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⭐ Meet Your New Mayor..Fresh Vision for Ormond Beach as Jason Leslie Becomes Mayor

Issue #387

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22 Nov

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Today’s Forecast

Tropical Updates: (Click Image)

Margaritaville Developer Takes Legal Action Over City Permit Fees

Photo: Latitude Website

Minto Communities, the developer behind Latitude Margaritaville, has filed a lawsuit against Daytona Beach, claiming the city collected millions in excessive building permit fees, violating state law. The suit alleges that the city’s permit fees have far exceeded actual operating costs since 2019, resulting in a fund surplus of nearly $20 million by the 2022-23 fiscal year—well above the allowable limit.

Minto, which built over 3,700 homes in the area, is demanding at least $3 million in refunds and a judicial ruling that the city’s fee practices were unreasonable. Efforts to resolve the matter privately failed, prompting the lawsuit.

The city, currently under a state audit for its fund practices, recently introduced a temporary moratorium on permit fees, but Minto argues this does not address past overcharges. The case could have broader implications for other developers challenging the city’s practices. City officials have declined to comment.

Ormond Beach Among Eight Cities Sharing $8.6M for Flood Studies

Volusia County has allocated $60 million from federal disaster recovery funds to 18 stormwater projects across eight municipalities, including $350,000 for Ormond Beach’s flood mitigation studies. The funds, part of the county’s “Transform 386” plan, aim to address infrastructure challenges caused by Hurricane Ian. The County Council also approved $6.8 million for a new Emergency Medical Services headquarters, despite concerns from Councilman Don Dempsey about fund distribution favoring east side municipalities. County officials assured that additional funding rounds will address other regional needs, with $50 million still available for future projects.

Meet Your New Mayor..Fresh Vision for Ormond Beach as Jason Leslie Becomes Mayor

Photo: Jason Leslie Website

After 18 months of campaigning, Jason Leslie has been elected mayor of Ormond Beach, defeating former commissioner Susan Persis with 54% of the vote. Leslie, who moved to Florida four years ago, ran on a platform of fresh ideas and community engagement, resonating with voters seeking new leadership.

Despite Persis’ well-funded campaign, Leslie’s grassroots approach gained traction, with many residents appreciating his energy and commitment. His priorities include addressing stormwater management concerns following Hurricane Milton and exploring redevelopment options for the Riverbend Golf Course.

Leslie replaces Mayor Bill Partington, now a State Representative, and joins a newly configured City Commission alongside newly elected Kristin Deaton and incumbents Lori Tolland and Harold Briley.

“I want to be visible and engaged with the community,” Leslie said, vowing to work hard for Ormond Beach residents. His term officially began on Nov. 19 with the commission's organizational meeting.

Ormond Beach Police Department

•Rodney A. Hackney, 51, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 13 and charged with grand theft, removal of property subject to lien and burglary of an unoccupied conveyance. Bail was set at $25,500.

Holly Hill Police Department

•Shawn C. Luther, 49, of Holly Hill, was arrested Nov. 12 and charged with aggravated assault. Bail was not set.

•John Forrest Bloodsworth, 42, of Holly Hill,was arrested Nov. 14 and charged with aggravated assault. Bail was not set.

•Steve Jerome Spearman, 58, of Holly Hill, was arrested Nov. 8 and charged with battery and tampering with a witness by preventing communication by law enforcement. Bail was not set.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office

•Dallas Todd Jacobs, 30, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 8 and charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and paraphernalia. Bail was set at $4,000.

•Mario Josef Alexander, 36, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 8 and charged with trafficking in fentanyl and possession of paraphernalia. Bail was set at $25,500.

•David T. Thornton, 28, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 9 and charged with battery on person 65 years of age or older. Bail was not set.

•Gilberto Antonio Garcia, 62, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 9 and charged with aggravated assault. Bail was not set.

•Edward Anthony Churella, 43, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 9 and charged with aggravated assault. Bail was not set.

•Kaden D. Evens, 21, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 10 and charged with aggravated assault. Bail was not set.

•John M. Dulski, 36, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 10 and charged with domestic battery by strangulation and obstructing officer without violence. Bail was set at $500.

•Melanie Helen Benedict, 45, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 13 and charged with principal to grand theft, burglary of an unoccupied structure and removal of property subject to lien. Bail was set at $7,500.

•Brandon M. Stahli, 30, of Ormond Beach, was arrested Nov. 14 and charged with written threats to kill or do bodily injury. Bail was not set.

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    709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: LIVE MUSIC @ Grind Gastropub, 7 – 11 PM
    49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Youth Movie Night at the Museum, Time TBD
    78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

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