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⭐ FAA Controllers, Water Alarms, VSO Arrest, OD”s Down, Huge $$ Award

Issue #541

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25 Apr

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⭐FAA Controllers, Water Alarms, VSO Arrest, OD”s Down, Huge $$ Award

Photo: Spectrum News 13

✈️ Skies the Limit: ERAU Trains Next Air Traffic Controllers

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is stepping up to help solve the national air traffic controller shortage. With the FAA's traditional academy at capacity, ERAU’s enhanced Air Traffic Management program will allow graduates to bypass it entirely. The first four students are set for testing next week, and the school expects to produce 120 new controllers annually. With more than 270 students in the pipeline, ERAU is helping ensure safety and efficiency in the skies—with Daytona Beach as its launchpad.

Source: MyNews13.com

📢Alarms and Awareness: Water Safety Gets a Boost

Volusia County is ramping up its efforts to keep kids safe around water with the distribution of free four-packs of door and window alarms. These child-safety devices will be handed out during YMCA Healthy Kids Day events in Edgewater and DeLand on April 26, and at the Holly Hill Community Block Party on April 30. Residents must be 18 or older and live in the county to qualify, and only one set is allowed per household. The campaign builds on last year’s success, where hundreds of alarms were distributed and swim lessons provided to nearly 500 children. Pool alarms and discounted swim lessons will follow in June as part of a broader safety push funded by the Children and Families Advisory Board.

Source: Ormond Observer

⚖️ Arrest After Tragedy: Overdose Leads to Swift Action

An Ormond Beach woman’s suspected fentanyl overdose led to the arrest of Trevin D. Smith, just hours after her death. Detectives tracked him using texts from the victim’s phone and apprehended him at a 7-Eleven after a short chase. Smith was charged with multiple felonies, including fentanyl distribution, resisting arrest, and child neglect—his toddler was found unrestrained in his vehicle. The case underscores the continuing dangers of fentanyl in the community, even as the county reports progress in overdose prevention.

Source: Volusia County Sheriff

📉 Hopeful Trend: Overdose Deaths Down 25%

Good news from the medical examiner’s office: drug overdose deaths in Volusia County dropped 25% in 2024. While still high—229 deaths—this is a significant improvement over previous years. Officials credit community outreach, law enforcement, Narcan access, and treatment programs for the progress. However, the report also notes a rise in suicides and deaths tied to lack of health care. Fentanyl remains the leading cause in overdose cases, found in 67% of deaths. Volusia Recovery Alliance and other local groups are stepping up with free Narcan kits and education to keep the momentum going.

Source: Ormond Observer

🏍️ $10.6M Verdict for Injured Veteran

A Marine Corps veteran has been awarded $10.6 million after a crash in Daytona Beach Shores left him severely injured. William Patrick Duffey was riding his Harley when a car turned in front of him. Despite the defense's claim he could have avoided it, the jury saw it differently. His injuries include multiple herniations, torn rotator cuff, and facial scarring, with more surgeries ahead. The verdict covered medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. His attorneys said it sends a strong message about accountability and justice on the road.

Source: Daytona News-Journal

Recent Arrests

Ormond Beach Police Department
• Daniel Bruce Wrenn, 69, arrested Apr. 11 for petit theft; bail $2,500.
• Sheldon James Biddle, 25, arrested Apr. 11 for written threats to kill/injure; bail $5,000.
• Kenneth Driggers, 51, arrested Apr. 11 for petit theft, drug possession, paraphernalia, cannabis; bail $13,500.

Holly Hill Police Department
• Dennis Alopogianis, 64, arrested Apr. 10 for burglary (unoccupied structure); bail $2,500.
• Christopher Paul Boin, 35, arrested Apr. 13 for burglary (occupied dwelling); no bail.
• William Clyde Brooks, 33, arrested Apr. 16 for battery; no bail.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office
• David L. Katzenbach, 48, arrested Apr. 10 for false imprisonment; bail $10,000.
• Nickolas Wade Powers, 40, arrested Apr. 14 for burglary with assault/battery; no bail.

Volusia County Detention Center
• Jeffrey Thomas Severino, 42, arrested Apr. 15 for battery, witness tampering, false imprisonment; bail $30,000.

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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

  

Fri Apr 25

  • Event: Café Roberto, 6:30 – 9:00 AM
    beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Casual morning café event in a scenic beachside setting.

  • Event: Yoga Outdoors with Kim - Fridays in April, 10 AM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
    Outdoor yoga session in a natural park environment.

  • Event: 56th Annual Mayor's Golf Tournament, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
    Halifax Plantation Golf Club, 3400 Clubhouse Dr, Ormond Beach
    Annual community golf tournament hosted by the mayor.

  • Event: Weekend Music Fest, Apr 25 – Apr 28
    301 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
    Multi-day local music celebration with various acts.

