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  • ⭐ New Flights, First Step, Art In The Park, Burn Ban, Man Twice Arrested

⭐ New Flights, First Step, Art In The Park, Burn Ban, Man Twice Arrested

Issue #554

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08 May

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Today’s Forecast

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NOTE: We have changed the weather link to Accuweather from Weather Channel as the forecasts appear to be better.

Tropical updates will resume on June 1.

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⭐ New Flights, First Step, Art In The Park, Burn Ban, Man Twice Arrested

Courtesy of Breeze Airlines

✈️ Breeze Airways Heads to the Heartland

Breeze Airways is charting new territory from Daytona Beach International Airport—this time to the Midwest. Starting September 3, the ultra-low-cost carrier will offer nonstop flights to Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio, marking the fifth direct destination from Daytona. Flights will operate twice weekly, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with introductory fares starting at just $49 one-way.
This announcement comes on the heels of Breeze's initial service rollout just six months ago, further anchoring its presence in the area. Other current routes include Hartford, White Plains, Raleigh-Durham, and Providence.
Daytona Airport Director Karen Feaster says this new route is a win for local travelers: “Breeze is strengthening its commitment to our community.”
With Delta, American, and Avelo also in the mix, travelers now have nine destination options from DAB.
Source: Daytona News-Journal

🏛️ No, Ormond’s Not Bailing on First Step Shelter


The Ormond Beach City Commission found itself clearing the air this week after confusion over its support for the First Step Shelter. Despite comments from the city’s board appointee suggesting otherwise, commissioners affirmed they remain committed to the $82,000 annual partnership.
Commissioner Travis Sargent addressed the miscommunication, noting, “I think they do an amazing job.” His comments followed a tense shelter board meeting and media coverage that suggested Ormond Beach might be rethinking its contribution.
The shelter itself is no stranger to drama—it's currently embroiled in a lawsuit filed by two former employees citing misconduct. Still, leaders like Ponce Inlet Mayor Bill Milano emphasized the shelter’s success, including placing over 900 individuals into housing.
Mayor Jason Leslie, whose remarks sparked the uncertainty, urged unity, saying, “We all have the same goal: that First Step Shelter is a successful program.”
Source: Ormond Observer

🎨 Art in the Park Turns 51 with Pens, Prints, and a Velociraptor


Ormond Beach’s Art in the Park celebrated its 51st year with a colorful mix of tradition and surprise at Rockefeller Gardens. Longtime vendor Carolyn Flynn returned with her original pen-and-ink drawings, sharing, “It’s always a great turnout and I really like the organization.”
The event featured an eclectic array of works, from sculptures to 3D prints. One particularly large highlight? A giant velociraptor courtesy of Breanna Wright from Salty 3D Prints.
“It’s been our first time bringing the giant velociraptor… it’s been the perfect place to do the final unveiling,” she said.
Attendees enjoyed a creative atmosphere, fossil digs for kids, and a chance to meet the artists behind the work. As one of the area's most beloved events, Art in the Park continues to be a springtime staple. See photos in full article.
Source: Ormond Observer

🔥 Volusia Issues Burn Ban as Drought Index Climbs


Dry weather and high wildfire risk have led Volusia County to enact an outdoor burn ban across its unincorporated areas and the citiy of Pierson. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index has climbed above 500, the trigger point for bans, hitting 517 as of this week.
The ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless authorized by the Florida Forest Service. Campfires, fire pits, and even bonfires are off-limits, though gas and charcoal grills are still allowed.
Violating the ban could lead to a $500 fine or even jail time.
Firefighters are currently battling a blaze near New Smyrna Beach, underscoring the risks. Officials urge residents to take precautions: avoid tossing cigarettes, keep vehicles off dry grass, and maintain a 30-foot buffer of defensible space around homes.
Rain relief isn’t in the forecast, with the region continuing to endure a particularly dry spring.
Source: MyNews13.com

🚔 Seriously? Man Arrested Twice for ‘Not a Vehicle’ License Plate


Deltona resident Earl Myers has been arrested not once, but twice in 10 days for using a license plate that reads “DOT Exempt” and appears entirely fictional. The 41-year-old was initially stopped on April 24, telling deputies he wasn’t bound by Florida’s vehicle laws because he wasn’t driving a “motor vehicle.”
Spoiler: He was.
After that arrest—which included charges for weapon possession, cannabis, and giving a false name—he was released on bond. But Myers wasn’t done. On May 4, he was stopped again, still rshowing the same invalid plate. This time, deputies had to break his window to remove him from the car.
He’s now facing additional charges for resisting officers and possessing a counterfeit tag.
The Sheriff’s Office summed it up succinctly: laws still apply, even if your plate says otherwise. Read the full article.for more info.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach

The Race is On! Ormond Burger Week is underway! Visit these Ormond eateries and place your vote. Event runs through May 11.

  • 31 Supper Club – The Ultimate Umami Burger

  • 63 Sovereign – Maple Sriracha Fry King

  • Alexanders – Prime A Burger

  • Cafe One – The One!

  • DB Pickles – Bruschetta Burger

  • Fat Paulies – B.A.M.M. Burger

  • Fletcher's – Death by Onions

  • Frida's – Al Pastor Burger (Not available on Cinco de Mayo)

  • Fugu – Wagyu Beef Bao

  • Good Vibes Scratch Kitchen – Good Vibes Creole Burger

  • Jimmy Hula's – Hulius

  • Kona Tiki Bar – The Mustang Patty

  • Lagerheads – Lagerheads Smashburger

  • Ormond Beach Sports Corner – OB Jam Krise Burger

  • Ormond Brewing Co. – M/C Burger

  • Ormond Garage – OG Irishman

  • Pirana Grille – Pirana Jamburger

  • Pumphouse – The Champ!

