⭐Honoring Patriots, A New Mayoral Bid, Gambling Crackdown In OB

Issue #847

28 Feb

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🇺🇸 A Patriot Remembered at Sanchez Park

A new historical marker now stands at Sanchez Park, ensuring that the legacy of Francisco Xavier Sanchez is no longer a footnote in local history.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Daughters of the American Revolution has been working to spotlight lesser-known patriots of the Revolutionary War. In Ormond Beach, the Capt. James Ormond Chapter secured a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to honor Sanchez, a Spanish-born soldier who aided American prisoners during the war.

Born in St. Augustine in 1736, Sanchez supplied food and clothing to Americans held by the British. Though he remained in St. Augustine after the Seven Years’ War and even sold meat to British forces, his quiet support for patriots helped sustain those fighting for independence. His family’s cattle ranch operated north of St. Augustine for nearly 200 years.

The marker was dedicated on Nov. 15, 2025, as part of the foundation’s “Revolutionary America 1775–1783” program — one of the first of its kind in Florida. Descendants of Sanchez attended, alongside members of the Daytona Ormond Sons of the American Revolution color guard.

Looking ahead, the chapter plans a “Patriots in the Park” event to further highlight local Revolutionary War history — bringing reenactors, education, and community engagement together in one meaningful gathering.

🗳️ A Young Business Owner Enters the Mayoral Race

Shifting from history to the future, a new name has entered the race for Ormond Beach mayor.

Damien Curry, a 26-year-old U.S. Navy veteran and owner of Garden Boys Landscaping, filed to run for the open seat on Feb. 13. It’s his first bid for public office, and he says his motivation is straightforward: community involvement.

After spending part of his childhood in Volusia County, living overseas in England, and graduating from DeLand High School in 2018, Curry served three years in the Navy before returning home. He has worked as a Volusia County lifeguard since age 18 and is active in his church community.

Curry and his wife moved to Ormond Beach in 2024. Soon after, he joined his homeowners association board amid concerns over rising fees. He says he helped balance the budget and is now overseeing a major construction project — experience he believes translates well to city leadership.

Fiscal responsibility, careful development, infrastructure planning, and sensitivity to seniors on fixed incomes are among his priorities. He describes himself as nonpartisan and focused on practical solutions rather than party platforms.

Curry joins Zone 1 City Commissioner Lori Tolland in the mayoral race. Current Mayor Jason Leslie is seeking election to the Florida House.

🎰 Illegal Gambling Crackdown Hits Ormond Beach

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials made headlines this week with a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling operations — including two locations in Ormond Beach.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office partnered with the Florida Gaming Control Commission and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for “Operation Reel of Fortune,” a region-wide enforcement effort targeting unlawful gaming establishments.

In Volusia County alone, detectives seized approximately $97,000 in cash and 225 unregulated machines across seven locations. In Ormond Beach, authorities executed operations at Stop & Save on South Nova Road and Sea Drift Sports Bar on Ocean Shore Boulevard.

Officials say many of the machines are designed to be unwinnable and operate outside state regulation. Beyond local impacts, investigators note that profits from illegal gambling often flow overseas and can be linked to money laundering, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

Region-wide, the operation targeted 39 locations, resulting in the seizure of roughly $190,000 and 525 machines.

The message from authorities is clear: illegal gambling operations are not just small-scale enterprises — they can have far-reaching consequences.

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Coleen McMahon: A Nurse’s Heart and a Fighter’s Spirit for Ormond Beach Zone 1

For Coleen McMahon, running for the Ormond Beach City Commission isn’t about politics; it’s about people.. As a nurse, McMahon has spent her life caring for others, and now she is ready to bring that same compassion and dedication to City Hall as the Commissioner for Zone 1.

McMahon’s journey back to Ormond Beach revealed a city that had changed, one where she felt the local government was no longer listening to its hardworking residents. "My heart is for people," McMahon says, noting that she is tired of seeing residents get only three minutes at a podium before being dismissed. She is running to ensure that the community is not just tolerated, but truly heard.

A central pillar of McMahon’s platform is fiscal responsibility and transparency. She has personally dug deep into the city’s checkbook, uncovering what she describes as out-of-control spending, including the auto-renewal of major contracts like Waste Pro without proper bidding. She is questioning why city management salaries dwarf the average resident's income and is calling for a state "DOGE" audit to ensure taxpayer dollars are respected.

McMahon is also a champion for "responsible growth". While acknowledging that growth is inevitable, she opposes developments that threaten wetlands and exacerbate flooding issues, particularly in vulnerable areas of Zone 1. Her commitment to Zone 1 is specific and actionable: she is fighting to reopen the Riverbend Golf Course, mitigate airport noise for nearby residents, and ensure the safety of local soil and water by opposing "Toilet-to-Tap" initiatives.

Beyond policy, McMahon is a hands-on advocate for the vulnerable. She is currently standing up for seniors in mobile home parks facing skyrocketing lot rents and actively helping homeless veterans secure housing. She promises to be a commissioner who doesn't just sit behind a dais but goes out to meet residents where they are.

