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- ⭐ Volusia County Transitions ReGrow the Loop Leadership
⭐ Volusia County Transitions ReGrow the Loop Leadership
Issue #443
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17 Jan
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Table of Contents
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Volusia County Transitions ReGrow the Loop Leadership and Plans Countywide Expansion of ReGrow Initiatives
Volusia County is deepening its commitment to environmental stewardship through two impactful initiatives. The successful ReGrow the Loop program, which was foundational to the future restoration and protection of the Ormond Loop, is transitioning to community leadership. At the same time, the County is preparing to launch a new program, ReGrow Volusia, a broader countywide effort to promote sustainable landscaping and native planting.
ReGrow the Loop, initiated by Volusia County in June 2023, achieved significant milestones. Over the year, the program removed invasive plants, planted 123 native trees, and created habitats for wildlife and pollinators. Educational programs reached more than 330 participants, and over 200 community members pledged to support sustainability efforts. As leadership transitions to the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail group, the County will continue to provide support as needed to ensure the initiative's long-term success.
Building on this momentum, Volusia County is planning to launch ReGrow Volusia in the near future to expand environmental enhancements across the county. This program will aim to use existing resources to support native plant distribution, develop public planting project lists, and engage the community through an interactive dashboard showcasing ongoing progress. The initiative will also leverage partnerships with UF/IFAS Extension Services to deliver educational opportunities.
For more information about the continuation of ReGrow the Loop or to view a list of its upcoming events, contact the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail group at [email protected] or click here. Additional information regarding the ReGrow Volusia program rollout will be announced in the near future.
Source: Volusia County News Release
Ormond Beach Moves Closer to Becoming an Arts Destination
The Ormond Beach Planning Board has approved a proposal for a 6-foot-tall, 17-foot-wide illuminated sculpture spelling “ART” atop the Art Spotlight gallery on West Granada Boulevard. Developer Bill Jones envisions the marquee-style piece as a blend of art and architecture, complementing the district's historic charm.
The sculpture, which requires a special exception from the City Commission, follows the recent approval of murals for the gallery. Part of Jones’s broader downtown revitalization plan, the project aims to establish the area as a vibrant arts district.
While the Planning Board expressed strong support, members raised minor concerns about size and brightness. Adjustments may be made before the City Commission’s final decision. If approved, the installation will serve as a bold visual statement and a gateway to Ormond Beach’s creative future.
Coffee Thrives in Florida: Pierson’s Promising Agricultural Experiment
Researchers at the University of Florida are testing whether coffee can thrive in Florida’s climate, with Pierson, Volusia County, serving as a key test site. Leveraging shade cloth structures used for fern farming, over 200 coffee plants have endured Florida’s intense heat, heavy rains, a hurricane, and colder weather since being planted last year.
Though the first harvest may produce subpar coffee due to environmental stress, researchers are optimistic about the state’s potential as a future coffee producer. With traditional coffee-growing regions under threat from climate change, Florida could play a vital role in sustaining global coffee production. By the end of the year, the first cup of Florida-grown coffee may be brewed.
Source: See Full Story at WESH.com
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
• Lisa A. Chiarizzi, 58, arrested Dec. 27 for battery on a person 65+. No bail.
• Heather M. Ritenour Linek, 43, arrested Dec. 31 for falsely impersonating an officer. Bail: $2,500.
• Justin C. Godfrey, 41, arrested Dec. 31 for battery on a person 65+ and tampering with a witness. No bail.
• Joseph L. Ahrens, 56, arrested Jan. 1 for obstructing an officer (no violence) and driving with a permanently revoked license. Bail: $3,500.
• Kelsey M. Rippy, 26, arrested Jan. 2 for possession of paraphernalia, controlled substance, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and grand theft. Bail: $8,000.
Holly Hill Police Department
• Abdul Karim Murad, 45, arrested Dec. 26 for aggravated battery. Bail: $25,000.
• Vincent R. Armenta, 35, arrested Dec. 29 for possession of cocaine and paraphernalia. Bail: $6,000.
• Matthew A. Rondeau, 27, arrested Dec. 30 for shooting into a dwelling. Bail: $135,000.
• Cheryl M. Rudy, 22, arrested Dec. 30 for aggravated battery. No bail.
• Autumn T. Sollitto, 22, arrested Jan. 1 for corruption by threat against a public official and causing bodily harm. Bail: $500.
• Shamare J. Parker, 28, arrested Jan. 2 for battery. Bail: $2,000.
Volusia County Sheriff's Office
• Anthony S. Albright, 41, arrested Dec. 26 for battery on a person 65+. No bail.
• Nicholas J. Knox, 29, arrested Dec. 29 for possession of paraphernalia and fraudulent use of personal ID. Bail: $3,000.
• Mark M. Koczan, 66, arrested Dec. 29 for violating an injunction, battery on a person 65+, and resisting without violence. No bail.
• Mary J. Katzenbach, 40, arrested Dec. 30 for possession of paraphernalia, meth, Schedule IV substance, and trafficking in Fentanyl. No bail.
• Joseph M. Bartlett, 44, arrested Dec. 31 for possession of a controlled substance. Bail: $2,500.
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Ormond North Beach Cam at Ormond Lifeguard Station
Ormond South Beach Cam at Cardinal Drive
Ormond by the Sea East Beach Cam
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Fri Jan 17
Event: Arbor Day at the EDC, 10 AM
601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: DB Pickles Fundraiser Fridays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
DB Pickle, 400 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Friday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Semi-Private Training (1-day Session), 12 – 2 PM
700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: 37th Annual Installation & Awards Lunch Banquet, 12:30 – 2:30 PM
75 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Dueling Pianos Show, 7 – 9 PM
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FLEvent: Jimmy Ali - Live Friday's at "The Grind," 9:00 – 11:59 PM
The Grind, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLSat Jan 18
Event: Small Group Saturday-LS, 10 AM–12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Watercolor Workshop - Bibi Gromling, 1–4 PM
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Watercolor Seashell Painting Class, 1:30–3:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Operazzi, 7 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond BeachSun Jan 19
Event: Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Jessi’s Journey Charity Benefit, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Forever Ranch, 3600 FL-40, Ormond Beach
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