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- ⭐ Ormond Father Held, SBA Drought Loans, Ormond Plans for Fourth
⭐ Ormond Father Held, SBA Drought Loans, Ormond Plans for Fourth
Issue #602
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25 Jun
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Table of Contents
Today’s Forecast
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Brian Shields Tropical Update
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⭐ Ormond Father Held, SBA Drought Loans, Ormond Plans for Fourth
Photo: Volusia County Sheriff
🚨 Update: No Bail for Father in Hot-Car Tragedy
A Volusia County judge has denied bail for Scott Allen Gardner, the Ormond Beach father charged in the tragic death of his 18-month-old son, Sebastian. Prosecutors allege Gardner left the child in a hot truck for hours while he got a haircut and drank at Hanky Panky’s bar on June 6. When emergency responders finally arrived, the toddler’s body temperature was 107.8 degrees.
At a pretrial hearing, the judge cited Gardner's suicidal comments, threats to hospital staff, and concerns about fleeing the country as reasons for his pretrial detention. Prosecutors also referenced his criminal history and noted he returned to the bar after the child’s death.
This deeply disturbing case continues to unfold and has shaken the Ormond Beach community, raising questions about accountability and public safety.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
💸 SBA Loans Aim to Quench Drought-Struck Businesses
As Florida’s dry spell drags on, the federal government is offering relief to small businesses and nonprofits hit hard by the ongoing drought. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million, with interest rates starting at 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits.
Volusia and Flagler counties were covered under a previous drought disaster declaration made on March 11. These loans can help cover rent, payroll, utility bills, and other essential costs.
Applications are open until Jan. 5, 2026. To apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🎆 Ormond Beach Lights Up for the Fourth
Ormond Beach is ready to light up the skies this July 4 with its annual Independence Day Celebration at Rockefeller Gardens. The free festivities kick off at 8 p.m. with live music, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m., launched just south of the Granada Bridge. Attendees can grab snacks from local food vendors and enjoy a breezy evening by the Halifax River.
To keep things running smoothly, several roads will be closed around the event, and free shuttle service will be provided starting at 7:30 p.m. Handicap parking is available at Bailey Riverbridge Gardens. For those planning to park, locations include City Hall, The Casements, and Fortunato Park. The Cassen Park pier and boat docks will close by 7 p.m. for safety.
Plan ahead, bring a blanket, and enjoy one of the area's best community traditions.
Source: Ormond Observer
The To-Do-Dudes
When local homeowners and businesses need reliable help with yard work, moving, cleaning, or general odd jobs, they're turning to an innovative local company that's bridging the gap between student labor and community needs. The To-Do Dudes, founded by 23-year-old Erik Libby, provides flexible labor services using college students and young professionals throughout Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, and Daytona.
What started as a simple favor for his grandmother has evolved into a thriving business with 36 employees, over 7,000 completed projects, and 550 five-star Google reviews. "I was out there laying down 200 bags of lava rock for my grandma," Libby recalls. "Golfers from the nearby course kept walking over asking if I had a business card. Within an hour and a half, five different groups had stopped to talk to me."
Erik Libby
That lightbulb moment in 2020 sparked the realization that many community members desperately needed reliable help with tasks they either couldn't or didn't want to handle themselves. "If my grandma asked me for this much help, I couldn't imagine how many other people around the community would need this type of help," Libby explains.
The Minnesota native, who moved to Florida in 2016, graduated from Stetson University in 2022 and made the bold decision to pursue his business full-time rather than follow his family's sales-oriented career path. His gamble has paid off, with the company expanding from Palm Coast to Ormond Beach in 2023 and Daytona in April 2025.
What sets The To-Do Dudes apart is their focus on students and young professionals, creating what Libby calls "students helping neighbors." This approach provides flexible employment opportunities for college students while giving customers peace of mind about who's coming to their homes.
The company handles everything from mulching and weeding to furniture assembly and moving services and even computer assistance, though they draw the line at licensed work like electrical or plumbing. They've even expanded into event services, working with organizations like Ormond Main Street festivals and Advent Health events.
Libby's entrepreneurial journey hasn't been without challenges. "Unknown unknowns" have tested his problem-solving skills, from hitting a pool pipe on his very first job to developing policies for unusual situations. "What can go wrong will go wrong," he notes, describing his approach as "paying down my ignorance" through continuous learning.