Coleen McMahon offers Ormond Beach a fresh start—a leader who combines the caring heart of a nurse with the tenacity of a resident ready to fight for her community. She is ready to hold the city accountable and ensure Ormond Beach remains a wonderful place to live for everyone

“My campaign is a true grassroots campaign, not backed by special‑interest groups or developers. I’m standing with residents, and I’m asking for your help so we can win this together. Please visit McMahon4OrmondBeach.com and support the campaign with your time or a contribution. Every bit of community support makes a real difference.” ..Coleen McMahon

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Saturday, Feb 28, 2026

🏁 Motorsports Headline: Daytona Supercross

  • 56th Annual Monster Energy AMA Supercross

    • The longest continuous Supercross event in America takes over the "World Center of Racing." Watch the best dirt bike racers in the world tackle a brutal, custom-built dirt track right on the Speedway's legendary tri-oval grass. It is an intense night of high-flying, side-by-side action under the lights.

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

🎸 Headline Concert & Anniversaries

  • Indian Motorcycle 125th Anniversary Party feat. Kip Moore

    • America's First Motorcycle Company is celebrating its 125th birthday with a massive, free kick-off party for all riders. The night is headlined by multi-platinum country music star Kip Moore.

    • Time: Doors at 5:45 PM | Opening Act at 7:00 PM | Kip Moore at 8:15 PM

    • Location: Daytona Beach Bandshell (Oceanfront)

🏆 Custom Bike Shows & Group Rides

  • Annual Indian Motorcycle Owners Ride

    • Indian owners are invited to start their morning with a complimentary breakfast before embarking on a massive group ride through Daytona Beach, returning for raffles and live music.

    • Time: Breakfast at 8:30 AM | Kickstands Up at 10:00 AM

    • Location: Indian Motorcycle of Daytona Beach

  • Full Throttle Bike Week Kick-Off Bike Show

    • One of the first major custom bike shows of the rally. Check out some of the most incredible custom builds and paint jobs as builders compete for early Bike Week bragging rights.

    • Time: Afternoon

    • Location: Check official Bike Week guides for this year's specific host lot.

🍻 Bike Week Hotspots (All Day & Night)

  • If you aren't at the track or a specific concert, the action is spread across these legendary hubs, which are completely free to walk around:

    • Historic Main Street (Daytona Beach): The beating heart of the rally. Lined with vendors, leather shops, and iconic biker bars like the Boot Hill Saloon and Froggy's.

    • Destination Daytona (Ormond Beach): A massive 150-acre complex anchored by Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson. Features the Coca-Cola Pavilion, food trucks, and wall-to-wall vendors.

    • Iron Horse Saloon (US-1, Ormond Beach): Famous for its free live concerts all week and the legendary "Wall of Death" stunt show.

Here is the curated event list for Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The first Sunday of the 85th Annual Daytona Bike Week brings a blend of deep-rooted motorcycle traditions and high-flying dirt track racing. It's a massive day for amateur motocross, sprint cars, and the classic "Blessing of the Bikes."

📅 Sunday, Mar 1, 2026

🏁 Motorsports Headlines: Supercross & Sprint Cars

  • 17th Annual Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross (RCSX)

    • After the pros tear up the track on Saturday night, the world's fastest amateur motocross racers take over. This is the biggest amateur supercross event on the planet, giving up-and-coming riders a chance to battle on the exact same grueling dirt course inside the "World Center of Racing."

    • Time: Practice starts at 7:00 AM, with racing immediately following.

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

  • World of Outlaws Bike Week Jamboree

    • Four wheels meet two wheels! If you missed the dirt track action in February, the massive 900-horsepower World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars return to the half-mile clay oval for a special two-day Bike Week shootout.

    • Time: Evening (Check track schedule for exact gate times)

    • Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)

🙏 Bike Week Traditions

  • Annual Blessing of the Bikes & Pancake Breakfasts

    • Sunday morning of Bike Week features a time-honored tradition where riders gather to have their motorcycles blessed for a safe riding season. Several local churches and biker ministries host these community events, usually accompanied by a free pancake breakfast.

    • Location: Various community locations and local churches (Check official Bike Week welcome centers for the nearest host).

🏍️ Bike Week Hubs & Demos (All Day)

  • Indian Motorcycle & Manufacturer Demos

    • Ready to try out a new ride? Factory demo rides are running full-throttle at the Speedway. You can test ride the newest 2026 models from major manufacturers all day.

    • Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway (Outside the front stretch)

  • The Ormond Beach US-1 Corridor

    • The party doesn't stop. Head to Destination Daytona or the Iron Horse Saloon on North US-1. Sunday is a fantastic day to browse the massive vendor villages, grab some barbecue, and catch free live music before the weekend warriors head home.

    • Time: All Day

    • Location: US Highway 1, North Ormond Beach

🛍️ Markets & Leisure

  • Riverfront Market & Free Yoga

    • Need a brief escape from the exhaust fumes and loud pipes? Head to downtown Daytona for a peaceful Sunday morning. Start with free outdoor yoga and then stroll among 45+ local vendors and artisans along the Halifax River.

    • Time: Yoga at 9:00 AM | Market from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • Location: Riverfront Esplanade (179 S. Beach St), Downtown 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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