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  • ⭐ City To Pay Taxes, Strange Arrest, International Day, E-Bike Safety, Summer Solstice

⭐ City To Pay Taxes, Strange Arrest, International Day, E-Bike Safety, Summer Solstice

Issue #595

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18 Jun

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⭐ City To Pay Taxes, Strange Arrest, International Day, E-Bike Safety, Summer Solstice

Photo: Ormond Local Pulse

🏌️‍♂️ City on the Hook for River Bend’s Unpaid Taxes

The saga of Ormond Beach’s former River Bend Golf Course took a sharp turn this week as a judge ruled the city is responsible for over $377,000 in unpaid property taxes from 2013 to 2020. Though the city believed the golf course’s private operators were on the hook, the court ruled that Ormond lost its tax-exempt status when it leased the land for private profit—a use not considered a “public purpose” under Florida law. This decision stems from a dispute dating back to 2019, when the city learned of the tax issue after being denied a grant due to unpaid taxes. Now, the court has called for an evidentiary hearing to finalize what the city owes. The ruling underscores the fine print of public-private land use—and why those tax exemption terms really matter.

🚓 Strange Stop Leads to Drug Arrest in Flagler

In a case that raised eyebrows, an Ormond Beach woman was arrested June 15 in Palm Coast after being pulled over for expired tags and a suspended license. But things got more bizarre during booking, when Flagler County deputies discovered a sock containing six syringes and two grams of fentanyl hidden in her genitalia. Jessica Reno, 34, faces multiple charges including fentanyl possession and bringing contraband into a detention facility. She’s being held on $11,000 bond. It’s yet another reminder that routine traffic stops can quickly turn into much more complicated stories.

🌍 First International Day Festival Unites Cultures in Ormond

Flag Day had a global flair this year in Ormond Beach as Rockefeller Gardens hosted its first-ever International Day Festival on June 14. With colorful flags, live music, global cuisine, and even pony rides for the kids, the event celebrated cultural roots and community pride. Mayor Jason Leslie shared a touching story of his family’s immigration from Greece, while Florida Senator Tom Wright led a flag parade and received a Veteran Champion Award. From France to Vietnam, and Hungary to Puerto Rico, the message was clear: diversity is a strength, and unity is the goal.

🚴‍♂️ E-Bike Safety in the Spotlight as Accidents Increase

With e-bikes becoming a more common sight in Volusia County, safety officials are urging both riders and drivers to brush up on the rules. After a Palm Coast woman drove her car onto a sidewalk to confront a teen she thought was speeding, the issue has garnered renewed attention. Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized the need for updated legislation to regulate e-bike speeds. While Florida law allows e-bikes to operate where regular bikes can, speed control and safety are becoming bigger concerns. For now, helmets are required for those under 16, and local ordinances may impose stricter rules—so check before you ride.

🌞 Summer Solstice Arrives Friday

It’s official—summer begins this Friday, June 20 at 10:42 p.m. with the 2025 summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. While meteorological summer began June 1, the solstice marks the astronomical start of the season. Fun fact: while June 20 or 21 are typical solstice dates, a June 22 solstice is rare—the last was in 1975 and the next won’t be until 2203. Whether you measure summer by sun angle or beach days, one thing is clear: we’re in it now.

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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 Jun 18

  • Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
    Alfies Restaurant, 1666 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach
    All Are Welcome!  More info at (386) 441-4421

  • Event: 🗺️Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM
    Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, Ormond Beach, FL
    Planning discussions that help shape future development along the scenic route.

  • Event: 🦎Critter class, 3 – 5 PM
    46 Spring Meadows Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
    Educational and interactive session for families and nature lovers.

  • Event: 🌊Mixed Media Night Light or Suncatcher Class, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Craft your own beachy suncatcher or night light with ocean-inspired vibes.

  • Event: 🍍Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 7 – 11 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
    Grab a shell of kava and join in for fun prizes and community vibes.

  • Event: 💃Intro to Poleography 6-Week Series, 9:30 PM
    443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A unique fitness journey combining dance, strength, and choreography.

