⭐ Aldi Expansion, Protests, Wildfires, and Housing Challenges

Issue #543

Author

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27 Apr

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⭐News in 10 seconds⭐



🛒 Aldi Expands in Ormond Beach

Aldi is bringing a second location to Ormond Beach, taking over the former Winn-Dixie on W. Granada Blvd. The new store is part of a $9 billion nationwide expansion plan.
👉 Read more

✈️ Avelo Airlines Faces Protests Over Deportation Flights

Locals gathered near Daytona’s airport to protest Avelo Airlines' contract with ICE, voicing concerns over deportation practices and human rights.
👉 Read more

🔥 Homeless Camp Crackdowns Amid Flagler Wildfires

Flagler County officials are clearing homeless camps after nearly 20 wildfires erupted across Central Florida, spotlighting challenges around fire safety and housing insecurity.
👉 Read more

🏠 Mobile Home Residents Battle Soaring Lot Rents

Central Florida mobile homeowners are facing steep rent hikes, with many forced to sell their homes. New legislation aims to offer some relief.
👉 Read more

Courtesy Photo: Aldi

🛒 Aldi Expands Again: What’s Coming to Ormond Beach

Fans of no-frills grocery shopping have something new to look forward to. Aldi, the German-born discount grocery chain, is bringing a second location to Ormond Beach — part of a wider expansion across Florida.

The new Aldi will replace the former Winn-Dixie at 353 W. Granada Blvd., joining the existing store at 1260 W. Granada Blvd. While there’s no firm opening date yet, restoration costs are expected to hit $1.7 million. The move is part of Aldi’s ambitious five-year plan to convert 220 former Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets into their trademark, efficient model.

With the acquisition of Southeastern Grocers last year, Aldi is investing big in its U.S. presence. As more stores pop up across Volusia County, Ormond Beach residents will soon have even more affordable grocery options closer to home.

✈️ Protests Take Flight Over Avelo Airlines’ Deportation Contract

Meanwhile, tensions soared at Daytona Beach International Airport as about 70 locals protested Avelo Airlines’ new deportation flight contract with ICE. Armed with signs and fierce opinions, the group voiced strong opposition to Avelo’s deal to dedicate three of its planes to immigrant deportations.

Organized by Indivisible Flagler, the protest called attention to issues of due process and concerns over local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Some residents accused the airline of prioritizing profits over human rights, while counterprotesters waved flags supporting stricter immigration measures.

The demonstration comes amid broader national debates over immigration enforcement — and it’s clear the local community is deeply engaged. Protesters also demanded the return of two individuals mistakenly deported to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, intensifying the emotional stakes surrounding the issue.

🔥 Wildfires Prompt Homeless Camp Crackdowns in Flagler County

As flames creep across Central Florida, Flagler County has joined a regional effort to curb wildfires — with a controversial focus on homeless camps. Officials say open fires linked to encampments may have contributed to the recent surge in wildfires, nearly 20 in just five days.

Locally, the Cowpen Fire has scorched around 250 acres but is now 90% contained. While no homes or businesses are currently at risk, authorities are taking no chances. Firefighters and law enforcement are coordinating efforts to clear camps in vulnerable areas, balancing public safety concerns with compassion for unhoused individuals.

The situation underscores a bigger conversation around housing insecurity and disaster prevention — showing just how intertwined these complex challenges have become during Florida’s dry season.

🏠 Mobile Home Residents Feel the Squeeze as Lot Rents Skyrocket

Finally, mobile home communities across Central Florida are grappling with a different kind of emergency: affordability. Residents report sharp increases in lot rents — in some cases nearly doubling within two years — forcing many to consider selling their homes at a steep loss.

With corporations buying up parks and hiking fees, fixed-income seniors and working families find themselves priced out of what was once reliable affordable housing. State lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at giving mobile home residents more negotiation power and access to rent assistance, but so far, no hard caps on rent increases have been put in place.

As conversations around housing costs heat up in Tallahassee, mobile homeowners are organizing and pushing for stronger protections — hoping to keep their place in communities they’ve long called home.

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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

  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.

    Mon Apr 28

  • Event: Private Training: 1 Day, 12–2 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
    Private athletic training sessions tailored to skill improvement.

  • Event: Special Magistrate Hearing, 10 AM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
    A legal proceeding addressing code enforcement violations.

  • Event: FLOW (Florida Licensing On Wheels), 10 AM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
    Mobile DMV services including driver license renewals and replacements.

  • Event: Housing Authority, 3 PM
    Events Center at Ormond Beach, 1437 US-1 STE C1, Ormond Beach
    A public meeting discussing housing initiatives and updates.

  • Event: Let’s Get Gaudi: Make Mosaics with Barbara Saunders, 2:30–4:00 PM
    78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A hands-on mosaic art class inspired by Antoni Gaudí.

  • Event: MAP Testing — Calvary Christian Academy, Apr 28–May 9
    Calvary Christian Academy Athletic Department, 1681 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Academic achievement testing period for enrolled students.

    Tue Apr 29

  • Event: 🏃‍♂️ OBCS Cadet PT Test / Fitness Activities, 12–2 AM
    760 Airport Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Cadet fitness testing and physical activities.

  • Event: 🌿 Plant Like a Floridian Workshop, 1–3 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Tips for creating sustainable, Florida-friendly gardens.

  • Event: 🎨 Art Talk: "Art Nouveau & Art Deco at the Turn of...", 2–3 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Explore the beauty and history of two iconic art movements.

  • Event: 🎶 Esh x Schief Live at Kona Tiki Bar, 6–10 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy live music and tropical vibes at the Tiki Bar!

  • Event: 🌟 The Wellness Way Approach to Inflammation, 6–7 PM
    The Wellness Way - Ormond Beach, 725 W Granada Blvd STE 8, Ormond Beach
    Discover natural solutions for inflammation and better wellness.

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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