⭐ The Vanishing Wetlands of Volusia County

Issue #440

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14 Jan

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OPINION

The Vanishing Wetlands of Volusia County

The once-thriving wetlands of the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach are being destroyed at an alarming rate, cleared to make way for sprawling apartment complexes. These vital ecosystems, home to countless species of wildlife, are being eradicated with little regard for the lasting environmental consequences.

Wetlands are nature's filtration system and a critical part of the aquifer that supplies clean water to our region. Their destruction not only disrupts wildlife habitats but also compromises the natural recharge of our aquifer, endangering our water supply. Moreover, replacing wetlands with impervious surfaces increases the risk of flooding, leaving residents vulnerable during storms.

Large tract clearcut on Williamson near Mason through to Clyde Morris

In just the last 4 years massive tracts of land have been "repurposed" for no less than 8 apartmemnt projects in the Clyde Morris-Williamson-Hand Ave-LPGA Quadrant alone.

The Eleanor “luxury” apartment development at Williamson and Strickland Range

Aesthetics and sustainability are largely ignored in favor of transforming lush, biodiverse wetlands into barren, dry land suitable for construction. Who is allowing this thoughtless environmental carnage? It seems decisions are being made without meaningful consideration of long-term environmental impacts or community concerns.

Residents of Volusia County, it’s time to act. Your voice matters, and there’s an opportunity to make it heard. Today at 4 PM, The Volusia County Council will convene a special meeting at 4 p.m.in the County Council Chambers at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand. The council will discuss a possible development moratorium in Volusia County.. This is your chance to demand a 1-year moratorium on wetland destruction and call for a more responsible, sustainable approach to land development.

Let’s advocate for thoughtful development that respects our natural heritage and prioritizes the environment. Together, we can ensure that future generations will inherit a Volusia County rich in natural beauty and ecological health, not a paved-over landscape bereft of its woods and wetlands.

Make your voice heard—attend the meeting and urge the council to reconsider its approach before it’s too late! The meeting will also be livestreamed on the County’s YouTube channel at volusia.org.

Do you think a pause on development is in order to re-evaluate County and local priorities?

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Look for Poll Results here tomorrow

What The MSM Won’t Show You About LA’s Wildfires

Ormond Beach Bids Farewell to Longtime Air Traffic Manager

L-R: Mayor Jason Leslie Air Traffic Manager Steve Bracket - Courtesy O/B Facebook

Steve Brockett, the Air Traffic Manager at Ormond Beach Municipal Airport since 2004, has retired after 20 years of service. During his tenure with Robinson Aviation, Inc., Brockett played a crucial role in establishing and managing the airport’s control tower, earning recognition for his leadership and commitment to operational excellence. In 2010, the control tower received the Willie F. Card Contract Tower Service Award, a national honor highlighting its outstanding service under Brockett's direction. The Ormond Beach City Commission honored his contributions during their Jan. 7 meeting, praising his legacy of safety and service. Brockett's departure marks the end of an era for the city’s aviation sector, leaving a foundation of excellence that continues to benefit the community.

2025 Daytona 500 Tickets Sell Out as Excitement Grows

Daytona International Speedway has announced that grandstand and camping tickets for the 2025 Daytona 500 on February 16 are sold out, although limited premium packages and tickets for other Speedweeks events remain available. The green flag for the NASCAR Cup Series season opener will drop at 2:30 p.m., with a pre-race concert by Pitbull setting the stage for the event.

Racing enthusiasts can look forward to a full week of action, starting with Daytona 500 qualifying on February 12, which will determine the front row of the grid. The Duel at Daytona follows on February 13, setting the rest of the starting positions. The Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series races will also be held during the weekend.

Looking ahead, fans can already sign up for pre-sale access to the 2026 Daytona 500, ensuring their spot at next year’s premier racing event.

