• Ormond Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • ⭐ Hometown Heroes, Exploring Volusia, Pizza Arrest, Rockville Rains Customers

⭐ Hometown Heroes, Exploring Volusia, Pizza Arrest, Rockville Rains Customers

Issue #564

Author

.
18 May

NOTE: Sometimes Gmail will cutoff the end of the newsletter. Also if missing check the “Promotions’ and “Spam” folders and drag to inbox. 👇👇👇👇👇 You can always READ ONLINE

Today’s Forecast

Click Image for detailed and extended forecast from Accuweather

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.

Swipe image left for more daily forecasts

⭐ Hometown Heroes, Exploring Volusia, Pizza Arrest, Rockville Rains Customers

Photo: Omond’s Hometown Heroes Facebook

🎖️ Honoring Ormond’s Hometown Heroes

Ormond Beach is once again recognizing those who serve with its 2025 Hometown Heroes banner program. This touching tribute features photos of local military members—whether currently serving, honorably discharged, or fallen in the line of duty—on banners displayed along the Granada Bridge throughout November.

Space is limited to 96 honorees, and the deadline to apply is August 31. Honorees or their families will also receive a keepsake replica of their banner. This is a free program offered by the city, and it’s a heartfelt way to spotlight those who’ve dedicated themselves to service.

To nominate a hero, visit ormondbeach.org/925/Hometown-Heroes
Source: Ormond Observer

🐟 Dive into Nature: June’s Explore Volusia Lineup

If you’re craving an adventure closer to home, Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division is rolling out a packed June calendar full of family-friendly eco events. From wading into rivers to paddling under bioluminescent skies, it’s a great time to connect with nature.

Here’s what’s coming up:

  • Freshwater Dip-netting Adventure – June 3, Hickory Bluff Preserve

  • Aquatic Animal Sampling Eco-buggy Tour – June 10, Longleaf Pine Preserve

  • Spruce Creek Paddle – June 12, Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve

  • Estuary Dip-netting Adventure – June 19, Spruce Creek Preserve

  • Deep Creek Preserve Eco-buggy Tour – June 24

  • Bioluminescence Paddle – June 25, Mosquito Lagoon

Reservations are required. Find full details and sign up at Eventbrite (search Green Volusia) or email [email protected].

🍕 From Pizza to Prison: Lenny’s Owner Faces Major Charges

Ormond Beach residents were stunned when Leonard Fries Jr., owner of the local Lenny’s Pizza chain, was arrested after a SWAT team and the FBI raided his home. The scene reportedly involved a dramatic attempt to flee, a stash of drugs and firearms, and even a pizza-loving flagpole sporting a thin blue line flag.

Fries now faces a long list of charges, including cocaine trafficking and possession with intent to sell multiple controlled substances. Law enforcement found drugs hidden throughout his home—including under couch cushions—and even uncovered a full marijuana grow setup.

In court, a judge found one of the charges "insufficient," but Fries still faces a bond of $145,500. The irony? His luxury cars featured pro-police license plates.

🎸 Rockville Rains Customers on Local Businesses

Daytona Beach businesses were celebrating the economic buzz from Welcome to Rockville. The rock festival drew more than 200,000 fans, and nearby eateries like Houligan’s were hopping from the moment they opened.

“We got bomb rushed,” said manager Kadeem Whyte, noting their proximity to the Speedway means waves of concert-goers throughout the day. They prepared accordingly—with prep cooks churning out food nonstop and mountains of wings flying out of the kitchen.

Even shops like Tobacco Exotica saw a 30% jump in business, surpassing even race weekends. Locals agree: moving Rockville from Jacksonville to Daytona was a game-changer.

Source: WESH2.com

Looking for a Great Place To Eat?

Click Image

⭐ Today's Meme ⭐

Digital coupons for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.

⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

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

  Sun May 18

  • Event: 🎭Kilroy Was Here & At The Bandstand, time not specified
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    A theatrical double feature promising drama, music, and a touch of nostalgia.

  • Event: 🍺"Life Imitates Art" – A Party To Support Public Art, 4:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Celebrate creativity with food, drinks, and community support for public art initiatives.

  • Event: 💃AFTERNOON DANCE SOCIAL, 3 – 5 PM
    JJ's Dance Fusion, 298 S Nova Rd STE D, Ormond Beach, FL
    An upbeat gathering for dance enthusiasts of all levels—bring your moves and mingle.

  • Event: 🎸Big Engine: Saints & Sinners Sunday, 1 – 5 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Rev up your Sunday with this high-octane Southern rock band at a favorite biker-friendly bar.

 Mon May 19

  • Event: 🎉Huey Magoo's Ormond Beach 2nd Anniversary BOGO, all day
    Huey Magoo's , 222 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Celebrate with buy-one-get-one tenders during the anniversary week.

  • Event: 🏛️Special Magistrate Hearing, 10 AM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Public hearing on code enforcement cases held at city hall.

  • Event: ✈️Aviation Advisory Board Meeting, 7 PM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Discussion and recommendations on local aviation matters.

    Tue May 20

  •  Event: 🧘‍♂️OBCS MEETING SM AND CADETS, 12:00 – 2:00 AM
    760 Airport Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A gathering for school members and cadets; agenda details not listed.

  • Event: 🤝Networking Group 1, 7:30 – 8:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Morning meet-up for professionals looking to expand connections and collaborate locally.

  • Event: 🦞Cousins Maine Lobster at Ormond Beach, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
    Hudson's Furniture Parking Lot, 445 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
    The famous lobster food truck rolls into town—get your butter ready.

  • Event: 🏛️City Commission Meeting, 7:00 PM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Monthly city commission meeting open to the public.

  • Event: 🦅Monthly All Welcomed Club Meeting, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
    Fraternal Order of Eagles #3800, 190 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A friendly community club gathering—new faces always welcome.

  • Event: 🧠History Nights: Celebrating Nurses Month, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
    Holly Hill History Museum, 1065 Daytona Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    An evening honoring nurses with historical exhibits and discussions.

  • Event: 🧘‍♀️Balance and Motion, 10:45 – 11:30 AM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    A wellness session focusing on balance and mobility exercises.

  • Event: 🧘‍♀️Grief Support Group, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
    Holistic House, 1321 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    A supportive environment for those dealing with loss, featuring creative activities and meditations.

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

 

Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.

You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

We ❤️ Local Businesses!


Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!

⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐

❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.

We could use your help!

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?

Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE

Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇

https://bit.ly/ormondlocalpulse

😊😊😊😊😊 Have A Great Day

TECH NOTE: Some readers using the Edge browser have reported getting warning messages that they are attempting to access an unsafe site. This is a glitch in the Edge browser. If you switch to Chrome, Firefox or Safari you should have no problems. Rest assured our site IS SAFE
OUR NEWS POLICY: Our goal is to provide synopses of locally relevant news and articles for Ormond residents. This may include local issues, county and state news affecting Ormond Beach, and other matters such as health, technology, pets, etc.. We hope to provide something of interest to all readers. We welcome your feedback here

Reply

or to participate.