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Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office Receives Grant for Genetic Genealogy in Cold Cases

The Volusia County Medical Examiner's Office has been awarded a grant of $29,997 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This funding will support advanced genetic genealogy techniques to help identify victims involved in unresolved criminal cases whose identities remain unknown. Through this grant, the office can utilize innovative technologies in genetic research, aiming to provide identities and resolution to these cold cases.

Allocated under the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program, these funds will be utilized for DNA analysis in four specific cases. These involve unidentified victims of crimes and are the only cases currently under the Medical Examiner's custody that meet the grant's criteria. This effort is aligned with a statewide initiative to leverage modern DNA analysis techniques to solve cold cases and establish the identities of unknown victims tied to criminal activities.

"Each unidentified victim has a family somewhere who needs closure," said Volusia County Medical Examiner Dr. James Fulcher. "This grant enables us to apply the most advanced forensic techniques available today to bring peace to the families and justice to the community."

The FDLE grant program aims to bolster the investigative capabilities of local and state agencies. It supports the integration of forensic genetic genealogy with traditional laboratory testing and law enforcement methods, enhancing the ability to solve complex cases.

Source:  Volusia County News Release

Seabreeze Overcomes FPC in Five Star Conference Consolation Match

The Seabreeze girls soccer team triumphed over Flagler Palm Coast (FPC) with a 3-1 win in the Five Star Conference consolation final on January 10. Both teams entered the match disappointed after semifinal losses, but Seabreeze emerged determined to shift momentum.

FPC’s Erin Hughes opened scoring in the second half, recording her 19th goal of the season. However, Seabreeze quickly answered. A high deflection led to Ashlyn Colley’s equalizer, and a defensive error moments later allowed Olivia Chase to score the go-ahead goal. Chase solidified the lead with another late strike, her 13th of the season.

The result was a critical boost for Seabreeze, which improved to 5-6-4. For FPC, now 10-6-2, the match underscored the importance of maintaining momentum. Both teams are set to play again on January 15, with FPC hosting Timber Creek and Seabreeze facing Matanzas.

Source: See Full Story at Ormond Observer

Cold Snap Adds to Mounting Challenges for Central Florida Fern Farmers

Central Florida's fern farmers are adapting to cold weather while contending with an already precarious business environment. Recent near-freezing temperatures forced growers to implement protective measures like creating insulating ice layers, a resource-intensive process that relies on diesel-powered pumps.

In Pierson, a long-standing center for fern cultivation, farmers like Lars Hagstrom are no strangers to adapting to nature's challenges. However, last week's cold pales in comparison to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton. The storm destroyed nearly 40% of Hagstrom's crop and damaged critical protective saran cloth, resulting in significant financial losses.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, a peak season for fern demand, farmers are warning of shortages and higher prices. Inflation and labor shortages compound the pressures on this multi-generational industry. As growers strive to recover, the lingering effects of both extreme weather and economic conditions continue to pose challenges to their livelihoods.

Source: See Full Story at Spectrum News 13

Wolf Moon Kicks Off 2025’s Lunar Events

The first full moon of 2025, known as the Wolf Moon, will illuminate the skies on Monday, January 13, reaching peak brightness at 5:27 p.m. Eastern Time. Appearing full from Sunday evening through Wednesday morning, the moon will briefly pass in front of Mars from Earth’s perspective, adding an extra touch of wonder to its celestial display.

January’s Wolf Moon derives its name from the howling of wolves traditionally heard during the harsh winter months. According to sources like the Farmers' Almanac, the full moon was also referred to by other names across cultures, including the Cold Moon, Freeze Up Moon, and Spirit Moon, reflecting the challenges of midwinter. Historically, these names were tied to lunar cycles and used to track time for agriculture and survival.

While this full moon won’t qualify as a supermoon—when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit—stargazers can look forward to three supermoons later in the year. October’s Harvest Moon, November’s Beaver Moon, and December’s Cold Moon will provide dazzling sights.

The 2025 astronomical calendar also includes two total lunar eclipses, though only the one in March will be visible across most of North America. This year promises plenty for skywatchers to anticipate and enjoy.

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