Recognition has followed success. The To-Do Dudes placed second in a regional pitch competition (similar to TV’s Shark Tank), earning $5,000, and Libby earned a spot among the top 20 finalists in a global entrepreneurship competition in Chicago.
Looking ahead, Libby has ambitious plans to take the concept nationwide, with immediate expansion planned for St. Augustine and Jacksonville. "We've gotten calls from 13, 14, 15 other states," he says. "This is a need that's severely underserved."
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Libby's advice is simple: "Just get started. You're never going to have all the answers, and the timing is never going to be perfect. There's no better time than right now."
So if you’re in need of help around your home or business, “The To-Do-Dudes” are ready to help. You can learn more at their website: TheToDoDudes.com. Or give them a call at (386) 597-0722. Please mention Ormond Local Pule when you call.
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Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam
Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam
Ponce Inlet 180 degree 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 25
Event: 🗺️Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM
Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, Ormond Beach, FL
Planning matters and scenic preservation are on the table at this local review meeting.Event: 🩰Private Training: 1 Day, 12 – 2 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
One-on-one athletic coaching or specialized instruction to boost your skills.Event: 🏖️Beach House Class, 2 – 4 PM
Sea Dreams by Sara, 398 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
A hands-on coastal-inspired creative workshop in a breezy beachside setting.Event: 🎨Art Talk: What's That Banana Taped to the Wall All About?, 2 – 3 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Explore the curious side of contemporary art in this fun, thought-provoking discussion.Event: 🎸Megan Katarina, 6 – 9 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Live acoustic vibes meet tropical eats for a laid-back night out.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
Step up to the mic and show off your vocals in this fun midweek tradition.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
Enjoy drinks, laughter, and a little friendly competition with your community.
Thu Jun 26
Event: 🥕Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan items in a lively outdoor setting.Event: 🌈Pride Night at Wine Not? West!, 6 – 9 PM
Wine Not? West, 1108 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Celebrate Pride with drinks, community, and fun festivities.Event: 🎸BEACHSIDE, 6 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Live music and good vibes just steps from the ocean.Event: 🦞Cousins Maine Lobster, Jun 26 – Jun 27
500 Shadow Lakes Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy famous Maine lobster dishes from the popular food truck.Event: 🎶County Music Night - Different Strings, 6 – 9 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
Live country tunes from Different Strings—great food, great music.Event: 🐾Critter Class, 3 – 5 PM
46 Spring Meadows Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
Interactive animal education experience perfect for kids and families.Event: ✂️Ribbon Cutting - Salon LeNae!, 4 – 5 PM
Salon LeNae, 171 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Celebrate a local business with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.Event: ⚽Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Focused athletic training session led by professional coaches.Event: 🖼️Third Thursday Docent Tour
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Guided museum tour exploring current exhibits and garden highlights.Event: 🤓Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
Test your knowledge while enjoying kava drinks and a fun crowd.
Fri Jun 27
Event: 🎶Something NEW for Ormond Beach! James Brocato Live..., Jun 27 – Jun 28
29 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Live music with James Brocato bringing fresh sounds to Ormond Beach.Event: 🎸Smyrna Erb, 4 – 7 PM
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy an evening with Smyrna Erb at the beachside venue.Event: 🏠HOMEowner Education Day - Ormond Beach Branch, 11 AM – 2 PM
Launch Credit Union | Ormond Beach, 240 N Williamson Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Educational session for prospective and current homeowners.Event: 🤸Handstands Pop Up Class, 9:45 PM
443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Pop-up fitness class focusing on handstand techniques.Event: 🎷The Fabulous B Naturals Debut at Beachside Bar..., 7 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Debut performance by The Fabulous B Naturals at a beachside location.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
Karaoke night hosted by Harryoke, full of fun and music.Event: ☕Steel Oak Coffee - Free Friday Tastings, All day
Steel Oak Coffee, 187 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy complimentary coffee tastings all day.Event: 🎙️Open Mic Night - Ormond Beach, 9 PM
Green Turtle Kava Bar - Ormond Beach, 1474 W Granada Blvd #410, Ormond Beach, FL
Open mic session at the local kava bar—bring your talent!Event: 🌌Friends of OMAM Club: Stargazing Social, 8 – 10 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
An evening of stargazing and socializing in a scenic garden.
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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