event: 🍳Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Breakfast, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Free nutritious breakfast for kids and teens ages 18 and under.
  • Event: 👶Toddler Time, 10:00 AM–10:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Sandcastle Auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Interactive early-literacy program for toddlers and caregivers.
  • Event: 🥪Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Lunch, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Free nutritious lunch for kids and teens ages 18 and under.
  • Event: 📚Book and a Snack Book Club featuring Recipes and Reads Culinary Lab, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Sandcastle Auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Monthly culinary-themed book club and snack discussion program.
  • Event: 🧶Learn to Knit, 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library LaunchPad, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Hands-on knitting class for adults in the library LaunchPad.

Holly Hill

  • No public events found for this date.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🍳Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Breakfast, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free dine-in breakfast for children and teens during summer break.
  • Event: 🧘AumShanti Yoga Free Your Mind Flow, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
    Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Vin/Yin yoga class on the Rock Royalty Terrace.
  • Event: 👨‍👩‍👧Family Tales, 11:00 AM–11:30 AM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library Children’s Auditorium, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Family storytime program for children and caregivers.
  • Event: 🪑Sit & Be Fit, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library Auditorium, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Seated fitness and stretching program for adults.
  • Event: 🥪Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Lunch, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free sit-down lunch served during the listed hour.
  • Event: 💻Computer Class: Internet Basics, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library Meeting Room 2, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Introductory internet-skills class for adults.
  • Event: 🤝Social Worker in the Library, 2:00 PM–4:30 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Meet with a library social worker for help identifying community resources and services.
  • Event: 💻eLab, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library eLab, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Computer skills training and assistance session for adults.
  • Event: ⚽World Cup Watch Party, Match times vary
    PopStroke Daytona Beach, 1283 Cornerstone Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Watch World Cup matches on 40 televisions with match-day food and drink specials.
  • Event: 🎶Summer Soundtrack: Jon Cabrera Unplugged – 80s Back in Time, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM
    Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA, One Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Live acoustic-looping performance featuring 1980s favorites and interactive singalongs.
  • Event: ⚾Lakeland Flying Tigers at Daytona Tortugas, 6:35 PM
    Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Minor League Baseball game at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
  • Event: 🎵Esh X Schief Duo, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
    Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Live music performance at Sessions.
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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