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⭕ Volusia County Faces State Challenge in Fuel Terminal Governance

Issue #086

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23 Jan

Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Spread Holiday Cheer with Series of Charitable Events

Past Council Chair Greg Evans, Past International Director Neil Spencer, Lion Bobbie Cheh and Past District Governor Glenn Brown. Courtesy photo

In December, the Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club was a beehive of activity, orchestrating a series of events to spread holiday cheer in the community. The festivities kicked off with the annual Breakfast with Santa at Alfies Restaurant, where families and seniors enjoyed photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, gifts for children, and additional entertainment including a visit from a Volusia County fire truck.

Following this, the Lions hosted the Community Holiday Party, also at Alfies Restaurant, where over 100 guests relished a prime rib dinner and homemade seashell ornaments from Santa. Entertainment was provided by Sandy and Jack Cook of the Halifax Repertory Theatre. The event also included charitable donations to several foundations and the presentation of the Model Club Plaque to Club President Kathleen Trutschel.

Further into the month, Lions members assisted with wrapping 720 blankets at Christine’s Blankets, destined for the homeless. Additionally, the Lions contributed to pediatric cancer causes through fundraisers. They also joined hands with the Ormond-by-the-Sea Eagles in delivering over 150 toys to a local elementary school and volunteered for the Salvation Army.

The Lions rounded off their year of service by helping prepare 200 dinners at Hope Place, a local homeless shelter, on New Year’s Day.

For more information on the Lions' activities and future events, contact is available at 386-441-4421.

Volusia County Faces State Challenge in Fuel Terminal Governance

Two Senate bills, SB 1624 and SB 1628, are under consideration in the Florida state legislature, potentially limiting local government authority over fuel terminal development. These bills have raised concerns among Volusia County officials, including County Chair Jeff Brower, who hopes for amendments as the bills have not yet passed through committees.

The legislation coincides with opposition to a proposed fuel terminal in Ormond Beach by Belvedere Terminals. SB 1624, in particular, would allow such facilities to operate in various land-use categories and restrict local governments from making zoning or planning changes that conflict with the classification of resiliency facilities.

Brower views these bills as a direct challenge to local governance, particularly in terms of imposing moratoriums and changing zoning regulations related to fuel storage and distribution. The Volusia County Council is set to vote on a nine-month development moratorium to update their land development code, but the passage of SB 1624 could conflict with the county's plans.

Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington advocates for local decision-making in determining the location of fuel terminals, seeking a balance between local and state interests. Belvedere Terminals' CEO has clarified that the company was not involved in drafting the legislation and is currently reviewing the bills.

Florida Senate Considers Fund to Aid Presidential Candidates Facing Legal Woes

The Florida Senate is deliberating on SB 1740, a bill introduced by State Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, which aims to establish the Florida Freedom Fighters Fund. This fund is designed to provide financial aid, up to $5 million, to Florida residents running for president who are facing criminal charges from state or federal agencies. The bill is widely perceived as a measure to support former President Donald Trump, who is dealing with multiple legal challenges.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a supporter of Trump, has endorsed the bill, framing it as a necessary step to protect Florida candidates from what he calls federal overreach or “some fake witch-hunt.”. The Florida Department of Financial Services, headed by Patronis, would be in charge of setting the fund's guidelines and determining eligibility based on claims of political discrimination.

The bill is complemented by SB 1738, which details the funding mechanism for the program. The initial $5 million is proposed to be allocated from the Florida Department of State's budget, with future funding expected from voluntary contributions solicited through state identification processes.

Currently, there is no companion bill in the Florida House, and the proposed legislation is awaiting committee hearings. The relevance of this bill is highlighted by the ongoing legal issues of Trump, who faces several criminal cases related to the 2020 election and national security documents found at Mar-a-Lago.

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Authentic Texas Flavors Arrive at Ormond-by-the-Sea with Lottie Bell's BBQ

Credit: Lottie Bell’s Facebook Page

Ormond-by-the-Sea has welcomed a new culinary destination, Lottie Bell's BBQ, bringing the authentic flavors of Texas barbecue to the Florida coast. The restaurant, which opened its doors in early December 2023, is the brainchild of co-owners Brandell Campbell and Scotty Aycock.

The journey to Lottie Bell's BBQ began with a food truck launched by Campbell in 2020. Over time, the truck garnered a loyal local following, serving as a meeting point for community members and a place for forging lasting friendships. Among the regulars was Aycock, who shared Campbell's fervor for cooking and, more specifically, barbecue. Their bond, akin to brotherhood, laid the foundation for their joint venture.

Credit: Lottie Bell’s Facebook Page

The opportunity to establish Lottie Bell's BBQ emerged last summer when Campbell noticed the availability of a space formerly occupied by Salty Farms Seafood Market and Restaurant. For both Campbell, a Texas native with 35 years of barbecue experience, and Aycock, a Georgian who has barbecued most of his life, the venture marked a transition from hobby to profession.

Their commitment to authenticity extends to the use of mesquite wood sourced directly from Texas for smoking their meats, a choice that sets them apart in the local culinary scene. Lottie Bell's BBQ prides itself on its natural flavors, serving meats without sauce to ensure nothing is overpowered.

Credit: Lottie Bell’s Facebook Page

The restaurant's name is a tribute to Campbell's grandmother, Lottie Bell, a woman of Blackfoot Native American descent, known for her hospitality and insistence that no one left her house hungry. Campbell's granddaughter also carries the name Lottie Bell, continuing the family legacy.

Lottie Bell's BBQ, with its commitment to a homely and peaceful dining experience, is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering a range of smoked meats including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.

Lottie Bell’s BBQ is located at 1452 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond-by-the-Sea, in the former Salty Farms Location. You can reach them at 386-301-5333 or “[email protected]”. Please mention Ormond Local Pulse when you call!!

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