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Jason Leslie wins Mayor's race; Brosemer, Chitwood and Brower win their seats

Jason Leslie won Ormond Beach’s mayoral race, defeating Commissioner Susan Persis with 53.6% of the vote. Leslie, a businessman with deep roots in the commercial real estate sector, expressed readiness to tackle significant local issues, such as the proposed Belvedere Terminals fuel farm and the Tomoka Reserve project. Leslie, who ran on a “community first” platform, will assume office on November 19. His election signals a new direction for the city as Leslie aims to address the community’s concerns from day one.

Susan Persis, who has served as a city commissioner since 2018 and has a background in education, graciously thanked her supporters and pledged to remain active in Ormond Beach’s community affairs. Commissioners Lori Tolland, Travis Sargent, Harold Briley, and Kristin Deaton will also take their seats in November, following re-elections and a primary victory for Deaton.

Donna Brosemer won the District 4 Volusia County School Board seat, defeating incumbent Carl Persis with 58.61% of the vote. Brosemer, endorsed by Governor Ron DeSantis, ran on a platform emphasizing improvements in classroom and transportation conditions. The race became unexpectedly contentious, with Persis facing public criticism over his stance on mask mandates and his alignment with broader political issues. Local signage portrayed him and his wife, Susan Persis, as "liberals," adding an unusual level of intensity to the campaign. Despite the tension, both candidates maintained respectful campaigns, and Brosemer commended Persis for not engaging in negative tactics. Persis, who has served the community since the 1990s, expressed gratitude for his supporters and disappointment at the outcome. He noted the surprising negativity in the race but wished Brosemer well as she prepares to take office.

Bill Partington, Ormond Beach’s former mayor, will now serve as the Florida House representative for District 28 after winning with 57.75% of the vote. In the three-way race, Democrat John Navarra received 39.93%, while Libertarian Joe Hannoush earned 2.33%. Reflecting on the race, Partington emphasized mutual respect among the candidates, noting they all exchanged supportive messages on Election Day. Partington now joins a line of former Ormond Beach mayors who have transitioned to state office, including Fred Costello and Dave Hood. His priorities for the district include enhancing coastal resilience and securing funds for essential infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation. Looking ahead, Partington is eager to advocate for northeast Volusia County’s needs in the state legislature, bringing a focus on sustainable development and infrastructure support.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has been reelected by a wide margin, capturing over 80% of the vote in a landslide victory against James Power. Chitwood, who has become known for his dedication to community protection and transparent policing, expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support in an online video. He promised to continue his “supercharged” approach to law enforcement, focusing on safeguarding the community with renewed vigor.

With a clear mandate for the next four years, Chitwood plans to deepen his commitment to public safety and community-centered initiatives, maintaining the energetic and proactive style that has defined his tenure. Residents of Volusia County have backed Chitwood’s leadership, signaling confidence in his direction for local law enforcement and his pledge to adapt to the county’s ongoing needs.

and Detail Brower, who overcame his exclusion from the county’s Republican voter guide, attributed his success to a determined team of volunteers and a strong grassroots campaign. Immediately returning to work, Brower attended a development seminar, reiterating his focus on environmental and zoning issues, including flood prevention and coastal resilience.

Randy Dye, a former race car driver and local business owner, expressed pride in his campaign and acknowledged that the close results reflect residents’ concerns and desire for action on local issues. He commended the campaign experience as a valuable opportunity to connect with the community and expressed hope that the council will address these pressing challenges. Brower aims to strengthen his connection with the community, pledging to seek public support in advocating for the changes Volusia residents want to see.

Source: See Full Story And Details at Ormond Observer

Escaped Kangaroo Captured After Three Weeks on the Loose in Volusia

A kangaroo that eluded capture for nearly three weeks in Volusia County has been found and returned to its owner, as confirmed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The animal reportedly escaped after a bear disturbed its enclosure. Following the capture, the owner received citations for not reporting the escape within 12 hours, possessing an expired wildlife license, and inadequate caging. The FWC mandates a Class III permit to legally keep a kangaroo, a requirement that had lapsed for over a year in this case.

While kangaroo sightings in Florida are uncommon, a few similar incidents have occurred this year, including one in Tampa and another near Blackwater River. Though primarily herbivorous, kangaroos may act defensively if they feel threatened. FWC advised caution in any encounters with these animals.

Source: See Full Story at Fox35News

Celebrating Quincy Jones: Ten Songs That Define His Musical Legacy

Quincy Jones, the iconic producer, composer, and arranger, has passed away at age 91. His 28 Grammy wins and collaborations with legends from Ray Charles to Michael Jackson define a legacy unmatched in the music industry. To honor his groundbreaking career, here are ten tracks that showcase his impact across genres: from his 1963 arrangement on Ella and Basie!’s “Honeysuckle Rose” to the timeless pop of “Billie Jean” and the global anthem “We Are the World.” Jones' ability to transform genres is evident across his work, whether in jazz, R&B, or pop hits. Notable tracks include Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” Donna Summer’s dance-centric “Love Is in Control,” and his own soulful ballad “Just Once.” Each track exemplifies Jones' innovative approach, cementing his place as a master of modern music.

Source:  See Full Story at DaytonaTimes.com

Canada Orders TikTok Dissolution but Leaves App Access Unrestricted

Canada has ordered TikTok’s Canadian business entity to shut down, following a national security review, but will not ban the app itself. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne explained that the decision addresses potential risks related to TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese-owned entity, while allowing Canadians to continue using the platform. The order, issued under the Investment Canada Act, has sparked concerns about layoffs, as TikTok’s Canadian offices are expected to close, impacting hundreds of jobs. TikTok plans to challenge the order in court.

Canada’s move is part of a broader trend among Western nations examining data privacy concerns surrounding TikTok. While the app remains popular, particularly with younger users, its Chinese ownership has led to fears over data security. Canada previously banned TikTok from government devices, joining a growing list of Western countries scrutinizing Chinese technology investments amid rising geopolitical tensions.

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