⭐ Abbreviated Comments, Fences, City Upgrades

Issue #584

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07 Jun

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⭐ Abbreviated Comments, Fences, City Upgrades

🏫 Trimmed Comments Ahead for Volusia School Board?

In a move aimed at saving time—and maybe a little patience—Volusia County School Board may be restructuring how its meetings run. Attorney Gilbert Evans recommended several changes, including eliminating opening comments and limiting board members to five minutes each during discussions. A proposed second meeting each month would be reserved only for consent agenda items and public comment, while workshops and the main discussion would stick to the first meeting of the month.

Reactions were mixed: some board members were on board with streamlining, while others urged caution, especially with legal and procedural implications. Chair Jamie Haynes flagged that some federally required votes can't go under consent items. Whether this proposal turns into policy remains to be seen, but it’s clear efficiency is now on the agenda.

🛑 Tomoka Oaks Fence Sparks Outrage

Just as legal battles continue over the proposed Tomoka Reserve development, another layer of tension has gone up—literally. Developers have secured a city permit to install a six-foot-high chain link fence around the perimeter of the former Tomoka Oaks golf course. While attorneys claim it's for safety and liability protection, many residents see it as a "spite fence," especially after the denial of a rezoning request to build 300 homes.

Residents like Tom Fitzgibbon and Jim Rose voiced concern over wildlife disruption and diminished views, with some suggesting it’s an unnecessary move designed to provoke. Still, the developers are within their rights, and since it's an administrative permit, the public had no say in the decision.

As the lawsuits make their way through court, the fence may end up being just the first of many divisions—both physical and community-wide.

🏗️ City Sets Sights on $35M in Upgrades

Ormond Beach is laying the foundation—literally—for a big year of improvements. As part of its Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, the city is teeing up nearly $35 million in projects for 2025-2026. One of the headlining efforts is a $2.4 million hurricane-hardening retrofit to reinforce openings at city buildings including City Hall, the Police Department, and the Performing Arts Center. With FEMA footing 75% of the bill, the city is maximizing resilience with minimal strain on local taxes.

Another key theme: water. Over $4.7 million is earmarked for recurring water and wastewater improvements, plus $5.6 million for a new force main across the Halifax River. Toss in upgrades to Sanchez Park, solar LED lighting at city facilities, and nearly a dozen new city vehicles, and it’s clear Ormond is putting its dollars to work.

🎣 New Piers and Field Dreams on the Horizon

The 2025-2026 plan isn’t all asphalt and storm shutters. The city is also tackling projects that hit closer to home—like rebuilding the Fortunato Park and Riviera Park fishing piers, both damaged by recent storms. Each pier rebuild is budgeted at $450,000, funded in part by the city's CRA district.

On the athletic front, the city had hoped to redo softball fields at the Sports Complex, but that $400,000 project has been postponed to 2026-2027 in hopes of landing ECHO grant funding. In the meantime, a new ball field may still come to life. The city previously set aside $100,000 to study Field One at Nova Rec—built atop a former landfill—to explore if a new field is needed elsewhere.

Residents may even see a new batting facility, with a local citizen interested in leasing space and covering the construction. It’s all still in the works, but Ormond Beach seems ready to hit a home run on community input and recreation.

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Ormond North Beach Cam at Ormond Lifeguard Station
Ormond South Beach Cam at Cardinal Drive
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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

Sat Jun 7

  • Event: 🎨 Handpainted Hat Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Create your own custom, wearable art during this creative hands-on class.

  • Event: 🧘 Small Group Saturday-LS, 10 AM – 12 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Local training session focusing on small-group fitness, skills, and wellness.

  • Event: 🍷 Wine Curiosity, 2 – 6 PM
    beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    An afternoon of wine exploration and tasting for curious palates.

  • Event: 🖼️ Ormond Art Walk: Gabriela Burlamaqui Pop-Up, 3 – 7 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach,Enjoy featured pop-up works from artist Gabriela Burlamaqui during the Art Walk.

  • Event: 🎶 Music + Arts Expo, 5 – 9 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Live performances, interactive exhibits, and artist showcases come together at this festive expo.

  • Event: 🎸 Tru Phonic, 6 – 10 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live band performance blending funk, soul, and rock in a high-energy setting.

  • Event: 🎭 Art in Motion – Dance Factory’s 24th Spring Recital, All Day
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    A weekend-long showcase celebrating student dancers and choreographic flair.

  • Event: 💃 Mariia Diachkina Pole Workshops, 6 PM
    443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Pole fitness sessions with international performer Mariia Diachkina.

  • Event: 🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster at Holly Hill, All Day
    998 N Beach St, Holly Hill, FL
    The beloved lobster truck returns with fan favorites and seafood delights.

  • Event: 🏃 Watermelon 5k/10k Run/Walk, 8 AM
    Sunrise Park, 1135 Riverside Dr, Holly Hill, FL
    Lace up for a juicy summer run—walk or race your way to a watermelon treat.

  • Event: 🏓 MLP Daytona Beach, 10 AM – 10 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    A full day of competitive pickleball at one of the area’s premier courts.

  • Event: 🎵 Brothers Futch, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
    RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy riverside dining with live acoustic Americana from this local favorite duo.

  • Event: 🖼️ Ormond Art Walk @ OMAM, All Day
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Stroll the galleries and garden exhibits during this community-wide art celebration.

 Sun Jun 8

  • Event: 🧘 yoga + connection, 10 – 11 AM
    beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A relaxing session combining movement and community in a coastal setting.

  • Event: 🏈 Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
    Focused field goal and kickoff training for youth athletes.

  • Event: 🎸 Insomnia DEBUTS @ Iron Horse!, 1 PM
    Iron Horse Saloon, 1068 US-1, Ormond Beach
    Live debut performance from local rockers Insomnia at this iconic biker bar.

  • Event: 🎤 Mike Quick Acoustic, 1 – 4 PM
    Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club, 100 Plantation Bay Dr, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy acoustic favorites in a scenic club setting.

  • Event: 🎟️ Encore Basket Auction, 3 – 5 PM
    Encore Baton and Dance Studio, 1711 State Ave, Holly Hill
    Bid on fun baskets and support local young performers.

  • Event: 🌿 Plant Swap, 3 – 7 PM
    Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach
    Bring a plant, take a plant, and sip on craft beer while you’re at it.

  • Event: 🏓 MLP Daytona Beach Sunday, 10 AM – 10 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    A full day of pickleball action at one of the area's premier courts.

  Mon Jun 9

  • Event: 🎨 Adventures in Action, 9 AM
    1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    An exciting week of stories and money lessons for kids.

  • Event: ⚓ Set Sail! Oasis Kids Camp 2025, 9 AM
    85 S Tymber Creek Rd, Ormond Beach
    A fun summer camp filled with adventure and learning.

  • Event: 🎭 Summer Creativity Workout Camp, 9 AM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Creative activities to engage young minds ages 9–13.

  • Event: 🍺 Growler Refill Day, 11 AM – 8 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
    Refill your growler and save on local brews.

  • Event: 🧘‍♀️ Slow Flow Yoga with Sarah, 7 PM
    Horizon House Yoga, 400 Parque Dr suite 8, Ormond Beach
    A relaxing yoga flow to wind down your Monday.

  • Event: 🕶️ VR Summer Camp Week 2, 9 AM
    1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Virtual reality learning and fun for young tech enthusiasts.

  • Event: 🏀 Youth Basketball League, 7 PM
    2080 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Join the summer youth basketball league and hit the court.

  • Event: 🏓 Youth Pickleball Camp, 9 AM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    A summer camp focused on learning and playing pickleball.

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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