⭐ In This Issue of Ormond Local Pulse ⭐

🌧 Ormond Beach Weather - Cloudy, Windy, 50% Chance of Rain

📰 Local - New to Florida? Did You Know About The Save Our Homes Program?

📰 Local - Local Governments in Florida Push Back Against Affordable Housing Law

📰 Local - Ormond Beach to Reconsider Heavy Industrial Zoning

❎ Politics - Trump Trial in Georgia Expected to Run Into 2025

🎵 Entertainment - Lots Going On!

🔦 Business Spotlight - Hull’s Seafood

Cloudy, Windy, 50% Chance of Rain

Wednesday will be cloudy and breezy with a 50% chance of rain. Expect morning lows in the upper 50s to 60s and afternoon highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Winds will be from the East-Northeast at 15-20 mph, with possible stronger gusts. Be aware of potential hazards including heavy rainfall through Friday morning and isolated thunderstorms with locally heavy rain Wednesday night into early Thursday. Coastal areas may experience tidal flooding, rough surf, and rip currents.

Looking ahead, rain will continue through Friday, but the weekend forecast suggests a return of sunny conditions.

New to Florida? Did You Know Florida's Save Our Homes Program Shields Residents from Soaring Property Taxes

In Florida, the surge in property values has been a boon for homeowners looking to sell, with the median sale price of homes reaching $409,243 in September 2023, a notable increase from $403,885 the previous year. This rise in property value, while advantageous for sellers, raises concerns about a corresponding increase in property taxes for homeowners. However, Florida's Save Our Homes program offers a safeguard against drastic tax hikes.

The Save Our Homes program, established through Amendment 10 in 1992, caps the increase in assessed value of homesteaded properties. This initiative was a response to concerns about significant tax increases, particularly affecting residents on fixed incomes. Under this program, the assessed value of a property with a homestead exemption cannot rise more than 3% annually or exceed the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers, whichever is lower, as per Florida Statute 193.155.

Interestingly, the 3% cap has only been utilized in 2022 and 2023, with the CPI reaching 6.5% and 7% respectively. In previous years, the CPI was significantly lower, even dropping to 0.7% in 2016. Before the implementation of Save Our Homes, property taxes could escalate rapidly with market value increases.

Homeowners can apply for the homestead exemption through the Florida Department of Revenue or the Volusia County Property Appraiser. Once granted, the cap is automatically applied. For non-homestead properties, there's a separate safeguard: the Non-Homestead assessment limitation, which caps increases at 10% per year. This limitation is automatic and does not apply to properties with a homestead exemption, agricultural classification, land used for conservation, or tangible personal property.

Watch this brief YouTube Video summarizing the program

Local Governments in Florida Push Back Against Affordable Housing Law

In Volusia County, Florida, DeBary City Manager Carmen Rosamonda is advocating for amendments to the state's new affordable housing law, the Live Local Act. Rosamonda, along with other city officials, is set to meet with state legislators in Tallahassee to discuss the law's unintended consequences on local governments and communities.

The Live Local Act, passed earlier this year, allocated $711 million to affordable housing programs and incentives. It aims to support housing developers and state residents by providing tax exemptions for affordable housing projects and preventing local governments from blocking developments that meet specific criteria. However, Rosamonda argues that the law is negatively impacting Volusia County, including the potential loss of a significant development in DeBary due to the incentives for affordable housing.

Rosamonda presented his proposed changes to the law at a recent meeting of the Roundtable of Volusia County Elected Officials. He has a scheduled meeting with Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and has already been in discussions with her office and the Florida League of Cities. The proposed amendments are not solely from DeBary but represent concerns from various Florida cities.

Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower supported Rosamonda's stance, emphasizing the need to assert local control and prevent state preemption in matters like housing.

See full story here at Daytona News-Journal

Ormond Beach to Reconsider Heavy Industrial Zoning Amid Community Concerns

The Ormond Beach Planning Board unanimously recommended the deletion of the newly recreated I-2 “Heavy Industrial” zoning district at its meeting on Thursday, Nov. 9.

