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⭐ The Turtle is Dead, New SBA Deadline, ECHO Grants, 85 yr Old Bodybuilder, Avelo Leaves

🦀 Thirsty Turtle Seagrill Closes in Ormond Beach

The dining scene in Ormond Beach has seen another change as Thirsty Turtle Seagrill at The Trails Shopping Center has closed its doors. The restaurant, located at 250 N. Nova Road, opened just this past December after Burntwood Tavern closed at the same location.

A sign recently posted on the door thanked patrons, stating the restaurant "enjoyed being part of the Ormond Beach community for a short time." Both restaurant chains operate under the Monven Group umbrella.

Thirsty Turtle Seagrill, originally founded in 1994 in Juno Beach, continues to operate seven other locations throughout Florida according to its website.

Source: Ormond Observer

🌀 SBA Disaster Loan Deadline Approaching for Hurricane Milton Victims

Business owners, homeowners, and renters affected by Hurricane Milton have until Sunday, April 27, to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration Physical Disaster Loans. These loans can help cover costs of repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property including real estate, equipment, inventory, and personal belongings.

Assistance is available at the Business Recovery Center in Daytona Beach, where SBA representatives provide in-person guidance Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beyond Physical Disaster Loans, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (with a later July 11 deadline) to provide working capital for businesses unable to meet financial obligations due to the hurricane.

Approved applicants may also qualify for additional funds to implement disaster mitigation improvements such as seawalls or sump pumps. For more information or to apply, visit the SBA website or contact their Customer Service Center.

Source: Volusia County

🗓️ Volusia ECHO Announces Schedule Changes for 2025-2026 Grant Cycle

Looking ahead to future funding opportunities, the Volusia County ECHO program has revised its timeline for the upcoming 2025-2026 grant cycle. The Environmental, Cultural, Historical, and Outdoor Recreation program reviewed these changes during their April 10 Advisory Committee meeting.

Key dates to mark on your calendar include the mandatory workshop on December 4, 2025, technical completeness application deadline on January 22, 2026, and final grant application deadline on February 26, 2026. The complete updated calendar is available online, though applicants should check regularly as dates may be adjusted throughout the year.

The ECHO program provides grant funds for acquisition, restoration, construction, and improvement of projects for environmental, cultural, historical, and outdoor recreational purposes available for public use. Those interested can learn more or contact Daniel Marsh directly for additional information.

Source: Volusia County

💪 Daytona Beach Senior Bodybuilder Defies Age and Cancer

In an inspiring local story, 85-year-old Daytona Beach resident Roger Thomas is proving that age is just a number. After surviving colon cancer at age 75, Thomas is now training four times weekly at Crunch Fitness for an upcoming bodybuilding competition in June.

Doctors discovered Thomas' cancer during a routine colonoscopy and credited his muscle mass and physical fitness with helping him weather the surgery and recovery. According to his training partner Michael Coulter of TTP Fitness, Thomas serves as motivation for people of all ages at the gym, where onlookers frequently watch him outlifting much younger fitness enthusiasts.

Thomas, who relocated from Michigan to Florida's arthritis-friendly climate, reflects on his journey: "I get the opportunity to motivate other people... I like the challenge. I like that it keeps me walking without a cane. I can still run, do all the things I used to do."

Source: MyNews13.com

✈️ Avelo Airlines Cuts Routes from Daytona Beach International Airport

Travelers using Daytona Beach International Airport will soon have fewer flight options as Avelo Airlines discontinues two of its routes. The ultra low-cost carrier is ending its twice-weekly service to Concord, North Carolina (final flights April 24) and Hartford, Connecticut (final flights April 28).

Joanne Magley, director of air service at the county-run airport, noted that passengers still have alternatives: "We are not actually losing service to those specific markets." Breeze Airways offers twice-weekly flights to Hartford, while Avelo maintains service to nearby New Haven. For North Carolina travelers, American Airlines provides multiple daily flights to Charlotte, just 42 minutes from Concord.

Avelo cited several reasons for the changes, including aircraft delivery delays, overlapping markets, and weak demand. However, the airline expressed continued commitment to Daytona Beach and is exploring new routes, including potential service to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Despite these changes, Daytona Beach International still offers flights to eight destinations through its four serving airlines.

Source: Daytona News-Journal

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