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Ormond Beach’s Santa on Patrol Brings Holiday Cheer to the Community

The Ormond Beach Police Department’s “Santa on Patrol” program brought festive joy to the city this week. Santa and Mrs. Claus, escorted by Community Outreach officers, visited several locations on December 16, 18, and 20, spreading holiday cheer. Stops included the Children’s House of Ormond Beach, Nova Community Center, Pine Trail Elementary, and local businesses like Simone’s Salon and SoNapa Grille.

Launched in 2014, the initiative aims to foster stronger connections between law enforcement and the community while celebrating the holiday spirit. Residents of all ages eagerly welcomed Santa’s visits, which have become a cherished seasonal tradition in Ormond Beach.

Source: See Full Story at Ormond Observer

Ormond Woman Sentenced to 12 Years After Toddler’s Tragic Drowning

An Ormond Beach mother was sentenced to 12 years in prison on December 13 after her 3-year-old son drowned in a retention pond last year. Myra Santiago, 24, was convicted of aggravated manslaughter and child neglect.

The tragedy occurred at the San Marco Apartments in April 2023. Security footage showed the toddler, Aziryh, heading toward the pond at 6:46 a.m. Emergency responders were called at 1:44 p.m. Investigators found Santiago had left the child unsupervised for about four hours the previous evening and returned home around 1 a.m. She did not wake until mid-afternoon, by which time her son was no longer in the apartment.

The case underscores the critical importance of child supervision and serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers in everyday environments.

Source: See Full Story at Ormond Observer

Volusia County Ends Tax Exemption for Mid-Income Housing Projects

The Volusia County council has decided to opt out of a property tax exemption under Florida’s Live Local Act, redirecting affordable housing efforts toward residents in greater need. The exemption, which previously benefited developments for individuals earning 80% to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), will no longer apply due to a reported housing surplus for that income range, equivalent to $46,400 to $69,600 annually.

Instead, county officials will prioritize funding for residents earning 80% or less of the AMI, who face the most acute housing challenges. This decision aligns with the county’s five-year affordable housing plan, which has already allocated $88 million for new housing initiatives or preservation efforts.

The resolution will undergo final approvals before taking effect next year, reflecting a targeted approach to alleviate housing pressures for Volusia County’s lowest-income residents.

Source:  See Full Story at MyNews13.com

U.S. Life Expectancy Rises in 2023, but Florida’s Declines

U.S. life expectancy rose in 2023 to an average of 78.4 years, marking an 11-month increase over the previous year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced. The improvement is largely attributed to a reduction in COVID-19-related deaths, which had driven significant declines during the pandemic.

Florida, however, experienced less favorable trends. The state’s life expectancy at birth fell from 77.5 years in 2020 to 76.1 years in 2021, dropping its national ranking from 19th to 27th, according to recent data. Florida males had a life expectancy of 73.1 years in 2021, while females lived longer, averaging 79.3 years.

While the nation continues its post-pandemic recovery, Florida’s diminishing rankings highlight possible health disparities or other systemic issues that may require closer attention.

Source: See Full Story at Daytona News-Journal

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