After annexing Halifax Paving's 52 acres, Ormond Beach is obligated to assign a compatible zoning designation. The city opted for a "Planned Industrial Development" zoning instead of the broader I-2 heavy industrial zoning. This decision aligns with Halifax Paving's existing operations and addresses community concerns, especially from Bear Creek residents who oppose a proposed fuel farm. The City Commission will deliberate on removing the I-2 zoning district in its December meeting.

See full story at Ormond Observer

Fulton County DA Anticipates Prolonged Trump Trial Through Next Election

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the charge against former President Donald Trump for his alleged efforts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results, anticipates that the trial could extend through the 2024 Election Day and possibly into early 2025. Willis shared these expectations at a Washington Post-sponsored event, following her request for an emergency protective order to prevent evidence leaks in the case.

In August, Trump, along with 18 others, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, was indicted in Fulton County. They face charges of participating in a conspiracy to maintain Trump's incumbency after his loss to Joe Biden. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Willis, speaking at The Washington Post’s Global Women's Summit, emphasized that her decision to prosecute is based solely on law and facts, not influenced by election cycles. Trump, currently seen as the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, faces this trial as the last of his four criminal cases. The trial date, however, will be determined by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee.

See full story here on Click Orlando

Tue Nov 14
-Outrageous Ormond Beach Scavenger Hunt-11AM-1PM
 Rosie's Cafe, 136 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
-Once Upon A Storytime - 10 AM
The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr Ormond Beach

Wed Nov 15
-Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM
Alfies Restaurant, 1666 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach
All Are Welcome! More info at (386) 441-4421
-Outrageous Ormond Beach Scavenger Hunt-11AM-1PM
Rosie's Cafe, 136 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

Thu Nov 16
-Patti LaBelle-7:30-11:30 PM
Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd. Daytona Beach
-Ormond Beach Farmers Market-8AM-1PM
City Hall Plaza, 21 S Beach St., Ormond Beach

Fri Nov 17
-The Nutcracker-Coliseum Center For Arts
Daytona Beach
-Matt Fowler - 5PM
Lulu’s Oceanside Grill, 30 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach

Fri Nov 18
-The Nutcracker-Coliseum Center For Arts
Daytona Beach
-Arts and Crafts Fair - Moose Hall
601 W. Granada, Ormond - Local artists from Aberdeen will be displaying their works

Fri Nov 19
-The Nutcracker-Coliseum Center For Arts
Daytona Beach

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Hull’s Seafood

For nearly five decades, Captain Jimmy Hull has been a stalwart figure in Ormond Beach's fishing community. His career, spanning 47 years, is a tapestry of diverse roles: from harvesting fish and crabs to running a successful seafood market and restaurant. At 68, Hull, the recipient of the 2023 National Fisherman Highliner Award, reflects on a life dedicated to the sea and its bounty.

Hull's journey began in his youth, navigating the waters of northeast Florida's Ponce Inlet. By 18, he had earned his U.S. Coast Guard captain's license, a significant milestone that paved the way for his future endeavors. His early years were marked by learning from seasoned captains and eventually owning his fishing boat at 20.

His career took a turn towards entrepreneurship when he purchased a small, closed fish market in Ormond Beach. Hull transformed this venture into Hull Seafood Market and Restaurant, a thriving hub with 125 employees, four commercial boats, and accolades from the U.S. Senate and the Florida Governor's office.

Despite his business success, Hull remains deeply connected to fishing, actively participating in various species' capture. His commitment extends beyond the boat; he's been instrumental in shaping fisheries management and conservation efforts, working with scientists and serving on influential panels and advisory committees.

However, Hull voices concerns about the future of commercial fishing, highlighting challenges like unfair allocations and the decline of working waterfronts. He advocates for a balanced approach to fisheries management, emphasizing the need for fair representation and accountability.

As he continues to navigate these waters, Hull's legacy is marked by his dedication to his craft, his community, and the environment.

Hull’s Seafood is conveniently located at 111 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach. They are open every day from 10:30am to 9pm, ready to serve you with a smile.

So, if you're in Ormond Beach or planning a visit, and looking for the best seafood around, make sure to stop by the Hull’s Seafood Whether you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, cool down with a refreshing drink, or simply hang out with friends and family, this place has got it all.

See their Menu and Online Order Forms

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!

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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?