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⭐ Memorial Day, Ike’s Legacy, Veteran’s Support, Beach Walkway

Issue #572

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⭐ Memorial Day, Ike’s Legacy, Veteran’s Support, Beach Walkway

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🏛 A Day of Remembrance

Memorial Day stands apart from other holidays. While families gather for barbecues and retailers advertise sales, the true purpose of this day calls for something deeper than celebration—it demands remembrance.

This is not a day to wish anyone happiness, but rather a day to pause in solemn recognition of those who gave everything for our freedoms. Behind every flag planted in Arlington National Cemetery lies a story cut short—a son or daughter who never came home, dreams left unfulfilled, families forever changed.

The young Marine who fell in Fallujah. The Navy pilot lost over the Pacific. The Army medic who died saving others in Afghanistan. These were not statistics but people with hopes, fears, and loved ones who still carry their memory.

Our fallen soldiers didn't choose to become heroes. They chose to serve, knowing the risks. They wrote blank checks to America, payable with their lives if necessary. Too many of those checks were cashed.

As we lower flags to half-staff and observe moments of silence, we honor not just their sacrifice but our obligation to remember. Their names may fade from headlines, but their legacy lives in the liberty we enjoy.

🏷️ Bait Shop to Honor Ike Leary’s Longstanding Service

For over two decades, Ike Leary has been a fixture at Ormond Beach’s Granada Pier Bait and Tackle. Now, as part of a $2.5 million Cassen Park redesign, the city is debating how best to recognize his contributions—possibly with his name on the new bait shop building.

At a recent City Commission meeting, discussion centered on signage. While staff proposed a generic sign for consistency with other concession facilities, Commissioner Travis Sargent pushed for more personal recognition: “Ike’s Granada Pier Bait and Tackle.” After some back and forth, the consensus was to consider a flexible sign option that reflects Leary’s role while allowing for changes down the road.

Leary, for his part, is clear on what he hopes to see: “It will always be Ike’s Granada Pier Bait and Tackle.”

🎖️ Volusia Launches Countywide Veterans Support Program

Volusia County has rolled out an ambitious new initiative called the Volusia Values Veterans Program (V3P)—a first-of-its-kind effort to make the county Florida’s most veteran-friendly community. Approved unanimously by the County Council, the program supports over 50,000 local veterans through services, discounts, mental health support, and housing projects.

Highlights include dedicated parking, veteran ID cards for discounts, library perks, staff recognition, and partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Firewatch. A new veterans endowment, coordinated by the United Way of Volusia-Flagler, will further bolster services.

In 2024 alone, Volusia’s Veterans Services Division helped more than 16,000 veterans with everything from healthcare to training. Learn more about services at volusia.org/veterans.

🌊 Ponce Inlet Jetty Connector Reopens After Storm Repairs

Just in time for Memorial Day, Volusia County has reopened a popular section of the jetty connector pathway at Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet. Damaged in late 2024 by a nor’easter just before Hurricane Milton, the jetty now boasts 144 feet of new wood decking.

For beachgoers like Austin Medina, who recently relocated from Alaska, the reopening is a welcome way to connect with the coast—and his family. “I think people are excited about it,” he said. “It looks like there’s a good number of people showing up.”

While the new decking is temporary, the county has big plans. An application is pending with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to permanently extend the concrete jetty by 400 feet, which would reduce yearly storm-related repairs. Officials hope to complete concrete repairs to the eastern section by July 4, with expansion work expected in 2026.

Source: MyNews13

This Day In History - Florida

  • 1845Florida's First U.S. Senators Take Office
    James Wescott and David Levy Yulee begin their terms as the first U.S. Senators from the newly admitted state of Florida.

  • 1865Union Troops Reassert Control in Florida After Civil War
    Federal forces continue reestablishing authority across Florida during Reconstruction, including key cities like Tallahassee and Jacksonville.

  • 1929Florida East Coast Railway Strike Continues
    A prolonged and violent labor strike escalates, impacting rail transportation and shaping future union negotiations in Florida.

  • 1943World War II Training Intensifies at Florida Bases
    Airfields in Florida, including MacDill and Eglin, expand operations as the U.S. ramps up aircrew training in support of the war.

  • 1953Cape Canaveral Designated as a Missile Test Center
    The U.S. Air Force formally establishes the Eastern Test Range, laying the groundwork for Florida’s future in space exploration.

  • 1961JFK Proposes Moon Mission, Elevating Cape Canaveral’s Role
    President Kennedy’s speech to Congress sets the moon landing goal, spotlighting Cape Canaveral as America’s space launch hub.

