⭐Granada Arts Fest, Your Toast Is Tested, Race Weather Timing

Issue #830

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🎨 Chalk art, poetry and music light up Ormond Beach

On Feb. 7, New Britain Avenue turned into an open-air gallery as about 80 artists and craftsmen gathered for the 12th annual Granada Grand Festival of the Arts, presented by Ormond Beach MainStreet and the Ormond Beach Arts District. Festival-goers strolled past vendor tents, listened to live music and poetry, and watched chalk masterpieces appear on the pavement under sunny skies.

In the juried art show, Best in Show went to jeweler Jen Kirk. First place was awarded to pin-and-ink and watercolor artist Mary Wentzel, with second place to photographer Jesse Kraker and third to photographer Elzbeta Weron.

The poetry slam returned in a big way: Eddie Figueroa took first place, $750 and a spot at the Blackberry Peach National Poetry Slam, followed by runners-up Dennis Rodney, Dove Dupree and Arjun Govindan. Chalk honors included professional Best in Show for Manolito, runner-up Rachel Gancitano, youth Best in Show for Eden Ulishaw, and People’s Choice nods to pro favorite Nikki Owens and junior standout Gisel Bianco.

Nine artists competed in the ArtHaus Foundation Chalk Art Competition, where patrons bought voting tokens that also fund programs for at-risk, special-needs and underprivileged youth in Volusia County schools. All day long, music from The Locals Mix featured acts like Holy Human, Sammy Rose, Late Drop, Crow Moon, Les of a Human and Fylo Zoet, while tents from 31 Supper Club and Pump House BBQ kept everyone happily fed. Executive director Cameron Vintson thanked organizers and sponsors, calling the festival a true community homecoming.

As local streets fill with color, attention is also turning to something less visible but just as close to home: what’s hiding in a simple loaf of bread.

🍞 What’s in your toast? Florida tests breads for glyphosate

While the art scene was bright and bold, the lab work was a bit more sobering: the Florida Department of Health recently tested eight popular sandwich breads for glyphosate, the weed-killer ingredient in Roundup. Six of the eight loaves showed measurable levels. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state will keep arming residents with information so families can make informed choices.

Here’s what was tested and what regulators found (glyphosate in ppb):

  • Sara Lee Honey Wheat — 191.04

  • Nature's Own Butter Bread — 190.23

  • Wonder Bread Classic White — 173.19

  • Nature's Own Perfectly Crafted White — 132.34

  • Dave's Killer Bread White Done Right — 11.85

  • Dave's Killer Bread Classic White — 10.38

  • Sara Lee Artesano White — non-detected

  • Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White — non-detected

Glyphosate has been widely used since the 1970s, and the debate over its safety isn’t settled. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently says it is “not likely” to be carcinogenic to humans, while the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as “probably” carcinogenic based on animal studies. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo warns that chronic exposure has been linked to gut microbiome changes, liver inflammation and neurologic effects, even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most people encounter only tiny traces, mainly through food.

High-dose poisoning can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and breathing trouble, but federal reviews so far have not found a clear link between normal, label-directed use and adverse health outcomes. Some U.S. states, including California, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and New York, and countries such as Vietnam, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France have moved to restrict or label glyphosate-containing products. An updated federal assessment of common herbicides is expected in 2026; until then, it’s a good time to read labels and decide what you want in your sandwich.

And speaking of sandwich planning, many fans are also watching the skies to see whether race-day picnic plans will stay dry.

🏁 Will the big race stay dry? Rain timing looks favorable for Daytona 500

If you’re packing those sandwiches for a day at Daytona International Speedway, the weather outlook is cautiously optimistic. A cold front is expected to slide across the peninsula late next weekend, bringing a chance of showers to Central Florida, but most forecast models suggest the rain will hold off until after the famed NASCAR race wraps up.

According to FOX 35 Orlando, the overall consensus is that any showers arrive late Sunday night or early Monday. Some guidance, including the American GFS model, shows rain developing after midnight, which would allow the race to run as scheduled and finally break a streak of rain-interrupted runnings. While precipitation has affected several past editions, the event has never seen three consecutive years with direct weather impacts, and this year may avoid setting that record.

