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⭐ Inspiring Portraits, Big Margaritas, Mobile Market, Seaweed Surge

Issue #546

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30 Apr

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⭐ Inspiring Portraits, Big Margaritas, Mobile Market, Seaweed Surge

Courtesy James Carey

📸 A New Lens on Culture: Cultuvue Comes to Ormond Beach

What started with a Google image search and a dose of disbelief has grown into a powerful traveling portrait exhibition. Cultuvue, founded by James and LaToya Carey, is on a mission to reshape how African Americans are represented in media. Now on display at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center through June 4, the 32-portrait show features inspiring stories of local residents nominated by their own communities.

Each portrait captures not only the face but the story behind it—from a future astronaut to a local nonprofit leader—offering a refreshing, dignified, and moving look at real people doing remarkable things.

“We want the community to see our culture through a different lens,” LaToya says. Cultuvue isn't just an art exhibit—it's a celebration of identity, resilience, and everyday brilliance.

👉 Learn more at cultuvue.org

Source: Ormond Observer

🌮 Margarita Island Brings Big Flavor and Bigger Margaritas to Ormond

Say adiós to bland, and bienvenidos to bold—Margarita Island Mexican Kitchen and Bar is opening soon at the old TGI Friday’s spot in Granada Plaza. Owners David and Elizabeth Gonzalez, who once called Ormond Beach home, are bringing their largest restaurant yet to life in an 8,000-square-foot tropical paradise complete with a massive bar, colorful charro-inspired décor, and a menu full of fresh, scratch-made Mexican fare.

Their signature dish? The Island Piña Loca—steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas served in a halved pineapple. They also cater to vegans, vegetarians, and margarita lovers alike.

With three successful locations already, the Gonzalezes waited three years for this space—and they say it’s worth every minute.

🚛 Mobile Farmers Market Rolls Into Daytona with a Healthy Mission

Fresh produce is hitting the road—literally. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has launched a Mobile Farmers Market in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County. The goal? To combat hypertension by delivering fresh fruits and vegetables directly to communities in need, starting with weekly stops in Daytona Beach.

Eligible residents with health department referrals can receive up to $36 in produce per week, and the program currently supports up to 375 people thanks to generous grant funding.

“It’s going to take a full-blown community effort,” said Derrick Chubbs, CEO of Second Harvest. The market is part of a pilot program to track how improved nutrition impacts blood pressure—and potentially health outcomes across the region.

Source: MyNews13.com

🌊 What’s That Smell? Sargassum Seaweed May Be Back in Record Numbers

Beach season is here—and so is sargassum. This floating brown seaweed, a vital nursery for sea life in the ocean, turns into a pungent beach blanket when it hits the shore. Scientists are now predicting 2025 could be a record-breaking year, with more than 13 million metric tons already swirling in the Atlantic.

The cause? A post-drought surge in the Amazon River is feeding nutrient-rich water into the ocean, supercharging sargassum growth. While generally harmless in the ocean, on land the rotting seaweed releases gases that can irritate the nose and lungs—especially for those with respiratory conditions.

The good news? The fast-moving Gulf Stream may keep much of it offshore. But if you spot it on the beach, steer clear and breathe easy—it’s nature doing its thing, just not always pleasantly.

Recent Deaths

Local Ormond Author Deb Brenneman Publishes New Book On Dementia

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Ormond North Beach Cam at Ormond Lifeguard Station
Ormond South Beach Cam at Cardinal Drive - Not Available
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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

Wed Apr 30

  • Event: 🏢 Leadership Ormond Beach XXI, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Economic Development, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    An engaging leadership development event for the Ormond Beach community.

  • Event: 🍷 Premium Tasting Experience at ABC Beachside, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, 550 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Sip and savor a curated selection of fine wines and spirits near the beach.

  • Event: 🎉 Holly Hills Community Block Party, 5 – 7 PM
    Holly Hill Municipal Building, 1065 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    Enjoy food, music, and fun at this lively neighborhood block party.

  • 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, FL
    Belt out your favorite tunes with the ever-energetic HARRYOKE hosting karaoke night.

  • Event: 🎨 ArtWave Youth Workshop with Mary Wentzel, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
    78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A fun and creative art workshop designed especially for young artists.

    Thu May 1

  • Event: 🌾 Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM–1 PM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Shop fresh produce, local foods, and artisan goods at this lively open-air market.

  • Event: 🩺 FREE BLOOD SUGAR AND VISION SCREENING, 10 AM–1 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Free health screenings to check your blood sugar levels and vision.

  • Event: 🎷 Swing Into Spring - Savannah Savino, 6:30 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy an evening of live music under the spring sky featuring Savannah Savino.

  • Event: 🍻 Daytona Pride Meet & Greet, 6–8 PM
    Drunken Duck Brewing Company, 101 2nd St Unit 401, Holly Hill, FL
    Network and celebrate pride at this fun meet and greet event with craft brews.

  • Event: 🏌️‍♂️ The Riv PGA Jr. League, (Time not specified)
    Riviera Country Club, 500 Calle Grande St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Junior golfers compete in a friendly team-based format at the Riviera Country Club.

  • Event: 🖼️ Third Thursday Docent Tour, (Time not specified)
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Take a guided tour of the latest exhibitions and the scenic museum gardens.

    Fri Apr 2

  • Event: 🎨 Free Family Art Night, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A creative evening for families to enjoy art projects together at the museum.

  • 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
    Sing your heart out with friends and enjoy lively karaoke entertainment.

  • Event: 🎾 MetroHealth Super Seniors, All Day (May 2–May 4)
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    A lively pickleball tournament for senior players at one of the area's top facilities.

  • Event: 🎶 JimmyAli at The Grind, 9:00 – 11:59 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live music to keep your Friday night energetic and unforgettable at this local hotspot.

  • Event: 🍻 Fletcher’s Irish Pub & Brewery Live Music, 8:30 PM
    Fletcher's Brewery, 745 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    Kick off the weekend with live tunes and fresh brews at Fletcher's Brewery.

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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