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- ⭐ Christmas in July, School Budgets & Rules, Northern Lights
⭐ Christmas in July, School Budgets & Rules, Northern Lights
Issue #605
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28 Jun
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Table of Contents
Today’s Forecast
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Brian Shields Tropical Update
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⭐ Christmas in July, School Budgets & Rules,
Northern Lights
Santa & Mrs. Claus at Neighborhood Scoop-Courtesy Photo
🎄 Christmas Comes Early to Ormond Beach
If you’re someone who thinks one Christmas a year isn’t enough, Ormond MainStreet has your back. The 8th annual “Christmas in July” event hits downtown Ormond Beach on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it’s shaping up to be a merry affair. Over 40 local shops and restaurants will feature festive specials, and the whole event is topped off with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, craft stations, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt with a chance to win local gift cards.
Becky Parker, executive director of Ormond MainStreet, says it best: “We’re excited for another round of this little event that brings so much joy.” And joy there will be—from Granada Boulevard to Orchard Street, it’s all about celebrating local businesses in a big way.
For those who like to plan ahead, Mrs. Claus will be teaching cookie decorating at The Casements on July 16. You can snag a spot by calling 386-676-3216.
Don’t forget to check out the digital event map and full list of activities at:
💰 Budgeting with (Slightly Less) Stress in Volusia Schools
Volusia County Schools may still be dipping into its financial reserves, but this year’s planned “controlled spend down” of $8 million is a significant improvement over last year’s $25 million. Thanks to cost-cutting measures and tough decisions, the school district’s $549 million budget for 2025-2026 looks leaner—and more sustainable.
Chief Financial Officer Todd Seis assures us this isn’t a crisis: “We have the funds available,” he said. “We're adding the resources to make sure every student succeeds.” Indeed, this marks a nearly 70% drop in the deficit since its $41 million peak in 2022.
Still, budget pressures remain. Declining enrollment, increased costs of living, and tighter state allocations continue to challenge schools statewide. But at least there's a silver lining: more targeted funding for academic programs like AP and CTE, plus a modest increase in teacher salary allocation.
Small steps, but important ones.
📚 New School Year, New Rules: Volusia Schools Revamp Conduct Code
Volusia County students returning in August will be greeted not just by their teachers, but also a brand-new code of conduct. It's the first major overhaul in more than a decade, and it’s aimed at clearing up confusion, improving consistency, and yes—taming cellphone usage.
The updated rulebook categorizes student behavior into four levels of severity, ranging from minor mishaps (like hallway horseplay) to serious infractions (like bringing paintball guns to school). First-time Level 1 offenders will get a talking-to, a note home, and maybe lose a few privileges. Repeat behavior? That’ll bump up the consequence ladder fast.
Encouragingly, overall referrals dropped 18.5% last year, a result district leaders credit to a focus on positive school culture and early intervention. And yes, the new code includes a detailed, updated definition of bullying, and guidelines around Florida’s latest law banning phones in elementary and middle schools.
Board member Ruben Colon puts it plainly: “This is an uphill battle.” But the district hopes clarity and consistency will help both families and staff stay on the same page.
🌌 Northern Lights In Florida? Sort Of..
Don’t count on seeing the northern lights from your Florida porch this weekend—but don’t lose hope either. While the aurora borealis put on a modest show in some northern U.S. states earlier this week, NOAA forecasts predict a low Kp index of 3.67, meaning most of the lower 48 will have to rely on livestreams for a glimpse of the magic.
If you're in Alaska, though, or lucky enough to be in parts of Montana, North Dakota, or Minnesota, you might still catch a fleeting appearance of the lights on Friday night. For everyone else, webcams from around the world—Sweden, Canada, Alaska—offer your best chance to see the skies dance.
Auroras in Florida? It has happened before—the most recent being in May 2024. But for now, your best viewing window is your screen.
Watch the lights live via Space.com’s aurora webcam hub.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
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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 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.
Mon Jun 30
Event: 🎨Create, Cook & Code: A Week of Storytelling, 12:00 AM
1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
An engaging, multi-day camp experience combining creativity, culinary fun, and coding for kids.Event: 🍺Monday is Growler Refill Day, 11 AM – 8 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
Bring your growler and enjoy discounted refills all day long.
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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