⭐ Bunny Bunny & Dino, VITA Celebrates, VOTRAN Holiday Schedule

Issue #607

30 Jun

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⭐ Bunny Bunny & Dino, VITA Celebrates, VOTRAN Holiday Schedule

Bunny Bunny & Dino - Photo Courtesy of DAB

🧸 Bunny Bunny and Dino’s Big Airport Adventure

Daytona Beach International Airport added a little magic to an ordinary lost-and-found story. When two young sisters, Ruby (2) and Ella (5), left behind their beloved stuffed animals—Bunny Bunny and Dino—the airport staff didn't just return them. They rolled out the VIP treatment.

Terminal Coordinator Brandy Ware gave the plush pair a grand tour of the airport, capturing photos as they "lunched" at a restaurant, took in the airport's art gallery, rode the escalator, and watched flights take off. All of it was done to reassure the girls that their stuffies had been in good hands.

When Bunny Bunny and Dino finally made it home, they came bearing travel photos and airport swag—much to Ruby and Ella’s delight. It’s just another example of how Daytona Beach International emphasizes customer experience, right down to the tiniest travelers.

💸 VITA Celebrates $50M in Community Tax Refunds

Talk about returns worth celebrating—United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program recently crossed the $50 million mark in tax refunds for Flagler and Volusia residents. Over the past 20 years, the program has helped prepare more than 44,000 tax returns, saving low- to moderate-income families money while putting critical funds back into the community.

In the 2024-2025 tax season alone, VITA volunteers helped file over 2,100 federal returns, yielding nearly $1.8 million in refunds. But the service isn’t just about numbers—volunteers like Michelle Bennett, a 14-year veteran, emphasize the relationships and trust they’ve built with residents, particularly seniors.

With over 100 dedicated volunteers putting in more than 5,100 hours, the program is a lifeline for many—especially those in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. VITA proves that sometimes, the biggest impact comes from helping with life’s smallest, most stressful tasks.

🚍 Votran Holiday Schedule: What to Know for the Fourth

Planning to ride Votran or VoRide over the July 4 holiday? You’ll want to check the adjusted schedules before you go.

On Thursday, July 4, only Routes 1, 3, 4, 10, 15, and 17 will operate—and they’ll follow a regular Sunday schedule. All other routes, as well as New Smyrna Beach Flex and VoRide services, will take the day off. Votran Gold will offer limited service in the Daytona Beach area, but no service will be available in West or Southeast Volusia.

Expect beachside delays due to holiday traffic, and don’t forget: regular service resumes Saturday, July 5. As always, more details can be found on Votran’s website or the myStop mobile app.

Thinking about a Reverse Mortgage? You need to watch this…

This video is offered for informational purposes only. It is NOT financial advice. Michael Bordenaro is a MIami resident and former real estate agent who offers daily videos on various subjects about real estate.

  • 🏝️ 1513 – Juan Ponce de León Lands in Florida
    Ponce de León became the first recorded European to land in Florida, naming it "La Florida."

    ⚔️ 1565 – Founding of St. Augustine
    The Spanish established St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S.

    🏰 1672 – Construction Begins on Castillo de San Marcos
    This coquina stone fort in St. Augustine became a symbol of Spanish colonial strength.

    🇺🇸 1821 – Florida Becomes a U.S. Territory
    Spain ceded Florida to the U.S., leading to its development under American governance.

    🏛️ 1845 – Florida Joins the Union
    Florida was admitted as the 27th U.S. state on March 3, 1845.

    🪖 1861–1865 – Civil War and Secession
    Florida seceded and joined the Confederacy; it was a key supplier of cattle and salt to Confederate forces.

    🌴 1898 – Spanish-American War Mobilization
    Tampa served as the primary embarkation point for U.S. troops heading to Cuba.

    🚂 1912 – Overseas Railroad to Key West Completed
    Henry Flagler's engineering marvel connected mainland Florida to Key West via rail.

    💥 1926 – Great Miami Hurricane
    This deadly hurricane devastated South Florida and halted a land boom, leading to a severe economic crash.

    🚀 1961 – NASA Establishes Cape Canaveral (Now Kennedy Space Center)
    Florida became central to the U.S. space program, hosting launches including Apollo and Space Shuttle missions.

    👨‍🚀 1969 – Apollo 11 Launch
    The Saturn V rocket carrying the first moon-bound astronauts launched from Kennedy Space Center.

    🏰 1971 – Walt Disney World Opens
    The massive resort redefined tourism in Central Florida and helped transform the Orlando economy.

    📈 2000 – Controversial U.S. Presidential Election
    Florida became the center of a national recount battle between George W. Bush and Al Gore.

    🌊 2004 – Four Hurricanes Strike Florida
    Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne caused widespread damage across the state in a single season.

    🔥 2018 – Parkland School Shooting
    A tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School sparked nationwide calls for gun reform.

/

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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

   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.

 Tue Jul 1

  • Event: 🎉Family Bingo, 9:30 – 10:30 PM
    1464 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy a lively evening of family-friendly bingo fun!

  • Event: 🎨Watercolor Workshop-Bibi Gromling, 1 – 4 PM
    Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Learn watercolor techniques in a workshop led by artist Bibi Gromling.

  • Event: 🦎Painting With Reptiles- homeschool education k-12, 3 – 5 PM
    46 Spring Meadows Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
    An educational art session combining reptile interaction with painting for homeschoolers.\

  • Event: 👴The Tech Tutor, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
    Ormond In The Pines Senior Living, 101 Clyde Morris Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Receive help with technology questions in a friendly, senior-focused setting.

  • Event: 🌿Master Gardening Plant Clinic, 10 AM – 12 PM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Get expert gardening advice and solutions from Master Gardeners.

  • Event: 🏋️‍♂️Private Training: 1 Day, 2 – 4 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    One-day personal training session to enhance fitness goals.

  • Event: 🎶Stephen Marley, (no time listed)
    The Pavilion at Destination Daytona, 1651 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live performance by Stephen Marley—experience his reggae legacy.

 Wed Jul 2

  • 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: 🎶 Stephen Marley, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
    The Pavilion at Destination Daytona, 1651 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Live reggae performance by Stephen Marley in an open-air venue.

  • Event: 🍻 Summer Meeting, 6 PM
    Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach, FL
    A casual gathering at a local brewery with drinks and networking.

  • Event: 🌊 Business After Hours - Sea Dreams by Sara!, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
    Sea Dreams by Sara, 398 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    A networking mixer hosted at a coastal boutique.

  • Event: 🚐 FLOW (Florida Licensing On Wheels), 10 AM
    Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
    A mobile DMV service for license and ID needs.

  • Event: 🛣️ Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM
    Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, Ormond Beach, FL
    A planning meeting for reviewing development proposals.

  • Event: 🏋️ Private Training: 1 Day, 10 AM – 12 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Individualized sports training session.

  • Event: 💃 DANCE FITNESS and BURLESQUE,CHAIR & HEELS Dance, 7 – 9 PM
    JJ's Dance Fusion, 298 S Nova Rd STE D, Ormond Beach, FL
    Energetic dance workout blending fitness and burlesque styles.

  • 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
    Fun-filled evening of bingo with drinks and socializing.

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.

Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here

 

Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.

You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.

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