  • Event: Crashrocket Live at Saints and Sinners Pub in Ormond, 6 – 10 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach
    Live rock music from Crashrocket at a biker-friendly venue.

  • Event: Volusia Community Arts Symphony and Jazz Ensemble, 7 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach
    A night of live symphonic and jazz ensemble music.

  • Event: BEACHSIDE MUSIC, 6:30 PM
    Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
    Evening gathering with food, drinks, and social vibes.

  • 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
    Community karaoke night hosted by Harryoke.

  • Event: CHA CHA + SALSA ON 2 with Tomas Guerrero, 7 – 10 PM
    Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond Beach
    Latin dance class with a renowned instructor.

  • Event: Open Mic Night - Ormond Beach, 9 PM
    Green Turtle Kava Bar - Ormond Beach, 1474 W Granada Blvd # 410, Ormond Beach
    Open mic performances in a relaxed kava bar setting.

  • Event: Fletcher’s Irish Pub & Brewery – Holly Hill, 8:30 PM
    Fletcher's Brewery, 745 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    Live music or entertainment at a local Irish-style brewery.

  • Event: BeatleBeat - A Live Tribute to The Beatles!, 7 – 9 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    Live Beatles tribute show in a community sports complex.

  • Event: JimmyAli at The Grind on Friday, 9:00 – 11:55 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Late-night live music performance at a local tiki venue.

    Sat Apr 26

  • Event: Aberdeen Rummage Sale, 9am - 1pm
    Aberdeen Community Clubhouse, 50 Allwood Green Blvd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Yoga Teacher Training, 8 AM – 5 PM
    Horizon House Yoga, 400 Parque Dr Suite 8, Ormond Beach, FL
    Explore the foundations of teaching and deepening your yoga practice in a full-day training session.

  • Event: Small Group Saturdays-P, 11 AM – 1 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A guided group fitness and play session for kids to build skills and teamwork.

  • Event: Annual Rummage Sale, 9 AM - 2 PM
    Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: Open House - 11AM-2PM, 11 AM – 2 PM
    382 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
    Tour this scenic riverside home and explore its updated features and charm.

  • Event: Coastal Tote Bag Painting Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Paint your own coastal-inspired tote bag in this fun, artistic workshop.

  • Event: VooDoo Dollz - Saturday Afternoon!, 1 – 5 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy a high-energy rock show with the VooDoo Dollz on the outdoor stage.

  • Event: Open House - 1PM-3PM, 1 – 3 PM
    341 Chelsea Pl Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Check out this beautiful property in the gated Chelsea Place community.

  • Event: Open House - 1PM-3PM, 1 – 3 PM
    729 N Flamingo Dr, Holly Hill, FL
    Step inside this cozy Holly Hill home during an open viewing window.

  • Event: Independent Bookstore Day at Novel Tea Book Shop, 3 PM
    Novel Tea Book Shop, 150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Celebrate indie bookstore day with bookish fun, local authors, and tea.

  • Event: MADAM returns to River Grille, 5 – 8 PM
    RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live music with MADAM at the riverfront restaurant for a relaxing evening.

  • Event: Saturday Night Concert Series with Versvtile!, 6 – 10 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy a lively concert night with Versvtile bringing a mix of music styles.

  • Event: BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
    Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live music, food, and coastal vibes right near the surf.

  • Event: Salute to Israel starring Micha Biton, 7 – 10 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    A special concert event celebrating Israel through music and culture.

  • Event: KARAOKE KIDZ: A Wicked Good Time!, April 26 – 27
    615 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
    A lively, family-friendly karaoke event perfect for kids to show off their talent in a fun atmosphere.

    Sun Apr 27

  • Event: yoga + connection, 10–11 AM
    beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Gentle yoga paired with mindful social time in a beachy setting.

  • Event: JW Gilmore and the Blues Authority - Sunday afternoon!, 1–5 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live blues tunes with JW Gilmore and the Blues Authority at this popular local pub.

  • Event: Sea Glass Tree Class - 4/27, 12–3 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Create a shimmering sea glass tree at this fun, beach-inspired craft class.

  • Event: Sip n' Stroll, 1–4 PM
    Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy wine, treats, and local art while strolling through historic Ormond Beach.

  • Event: Kars & Kava 2.0, All Day
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
    A relaxed meetup combining car culture with calming kava vibes.

  • Event: Forces of Nature Spring Showcase, 12:00–1:30 AM
    443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    An expressive showcase of spring-inspired performances.

  • Event: Weekend Music Fest, Apr 25–28
    301 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    A multi-day local music celebration featuring live bands and good vibes.

  • Event: Spring Sip N' Stroll in Ormond Beach, All Day
    38 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy seasonal sips and strolls through local shops in Ormond's downtown district.

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

Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here

 

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