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Volusia County Shuts Down 11 Illegal Casinos Amid Rising Crime and Financial Concerns

Volusia County authorities have shut down nearly a dozen illegal casinos following a series of coordinated raids. Conducted on Thursday, the operation targeted unregulated gambling sites linked to serious criminal activities, including shootings and drug overdoses. These illegal casinos exploit senior citizens by providing free meals to keep patrons gambling longer, while extracting more than twice the amount from players compared to legal casinos. One operation alone amassed $37 million in gambling revenue last year. The investigation also revealed troubling financial connections to terrorist organizations. Authorities seized about 400 slot machines and $403,000 in cash during the raids, and have previously seized over 600 slot machines and $1.1 million in cash in a prior operation. Sheriff Mike Chitwood has called for legislative action to clarify the legal status of gambling in Florida. Ormond establishments shut down are:

• Winners, 1468 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach

• Jiffy, 986 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach

• Spin-N-Win, 1464 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Source: Volusia County Sheriff; See Also: NewsDaytonaBeach.com

New Halifax Health Emergency Department Breaks Ground in Daytona Beach North

Halifax Health has begun construction on a new emergency department in Daytona Beach North, with the groundbreaking ceremony held on July 25. Situated at the southeast intersection of Williamson Boulevard and Hand Avenue, the new facility is poised to enhance the hospital’s trauma, stroke, and pediatric care capabilities. This expansion underscores Halifax Health's commitment to providing top-tier medical services and meeting the growing healthcare needs of the community. The department will integrate with the existing network of primary care and specialty services, aiming to improve accessibility and quality of care. Scheduled to open within a year, the new emergency department represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, reflecting both community support and Halifax Health's dedication to expanding its service offerings.

Source: Ormond Observer

Turie T. Small and Tomoka Elementary Schools Set to Open for 2024-2025 School Year

Volusia County Public Schools will inaugurate two new elementary schools for the 2024-2025 academic year: Turie T. Small Elementary in Daytona Beach and Tomoka Elementary in Ormond Beach. Both schools will begin welcoming students on the first day of classes, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies planned to celebrate their opening. Turie T. Small Elementary’s ceremony will occur on August 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and Tomoka Elementary’s on August 8 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The introduction of these schools is part of the Volusia County School District’s broader strategy to boost educational outcomes, provide a safe and supportive environment, and support the development and retention of high-quality staff. Turie T. Small is located at 839 Loomis Ave., Daytona Beach, while Tomoka Elementary can be found at 999 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach.

Source: MyNews13.com

The Panhandlers Are Back As Federal Judge Rules Daytona Beach's Panhandling Ordinance Unconstitutional, Bans Its Enforcement

In a recent decision, a federal judge ruled that Daytona Beach's panhandling ordinance violates the First Amendment, permanently enjoining the city from enforcing it. U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger’s decision, delivered in the Middle District of Florida, stated that the ordinance's restrictions on where individuals can request donations are unconstitutional. A trial for damages is scheduled for September 16.

The ordinance, challenged in a 2022 lawsuit by Southern Legal Counsel and pro bono attorneys, had imposed stringent limitations on panhandling locations. It barred requests for donations in areas such as streets, sidewalks, bus stops, and within proximity to schools, ATMs, and commercial properties.

Similar ordinances in other Florida cities have faced legal challenges and been struck down, including in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami. Lead attorney Chelsea Dunn criticized Daytona Beach for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about homeless individuals and misallocating resources. The lawsuit seeks damages for plaintiffs who were threatened or arrested under the ordinance. The city has not yet responded to the ruling.

Source: Daytona News-Journal

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