Florida Hits Record Graduation Rate; Volusia Among Top 10 Districts

Florida’s graduation rate hit 89.7% in 2024, marking its highest level outside the pandemic years. Volusia County led the way locally, with its rate climbing to 93.7%, surpassing the statewide average and earning a spot among the state’s top 10 districts for the second year in a row. Since 2018-2019, Volusia’s rate has risen by more than nine percentage points. Flagler County also showed improvement, increasing its rate to 89%, up from 87.8% last year.

Key highlights include Deltona High School achieving a 100% graduation rate and Pine Ridge High School improving by 4.4 points to 97.8%. District officials credited proactive student monitoring and resource alignment for the success, pushing back against suggestions that standards have been relaxed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the statewide improvements, attributing the success to policies prioritizing school choice, parent empowerment, and education-focused reforms.

Auto Solutions of Ormond Beach

Located in the heart of Ormond Beach, Florida, **Auto Solutions** stands out as a premier auto repair shop. With a commitment to providing top-notch services, this establishment has carved a niche for itself in the local community.

A Different Approach to Auto Service

Auto Solutions is not just another auto repair shop. Owner John Davis says they pride themselves on offering a unique approach to automotive service. Their primary goal is to return to their customers a safe, reliable, and well-maintained vehicle without breaking the bank.

Services Offered

From basic oil changes to intricate engine diagnostics, Auto Solutions covers a broad spectrum of services. Some of their key offerings include:

  • - Heating and A/C Repair

  • - Engine Diagnostics

  • - Air Filters Replacement

  • - Cooling System Repair

  • - Brake Repair

  • - Transmission Repair

  • - Tune-Ups

  • - Wheel Alignments

    - And much more!

Certified Excellence

Auto Solutions boasts ASE Master Certified and ASE Certified Technicians. This ensures that every vehicle they service receives the best care from highly trained professionals. Additionally, they back their work with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, giving customers peace of mind.

Customer-Centric Approach

The testimonials from their clientele speak volumes about their dedication to customer satisfaction. Whether it's the transparency in their services or the fairness in their pricing, Auto Solutions has garnered trust and appreciation from many. Their commitment to honest service is evident in the positive feedback they consistently receive.

Staying Prepared with Regular Training

Understanding the importance of being prepared, Auto Solutions regularly conducts training sessions for their team. This ensures that they are always up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in the auto repair industry.

Contact & Location

For those in Ormond Beach and nearby areas, Auto Solutions is conveniently located at 194 S. Nova Road. They can be reached at (386) 766-7303, via email at [email protected] or at their website https://autosolutionsofob.com/.

Please mention Ormond Local Pulse when you call.

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  • Tue Jan 14

  • Event: Networking Group 1, 7:30 – 8:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd
    Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Watercolor Workshop - Stewart Jones, 10 AM – 1 PM
    Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd
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    Ormond Beach Police Department, 170 W Granada Blvd
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    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd
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    Murphy Bed Center & More Space Place, 752 S Yonge St
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    Dunn's Attic, 136 W Granada Blvd
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  • Wed Jan 15

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    Alfies Restaurant, 1666 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach
    All Are Welcome!  More info at (386) 441-4421

  • Event: Semi-Private Training (1-day Session), 12 PM – 2 PM
    700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Mixed Media Night Light or Suncatcher Class, 3 PM – 5 PM
    1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Open Mic Event, Dec 17, 2024 – Jan 16, 2025
    Kava Culture Kava Bar, 500 W Granada Blvd Ste 5, Ormond Beach

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    Thu Jan 16

  • Event: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
    22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Ribbon Cutting - Amor Nail Lounge, 4 – 5 PM
    Amor Nail Lounge, 500 W Granada Blvd Unit 2, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Open Mic Event, All Day (Dec 17, 2024 – Jan 16, 2025)
    Kava Culture Kava Bar, 500 W Granada Blvd Ste 5, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Semi-Private Training (1-day Session), 12 – 2 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Parent/Teacher Conferences — Calvary Christian Academy, 3:30 – 6:30 PM
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