⭐ Ballots, Beaches & Bank Transfers

Issue #518

Author

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02 Apr

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Today’s Forecast

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Tropical updates will resume on June 1.

⭐ Ballots, Beaches & Bank Transfers

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🐕‍🦺 Ormond’s Dog Beach Is Officially Here to Stay

In a unanimous vote, the Volusia County Council approved making Ormond Beach’s pilot dog beach permanent. Launched in November 2023, the 0.6-mile stretch between Milsap Road and Rockefeller Drive has drawn over 12,800 pups and plenty of praise. Backed by Councilman Troy Kent and supported by organizations like Daytona Dog Beach Inc., the program was largely seen as a model of community cooperation. While the initial cost slightly exceeded donations, compliance was high, and no aggressive incidents were reported. Officials say annual costs will drop with streamlined staffing. The success has even sparked interest in expanding dog-friendly beach access elsewhere. As Council Chair Jeff Brower put it, this pilot succeeded thanks to dedicated volunteers and dog lovers alike.
Source: Ormond Observer

🗳️ Fine Wins CD6 Race in Close Volusia Finish

In the high-profile April 1 special election, Republican Florida Sen. Randy Fine secured a win in Congressional District 6, earning 54.8% of the vote over Democrat Josh Weil's 44.5%. While Fine enjoyed strong support in conservative counties like Flagler and St. Johns, Volusia proved more competitive—Fine led by just over 1,000 votes in the county. The race drew national attention as Democrats aimed to cut into GOP margins, but Fine ultimately prevailed with vocal backing from former President Donald Trump. The new congressman took to social media to thank Trump, vowing not to disappoint. With the campaign trail behind them, all eyes now turn to Fine's performance in Washington.
Source: Ormond Observer

🏗️ Council Eyes Former Fuel Terminal Site for Community Use

With Belvedere Terminals shifting its fuel farm plans to Palm Coast, the question now is: what should become of the property at 874 Hull Road? Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent raised the issue on April 1, hoping to initiate discussion, but ultimately withdrew his motion after colleagues voiced concern over an active application from Belvedere. Despite multiple outreach attempts, the company has yet to respond to the county. Council members expressed caution, noting taxpayer fatigue after a $10 million payout to relocate the terminal. Still, there’s shared interest in securing the site for potential public use, perhaps in partnership with Ormond Beach. Kent says his goal is to avoid history repeating itself, and discussions are likely to continue once legal clarity is obtained.
Source: Ormond Observer

💳 U.S. Treasury Paper Checks to Be Phased Out by September

Say goodbye to paper checks from Uncle Sam. Under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump, the U.S. Treasury will stop issuing paper checks for all federal payments—including Social Security and IRS tax refunds—starting September 30, 2025. The move is intended to combat mail theft and reduce costs, as Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen compared to electronic payments. Exceptions will be rare and granted only in hardship or national security cases. The government will launch a public awareness campaign to help Americans switch to digital options like direct deposit or prepaid debit cards. In Florida, fewer than 1% of Social Security payments are still sent by check, but the order formalizes the push toward full electronic payment.
Source: Daytona News-Journal

Interested in A.I.?
Ormond Beach Author Pens AI Beginners Guide

Debra Brenneman, an Ormond Beach-based author, brings clarity and warmth to a complex topic in her new book AI for Beginners. Inspired by a casual conversation with her son, Brenneman realized just how deeply artificial intelligence has become embedded in our daily lives—from GPS and Alexa to tools like ChatGPT. Recognizing that many people still feel intimidated by the concept, she set out to write a guide that breaks AI down in a way that's accessible, relatable, and free of technical jargon. With AI for Beginners, Brenneman offers a friendly, approachable introduction to the world of artificial intelligence, helping everyday readers understand what AI is, how it works, and why it matters now more than ever. The book goes on sale on Amazon on April 1.

“If you like the book, please leave me a good review on Amazon”
-Debra Brenneman

⭐ Today's Meme ⭐

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Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.

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Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

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 info

  • Wed Apr 2

  • 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

  • Ormond Beach Garden Club Meeting, 9:30am - 12pm  (Sep-May)

    The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM​ 10X
    Ormond Beach Apartments, 600 Crowne Commerce Ct, Ormond Beach​

  • Event: $5 to Wear Blue (Autism Awareness Month), 8 AM – 3 PM​
    Calvary Christian Academy Preschool, 1681 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach​

  • Event: Mixed Media Night Light or Suncatcher Class, 3 – 5 PM​
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach​

  • Event: Private Training: 1 Day, 12 – 2 PM​
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach​

  • Event: Dave Mason's Traffic Jam Let It Flow Tour 2025, 8:00 – 11:30 PM​
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach​

  • Event: Open Mic Event, Mar 5 – Apr 4​
    Kava Culture Kava Bar, 500 W Granada Blvd Ste 5, Ormond Beach​

  • Event: Once Upon a Storytime Series, Mar 11 – Apr 8​
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, 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: SADY Classes, 6 – 8 PM​
    Sica Hall, 1065 Daytona Ave, Holly Hill

  • Thu Apr 3

  • Event: Ormond Beach Farmers Market @ David Hood Plaza, 8 AM – 1 PM
    Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: FREE BLOOD SUGAR AND VISION SCREENING, 10 AM – 1 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL

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

  • Event: Quality of Life Advisory Board, 5 PM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL

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

  • Event: Young Guns, 7 – 10 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL

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

  • Fri Apr 4

  • Event: Private Training: 1 Day, 12–2 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Collective Bargaining Meeting for National..., 1 PM
    Events Center at Ormond Beach, 1437 US-1 STE C1, 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: 'The Rat Pack Together Again' starring Tony Sands, 7–9 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Movies on the Halifax - Peter Rabbit, 8 PM
    Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach

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

  • Event: -Jimmy Ali - Live Friday's at "The Grind", 9:00–11:59 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, 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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