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- ⭐ Coop Communities, Cassen Park Update, Daytona Boardwalk
⭐ Coop Communities, Cassen Park Update, Daytona Boardwalk
Issue #604

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Table of Contents

Today’s Forecast
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Brian Shields Tropical Update
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⭐

🏘️ Co-Ops Over Corporations: Mobile Homeowners Take Charge
In the face of rising lot rents in Florida’s mobile home parks, some residents are rewriting the rules—literally. At Harbor Oaks Homeowners Cooperative in Fruitland Park, monthly fees remain as low as $125, thanks to shared ownership and strategic revenue sources like boat dock rentals.
The co-op model offers a stark contrast to corporate-run parks where rents often soar to $1,000 or more. With resident-elected boards and financial transparency, communities like Harbor Oaks maintain affordability and autonomy.
There are more than 700 resident-owned parks in Florida, and they typically start as rentals before residents seize the chance to purchase during a sale. According to experts, cooperative ownership brings not only cost savings but also a sense of empowerment. As resident Geno Moser puts it: “You can’t go anywhere and find another place like this.”
Source: ClickOrlando.com
🌳 Generations in the Making: Cassen Park's Community-Led Revival
Cassen Park in Ormond Beach is getting a long-overdue facelift—and longtime bait shop operator Ike Leary is here for it. The city’s $2.8 million redesign is nearing completion, just in time for the July Fourth celebration.
What began as a basic paving idea in 2010 evolved into a full-scale community project involving public input, city boards, and residents. The result? Expanded parking, native landscaping, and a brand-new bait shop building for Leary, who’s run Granada Pier Bait and Tackle since 1999.
Assistant City Manager Shawn Finley says the effort reflects what can happen when a community collaborates: “Everybody can feel part of it.” With plans to repair neighboring parks next, the city is making sure all four corners of the Granada Bridge are local gems.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏖️ Boardwalk Comeback: Daytona Beach Aims to Reclaim Its Magic
Daytona Beach’s iconic boardwalk is on track for a glow-up. Once bustling with roller coasters and candy shops, the area has struggled in recent years. But city leaders are rolling out a plan to turn that around, starting with a 300-foot boardwalk extension.
Commissioners approved a $2.2 million land purchase near Breakers Oceanfront Park, aiming to revitalize the beachside with new attractions—possibly including a boutique hotel. A consultant is now drafting plans for the expansion, expected by June 2026.
For locals like shopkeeper Garrett Gorge, it’s a hopeful sign that foot traffic—and nostalgia—may return. “People just walking around—they see a gift shop, they stop,” he says. If all goes well, the boardwalk might once again be the community cornerstone it once was.
Source: WESH.com

Recent Arrests
Daytona Beach Police Dept.
• Blake William Smith, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 18; driving while license canceled, possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $1,000
Ormond Beach Police Dept.
• Joseph Ciechanowski, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 15; resisting arrest with violence, battery on LEO. Bond: $7,500
• George Robert Hutchens, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 17; battery on person 65+. No bond
• Benjamin F. Neville, Daytona Beach — Arrested June 19; battery on EMS provider. No bond
• Shawn Kelly Hunt, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 19; aggravated assault on LEO, assault on LEO, obstruction, trespassing. No bond
Holly Hill Police Dept.
• Latravia McGill, Holly Hill — Arrested June 13; burglary (2 counts), cocaine possession, resisting, false ID, ID theft, controlled substance. Bond: $29,500
• Shericka Renee Robinson, Holly Hill — Arrested June 16; aggravated battery. Bond: $2,500
Volusia County Sheriff's Office
• Amanda J. Slaughter, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 14; drug possession, paraphernalia. Bond: $2,150
• Billy R. Boles, Holly Hill — Arrested June 15; drug possession, paraphernalia. Bond: $1,500
• Belinda McCloud, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 16; battery. Bond: $5,000
• Kimberly H. Jenkins, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 15; drug possession, paraphernalia. Bond: $1,500
• Phyllis J. Colahan, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 15; drug possession, paraphernalia. Bond: $5,150
• Andrew B. Migell, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 16; fake ID, no insurance, expired license, unregistered vehicle, missile into vehicle. Bond: $14,500
• Jahidul I. Chowdhury, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 17; grand theft, burglary, paraphernalia. Bond: $3,000
• Troy E. Green, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 17; petit theft, battery on LEO. Bond: $5,150
• Adoniyah H. Israel, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 18; aggravated battery (pregnant person), strike. No bond
• Floyd K. Hall, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 18; aggravated assault. Bond: $5,000
• Scott Gardner, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 19; manslaughter of a child, child neglect. Bond: $100,000
Volusia County Detention Center
• Daniel T. Hrabal, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 17; robbery by snatching, battery, petit theft, witness tampering. Bond: $8,000
• Bryan Miller, Holly Hill — Arrested June 17; aggravated battery. No bond
• Michael W. Bush, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 19; sale of cocaine, fentanyl possession with intent. No bond

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 Pulse when you call.
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐


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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
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.
Sat Jun 28
Event: 🎭CMTW Presents Beetlejuice Jr., 7:00 – 9:20 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
Musical theatre performance featuring young talent in a spooky-fun adaptation of the classic story.Event: 🎶Bradley Cohen: Bradley & The Full House Band, 6 – 10 AM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Live music to start your day beachside with great tunes and vibes.Event: 🎸Planet Hairspray live @ Saints and Sinners!!, 6 – 10 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
Energetic live band performance rocking the pub with classic and modern hits.Event: 🎤Ashley Estevez Band RETURNS Saturday Afternoon!, 1 – 5 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
Afternoon live music featuring Ashley Estevez Band at a lively venue.Event: 🧠Stroke Awareness, 11 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Informative event promoting stroke prevention and awareness.Event: 🦞Cousins Maine Lobster at Holly Hill: Copper..., Jun 28 – Jun 29
998 N Beach St, Holly Hill, FL
Lobster food truck stop offering Maine lobster specialties.Event: 🥫Food Drive Collection Day, Jun 28 – Jun 29
142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Community event collecting non-perishable food items for local support.Event: 🎷martini martini band, 7 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Evening of live jazz and cocktails at a trendy gastropub.
Sun Jun 29
Event: 🧘♀️Floating Sound Bath, 7 AM
Seabridge Riverfront Park, 3570 John Anderson Dr, Ormond Beach
Immerse yourself in healing vibrations while floating in water for a unique meditative experience.Event: 🎶Sunday Afternoon with Driven, 1 – 5 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 US-1, Ormond Beach
Enjoy an afternoon of live music and fun with the band Driven.Event: 🧘♂️Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
Focused football training session combining field goals and kick-offs for youth athletes.Event: 🍽️"What's the Point?" - Speaker and Dinner, 11:30 PM
1079 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
An enlightening evening featuring an inspirational speaker and dinner.Event: 🦞Cousins Maine Lobster at Holly Hill: Drunken Duck, 1 – 6 PM
Drunken Duck Brewing Company, 101 2nd St Unit 401, Holly Hill
Enjoy fresh lobster dishes served up by the famous food truck at your favorite local brewery.Event: 📚Book Signing with Author Kimberly Lipsky Weidman, Time not specified
Fern & Fable Books, 51 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Meet the author and get your copy signed in a cozy bookshop setting.
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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