⭐ Development, Health Initiatives, and Flouride Controversies

Issue #504

Author

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19 Mar

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Development, Health Initiatives, and Flouride Controversies

Courtesy Photo

Walmart Expansion on Hold Amid Community Concerns

Ormond Beach’s Planning Board has hit the pause button on Walmart’s proposal to add a 4,752-square-foot expansion to its store on Granada Boulevard. The planned addition was set to enhance the online grocery pickup service, but board members expressed concerns over the store’s aesthetics, safety issues, and overgrown vegetation.

Board members made it clear that as one of the first things visitors see coming off I-95, Walmart needs to do more than just repaint its facade in “Gauntlet Gray.” Issues such as graffiti, an unkempt greenbelt, and transient activity around the property raised red flags.

While Walmart representatives stated they had previously been advised not to touch the greenbelt, the board urged them to return with a plan that includes a stricter policy on trespassing and improved landscaping. The board also plans to meet with Walmart officials to ensure changes align with the city’s expectations before reconsidering the proposal.

Narcan Vending Machines Aim to Combat Opioid Overdoses

A new initiative in Ormond Beach is making life-saving Narcan more accessible. Thanks to grant funding from Volusia County’s opioid abatement program, local nonprofits have installed the city’s first Narcan vending machine at the Grocery Box convenience store on South Yonge Street.

Katherine Russell, executive director of Foundations to Freedom, said the location was chosen due to the area’s high incidence of opioid overdoses. Within two and a half weeks, the vending machine needed two refills, underscoring the demand. The nonprofit has also installed a machine at its main office in DeLand, where 61 Narcan kits were distributed in just five weeks.

With additional grant funding approved by the county, Foundations to Freedom plans to install six more vending machines, and discussions are underway to add 10 more, bringing the total to 18 by year’s end. Meanwhile, Volusia Recovery Alliance has been equipping local businesses with Narcan kits, particularly in high-traffic areas like bars during events such as Bike Week.

Free Speech and Law Enforcement Clash in Flagler Beach

A St. Augustine man known for documenting First Amendment rights violations was recently arrested outside the Funky Pelican in Flagler Beach—but the charges didn’t hold up. Jeff Gray, a veteran and YouTube creator, was standing on a public sidewalk holding a sign reading “God Bless the Homeless Vets” when restaurant staff called the police. He was charged with felony armed trespassing for refusing to move.

Legal experts quickly pointed out that Gray was within his rights to remain on the public sidewalk, and the State Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges. Gray, who legally carried a firearm, has a history of challenging law enforcement through his YouTube channel, HonorYourOath Civil Rights Investigations. His attorney is now exploring possible legal action against the city.

In response, Flagler Beach officials have announced new training sessions for law enforcement and city staff on First Amendment rights and public property regulations. Whether Gray will pursue damages remains to be seen, but the incident has sparked a renewed conversation on civil rights and policing.

Fluoride Debate Heats Up in Volusia County

Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach have recently decided to remove fluoride from their water supplies, following guidance from Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. The decision is sparking controversy, with local dentists warning that eliminating fluoridation could lead to increased tooth decay, particularly in children.

Ladapo’s concerns stem from a federal study suggesting high fluoride levels may be linked to lower IQs in children. However, national health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the CDC, maintain that community water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure.

Local dentist Dr. Wendy Tresher expressed disappointment over the decision, citing the long-term benefits of fluoridated water, especially for underserved communities. With more cities considering similar measures, the debate over fluoride’s benefits versus potential risks is unlikely to settle anytime soon.

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Ormond North Beach Cam at Ormond Lifeguard Station
Ormond South Beach Cam at Cardinal Drive - Not Available
Ormond by the Sea South Beach Cam - Not Available

Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm inf

  • Wed Mar 19

  • 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) 441-4421

  • Event: Spring Bird Walks with Joan Tague, 8 AM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach

  • Event: 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

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

  • Event: Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Camp Pictona - 3-Day Adult Camp, March 17 – 19
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill

  • Thu Mar 20

  • Event: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
    Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL

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

  • Event: Gentle Flow, 6 – 7 PM
    Sol Wellness Yoga Studio, 725 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Subaru of Daytona Challenge 2025 at Pictona, Mar 20 – Mar 23
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL

  • Event: Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Subaru Challenge Pickleball Tournament, Mar 20 – Mar 23
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL

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

  • Event: Third Thursday Docent Tour
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach,

  • Event: Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Once Upon a Storytime Series
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Open Bezel Jewelry Class by Janie
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Online Auction
    Public Storage, 610 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Fri Mar 21

  • Event: Subaru of Daytona Challenge 2025 at Pictona, Mar 20 – Mar 23
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill

  • Event: Semi-Private Training (1-day Session 2pm-4pm), 2:00 – 4:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Clayton Sturgeon, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
    Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Ormond Beach Moose Lodge, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
    Loyal Order of Moose, 601 W Granada Blvd, 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: Fletcher’s Irish Pub & Brewery – Holly Hill, 8:30 PM
    Fletcher's Brewery, 745 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill

  • Event: Jimmy Ali at The Grind on Friday's, 9:00 – 11:55 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: DB Pickles Fundraiser Fridays’ – March 21, 2025, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
    400 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Spring Break Crafts, 11:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Yoga Outdoors with Kim - February and March at 10 AM, 10:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.

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