  • Event: 🖼️4 Week Beginner Stained Glass – Wednesdays, 10 AM – 1 PM
    Tess Blum Art, 510 W Minnesota Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Learn stained glass techniques and create colorful masterpieces over four weeks.

  • Event: 🎤Tommy Mac Band (Day 1 of 2), ongoing
    3400 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live performance kicks off with local favorites bringing music midweek.

 Thu Jun 19

  • Event: 🗺️Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM
    Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, Ormond Beach, FL
    Public meeting to discuss development proposals and plans impacting the scenic loop area.

  • Event: 🌺Gather 2 Grow, ongoing
    Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, 998 N Beach St, Holly Hill, FL
    A casual event celebrating growth, creativity, and community spirit in a distillery setting.

  • Event: 🦎Critter class, 3 – 5 PM
    46 Spring Meadows Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
    An engaging, hands-on experience introducing participants to local critters and their habitats.

  • Event: 🎯Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 7 – 11 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
    A lively evening of BINGO, drinks, and prizes in a laid-back lounge atmosphere.

  • Event: 💃Intro to Poleography 6-Week Series, 9:30 PM
    443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    A fun and empowering class series combining dance and pole fitness for all levels.

  • Event: 🖼️4 Week Beginner Stained Glass – Wednesdays, 10 AM – 1 PM
    Tess Blum Art, 510 W Minnesota Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Learn stained glass basics in a relaxed, creative atmosphere with weekly hands-on instruction.

  • Event: 🛍️Ladies Night at the Garage, ongoing
    720 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    An evening of socializing, shopping, and specials designed just for the ladies.

  • Event: 🍻Cornhole Night at Beaches!, ongoing
    Beaches Daytona, 301 E International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL (Venue listed as Daytona Beach but possibly tied to Ormond Beach crowd)
    Grab a partner and toss some bags with drink specials and casual fun by the beach.

  • Event: 🎷DSC Music presents A Summer Jazz Concert, ongoing
    News-Journal Center at Daytona State College, 221 N Beach St, Daytona Beach,(Nearby and notable for Ormond Beach residents)
    An evening of smooth jazz by local student musicians, perfect for a midweek cultural outing.

 Fri Jun 20

  • Event: 🌴Black & Breezy: The Summer Cool-Down, all day
    Tomoka State Park, 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    Kick off summer with a cool-down weekend immersed in nature at scenic Tomoka State Park.

  • Event: 📚Mary Kate Brennan: Singles Night, 6–10 PM
    Novel Tea Book Shop, 150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy a casual, literary-themed singles night with local author Mary Kate Brennan.

  • Event: 🎶Smyrna Erb, 7–11 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live music under the palms — unwind with beachy vibes and local tunes.

  • Event: 🎤Friday Night with The Greentree Brothers, 6–10 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Rock out to hometown favorites Greentree Brothers at this lively pub setting.

  • 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
    Warm up those vocals and belt out your favorite tunes with Harryoke hosting.

  • Event: 🎨Jessica Delacruz, 4–7 PM
    Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Acoustic vibes and oceanfront views make this an ideal early evening hangout.

  • Event: ☕Café Roberto, 6:30–9:00 AM
    beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Start your day with smooth coffee and even smoother live music.

  • Event: 🏋️‍♂️Private Training: 1 Day, 2–4 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Athletic coaching or specialty training available by appointment.

  • Event: 📝Summer Keys: Get Pre-Approved on the Spot!, 9:30–11:30 PM
    1738 Palm Rd, Holly Hill, FL
    Late-night mortgage help for prospective buyers — part of the open house experience.

  • Event: 🎨Smyrna Erb, time not listed
    Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Another chance to catch Smyrna Erb live — enjoy great food, drinks, and music by the shore.

  • Event: 🎉The Cat. 4 band at The Turn, time not listed
    57 S Turn Cir, Ponce Inlet, FL (Note: This listing is for Ponce Inlet but sometimes marketed with Ormond events.)
    Local fan favorite The Cat. 4 band brings their high-energy sound to The Turn.

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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