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⭐ Ormond Beach Ends Decades of Water Fluoridation, Citing Health Risks

Issue #450

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24 Jan

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Ormond Beach Ends Decades of Water Fluoridation, Citing Health Risks

File Photo

Ormond Beach has discontinued water fluoridation following a unanimous decision by the City Commission. The policy change, effective January 22, reflects concerns raised by Florida health officials about potential risks associated with fluoride exposure, including cognitive and developmental issues.

The city had fluoridated its water since 1957, a practice long supported by organizations like the American Dental Association for its role in reducing tooth decay. However, local leaders pointed to recent state guidance and emphasized that fluoride is readily available in dental products, making its addition to public water less essential.

The decision is expected to save the city approximately $14,800 annually. Officials hope the move will inspire other municipalities to reconsider similar practices, as debates over the safety and necessity of fluoride in water persist across the country.

Dr. Camesha Whittaker-Samuel Appointed CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler

Courtesy Photo

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties has named Dr. Camesha Whittaker-Samuel as its new CEO, effective January 20. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and education technology, Whittaker-Samuel was unanimously selected by the organization’s board of directors.

Her professional background includes serving as chief learning and innovation officer at the Propel Center in Atlanta, where she led virtual campus operations and curriculum development. She also held a leadership role at Bethune-Cookman University, overseeing faculty innovation.

As CEO, Whittaker-Samuel will oversee the strategic direction of the organization, with responsibilities spanning operations, program development, and resource management. The board views her appointment as a significant step toward enhancing programs and partnerships that benefit the community’s youth.

This new leadership signals a renewed focus on innovation and expanded opportunities for the organization’s future.

REMINDER: Residents Invited to Help Shape Hurricane Milton Recovery Efforts in Volusia

Volusia County is inviting residents to share input on how to allocate $133.5 million in Hurricane Milton recovery funding awarded by HUD. The funds are designated for housing repair or replacement, infrastructure restoration, economic revitalization, and disaster mitigation.

Public input sessions will be held at three locations from 5pm to 6:30pm

Friday, Jan. 24: Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave. Monday, Jan. 27:
Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave. Wednesday, Jan. 29:
Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway

The funding is targeted toward low-to-moderate-income families, but all residents impacted by the October 2024 storm are encouraged to participate. Officials hope the input will help shape programs that effectively address recovery needs.

Residents can also complete an unmet needs survey online or in person at the meetings. County staff will be available to listen to concerns and provide information about potential funding opportunities.

Daytona Beach Adopts AI Technology to Detect Guns, Alert Police Instantly

Daytona Beach is deploying AI-powered technology to detect firearms and alert police in seconds, becoming the first city in Florida to use the ZeroEyes software. The system integrates with existing cameras to identify visible firearms and alerts trained monitoring personnel, who verify the threat before notifying police dispatch within seconds.

City commissioners approved a $15,000 annual contract with ZeroEyes, funded by a $60,500 federal grant. The funding also covers covert surveillance cameras for police vehicles. The AI system will be installed in high-traffic areas such as Main Street, public parks, and City Hall, with potential expansion to schools.

The technology, already in use in 42 states, provides real-time updates during incidents, enabling faster police responses. While it cannot detect concealed weapons, officials believe it can prevent shootings and apprehend suspects quickly. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young emphasized the importance of rapid response, noting that “seconds matter.”

Recent Arrests

Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Brady R. Daye, 27, Ormond Beach: Arrested Jan. 10, aggravated assault. No bail.

  • Alexei Legassov, 62, Ormond Beach: Arrested Jan. 10, cocaine possession. Bail: $2,500.

  • Jodi L. Dutkiewicz, 42, Ormond Beach: Arrested Jan. 13, escape, DUI, refusal to test, petit theft, obstruction, THC oil possession. Bail: $9,500.

  • Thomas E. Bejsovec, 45, Ormond Beach: Arrested Jan. 15, witness tampering, domestic battery by strangulation. No bail.

Holly Hill Police Department

  • Jared C. W. Teitloff, 26, Holly Hill: Arrested Jan. 10, battery. Bail: $5,000.

  • Cindy S. Soltis, 61, Holly Hill: Arrested Jan. 12, aggravated assault. No bail.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office

  • William M. Milewski, 36, Holly Hill: Arrested Jan. 11, paraphernalia possession, controlled substance possession, license canceled. Bail: $3,500.

  • Terry M. Woods, 54, Ormond Beach: Arrested Jan. 13, license revoked, unregistered vehicle, no motorcycle endorsement. Bail: $2,800.

  • Richard B. Davenport, 67, Ormond Beach: Arrested Jan. 16, possession of child sexual performance (enhanced). Bail: $1,200,000.

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Fri Jan 24

  • Event: Steel Oak Coffee - Free Friday Tastings, 3:24 – 4:24 PM
    Steel Oak Coffee, 187 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Steeln' Peaches - An Allman Brothers Revue, 10 AM
    Steel Oak Coffee, 187 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class - 1/24, 1 – 3 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Semi-Private Training (1-day Session 2 PM – 4 PM), 12 – 2 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event:Friday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Cody Criswell, 6 – 10 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
    Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Jimmy Ali - Live Friday's at "The Grind", 9 – 11:59 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Fletcher’s Irish Pub & Brewery – Holly Hill, 8:30 PM
    Fletcher's Brewery, 745 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill

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Sat Jan 25

  • Event: Advanced Recovery Class, 8:00 AM
    Destination 4x4s & More, 372 Destination Daytona Ln, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Dance Social, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Small Group Saturday-LS, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: 3rd Annual Winter Markers Market, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193, 285 Wilmette Ave, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Native Plant Class and Sale with Katie Tripp, 11:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Seabird Buoy Painting Class, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Schief and Vianca, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
    Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Heather Craig Duo, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: River Grill, 5:00 PM
    RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 US-1, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Cha Cha & Salsa on 2 with Tomas Guerrero, 12:00 – 3:00 AM
    533 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach

Sun Jan 26

  • Event: Open House, 12 – 2 PM
    600 Aldenham Ln, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Open House, 1 – 3 PM
    774 Cobblestone Way, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Sea Glass Tree Class, 12 – 3 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Open Arena Fundraiser for Remembrance of Amelia, 5 – 11 PM
    3922 Brantford Rd, Holly Hill, FL

  • Event: Afternoon Dance Social (Free group class included), 2 – 5 PM
    JJ's Dance Fusion, 298 S Nova Rd STE D, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Installation Service for Pastor Beebe, 8:30 PM
    105 Amsden Rd, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Throttle Therapy & Dinner Ride, 9 PM
    1637 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL

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