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- ⭐ Rising Flood Risks Prompt FEMA Calls to Ban Development on Elevated Fill Dirt
⭐ Rising Flood Risks Prompt FEMA Calls to Ban Development on Elevated Fill Dirt
Issue #467
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10 Feb
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Rising Flood Risks Prompt FEMA Calls to Ban Development on Elevated Fill Dirt
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A federal advisory board has recommended that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reconsider its longstanding policy allowing developers to use fill dirt to elevate homes in flood-prone areas, citing concerns over heightened flood risks and environmental harm.
The Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) highlighted that the "fill and build" practice, which involves raising land in floodplains for residential and commercial development, disrupts natural flood management systems and often creates a false sense of security for homeowners. As a result, neighboring properties can become more vulnerable to flooding, experts warned.
According to sources familiar with TMAC’s interim report, this fill-based elevation approach has led to increased insurance complexities, with properties built on fill often removed from flood hazard classifications despite ongoing flood risks. Climate change further exacerbates the problem, TMAC noted, as rising seas and more severe storms expand flood zones.
Environmental advocates have long opposed the practice, emphasizing that floodplains serve as crucial buffers for floodwaters. Recent building code reforms in cities like Charleston, S.C., reflect efforts to restrict fill-and-build developments. Critics also argue that FEMA's review process, known as the Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), lacks adequate oversight and enforcement, leading to unchecked development in flood-sensitive areas.
While homebuilders contend that fill-based elevation enables more affordable housing near coastlines and rivers, the TMAC report suggests the approach may no longer be sustainable. FEMA has acknowledged the council's recommendations but clarified that it is not required to adopt them. The agency emphasized its ongoing efforts to adapt flood risk strategies as extreme weather events become more frequent.
$125,000 Bond Set for Holly Hill Man Accused of Possessing Child Pornography
Photo: Holly Hill Police Dept.
A 22-year-old Volusia County man was recently arrested in Holly Hill on multiple charges related to the possession of child pornography. The arrest followed a service call on December 31, 2024, during which police allegedly found illicit images on the suspect’s phone.
After obtaining a warrant, authorities confiscated the device and conducted a thorough investigation, which reportedly revealed seven explicit photos and videos involving minors, as well as two AI-generated images. The suspect is currently detained at the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $125,000 bond.
Law enforcement sources highlighted the increasing complexity of digital crime investigations, particularly in cases involving artificial intelligence-generated materials. Authorities underscored their ongoing commitment to combating child exploitation, despite the evolving technological challenges.
Source: See Full Story at WESH.com
The Ormond Beach-based Fit Life Social Club combines fitness and social engagement, offering adults a chance to stay active and connected. Founded 11 years ago as a Meetup group, the club hosts a variety of events, from sports like pickleball and volleyball to creative gatherings such as Pirates and Pups and the annual Beach Bicycle Bar Crawl, which supports Veterans.
Led by Sean Duszny, a real estate broker and certified personal trainer, the club focuses on promoting an active lifestyle rather than selling products or dictating health routines. Membership is free, and while geared toward adults, some events are family-friendly.
Duszny, who once represented the U.S. in international ballroom dance competitions, emphasizes the importance of community engagement and staying active between gym visits. With over 1,100 members, Fit Life Social Club is a dynamic platform for those looking to improve their physical well-being while making meaningful social connections.
For information, visit meetup.com/fit-life-ormond-beach/
Source: See Full Story at Hometown News
“Lightnin” Legacy Fund Announced at Provision Packs Inaugural Gala
Provision Packs, a nonprofit tackling childhood food insecurity, hosted its first Black and White Gala on January 22 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach. The event brought together over 200 attendees, including community leaders and philanthropists, for a night of celebration and advocacy.
A highlight of the evening was the launch of the Lightnin Legacy Endowment Fund, named after Juanita “Lightnin” Epton, Daytona International Speedway’s longest-serving employee. The fund aims to provide sustained financial support for Provision Pack’s mission, helping the organization reach more students and families in need.
Key contributors were also recognized during the gala. Shea Williams received the Advocate of the Year award, Brittani Preschel was named Partner of the Year, and Larry and Andrea Frank earned the Golden Apple Award for their philanthropic efforts.
