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Who’s Open and Who’s Closed on New Year’s Day

As the New Year approaches, Ormond Beach residents planning their January 1st shopping and errands need to be aware of the varying hours for local stores. Here's a list of major retailers and pharmacies in our area, detailing who's open and who's taking a holiday break. Check with your local businesses for holiday hours.

Open Stores:

• Walmart: Operating with normal hours.

• Target: Open with regular operating hours.

• CVS Pharmacy: Most locations open with normal hours (check specific non-24-hour locations for potential reduced hours).

• Walgreens: Open with regular hours, though pharmacy hours may vary by location.

• Starbucks: Most locations open, but hours may vary.

• Home Depot: Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Lowe's: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Publix: All stores close at 9pm New Year's Eve, Open 7am-7pm New Year's Day

• Winn-Dixie: All local stores - 7am-10pm

• 7-Eleven: Most stores open 24/7, though some locations may have varying hours.

• Dunkin Donuts: Regular hours

• Chick-Fil-A: Regular hours

Closed Stores:

• ALDI: All stores closed.

• Sam's Club: All locations closed

It's important to remember that store hours can vary depending on the location. Residents are encouraged to call ahead or check online to confirm specific hours.

Heading to Flagler Beach? Stay Off The Dunes Police Say

The Flagler Beach Police Department has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the preservation of sand dunes along the city's coastline. This admonition comes in the wake of noticeable damage to the dunes, particularly in the northern area near Java Joint, which authorities believe is attributable to the activities of beachgoers.

Sources within the department expressed dismay at the ongoing damage to these natural barriers, highlighting a mix of ignorance and apathy as potential causes. As we approach the year 2024, such environmental disregard remains a pressing concern.

The police have announced plans to intensify surveillance over the six-mile stretch of sea dunes, aiming to identify and penalize those who violate conservation rules. The public is urged to access the beach ONLY via designated dune walkovers, a measure critical to protecting this fragile ecosystem.

The importance of the dunes extends beyond their aesthetic value. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection underscores their role as a crucial line of defense against storm surges, protecting coastal infrastructure and developments from the brunt of storm waves.

Flagler Beach has a history of battling the elements, with its dunes frequently succumbing to storm-induced washouts. Recently, in November 2022, Hurricane Nicole's powerful waves led to the collapse of a section of State Road A1A, necessitating the closure of a significant portion of this coastal route. This incident echoed a similar calamity in 2016 when Hurricane Matthew inflicted severe damage on the area, contributing to an estimated $73 million in losses for Flagler County, including the collapse of nearly a mile of the beachside road.

Fireworks on New Year's - Navigating State Law and Local Bans

As local residents prepare to welcome the New Year with fireworks, it's important to understand both the state laws and local regulations that govern their use. Florida State law permits the use of fireworks on specific occasions, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. However, despite this state-level permission, there are significant local restrictions to be aware of, particularly in Volusia County.

In Volusia County, several cities like Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach local ordinances take precedence over state law. These ordinances strictly prohibit the use and possession of fireworks. Also, Volusia County beaches are a no-fireworks zone, reinforcing the county's commitment to safety. Residents and visitors alike should be aware that any violation of these ordinances can lead to legal repercussions.

For those concerned about fireworks misuse in Volusia County, the Sheriff’s Office has provided a dedicated hotline. Reporting violations can be done by calling 386-248-1777 and selecting option 4. This initiative aims to ensure a safe environment for all during the celebrations.

Safety concerns are not unfounded. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's latest report, 2022 saw 11 fatalities related to fireworks, with incidents predominantly involving mortar-style devices. These tragedies ranged across various age groups, highlighting the risks involved in fireworks misuse. Additionally, the report revealed a concerning statistic: about 43% of fireworks available in 2022 contained illegal components. These components, including non-compliant fuses and prohibited chemicals, significantly increase the risk of severe injuries.

Holiday Schedule Changes for Garbage and Recycling Pickups

Residents of the city and unincorporated Volusia County should note changes in garbage and recycling collection schedules due to the upcoming holiday season. On New Year's Day, Monday, January 1, there will be no garbage or recycling services.

In the city, the adjusted schedule will see Monday's collections shifted to and January 2. Similarly, Tuesday collections will occur on Wednesday, January 3. Collections usually scheduled for Wednesday will take place on Saturday, January 6.

For those residing in unincorporated Volusia County, the holiday schedule adjustment will follow a sequential shift. Collections for Monday will be moved to Tuesday, and this pattern will continue through the week, with Friday's collections occurring on Saturday.

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