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- ⭐ Why July 4th, Free School Meals, No Fresh Market, Emilia Beach Ramp
⭐ Why July 4th, Free School Meals, No Fresh Market, Emilia Beach Ramp
Issue #611
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Table of Contents
Today’s Forecast
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Brian Shields Tropical Update
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⭐ Why July 4th, Free School Meals, No Fresh Market, Emilia Beach Ramp
🎆 Why America Celebrates Independence Day
Every Fourth of July, Americans across the nation gather for parades, fireworks, and barbecues to commemorate Independence Day. This cherished holiday marks one of the most pivotal moments in American history: the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, a revolutionary document that announced the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration boldly proclaimed that "all men are created equal" and possess unalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This document didn't just declare independence; it articulated the philosophical foundation for a new form of government based on popular sovereignty and individual rights.
The path to independence began with armed conflict more than a year earlier. On April 19, 1775, the Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolution when British troops clashed with colonial militia. These "shots heard 'round the world" transformed simmering tensions into open warfare, setting the stage for the eventual Declaration of Independence.
Years of mounting grievances over taxation without representation, restrictive laws like the Stamp Act and Tea Act, and events such as the Boston Massacre had strained colonial-British relations. The Declaration represented the colonists' final rejection of British authority and their commitment to self-governance.
Independence Day celebrates more than just a historical date—it honors the courage of those who risked everything for freedom and the enduring principles that continue to shape American democracy. The holiday serves as an annual reminder of the nation's founding ideals and the ongoing responsibility to preserve liberty for future generations.
🥪 Free Meals for All Students in 2025-26
Volusia County students can look forward to full stomachs and fewer lunch lines next year thanks to the continuation of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Under this federal program, all students will receive free breakfast and lunch daily—no income applications needed. That includes students at Pace Center for Girls and Richard Milburn academies as well.
It’s a win for parents, who can skip packing lunches, and a win for students, who get access to nutritious meals without stigma or hassle. Families enrolled in state assistance programs will still receive letters confirming eligibility for after-school and VPK benefits.
Source: Ormond Observer
🛒 Fresh Market Backs Out of Daytona—Here’s Why
Daytona Beach was this close to getting a Fresh Market, but the upscale grocery chain pulled the plug—citing the area’s demographics as the reason. Despite initial enthusiasm and even submitting a lease proposal, Fresh Market executives abruptly changed course, stating the area didn’t align with their target market.
This move surprised many, especially since Trader Joe’s and Sprouts Farmers Market are actively building locations across the street. The site Fresh Market turned down is part of The Cays development, which will still feature a Tesla showroom and a Hyatt House hotel.
Now, developers are in talks with restaurants and a major retail chain (not a grocer) to take over the space. So while it may not be kale chips and gourmet cheese, something big is still coming.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🏖️ Emilia Avenue Beach Ramp Reopens in Time for the Holiday
Beachgoers have one more reason to smile—just in time for the July Fourth weekend. Volusia County has officially reopened the Emilia Avenue Beach Ramp in Daytona Beach Shores. Damaged last fall by Hurricane Milton, the ramp underwent a full restoration and now features new gates, upgraded pedestrian access, and a north-side sidewalk.
It’s welcome news for residents and visitors who rely on this popular entry point. To stay updated on open ramps, lifeguard coverage, and other beach info, download the Volusia Beaches mobile app. And don’t forget—Volusia residents can register for a free beach driving and parking permit at parkvolusia.org.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Dept.
• Billy Joe McMakin, 51, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 26; charged with controlled substance possession (no Rx) and paraphernalia. Bail: $3,000.
Holly Hill Police Dept.
• David Robert McKeown, 47, Holly Hill — Arrested June 20; charged with child porn and animal porn possession. No bail set.
• Ladeboe Javon Wiggins, 29, Holly Hill — Arrested June 25; charged with paraphernalia, armed Fentanyl trafficking, and maintaining premises for drug activity. Bail: $27,000.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
• Christopher Allen Roberts, 38, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 22; charged with vehicle burglary, petit theft, and resisting w/o violence. Bail: $5,500.
• John E. Maille, 52, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 25; charged with Schedule II drug and paraphernalia possession. No bail set.
• Cory S. Jones, 44, Ormond Beach — Arrested June 26; charged with petit theft. Bail: $2,500.
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Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
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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
Fri Jul 4
Event: 🎸RedLine ROCKS 4th of July at The World Famous Iron Horse, 5 PM
Iron Horse Saloon, 1068 US-1, Ormond Beach
Live rock music celebration for Independence Day at a legendary biker bar.Event: 🎆Independence Day Celebration, 8 PM
Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
Fireworks and festivities to celebrate the Fourth of July in a scenic riverside park.Event: 🐾Fiery Flash class on 4 of July for K9s for Warriors, 12 PM
180 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach
Special fitness class supporting service dogs for veterans.Event: 🌅BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
Live entertainment and beachside vibes to ring in the Fourth.Event: 🏋️♂️Private Training: 1 Day, 10 AM – 12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
Sports training session at the local athletic complex.Event: ☕Café Roberto, 6:30 – 9:00 AM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Morning café experience with ocean views and great coffee.
Sat Jul 5
Event: 🍷Wine Curiosity, 2 – 6 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Explore unique wine selections and enjoy a relaxed tasting experience in a coastal setting.Event: ⚽Small Group Saturdays-K, 9 – 11 AM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
A morning youth sports program offering skill-building and fun in a group setting.Event: 🎶Break Away Band Saturday Summer Series, Jul 5 – Jul 6
Fletcher's Irish Pub, 393 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Live music series featuring the Break Away Band in a festive pub atmosphere.Event: 🎤Insomnia @ OBSC!, 7 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
An energetic live performance to keep your Saturday night buzzing.
Sun Jul 6
Event: 🎸Live Music: Savannah Savino, 5:30–8:30 PM
RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 US-1, Ormond Beach
Enjoy live riverfront tunes from local artist Savannah Savino.Event: ⚽Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
Focused soccer training sessions for all skill levels.Event: 🧘♀️Sacred Yin, 5–6 PM
Laughing Lotus Yoga & Wellness, 208 Moody Blvd, Ormond Beach
A calming, meditative yoga class designed to release tension and restore balance.Event: 🧑🎨Christmas in July Ornament Painting Class, 1:30–3:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546–1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create festive ornaments in this fun, beachside crafting session.
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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