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⭐ Policy Debates, Fire Warnings, Park Protections & Daytona Shooting

Issue #533

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17 Apr

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⭐ Policy Debates, Fire Warnings, Park Protections & Daytona Shooting

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🏕️ Cities Respond to New Camping Law

Ormond Beach and Palm Coast have moved to align with a new state law that bans overnight sleeping or camping in public spaces. The ordinance, approved in a first reading on April 15, aims to bring cities into compliance with Florida Statute 125.0231. The law—signed by Governor DeSantis in 2024—prohibits regular public camping on city-owned lands and rights of way. However, it allows counties to designate temporary safe zones with strict requirements including sanitation, safety, and support services.

While Ormond Beach works with First Step Shelter to offer support to unhoused residents, Flagler County has no shelter alternative. Palm Coast Council Member Ty Miller raised concerns about the impact, noting that simply relocating individuals doesn’t address the root causes of homelessness.

“We’re just moving it down the street,” Miller said.
Source: Ormond Observer

🔥 Volusia County Under Burn Ban

A burn ban is now active in Volusia County due to dangerously dry conditions, with the drought index (KBDI) exceeding 500. The ban prohibits outdoor burning—including yard waste, bonfires, and fire pits—unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service. Contained gas or charcoal grills remain permissible.

Fire crews are already battling wildfires near New Smyrna Beach, and fire danger remains high across Central Florida. Authorities warn that violations could bring fines up to $500 or even jail time. Residents are encouraged to practice fire safety: keep lawns clear of dry vegetation, maintain a buffer around structures, and avoid tossing lit cigarettes.

With warm, windy weather forecasted to continue, officials urge everyone to stay vigilant and help prevent wildfires.
Source: MyNews13.com

🌳 Florida House Moves to Protect State Parks

The Florida House has passed a bill (HB 209) to limit commercial development in state parks, effectively blocking golf courses, luxury lodges, and similar projects. The bill is a direct response to last year’s “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which proposed expanding recreational amenities but faced intense public backlash.

Supporters of the House version say it better protects natural habitats, limiting development and emphasizing conservation. A competing Senate bill is still in flux, raising concerns due to ambiguous language about using “disturbed uplands,” which critics fear could allow loopholes for construction.

Environmental advocates prefer the House bill’s stronger protections and hope the Senate will align. As negotiations continue, park lovers across the state are watching closely.
Source: Daytona News-Journal

🚨 Fatal Shooting Under Investigation in Daytona

The Daytona Beach Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the early hours of April 14 on Ontario Court, near Campbell Middle School. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found one victim deceased and three others injured—two in critical condition and one treated and released.

While police believe the victims were connected and the incident was isolated, no suspects or motives have yet been identified. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Edwin Soto at (386) 671-5420.

This marks another reminder of the community’s ongoing concerns with violent crime and the importance of neighborhood vigilance.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach.com

What to Look for in a Budget Laptop: Smart Choices for Tight Wallets

In a market overflowing with options, buying a budget laptop can feel like a gamble. But for those aiming to keep their spending under $500—particularly students, remote workers, or casual users—there are clear benchmarks that help separate a wise purchase from a frustrating one.

Experts advise that the very first decision involves the operating system. Windows remains the standard for its wide compatibility, though it often demands more system resources than its lighter counterpart, ChromeOS. Chromebooks, running on ChromeOS, offer streamlined performance for basic tasks and browsing, though their limitations in app support may frustrate more demanding users.

MacBooks are generally not viable in the sub-$500 bracket. Even discounted models tend to be older and compromise significantly on performance. For those looking to stretch their dollar, PC laptops or Chromebooks remain the most practical options.

Perhaps the most important hardware spec to watch is RAM. A minimum of 8GB is now considered essential for smooth multitasking and general use, while 16GB offers better longevity and performance down the line. Shoppers tempted by $300 models should be cautious—many at that price offer only 4GB of RAM, which often proves insufficient for everyday tasks, even with lighter systems like ChromeOS.

Though budget laptops often forgo bells and whistles like high-end graphics cards or premium materials, those who prioritize essential specs like RAM and a reliable OS will find many capable machines suited for school, work, and daily browsing.

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

  

  • Thu Apr 17

  • Event: PaddleFest, 7:00 AM
    Tomoka State Park, 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    A water-based recreational event for paddlers of all levels, held within the scenic Tomoka State Park.

  • Event: Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Weekly open-air market offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and local specialties.

  • Event: Chamber. Coffee. Connect., 9:00 – 10:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Morning networking meetup for local professionals to connect over coffee.

  • Event: Daytona Beach, FL – Empower’s 2025 Road Show, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
    Rose Villa Restaurant, 43 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A financial services event to explore retirement planning and investment tools.

  • Event: Wire Weave Bracelet Making Class, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Craft class where participants learn to create handmade wire jewelry.

  • Event: BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
    Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live entertainment event featuring food, drinks, and ocean views.

  • Event: Protoje, Time TBD
    The Pavilion at Destination Daytona, 1651 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Jamaican reggae star performs live as part of his international tour.

  • Event: Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8:00 – 10:00 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
    A lively trivia game night featuring drinks and prizes in a laid-back lounge.

  • Event: Third Thursday Docent Tour, Time TBD
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Guided tour through the museum’s latest exhibits, led by volunteer docents.

