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Daytona Beach to Host 18th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration

Daytona Beach is gearing up for its 18th annual New Year’s Eve on Main Street, an event expected to attract 10,000 attendees. Spanning from A1A to South Peninsula Drive, the celebration will transform Main Street into a pedestrian-only zone from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The evening’s attractions include a midnight beach ball drop, fireworks over the Main Street Pier, live entertainment, and a family-friendly dance contest. This year, organizers have added a kids’ zone to create a welcoming atmosphere for families.

Longtime event promoter Al Smith describes the event as an orchestration of fun and community spirit, while local business owners, like Main Street Tattoo’s Bobby Guidotti, see it as an opportunity to reshape the area’s reputation and boost its economy.

Attendees are encouraged to use ride-sharing services to ensure a safe night of celebration. With its mix of tradition and fresh features, the event promises a memorable start to 2024.

Source:  See Story at MyNews13.com

Health, Wealth, and Wisdom: One Woman’s Vision for Community Well-Being

Belinda Davis, a lifelong resident of Ormond Beach, has transformed her passion for community health into action. As the founder of Healthier. Wealthier. Wiser. Inc., Davis provides essential health care resources and education to her community through monthly "Lunch and Learn" events. A retired medical social worker, Davis returned to school later in life, earning degrees from the University of Central Florida.

Her nonprofit was inspired by the heightened health care fears during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among seniors. Davis’ mission is rooted in three principles: health, financial stability, and informed decision-making. Drawing inspiration from her great-great-grandmother, an early Ormond Beach settler known for natural remedies, Davis emphasizes holistic health.

Recognized by the Volusia County Council for her contributions, Davis continues to serve her community with dedication and passion. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of community and education to create lasting change.

Source: See Full Story at Ormond Observer

Debate Intensifies Over Florida’s New Social Media Restrictions for Teen

Florida’s new HB 3 law, effective Jan. 1, restricts social media access for children. It bans usage for those under 14 and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. The law also mandates age verification for websites deemed harmful to minors, aiming to address concerns about the psychological impact of social media.

Psychotherapist Cherlette McCullough notes social media’s link to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues in teens, emphasizing the need for family discussions about its effects. However, critics argue the law may not be effective and infringes on privacy. The Free Speech Coalition has filed a lawsuit, claiming the legislation creates a burden on adults seeking to access websites without invasive age-verification protocols.

As Florida begins enforcement, questions persist about whether legislative measures can address social media’s influence on youth or if solutions lie in parental involvement and open communication.

Source: See Full Story at WESH.com

Avoid Parking Fees, Volusia County Residents Reminded to Register with ParkVolusia By January 1

Volusia County residents can register their vehicles with ParkVolusia to enjoy free parking at County-owned off-beach lots starting Jan. 1, 2025. The program, which has already attracted nearly 40,000 participants, eliminates the $20 daily parking fee for residents while also granting beach-driving privileges.

The County operates over 60 lots, with larger locations featuring automated license plate readers for registration verification and smaller lots monitored by mobile officers. Vehicles without proper registration or payment will receive parking violation notices and fines.

Daily parking passes can be purchased through QR codes, text messages, or kiosks at select locations. Annual passes, required for nonresidents seeking unlimited parking, cost $100 and are valid for 365 days from purchase.

Residents must register their vehicles by Dec. 31 to avoid fees. Registration and additional details are available online at www.parkvolusia.org or in person at the Daytona Beach Shores office.

Source: Volusia County

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