Of course, forecasts can still wobble a bit as the weekend nears, so it’s smart to keep an eye on updates and maybe tuck a poncho under your seat just in case. But for now, it looks like the loudest rumble over Daytona Beach should come from engines, not thunder, giving fans hope for a smooth green-flag start.

Source: Fox35

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

Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026

🏎️ Motorsports Headline: The Daytona 500 Begins

  • Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light

    • The road to the Daytona 500 starts tonight. Witness the high-stakes, single-car qualifying session that determines the front row for Sunday's Great American Race. Every other starting spot will be fought for in tomorrow's Duel races.

    • Schedule:

      • 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM: NASCAR Cup Series Practice (First look at the cars on track).

      • 8:15 PM: Daytona 500 Qualifying (Under the lights).

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

🏎️ Dirt Track Action

  • DIRTcar Nationals (Night 9)

    • Volusia Speedway Park hosts a massive double-header. The Super DIRTcar Series (Big Block Modifieds) join the DIRTcar Late Models. The Big Blocks are the premier class in Northeast dirt racing, making their annual Florida pilgrimage.

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

    • Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)

🎒 School Alert

🤝 Business & Networking

  • Business After Hours: Mimi's Art Gallery

    • The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly evening mixer. Enjoy appetizers and networking surrounded by local art.

    • Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

    • Location: Mimi's Art Gallery (Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach)

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Big Engine @ Boot Hill Saloon

    • The legendary biker bar on Main Street kicks into high gear for race week. Catch local favorites Big Engine bringing their high-energy rock show to the "World Famous" Boot Hill.

    • Time: 8:00 PM

    • Location: Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach

  • Kickstart Karaoke @ Hard Rock

    • If you aren't at the track, sing your heart out on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

🏛️ Civic Meetings

  • COMMUNITY DISCUSSION-Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland Hosted by Citizens for Ormond Beach
    > Deputy Mayor Tolland will speak about current issues affecting Ormond Beach, upcoming city projects, and future plans for the community. Members of the Citizens for Ormond Beach board have prepared questions to help guide the discussion and provide insight into matters important to our city.
    Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Location: Ormond Beach Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach

  • Ormond Beach Site Plan Review Committee

    • A technical meeting reviewing upcoming development projects.

    • Time: 9:00 AM

    • Location: City Hall (Conference Room 103)

Thursday, Feb 12, 2026

🏎️ Motorsports Headline: The Duels

  • The Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona

    • The stakes are high. These two 150-mile qualifying races determine the starting lineup for Sunday’s Daytona 500. Drivers must race their way in, meaning desperation moves and high-speed drafting are guaranteed.

    • Schedule:

      • 4:00 PM – 4:55 PM: ARCA Menards Series Practice.

      • 5:00 PM – 5:50 PM: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice.

      • 7:00 PM: Duel Race #1 (60 Laps).

      • 8:45 PM: Duel Race #2 (60 Laps).

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

🏎️ Dirt Track Action

  • DIRTcar Nationals (Night 10)

    • Another massive night at Volusia Speedway Park. The Super DIRTcar Series (Big Block Modifieds) and the World of Outlaws Late Models share the card. Watching the Big Blocks rumble around the half-mile is a bucket-list experience for race fans.

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

    • Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Big Engine @ Boot Hill Saloon

    • The "World Famous" Boot Hill Saloon on Main Street is the place to be after the races. Local rock legends Big Engine bring their high-energy show to the biker bar crowd.

    • Time: 8:00 PM

    • Location: Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach

  • The Evening Muze @ Hard Rock

    • For a slightly more relaxed vibe, enjoy live music on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

🥦 Fresh & Local

  • Ormond Beach Farmers Market

    • Get your race weekend supplies early. Fresh produce, local honey, and prepared foods available under the trees at City Hall Plaza.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach

🧘 Wellness

  • AumShanti Yoga: Free Your Mind Flow

    • Clear your head before the loud engines take over. A Vin/Yin fusion class on the Rock Royalty Terrace.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona 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.

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