    Fri Apr 18

  • Event: ZUMBA - Dance & Fitness Group Class in Ormond/Daytona, 9–10 AM
    Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond Beach, FL
    Get moving and energized with a fun and high-intensity Zumba class suitable for all fitness levels.

  • Event: PaddleFest, 9 AM
    Tomoka State Park, 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy a scenic paddle on the river and celebrate outdoor recreation in a beautiful natural setting.

  • Event: Yoga Outdoors with Kim - Fridays in April, 10 AM
    O.B. Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
    Join Kim for a peaceful outdoor yoga session surrounded by nature in this recurring Friday class.

  • Event: Café Roberto, 6:30–9:00 AM
    beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Start your morning with good vibes, espresso, and great conversation at this beachside café event.

  • Event: Private Training: 1 Day, 12–2 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Take part in focused, one-on-one athletic or personal training with expert guidance.

  • Event: Ormond Beach Moose Lodge, 6 PM
    Loyal Order of Moose, 601 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Socialize with members and enjoy a friendly evening at this community-focused fraternal lodge.

  • Event: Mama Cannoli at Ormond Brewing Company, 6 PM
    Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy Italian delights from the Mama Cannoli food truck while sipping local craft brews.

  • 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, FL
    Take the mic and belt out your favorite hits in this lively karaoke night with local legend HARRYOKE.

  • Event: SEBDR Screening: Triumph Daytona, 7:30–10:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Motos, 430 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Motorcycle and adventure lovers won't want to miss this film screening about the Southeast Backcountry Discovery Route.

  • Event: Protoje, 8:00–9:30 PM
    The Pavilion at Destination Daytona, 1651 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Groove to the reggae rhythms of Protoje in this evening concert sure to get you moving.

  • Event: JimmyAli at The Grind on Friday, 9:00–11:55 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Wrap up your Friday with live music by JimmyAli at this popular local tiki-themed gastropub.

  • Event: 2025 Mayor's Health & Fitness Challenge, ongoing
    South Ormond Neighborhood Center and Park, 176 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Take part in a community-wide initiative promoting wellness through friendly competition and lifestyle challenges.

  • Event: Art in Full Bloom — Art Spotlight, ongoing
    Art Spotlight, 67 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Browse a vibrant collection of floral-inspired artwork from local artists celebrating the beauty of spring.

  • Event: Artifacts of Transformation at Ormond Memorial Art Museum, ongoing
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Explore a powerful exhibit showcasing transformative works that reflect change, growth, and artistic evolution.

  • Event: Watercolor Workshop with artist Bibi Gromling, ongoing
    Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Learn watercolor techniques in a hands-on setting with guidance from a celebrated local artist.

    Sat Apr 19

  • Event: Sink Or Swim 2025, 6 AM – 5 PM
    East Ormond Beach CrossFit, 123 N Orchard St #6b, Ormond Beach, FL
    A fitness competition testing strength and endurance across a variety of CrossFit-style challenges.

  • Event: Donut Dash 5K, 8 AM – 12 PM
    Trails Shopping Center, 298 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A sweet-themed 5K race where participants earn donuts along the route.

  • Event: Small Group Saturday-LS, 10 AM – 12 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A local sports program offering skill-building activities for kids in small group settings.

  • Event: Florida Noir: Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem, 10 – 11 AM
    Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    A dramatic storytelling and lecture event focused on Florida’s dark and twisted history.

  • Event: Hibiscus Apron Painting Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A creative workshop where guests paint tropical hibiscus designs on aprons..

  • Event: Special Needs Egg Hunt, 2:30 PM
    1687 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A family-friendly, inclusive Easter egg hunt event tailored to special needs children.

  • Event: Watercolor Workshop, 1 – 4 PM
    Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A hands-on class for beginners to experienced artists exploring watercolor techniques.

  • Event: 2 Foot Wooden Surfboard Wall Hanging - Paint Class, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Participants paint custom surfboard wall hangings in a laid-back coastal setting.

  • Event: Steeln' Peaches: Celebrating the Allman Brothers Band, 7 – 11 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    A live tribute concert honoring the music and spirit of the Allman Brothers Band.

  • Event: BedRock "80's Hairband Rock Experience" at Saints..., 6 – 10 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    A high-energy 1980s rock tribute band performing hair metal hits.

  • Event: Saturday Afternoon ROCKS with Bar Fly, 1 – 5 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Afternoon rock music with Bar Fly at a lively biker-friendly venue.

  • Event: Michael Jackson Tribute, Apr 19 – 20
    790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    A weekend-long tribute to the King of Pop featuring iconic hits and performances.

  • Event: Cousins Maine Lobster🦞 at Holly Hill: Copper..., Apr 19 – 20
    998 N Beach St, Holly Hill, FL
    The popular food truck serves up fresh Maine lobster rolls and seafood delights.

  • Event: Northern Area Ball
    American Legion Post 120, 461 Walker St, Holly Hill, FL
    A formal evening hosted by the American Legion celebrating local members and veterans.

  • Event: Calvary Easter Outreach — Calvary Christian Academy, 9 – 10 PM
    Calvary Christian Academy Athletic Department, 1681 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A community celebration featuring Easter activities and spiritual outreach for families.

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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