23 Starlink Satellites to Embark on Space Journey Aboard Falcon 9 This Evening

SpaceX is gearing up for another significant launch tonight for the deployment of 23 Starlink satellites. The launch is set to take place at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40. The launch window opens at 7:27 p.m. ET and extends until 11:25 p.m. ET. A live webcast will be available on the @SpaceX platform, starting shortly before the launch.

The Falcon 9 booster, central to this mission, is embarking on its 12th flight, a testament to its reliability and SpaceX's commitment to reusability. This booster has been part of several important missions, including transporting satellites and cargo to space. Post-launch, the booster's first stage is expected to land on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" in the Atlantic, showcasing SpaceX's innovative recovery techniques.

SpaceX details and launch watch page here

Volusia Beaches See Highest Annual Drownings Since 1997

Volusia County beaches experienced a distressing increase in drownings in 2023, with 13 fatalities recorded, the highest since at least 1997. This surge in drownings is particularly alarming as most victims had health issues and were swimming away from lifeguard towers. The year also saw a significant operational change for Volusia County Beach Safety, with law enforcement duties shifting to the Sheriff's Office, resulting in a reduction of their full-time lifeguard staff and challenges in part-time recruitment.

Chief Andy Ethridge noted the difficulty in attributing the rise in drownings to any single factor, though rip currents were a concern. Sheriff Mike Chitwood argued that the operational shift allowed for more focused lifesaving efforts. In response to the increase in drownings and staffing challenges, Beach Safety is enhancing recruitment efforts and offering better pay to attract more lifeguards.

See full story at Daytona News-Journal

Susan Persis Represents Florida in National City Advocacy for Environment and Resources

Ormond Beach City Commissioner Susan Persis has been appointed to the National League of Cities 2024 Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Federal Advocacy Committee. Her role, announced by NLC President Mayor David Sander, will last for one year, during which she will help guide the NLC’s federal advocacy agenda. Persis’s areas of focus will include sustainability, climate change, community resilience, water infrastructure, and solid waste management. She aims to represent Ormond Beach and Florida effectively, addressing environmental challenges and improving quality of life.

Persis’s role in the committee involves shaping policy positions and advocating for American cities, towns, and villages at various governmental levels. Mayor Sander highlighted the significance of NLC’s committees in informing Washington policymakers about local-level challenges and opportunities, and he looks forward to collaborating with Persis to enhance federal-local partnerships.

See full story at Ormond Observer

⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

😊😊😊😊😊 Have A Great Day

TECH NOTE: Some readers using the Edge browser have reported getting warning messages that they are attempting to access an unsafe site. This is a glitch in the Edge browser. If you switch to Chrome, Firefox or Safari you should have no problems. Rest assured our site IS SAFE

OUR NEWS POLICY: Our goal is to provide locally relevant news and articles for Ormond residents. This may include local issues, county and state news affecting Ormond Beach, and other matters such as health, technology, pets, etc.. We hope to provide something of interest to all readers. We welcome your feedback here