⭐ Gas Stations, Burger Winner, Aldi Remodels, $100k Award

Issue #560

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14 May

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Today’s Forecast

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⭐ Gas Stations, Burger Winner, Aldi Remodels, $100k Award

Proposed Circle K - Courtesy - City of Ormond Beach

🏡 Gas Station Rules Under Scrutiny in Ormond Beach

Concerns over a proposed Circle K gas station at 699 S. Nova Road have prompted the Ormond Beach Planning Board to discuss new regulations that would require distance between gas stations and residential neighborhoods. The land in question is zoned B-8 Commercial, which allows for a gas station with convenience store without needing City Commission approval—just a review by the Site Plan Review Committee.

Resident Amber Bobak, whose Collins Street neighborhood borders the site, says she’s advocating not just for her community, but for future residents who might face similar surprises.

Planning Board members are split—some calling for a workshop and stronger regulations, others cautioning against sweeping changes without more data. City Attorney Randy Hayes noted a deeper review is needed before crafting potential ordinances.

This may be the start of a broader conversation about neighborhood protections.

🍔 Ormond Brewing Grills the Competition

Ormond Brewing Company has officially taken the crown for Best Burger in Ormond during Burger Week 2025, selling 550 M/C Burgers and edging out 19 competitors.

The fan-favorite burger was a decadent creation featuring fried Velveeta, stout onion marmalade, bacon jam, and other rich toppings, developed by the brewery’s chefs with input from Mug Club members.

The contest didn’t just satisfy appetites—it also raised $3,000 for Provision Packs, a local nonprofit helping feed students on weekends and school breaks. Ormond Brewing chipped in an additional $550, one dollar for each burger sold.

Rounding out the top five were Alexander’s, Tango’s, Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, and Fletcher’s Irish Pub.

Burger Week continues to grow in popularity, with restaurants seeing increased foot traffic, social media buzz, and new customer exposure.

🛒 Aldi Set to Remodel Former Winn-Dixie

Ormond Beach shoppers will soon have a new grocery option. The city has issued a building permit for a 24,000-square-foot Aldi store inside the former Winn-Dixie at 353 W. Granada Blvd.

Construction is underway, with the remodel valued at $1.7 million. The original Winn-Dixie, which closed in December, anchored the shopping center since 1984. While Aldi will only occupy part of the space, city officials expect the remaining square footage to be leased by other businesses.

And that’s not all: an Ellianos Coffee Company will also open as a standalone drive-thru in the parking lot at 341 W. Granada Blvd.

Economic Development Director Brian Rademacher says the additions breathe new life into the center. “The good thing is that the former Winn-Dixie won’t stay empty long.”

🚑 County Recommends $100K Payout After Beach Incident

A Volusia County Beach Safety sergeant who ran over two sunbathers in May 2024 may soon see one of the victims compensated. County staff is recommending a $100,000 settlement to Sophia Kapp, who suffered chest and leg injuries and incurred over $67,000 in medical expenses.

Kapp and friend Sierra Trumble were struck on Daytona Beach by a county truck driven by Sgt. Arthur Gendreau, who was cited for careless driving (a charge later dismissed).

According to the incident report, Gendreau failed to walk around the vehicle before moving it—a violation of protocol. Trumble sustained more severe injuries, including a lacerated liver and multiple fractures.

The settlement recommendation is scheduled for review at the May 20 County Council meeting. Gendreau has since resigned from the department.

Recent Deaths

While big-name corporations are pouring millions into artificial intelligence, many local businesses are being left behind—not because they lack interest, but because they lack a practical roadmap to get started.

In my own work transforming our newsletter operations with AI, the shift has been remarkable. Tasks that used to take hours now take minutes. Insights that once required outside consultants are now just a few prompts away.

That’s why I’m considering launching a community hub designed specifically for local business owners and individuals. The goal? To demystify AI, share step-by-step how-tos, and connect you with others using these tools successfully in real-world settings.

Before building this, I want to hear directly from you. What’s standing in your way? Is it the learning curve? The cost? Not knowing how it fits into your business?

Take 3 minutes to complete our short survey. You’ll help shape the direction of this resource—and as a thank you, survey participants will receive early access and exclusive first-month content free of charge.

– 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

Wed May 14

  • AARP Chapter 1057, 10 am,
    Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 57 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach

    AARP Chapters offer opportunities to connect with other AARP members. Join to meet new people, give back and have fun! Activities can include meals, outings, and community service as a major priority.

  • Event: 🌿 Spring Bird Walks with Joan Tague, 8 AM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Explore the sights and sounds of local birdlife with a guided morning walk through natural habitats.

  • Event: 🌼 Gardening Florida Style, 10 AM – 12 PM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Learn tips and tricks for successful Florida gardening with expert-led instruction.

  • Event: 🌐 Networking Group 2, 12 – 1 PM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Connect with fellow professionals and exchange ideas to grow your business.

  • Event: 🏛️ Leisure Services Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Get involved in shaping community leisure services and facilities.

  • 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
    Show off your vocal chops or just enjoy the show at this lively karaoke night.

  • Event: 🧠 ELDER LAW – How To Protect Your Home and Savings
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A free community session to learn how to safeguard your assets and make informed legal decisions.

    Thu May 15

  • Event: 🥕Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
    Fresh produce, artisan foods, and local crafts at the charming riverside market.

  • Event: 🎨Third Thursday Docent Tour, 11 AM – 12 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy a guided tour of current exhibits and the lush garden grounds, led by museum docents.

  • Event: Rockville-2025, May 15-May18

    Daytona International Speedway

 Fri May 16

  • Event: 🏛️Pension Boards Meeting, 8:30 AM
    Events Center at Ormond Beach, 1437 US-1 STE C1, Ormond Beach
    A scheduled meeting of the pension board to discuss and review retirement-related matters.

  • Event: 💎Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class, 1 – 3 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Learn to craft your own gemstone jewelry in this hands-on creative class by the beach.

  • Event: 🍲Veterans Lunch & Learn, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A special session for veterans that combines a light lunch with insightful learning opportunities.

  • Event: 🎤DAYTONA MOOSE FRIDAY NIGHT, 6 PM
    Loyal Order of Moose, 601 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Friday night gathering with music, food, and fellowship at the local Moose lodge.

  • 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
    Belt out your favorite tunes with the always-entertaining Harryoke.

  • Event: 🎭CMTW Presents Kilroy Was Here & At the Bandstand, 7 – 9 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach
    A double-feature community theater performance showcasing local talent.

  • Event: 🍻Fletcher’s Irish Pub & Brewery – Live Music, 8:30 PM
    Fletcher's Brewery, 745 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    Enjoy craft brews and live tunes in the heart of Holly Hill’s brewery scene.

  • Event: 🔮Unlock Your Psychic Potential (multi-day)
    May 16 – 18
    The Karma Castle, 1437 N US-1 STE C8, Ormond Beach
    A weekend event exploring intuition, spiritual development, and psychic tools.

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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