  • 1979Launch Pad Explosion at Cape Canaveral
    A fuel tank explosion during test preparations causes minor injuries and equipment damage, prompting new safety protocols.

  • 1986NASA Delta 178 Rocket Fails Shortly After Liftoff
    The rocket explodes 71 seconds after launch at Cape Canaveral, destroying the GOES-G weather satellite and marking a rare public mission failure.

  • 1991Everglades National Park Expansion Plans Advance
    Congress approves funding proposals for extending preservation and ecological protection in South Florida’s Everglades.

  • 1992Hurricane Andrew Is First Identified as a Tropical Wave
    A tropical disturbance forms off Africa that will eventually become Hurricane Andrew, one of the most devastating storms in Florida history.

  • 1995Disney's Blizzard Beach Opens in Orlando
    Walt Disney World opens its third water park, themed around a melting ski resort, adding to Florida's tourism-driven economy.

  • 2002Florida Marlins Retire Gary Carter’s Number
    In a tribute to the Hall of Fame catcher and former Marlin, the team retires his jersey during a special ceremony at Pro Player Stadium.

  • 2012SpaceX’s Dragon Capsule Docks with the ISS
    After launching from Cape Canaveral, the Dragon becomes the first private spacecraft to successfully reach the International Space Station.

  • 2018Florida Panthers Sign Goalie Roberto Luongo to Extension
    The long-time NHL goalie agrees to a contract extension, signaling commitment to rebuilding the team’s playoff hopes.

  • 2020Florida Continues Phase 1 COVID-19 Reopening
    Businesses including restaurants, salons, and shops begin limited reopening statewide, as part of pandemic recovery efforts.

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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

  Mon May 26

  • Event: 🏛️Housing Authority Meeting, 3 PM
    Events Center at Ormond Beach, 1437 US-1 STE C1, Ormond Beach, FL
    An afternoon session disdevelopment.

  • Event: 👩‍👧Tomoka MomCo May Meeting!, 1:30–3:30 PM
    1450 Hand Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    A community gathering for moms to connect, support each other, and build lasting friendships.

  • Event: 🌿The Wellness Way Approach to Inflammation, 6–7 PM
    The Wellness Way - Ormond Beach, 725 W Granada Blvd STE 8, Ormond Beach,
    Learn how to reduce inflammation through holistic approaches and wellness insights.

  • Event: 🎉Playground Exclusive, 6–9 PM
    1687 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A private evening play event designed for kids and families to relax and have fun in a safe space.

 Tue May 27

  • Event: 🤝Networking Group 1, 7:30–8:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Start your day with connections and coffee at this morning networking meet-up for local professionals.

  • Event: 🧘‍♀️OBCS Cadet PT test/ fitness activities, 12–2 AM
    760 Airport Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Early-morning cadet fitness session focusing on physical training and team development.

  • Event: 👩‍👧Tomoka MomCo May Meeting!, 1:30–3:30 PM
    1450 Hand Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    A community gathering for moms to connect, support each other, and build lasting friendships.

  • Event: 🌿The Wellness Way Approach to Inflammation, 6–7 PM
    The Wellness Way - Ormond Beach, 725 W Granada Blvd STE 8, Ormond Beach
    Learn how to reduce inflammation through holistic approaches and wellness insights.

  • Event: 🎉Playground Exclusive, 6–9 PM
    1687 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A private evening play event designed for kids and families to relax and have fun in a safe space.

 Wed May 28

  • Event: 🤝Networking Group 4, 8:30–9:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Morning networking opportunity for local professionals to connect and collaborate.

  • Event: 🏗️Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM
    10X Ormond Beach Apartments, 600 Crowne Commerce Ct, Ormond Beach, FL
    A public meeting to discuss upcoming development plans in the Ormond Beach area.

  • Event: 🏡Primetime Viewing Party and Free Lunch, 2 PM
    725 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy lunch and a sneak peek into featured listings and real estate insights.

  • Event: 🖼️OLR's Elite Agent Insight Real Estate Panel, 2–4 PM
    142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A panel discussion featuring top real estate professionals sharing market tips and trends.

  • Event: 🍔Academic Oasis Family Picnic, 5 PM

    1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    An outdoor family picnic to celebrate the school year with games, food, and fun.

  • Event: 🌊Sea Glass Tree Class, 5:30–8:30 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Create your own sea glass tree art with guidance in a beachy, creative atmosphere.

  • 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
    Sing your heart out with Harryoke during this lively karaoke night in Ormond Beach.

  • Event: 🌿May Plant Bingo OB, 6:30–8:30 PM
    Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach, FL
    Play for prizes and enjoy craft beer in this garden-themed bingo night.

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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