⭐ New Flouride Law, Schools, Beach Driving and Real ID

Issue #534

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18 Apr

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Today’s Forecast

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⭐ New Flouride Law, Schools, Beach Driving and Real ID

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🚰 Fluoride Flap Continues In Florida

In a move that’s causing a stir across the state, the Florida Senate has passed a bill that could effectively ban the addition of fluoride to public water supplies. The legislation, part of a broader “Florida Farm Bill,” would restrict any additives that aren’t directly related to water quality—leaving fluoride, which is added to help prevent cavities, on the chopping block.

The bill’s supporters, including State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, frame the measure as a matter of "medical freedom," while critics argue it disregards decades of public health science. If passed by the House, Florida could follow Utah in becoming one of the few states to restrict water fluoridation.

Meanwhile, cities like Miami-Dade are battling internally, with their mayor vetoing a local fluoride ban earlier this month.
Source: Ormond Observer

🏫 Volusia Schools Face Tough Budget Math

Volusia County Schools is staring down a $25.8 million budget shortfall—and consolidation may be on the table. With public school enrollment outpaced by charter, private, and homeschool alternatives, the district is struggling to operate small campuses efficiently.

Officials say schools must hit specific enrollment "sweet spots" to make ends meet—750 students at elementary, 1,150 at middle, and 1,850 at high schools. Board members are now weighing the difficult but necessary conversation around mergers and rezoning.

Some see this as an overdue adjustment, pointing to neighboring counties like St. Johns, which operates fewer schools with better pay and results. Superintendent Carmen Balgobin is open to solutions, but emphasized that decisions must be based on facts—not just feelings.
Source: Daytona News-Journal

🚗 Beach Driving Comeback?

A blast from the past could be returning to Daytona Beach: beach driving near Main Street. The Volusia County Council voted to explore reopening a stretch of beachfront between International Speedway Boulevard and Auditorium Boulevard.

It’s not a done deal—legal and legislative hurdles remain—but supporters believe it could revitalize the area’s economy. Councilman Troy Kent called it an effort to “right a wrong” and return public access to the people.

However, not everyone is ready to race ahead. State lawmakers have signaled hesitation, and progress will likely be gradual. Still, for fans of tradition and tire tracks in the sand, it’s a promising start.
Source: Daytona News-Journal

✈️ REAL ID Deadline Is Approaching

Planning to fly in 2025? Make sure your Florida driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant. Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 or older flying domestically must present either a REAL ID (look for the star in the top-right corner) or another accepted form of ID, like a passport.

To get a REAL ID, you’ll need to visit a driver’s license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents confirming your residential address. If your license isn’t due for renewal before the deadline, don’t wait—book an appointment early.

Note: REAL IDs can’t be used for international travel, so you’ll still need a passport to visit the Bahamas or Canada.
Source: Daytona News-Journal

Recent Arrests

Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Jeremy Arthur Robertson, 43, was arrested April 6 for battery. No bail set.

  • Kevin Ray Yule, 47, was arrested April 7 for failure to register as a sex offender. No bail set.

  • Levi Michael Williams, 25, was arrested April 8 for possession of THC oil, cannabis, and paraphernalia. Bail: $3,500.

  • Brent Sanders, 57, was arrested April 9 for burglary (vehicle and structure), grand theft, and possession of amphetamine (with intent to sell) and paraphernalia. Bail: $23,500.

  • Charles Robert Wagner, 40, was arrested April 9 for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and trespassing. Bail: $3,000.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office

  • Robert Albert Goodwin, 36, was arrested April 4 for fleeing police, drug possession (Schedule II), paraphernalia, and driving with a revoked license. Bail: $23,000.

  • Kent Leon Cole, 61, was arrested April 5 for possession of cocaine and a controlled substance, and resisting an officer without violence. Bail: $5,500.

  • James Durano Daniels Jr., 54, of Holly Hill, was arrested April 7 for failure to return leased equipment. Bail: $2,500.

  • Arsenio Medina, 47, of Ormond-by-the-Sea, was arrested April 7 for possession of cocaine with intent to sell. Bail: $10,000.

  • Jeffrey Stephen Brannan, 34, was arrested April 9 for battery. No bail set.

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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 info

  

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, 8pm
    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..., 12pm-8pm
    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.

    Sun Apr 20

  • Event: Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10 AM – 12 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A semi-private training session focusing on functional fitness and knockout drills.

  • Event: 2025 Mayor's Health & Fitness Challenge, ongoing
    South Ormond Neighborhood Center and Park, 176 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    A multi-week community challenge promoting wellness, activity, and friendly competition.

  • Event: Artifacts of Transformation at Ormond Memorial Art Museum, ongoing
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    An exhibit exploring personal and cultural change through visual storytelling.

  • Event: Art in Full Bloom — Art Spotlight, ongoing
    Art Spotlight, 67 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A spring-themed art exhibition featuring blooming creativity by local artists.

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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