Florida's Potential Game-Changer in Addressing Street Panhandling

Issue #072

Author

Ormond Local Pulse
09 Jan

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The local area is bracing for a day and night of stormy weather. Starting early afternoon, residents can expect showers and thunderstorms, with strong winds reaching up to 35 mph gusts. A chance of isolated tornadoes exists as well. highs will be near 78 degrees with an 80% chance of precipitation, and significant rainfall expected. Conditions will continue into the night, with a low of 49 degrees, and winds shifting west southwest at similar speeds.

Propulsion Problem Threatens Private Company's Historic Moon Landing

Astrobotic Technology, a Pittsburgh-based aerospace company, is currently grappling with a propulsion problem that has arisen with its lunar lander, Peregrine, after its launch from Cape Canaveral.

The issue, which prevents the spacecraft from aligning with the sun to generate power, emerged seven hours post-launch and has put the mission's success in jeopardy. The company is striving to reposition the lander to utilize solar energy effectively, as battery power is depleting. This mission is crucial for Astrobotic, as it seeks to become the first private company to land on the moon, a milestone previously achieved by only four countries.

The propulsion system's malfunction threatens the planned soft landing on the moon, scheduled for February 23. This mission is part of NASA's initiative to involve private companies in lunar exploration, with another company set to launch a lander soon.

Sick of Panhandlers? HB 759: Florida's Potential Game-Changer in Addressing Street Panhandling

Florida is considering a new bill, HB 759, introduced by Republican Representative Alex Andrade, which aims to restrict panhandling across the state. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the state's charitable solicitation law, making panhandling a potential felony in certain situations. The bill outlines specific restrictions on the time, place, and manner of panhandling, including a ban during nighttime hours and near various public spaces such as schools, banks, and bus stops. It also requires panhandlers to register, with penalties for non-compliance.

The initiative responds to the growing presence of panhandlers in Florida's cities, with efforts like those in Leon County to reduce direct giving to individuals on the streets. However, the bill has sparked significant debate over its constitutionality. Legal experts, including Dante Trevisani, have expressed concerns that the bill may violate First Amendment rights by targeting a specific form of speech. They draw comparisons to a similar ordinance in Fort Lauderdale that was deemed unconstitutional.

Despite these concerns, Representative Andrade defends the bill as a necessary update to existing laws, aiming to clearly include panhandling within the scope of charitable solicitation regulations. The bill's passage is uncertain, facing both legislative challenges and potential legal scrutiny.

TGI Fridays to Close Multiple Stores, Including Ormond Beach

TGI Fridays is set to close 36 underperforming locations across various states in the U.S., including two in Florida. This decision is part of the company's growth strategy, focusing on improving customer experience and operational efficiency. Ray Risley, the U.S. President and COO, highlighted the importance of this strategy in meeting the brand's commitment to excellence.

In Florida, there are two locations:

  • Ormond Beach: 24 Ocean Shore Blvd.  (already closed)

  • Royal Palm Beach: 580 N. State Road 7

The closures, which affect locations in states like Massachusetts, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, Connecticut, Maryland, and New Hampshire, are seen as a step towards strengthening TGI Fridays' market position. The company has not provided a specific timeline for these closures but has announced plans to offer transfer opportunities to more than 1,000 employees affected by this decision. This measure aims to support over 80% of the total workforce impacted, demonstrating TGI Fridays' commitment to its employees during this period of change.

Recent Local Arrests

Holly Hill Police Dept

  • Nicholas Cassidy Nash, 38, of Holly Hill, arrested Dec. 25, charged with battery and child abuse. Bail was set at $2,000

Florida Highway Patrol

  • Amanda Dawn Lavelle, 43, of Ormond Beach, arrested Dec. 23, charged with possession of controlled substance without a prescription and paraphernalia. Bail was set at $3,000

Woman Assaulted with Soda Can in Road Rage Incident in Ormond Beach

A 34-year-old woman in Ormond Beach experienced an alarming road rage incident near a local Mexican restaurant. The trouble began on Granada Boulevard, where she was trying to merge into traffic to reach the restaurant. A driver, identified as a woman in blue scrubs, took offense at her maneuver and followed her into the parking lot. There, the driver confronted the woman and threw a soda can at her while she was getting her children out of her car.

Shaken by the encounter, the woman initially went inside the restaurant to collect her food. Upon further reflection, she decided to involve the police, hoping to press charges against the aggressive driver. However, the case reached an impasse due to the absence of surveillance footage and the lack of identifiable information about the assailant's vehicle, leading to the suspension of the investigation.

Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.

You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.

Tue Jan 9

Wed Jan 10

Fri Jan 12

  • Starry, Starry Night, 5-8pm

    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach

  • Live Music, 6-10pm

    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

Sat Jan 13

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Auto Solutions of Ormond Beach

Located in the heart of Ormond Beach, Florida, **Auto Solutions** stands out as a premier auto repair shop. With a commitment to providing top-notch services, this establishment has carved a niche for itself in the local community.

A Different Approach to Auto Service

Auto Solutions is not just another auto repair shop. They pride themselves on offering a unique approach to automotive service. Their primary goal is to return to their customers a safe, reliable, and well-maintained vehicle without breaking the bank.

Services Offered

From basic oil changes to intricate engine diagnostics, Auto Solutions covers a broad spectrum of services. Some of their key offerings include:

  • - Heating and A/C Repair

  • - Engine Diagnostics

  • - Air Filters Replacement

  • - Cooling System Repair

  • - Brake Repair

  • - Transmission Repair

  • - Tune-Ups

  • - Wheel Alignments

    - And much more!

Certified Excellence

Auto Solutions boasts ASE Master Certified and ASE Certified Technicians. This ensures that every vehicle they service receives the best care from highly trained professionals. Additionally, they back their work with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, giving customers peace of mind.

Customer-Centric Approach

The testimonials from their clientele speak volumes about their dedication to customer satisfaction. Whether it's the transparency in their services or the fairness in their pricing, Auto Solutions has garnered trust and appreciation from many. Their commitment to honest service is evident in the positive feedback they consistently receive.

Staying Prepared with Regular Training

Understanding the importance of being prepared, Auto Solutions regularly conducts training sessions for their team. This ensures that they are always up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in the auto repair industry.

Contact & Location

For those in Ormond Beach and nearby areas, Auto Solutions is conveniently located at 194 S. Nova Road. They can be reached at (386) 766-7303, via email at [email protected] or at their website https://autosolutionsofob.com/

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