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- ⭐ NASCAR President Steve Phelps and ABB CEO Morten Wierod
⭐ NASCAR President Steve Phelps and ABB CEO Morten Wierod
Issue #481
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Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical updates will resume on June 1.
Swipe Temperature Grid To See More Days
NASCAR Expands EV Charging as Part of Sustainability Drive
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NASCAR President Steve Phelps and ABB CEO Morten Wierod Courtesy Photo: ABB
NASCAR has installed 30 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at its Daytona Beach headquarters, advancing its sustainability goals in partnership with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and ABB. This initiative supports NASCAR’s transition to electric fleet vehicles and contributes to its broader NASCAR IMPACT program, which aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. The chargers were supplied through FPL’s EVolution commercial charging solutions, while ABB’s involvement builds on its Electrification Innovation Partnership with NASCAR, which explores high-performance electric racing and infrastructure advancements. With two ABB facilities located in Ormond Beach, the company plays a key role in supporting NASCAR’s sustainability efforts. The addition of EV chargers represents a critical step in NASCAR’s push to reduce its environmental impact, aligning with industry trends toward cleaner energy solutions. The organization continues to explore sustainable fuels, recycling programs, and energy-efficient technologies as part of its long-term commitment to environmental responsibility.
Iconic SS United States Embarks on Final Voyage to Florida Coast
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Daytona News-Journal Video Clip
The SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic, is en route to Florida, where it will become the world’s largest artificial reef. Towed by four tugboats, the ship will reach Mobile, Alabama, for a year-long cleanup before being submerged about 20 nautical miles south of the Florida Panhandle. Purchased by Okaloosa County in 2024, the nearly 1,000-foot vessel will serve as an underwater habitat for marine life and a diving attraction, with an accompanying museum displaying key artifacts. Built in 1952, the SS United States set a still-unbroken transatlantic speed record and could transport 14,000 troops without refueling. It carried famous passengers including Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, and several U.S. presidents. After decades of failed redevelopment efforts, the ship’s final voyage marks the start of a new role beneath the Gulf of Mexico.
Grocery Prices Surge Nearly 25% Nationwide: How Florida Compares
Grocery prices have surged nearly 25% since 2020, reflecting a nationwide trend driven by inflation and supply chain disruptions. According to WalletHub, Florida ranks 16th among U.S. states for the percentage of income spent on groceries, with residents allocating an average of 2.13% of their monthly earnings to food purchases.
The analysis compared the cost of 26 common grocery items across all 50 states, revealing that states with lower average incomes tend to spend a higher percentage on groceries, despite having lower overall prices. Mississippi ranked highest in grocery spending relative to income.
USDA data shows that while price growth slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, certain items saw significant increases. Egg prices rose by 8.5%, largely due to the avian influenza outbreak that began in 2022. Beef and veal prices climbed by 5.4%, while sugar and sweets increased by 3.0%.
As grocery costs remain elevated, financial experts recommend budgeting strategies and seeking discounts to help offset rising expenses.
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1582: Pope Gregory XIII orders the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, reforming the Julian calendar.
1607: Claudio Monteverdi's opera L'Orfeo, considered the first opera, premieres in Mantua, Italy.
1868: The U.S. House of Representatives votes 126–47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson.
1920: The German Nazi Party is founded; Adolf Hitler becomes its leader in 1921.
1942: The Struma disaster occurs when a ship carrying Jewish refugees is torpedoed and sunk in the Black Sea, resulting in approximately 791 deaths.
1945: Egyptian Premier Ahmed Maher Pasha is assassinated in parliament after reading a decree declaring war on Germany and Japan.
1970: National Public Radio (NPR) is founded in the United States.
1989: United Airlines Flight 811 experiences an explosive decompression over the Pacific Ocean, leading to the deaths of nine passengers.
2010: Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar becomes the first player to score a double-century in a One Day International match.
2022: Russia invades Ukraine, marking the largest military attack in Europe since World War II.
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐
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⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!
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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
Temporarily Unavailable
Ponce Inlet NE Cam
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Mon Feb 24
Event: Special Magistrate Hearing, 10 AM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Mosquito Control Awareness Class, 1 PM
Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Monday Karaoke at Grind Gastropub, 6 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Housing Authority, 8 PM
100 New Britain Ave, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Open Mic Event (Feb 7 – Mar 9), All Day
Kava Culture Kava Bar, 500 W Granada Blvd Ste 5, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: FOXTROT - Group Dance Classes, All Day (Jan 28 – Feb 25)
Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Debby Bird "Portraits and Beyond: Exploring the Art", All Day (Feb 1 – 28)
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: Connections Exhibit with featured artist Debby Bird, All Day (Feb 1 – 28)
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FLEvent: US Senior Pickleball North American Championship, All Day (Feb 21 – 24)
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FLEvent: American Revolution Experience, All Day (Feb 22 – Mar 3)
Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FLTue Feb 25
Event: BOSS – Entrepreneur: Developing a Winning Business, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
S.R. Perrott, Inc., 1280 US-1, Ormond BeachEvent: Private Training: 1 Day, 12 – 2 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Esh x Schief: 31 Supper Club, 5 – 9 PM
31 Supper Club, 31 W Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: FOXTROT - Group Dance Classes in Ormond Beach, 5 – 9 PM
Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond BeachEvent: American Revolution Experience, All Day (Feb 22 – Mar 3)
Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond BeachEvent: Connections Exhibit with featured artist Debby Bird, All Day (Feb 1 – 28)
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Open Bezel Jewelry Class by Janie, All Day (Feb 21 – Mar 21)
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachWed Feb 26
Event: Central Park – Ormond Beach, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Central Park, 600 Hammock Ln, Ormond BeachEvent: Collective Bargaining Meeting for International, 1 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond BeachEvent: Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Mixed Media Night Light or Suncatcher Class, 3 – 5 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Big Engine: Saints & Sinners Bike Week Kickoff, 4 – 8 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond BeachEvent: Wednesday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond BeachEvent: Seth Pause, 6 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond BeachEvent: Open Bezel Jewelry Class by Janie, All Day (Feb 21 – Mar 21)
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: Connections Exhibit with featured artist Debby Bird, All Day (Feb 1 – 28)
Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachEvent: American Revolution Experience, All Day (Feb 22 – Mar 3)
Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here
NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification.
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