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- ⭐ After Public Comments Stir Controversy, Ormond Beach Weighs New Rules for Elected Officials
⭐ After Public Comments Stir Controversy, Ormond Beach Weighs New Rules for Elected Officials
Issue #477
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20 Feb
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After Public Comments Stir Controversy, Ormond Beach Weighs New Rules for Elected Officials
Courtesy Photo
Ormond Beach commissioners are pursuing an ordinance requiring a majority vote before elected officials, including the mayor, can act on behalf of the city. The measure, introduced by Commissioner Kristin Deaton, follows concerns that recent public comments by Mayor Jason Leslie misrepresented city projects and policies. Leslie’s appearance on a local news broadcast showcasing city amenities and redevelopment timelines, reportedly without prior coordination with city staff, prompted criticism from several commissioners. Additionally, Leslie’s involvement in a half-mast flag tribute for a local pilot drew concerns over perceived self-promotion. Commissioners emphasized the city’s commissioner-manager government model, which requires collaborative decision-making. Allegations that an elected official sought the removal of City Manager Joyce Shanahan were also raised, though Leslie denied any such intent. Leslie acknowledged the feedback and committed to aligning future statements with official city positions. The proposed ordinance will be reviewed in the coming weeks.
Sandcrabs Dominate Season Opener Behind Gupta’s Two Touchdown Passes
Seabreeze High School began its flag football season with a 26-6 victory over Matanzas on Tuesday, led by sophomore quarterback Rani Gupta in her varsity debut. Gupta threw two touchdown passes to receiver Camryn Chiumento, helping the Sandcrabs build a 13-0 halftime lead. Annabel Thistle added two touchdown runs in the second half to seal the win.
Matanzas senior Aaliyah Jones-Boney scored the Pirates’ lone touchdown in the fourth quarter, stepping in at quarterback after playing most of the game as a slot receiver. The Pirates also tested freshman quarterback Yadielis Morales in her varsity debut as part of their strategy to develop younger players.
With the win, Seabreeze looks to carry its momentum into Thursday’s game against Flagler Palm Coast, while Matanzas will seek its first win of the season when it hosts Taylor on Feb. 25.
Affordable Housing Expansion Coming to Volusia County With Hurricane Relief Funds
Volusia County Council
The Volusia County Council has approved a $10.4 million investment, funded entirely by federal Hurricane Ian relief money, to develop 280 affordable housing units across Daytona Beach, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and Orange City. The unanimous vote aims to address housing shortages following the 2022 storm, which caused an estimated $20 million in damage to local public housing authorities.
Daytona Beach’s 56 units will be reserved for seniors, with rent capped at approximately $656 per month. DeLand’s 84 units will include 13 designated for homeless residents. New Smyrna Beach’s 60 units will be built on previously flooded land, with drainage improvements to mitigate future risks. Orange City’s 80 units will be available to those earning up to 80% of the area’s median income, with 52 reserved for those earning 60% or less. Acruva Community Developers will lead construction, aiming to provide long-term relief in the county’s affordable housing market.
SpaceX’s Florida Starship Facility Set for 2025 Construction Start
SpaceX will begin construction of its Starship Starbase facility in Florida on April 1, 2025, with completion slated for August 2, 2026, according to FAA documents. Known as the “Gigabay,” the facility will support the assembly and launch of Starship rockets, designed to carry up to 100 passengers for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars.
While SpaceX is known for its rapid development approach, challenges persist. A recent uncrewed Starship test ended with an explosion over the North Atlantic, highlighting the ongoing testing process. Industry experts anticipate that early-stage development will remain centered at SpaceX’s Texas site, with the Florida facility focusing on more advanced, operational flights as testing progresses.
Although Elon Musk has set a goal of reaching Mars by 2026, experts consider that timeline ambitious. Still, the construction of the Florida Starbase marks a critical step toward expanding SpaceX’s capabilities and cementing Florida’s Space Coast as a hub for future space exploration.
Source: See Full Story at WESH.com
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐
⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!
Ormond North Beach Cam at Ormond Lifeguard Station
Ormond South Beach Cam at Cardinal Drive
Ormond by the Sea East Beach Cam
Temporarily Unavailable
Ponce Inlet NE Cam
Wed Feb 19
Event: Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
Alfies Restaurant, 1666 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach
All Are Welcome! More info at (386) 441-4421Event: Private Training: 1 Day, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Jordan Redding, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
31 Supper Club, 31 W Granada Blvd Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Cody Criswell, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Wednesday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd Ormond Beach, FL
Event: Yael Zaza Flamenca: Rockefeller's Wine & Elegance, 7:00 PM
Rockefellers Ormond, 142 E Granada Blvd STE 7 Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214 Ormond Beach, FL
Thu Feb 20
Event: Ormond Beach Farmers Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Thursday Night with Hayfire!, 6 – 9 PM
Clarion Inn Ormond Beach at Destination Daytona, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Datenight With Friends 2.0, 6 PM
Pepper's Mexican Grill and Cantina, 794 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Daytona Beach Gator Club - Gator Nation Giving Day, 6 – 8 PM
Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Chamber. Coffee. Connect., 9 – 10 AM
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Exhibit Opening Reception: Artifacts of Transformation, 5 – 7 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Third Thursday Docent Tour, 4 – 5 PM
78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Kids Club, All Day
1464 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: News Channel 6 Live Broadcast, All Day
49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Camp Pictona, All Day
1082 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
Fri Feb 21
Event: Steel Oak Coffee - Free Friday Tastings, 2 AM
Steel Oak Coffee, 187 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Pension Boards Meeting, 8:30 AM
Events Center at Ormond Beach, 1437 US-1 STE C1, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: DB Pickles Fundraiser Fridays’ – February 21, 2025, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
400 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: 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, FLEvent: Open Bezel Jewelry Class by Janie, Feb 21 – Mar 21
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Sat Feb 22
Event: Second Light Band, 6:15 – 10:15 AM
Loyal Order of Moose, 601 W Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Future City Music Festival, All Day
25 Riverside Dr, Ormond BeachEvent: First Annual Ormond's Finest Car Show, 10 AM – 3 PM
Nova Community Center, 440 N Nova Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Amazing Scavenger Hunt! - Ormond Beach Bounty Bonanza, 1 – 10 PM
22 S Beach St, Ormond BeachEvent: Digital Photography Basics, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Small Group Saturdays-K, 9 – 11 AM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: SEAGLASS ANGEL Mixed Media Class, 1 – 3 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Turtle Tote Acrylic Painting Class, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: American Revolution Experience, All Day
Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond BeachEvent: Debby Bird "Portraits and Beyond: Exploring the Figure," All Day
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Online Auction, All Day
Public Storage, 610 S Yonge St, Ormond BeachEvent: FOXTROT - Group Dance Classes, All Day
Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond BeachEvent: WEST COAST SWING CLASSES - ALL LEVELS, All Day
JJ's Dance Fusion, 298 S Nova Rd STE D, Ormond BeachEvent: A BOLD Palette — FLORIDA WOMEN'S ART ASSOCIATION, All Day
Art Spotlight, 67 W Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: US Senior Pickleball North American Championship, All Day
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
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