⭐ Local Author’s Journey, Sports Success, Kids Safety Alert

Issue #537

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⭐ Local Author’s Journey, Sports Success, Kids Safety Alert

Photo: Diana Fritz

📖 Local Resident Shares Cancer Journey in Inspiring New Book

While the Sandcrabs celebrate their athletic achievement, another remarkable Ormond Beach story has emerged through literature. Diana Fritz, a longtime resident since 1999, has published her first book titled "Uniquely Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified," chronicling her decade-long battle with cancer.

Fritz, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2014 and lost her left eye in 2023, shares her experience of balancing life as a cancer patient while being an executive and single mother. Her autobiography explores how people can use their unique qualities to provide value to others, emphasizing the importance of embracing adversity rather than adopting a victim mentality.

"Being a cancer patient and also being an executive and a single mom at the same time, we were just navigating the cancer journey," Fritz explains. "If you choose not to be a victim, it ties to that 'Uniquely Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified' title."

Looking ahead, Fritz plans to facilitate workshops based on her book and is developing a children's version.

⚾ Sandcrabs Clinch District Baseball Championship in Dominant Fashion

The Seabreeze Sandcrabs crushed Belleview 15-0 in four innings to claim the District 5-5A baseball championship on April 17 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. In what coach Jeff Lemon dubbed the "Jacob Show," Jacob Imhoff, Jacob McKinnon and Jacob Deising combined for an impressive offensive performance, going 5-for-7 with five RBIs.

The victory featured numerous standout performances, including Brody Harris's four-inning no-hitter and Wrigley Zweifel's four RBIs that included a bases-clearing triple. The win marked Seabreeze's second district championship in three years and improved their record to 16-11.

The fourth-seeded Sandcrabs now advance to face fifth-seeded Wesley Chapel in a best-of-three regional quarterfinal series. The first two games are scheduled for April 23-24 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, with a potential deciding game set for April 26 at Wesley Chapel.

⚠️ Safety Alert: Gerber Recalls Teething Products Due to Choking Hazard

While we celebrate local achievements, it's also important to stay informed about safety concerns. Gerber Products Company is reminding consumers about their January 31, 2025 recall of all batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks due to potential choking hazards for babies and young children.

The recall applies to Strawberry Apple and Banana flavored teething sticks distributed nationwide. Despite the initial recall announcement, recent reports indicate that these products may still be available on some retailer shelves and online marketplaces.

Parents who have purchased these products are advised not to feed them to their children and can return them to the retailer for a full refund. The recall was initiated after receiving multiple consumer complaints of choking incidents.

For additional information or support, Gerber's customer service is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).

Source: FDA.gov

Historical Events in Florida - April 21

  • 1513: Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who had been searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth, departed Florida after his initial exploration of the region.

  • 1822: The Territorial Legislative Council met for the first time in Pensacola following Florida's official transfer from Spain to the United States.

  • 1865: During the final days of the Civil War, the Battle of Natural Bridge veterans returned to Tallahassee, confirming that the Florida capital would remain the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi not captured by Union forces.

  • 1898: The USS Nashville captured the Spanish ship Buena Ventura off Key West during the Spanish-American War, marking one of the first naval captures of the conflict.

  • 1908: The Jacksonville Terminal railway station officially opened, becoming one of the largest railroad stations in the South.

  • 1924: The Miami Metropolis newspaper published its final edition after 28 years of operation.

  • 1937: Ernest Hemingway completed his novel "To Have and Have Not," which was partially set in Key West.

  • 1961: The Cape Canaveral launch facility tested its Mercury-Atlas system in preparation for America's first manned orbital space flight.

  • 1967: The Overseas Highway connecting the Florida Keys to the mainland was significantly expanded and improved.

  • 1975: NASA's Kennedy Space Center completed preparations for the upcoming Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first joint U.S.-Soviet space mission.

  • 1983: Florida Governor Bob Graham signed legislation establishing the "Save Our Everglades" program, a landmark conservation initiative.

  • 1994: Florida's Preservation 2000 Act was passed, establishing one of the nation's largest land acquisition programs for environmental protection.

  • 2010: The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico began affecting Florida's coastline, marking the beginning of significant environmental impacts on the state.

  • 2016: Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale welcomed its 100 millionth cruise passenger, highlighting Florida's dominance in the cruise industry.

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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

  

  • Mon Apr 21

  • Event: 2025 Mayor's Health & Fitness Challenge, time not specified
    South Ormond Neighborhood Center and Park, 176 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Join this community-wide initiative encouraging wellness through fun fitness activities.

  • Event: Art in Full Bloom — Art Spotlight, time not specified
    Art Spotlight, 67 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A vibrant showcase of floral-inspired art pieces from local creators.

  • Event: Artifacts of Transformation at Ormond Memorial Art Museum, time not specified
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Explore transformative works by featured artists in a lush garden setting.

    Tue Apr 22

  • Event: Earth Day Beach Yoga & Cleanup, 9 AM – 12 PM
    Birthplace of Speed Park, 21 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Celebrate Earth Day with a refreshing beach yoga session followed by a community cleanup.

  • Event: Earth Day Homeschool Terrarium Build, 11 AM – 1 PM
    Central Park, 601 Fleming Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Hands-on Earth Day activity for homeschoolers to build their own terrariums in a park setting.

    Wed Apr 23

  • Event: Open House - 10AM-1PM, 6–9 AM
    Wellington Station Condominiums, 1001 Hand Ave, Ormond Beach
    Explore this residential opportunity during morning hours at Wellington Station.

  • Event: Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM
    10X Ormond Beach Apartments, 600 Crowne Commerce Ct, Ormond Beach
    A public meeting to discuss and review development proposals for the Ormond Beach area.

  • Event: Veterans Creative Expressions Workshop, 11 AM - 12:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A workshop offering veterans a space to express themselves through art and creativity.

  • 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
    Sing your heart out at this lively karaoke night hosted by Harryoke.

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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