Carrie Torres, Provision Packs’ founder, hailed the gala as a crucial step in securing the future of their mission.
1258: The Siege of Baghdad concluded with the surrender of the last Abbasid caliph to Hulagu Khan, marking a significant moment in the Mongol conquests.
1355: The St. Scholastica Day riot erupted in Oxford, England, resulting in the deaths of dozens of scholars and locals following a dispute.
1763: The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the French and Indian War, with France ceding Quebec to Great Britain.
1840: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in a highly celebrated royal event.
1861: Jefferson Davis was officially informed of his selection as the provisional President of the Confederate States of America.
1936: Nazi Germany granted the Gestapo secret police absolute authority, exempting them from any legal review.
1940: The Soviet Union began mass deportations of Polish citizens to Siberia during World War II.
1947: The Paris Peace Treaties were signed, officially ending hostilities between Italy, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, and the Allies of World War II.
1962: A Cold War prisoner exchange saw American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers swapped for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel on the Glienicke Bridge.
1967: The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution, addressing presidential disability and succession, was ratified.
1996: World chess champion Garry Kasparov lost the first game of a match against IBM's Deep Blue, marking a milestone in AI history.
2009: Communications satellites Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251 collided in orbit, creating significant space debris.
2013: A stampede during the Kumbh Mela festival in Allahabad, India, led to the deaths of dozens of people.
2016: South Korea ceased operations at the Kaesong industrial complex with North Korea in response to a satellite launch.
2021: The traditional Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was canceled for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Ormond North Beach Cam at Ormond Lifeguard Station
Ormond South Beach Cam at Cardinal Drive
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Ponce Inlet NE Cam
Mon Feb 10
Event: February PTA Meeting, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Pumphouse BBQ, 124 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Monday is Growler Refill Day, 11 AM – 9 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Monday Karaoke at Grind Gastropub, 6 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Peer Cafe Meeting – Hybrid, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Volusia Recovery Alliance, 454 S Yonge St unit a, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: FOXTROT - Group Dance Classes in Ormond Beach, FL (ongoing)
Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: A BOLD Pallette — FLORIDA WOMEN'S ART ASSOCIATION (ongoing)
Art Spotlight, 67 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Connections Exhibit with featured artist Debby Bird (ongoing)
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Aviation Advisory Board Organizational Meeting, 7 PM
Events Center at Ormond Beach, 1437 US-1 STE C1, Ormond Beach, FL
Tue Feb 11
Event: Galentines Coffee Date with a Special Treat, 10 AM
Happy Co Surf & Coffee, 1210 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Coffee and Conversation: Discussing the Strategies..., 9 – 10 AM
Happy Co Surf & Coffee, 1210 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Esh x Schief: 31 Supper Club, 5 – 9 PM
31 Supper Club, 31 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Wine Tasting - Be Our Valentine!, 6 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Dunn's Antique & Vintage Doll Auction, 6 – 10 PM
Dunn's Attic, 136 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: FBCA Varsity Baseball @ CCA, 5:00 – 6:45 PM
Calvary Christian Academy Athletic Department, 1681 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Virtual Speed Dating for Professional Singles!, 9:00 – 10:15 PM
Ormond Main Street Inc, 44 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Watercolor Workshop-Stewart Jones
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Wed Feb 12
AARP Chapter 1057, 10 am, at
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach, 57 N Halifax Dr, Ormond BeachAARP Chapters offer opportunities to connect with other AARP members. Join to meet new people, give back and have fun! Activities can include meals, outings, and community service as a major priority.
UF/IFAS Gardening Florida Style Workshop, 10:30am - 12n
O.B. Environmental Discovery Center , 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
Topics change monthly. For add’l info contact Irene Herring 386-295-0618Event: Organic Gardening in Small Spaces, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Gardening Florida Style, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Ormond EDS Master Gardener Talk, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Valentine's Gemstone Jewelry Class, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Leisure Services Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Love our Locals! Wednesday Night LOL! Live, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Wednesday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Semi-Private Training: 1 Day, 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Business After Hours-Moore Outdoor & CM Custom Pools, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
CM Custom Pool Design, 1133 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Bridge4Hope Grief Support Group – In Person Only, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Volusia Recovery Alliance, 454 S Yonge St unit a, Ormond Beach, FL
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