  • Steer In Burger – Just a Damn Good Burger!

  • Tangos – El Cubano

Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Not Using AI?

While major corporations invest millions in artificial intelligence, most local businesses in our community are missing out on tools that could dramatically cut costs and boost productivity—simply because there's no clear roadmap for implementation.

As someone who's leveraged AI to revolutionize our newsletter operations, I've seen the difference: tasks that once consumed several hours now wrap up in minutes. Customer insights that once required expensive consultants now appear at the click of a button.

I'm exploring creating a community hub where local business owners and individuals alike can discover AI applications , access step-by-step guides, and connect with others who've successfully integrated these tools.

But first, I need to understand what's holding you back. Is it confusion about where to start? Concerns about cost? Questions about relevance to your specific industry?

Your 3-minute response to our survey will help build a resource that addresses your actual barriers—not theoretical ones. In return, survey participants will receive priority access when we launch and exclusive first-month content completely free. - George Sloane, Publisher, Ormond Local Pulse

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Ormond North Beach Cam at Ormond Lifeguard Station
Ormond South Beach Cam at Cardinal Drive
Ormond by the Sea South Beach Cam

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

  • Thu May 8

  • Event:  Discover Your Ancestry, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
    Halifax Genealogical Society, Ormond Public Library, 30 S Beach Street

  • Event: Ormond Beach Farmers Market, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

    City Hall Plaza in front of the Ormond Beach City Hall and the Ormond Beach Regional Library Join us for fresh food and veggies. 

  • Event: Opening RFP 2025-33 Conference for Aquatic Weed Control Maintenance and Ditch Cleaning Services, 2:00 PM

    Training Room, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Planning Board, 6:00 PM

    City Commission Chambers, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Event: Swing Into Spring - Lucy Spotts, 6:30 PM

    Casements, 25 Riverside Dr. Ormond Beach, FL 32176

  • Event: Swing Into Spring - Lucy Spotts, 6:30 PM

    Casements, 25 Riverside Dr. Ormond Beach, FL 32176

  • Event: SADY Classes, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (May through August 2025) [Venue address not specified], Holly Hill Weekly classes running from May through August.

    Fri May 9

  • Event: 🎓 Ormond Beach Leadership XXI Graduation, 8:30 – 11:00 AM
    Oceanside Country Club, 75 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
    Celebrate the accomplishments of the Leadership XXI class at this formal graduation event.

  • Event: 🥞 IHOP Grand Opening - FREE PANCAKES!, ongoing through May 11
    IHOP, 675 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy free pancakes all week as IHOP celebrates its grand opening in Ormond Beach.

  • Event: 🌮 Live Music, 6:00 PM
    Fresh Guacamole Tequila & Bar, 1930 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Pair your tacos and margaritas with a side of live music at this popular west-side spot.

  • 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
    Unleash your inner rockstar with crowd-favorite karaoke hosted by Harryoke.

  • Event: 🍻 Fletcher’s Irish Pub & Brewery – Holly Hill, 8:30 PM
    Fletcher's Brewery, 745 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    Raise a pint and enjoy the evening at Holly Hill’s newest brewery hotspot.

  • Event: 🎸 Jimmy Ali – Live Fridays at “The Grind”, 9:00 – 11:59 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Wrap up your Friday with Jimmy Ali’s high-energy live set in the heart of Ormond.

    Sat May 10

  • Event: Genealogy in the Library, 1pm - 4pm

    Halifax Genealogical Society, Ormond Public Library, 30 S Beach Street

  • Event: 🩰 Ormond Ballet Presents Swan Lake, 7 – 11 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    A classical ballet performance featuring the timeless story of love and transformation.

  • Event: 🎁 6th Annual Mother's Day Bazaar, 10 AM – 3 PM
    Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193, 285 Wilmette Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Local vendors, gifts, and crafts just in time for Mother's Day.

  • Event: 🛶 Tomoka Runners Paddle n’ Picnic Ormond, 10:15 AM – 1:00 PM
    Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, 1800 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy a group paddle and relaxing picnic along the scenic waterways.

  • Event: 🎶 Live Music with Mark Chirico, 6 – 9 PM
    beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    An evening of smooth tunes paired with wine and seaside vibes.

  • Event: 🎸 BedRock "80's Hairband Rock Experience" at Saints & Sinners, 6 – 10 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Crank up the nostalgia with high-energy 80s rock anthems.

  • Event: 🎨 Jellyfish Pallet Painting Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Paint a whimsical jellyfish on a rustic pallet with step-by-step guidance.

  • Event: 🦩 Flamingo Watercolor Paint Class, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Create a vibrant flamingo watercolor masterpiece—no experience necessary.

  • Event: 🛍️ Grand Opening - Backwater Provisions Co.
    Backwater Provisions, 177 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Celebrate the launch of a new local shop with provisions and outdoor vibes.

  • Event: 📚 Mother's Day Storytime & LEGO Spring Build Event
    Barnes & Noble, Tomoka Town Center, 1115 Cornerstone Blvd Suite C, Ormond Beach, FL
    Celebrate Mother's Day with stories and hands-on LEGO creativity for kids.

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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