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- ⭐ Walmart OK"d, UBIC Closes, "Daytona" Doing Well
⭐ Walmart OK"d, UBIC Closes, "Daytona" Doing Well
Issue #619
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⭐ Walmart OK"d, UBIC Closes, "Daytona" Doing Well
Courtesy Photo
🏪 Walmart Expansion Moves Forward in Ormond Beach
The Ormond Beach Planning Board has greenlit Walmart’s long-discussed expansion at 1521 W. Granada Blvd., with a unanimous vote that puts a 5,101-square-foot addition on the docket. The new space will serve online grocery pickups, while the existing façade will get a Mediterranean Beach-style makeover. Other upgrades include landscaping improvements, signage refreshes, and parking lot tweaks.
But the decision wasn't just about aesthetics. Security concerns over a once-overgrown buffer zone surrounding the store led to intense board discussions earlier this year. With worries about visibility and safety—particularly around transient activity—police and Walmart worked together to clear the greenbelt, remove invasive vegetation, and improve visibility from the street.
Police Capt. Chris Roos praised Walmart for their cooperation, noting that calls to the store have dropped since the buffer was cleaned up. The board ultimately decided not to require a masonry wall, which police feared would obstruct sightlines. Instead, Walmart will continue its landscape improvements, with the west side of the buffer set to be addressed within 18 months.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏫 UBIC Academy Temporarily Closes After Child Porn Arrest
UBIC Academy in Holly Hill is suspending operations following the arrest of former teacher David McKeown on disturbing child and animal pornography charges. McKeown, 47, was taken into custody on June 20 after a tip led investigators to search his home and the school, where they found illicit content and signs of AI-generated child pornography.
While Pastor Joshua McKeown emphasized in a message to parents that the closure was not out of fear, many families were left scrambling with just a few weeks’ notice. For Lena and Joe Peacock, whose autistic son had thrived at UBIC after struggling in public school, the abrupt change has caused stress and uncertainty. They've tried several area schools with no success and are now hoping Seabreeze High will accept their son.
Pastor McKeown said the school hopes to return in the future and is framing the closure as a “pause, not a conclusion.” Still, the fallout from McKeown’s arrest has disrupted the lives of many students and families, casting doubt over what the future holds for the small private academy.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🐶 Community Rallies for Abandoned Dog Found in Trash Compactor
A heart-wrenching story has turned into one of hope, thanks to the generosity of the Daytona Beach community. “Daytona” the dog abandoned in a trash compactor has received nearly $6,000 in donations after a GoFundMe was set up by Heather Jones, who, along with her husband Brandon—a Florida Wildlife officer—rescued the pup now named “Daytona.”
The dog, found on July 6 in an apartment complex compactor, is described as gentle and friendly, despite his ordeal. While he needs medical care, vaccinations, and neutering, Jones assured donors that “Daytona” isn’t in pain and has already shown signs of improvement.
The Daytona Beach Police Department has labeled the incident as a serious act of cruelty and is actively investigating. Meanwhile, Jones took to social media to thank supporters and celebrate the campaign’s success, promising Daytona will now live the life he deserves—filled with love, care, and plenty of toys.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
From Personal Loss to Hope: Maria Davila's Mission with Healthy Souls
Maria Davila Photo: MyNEws13
Sometimes life's greatest challenges become the catalyst for extraordinary purpose. For Maria Davila, founder of Healthy Souls International, that transformation began with devastating personal loss and has evolved into a mission of hope that spans disaster zones across the country.
Davila's journey into humanitarian work started in 2015 when she signed up for evangelism training with her church. Just days before the training began, she lost everything in a house fire. "I know how it feels to lose everything," she reflects. That profound experience of loss became the foundation for her calling to help others in their darkest moments.
What began as mission work eventually led to the creation of Healthy Souls in 2019, ironically while Davila herself was homeless following Hurricane Dorian. "I was sleeping in my car and getting donated a plane to fly over to the Bahamas and donated a ship to send over pallets of goods," she recalls. "It was one of the hardest times of my life, but I witnessed God's miracles and His hand in everything."
Originally conceived as a mission to teach first aid and CPR in third-world countries, Healthy Souls International has evolved into something far more comprehensive. Davila has led relief efforts from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to Pine Island after Hurricane Ian, and Louisiana, the Bahamas, and most recently, North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
What sets Healthy Souls apart is its focus on the often-overlooked spiritual and mental health aspects of disaster recovery. "It's the psychological support more than anything else," Davila explains. "People are resilient with the physical stuff, but mentally, it's really hard on people."
Rather than simply dropping off supplies, Davila goes door-to-door, checking on people weeks after other volunteers have left. "In the first two weeks, all these volunteers show up with supplies, and it's overwhelming. But when people start leaving and things slow down, that's when the post-traumatic depression and all those feelings start to stir up."
Currently, Davila is headed to Texas next Tuesday to provide spiritual support following the recent flooding disaster there, invited by a sheriff who had previously volunteered with her in North Carolina. Her approach includes setting up prayer tents, cooking breakfast for first responders, and bringing licensed counselors to serve alongside her.
Looking ahead, Davila has purchased five acres in DeLeon Springs where she plans to build a retreat center. The facility will offer training programs and host a youth group for teens in the juvenile system, giving them much needed alternatives through community service and disaster relief training.
For those interested in supporting Healthy Souls' mission, Davila welcomes monetary donations for travel costs, volunteers for distribution centers, as well as licensed counselors willing to serve disaster-affected communities. Information about donations and volunteer opportunities can be found through the Healthy Souls website.
You can see more about Maria and the Healthy Souls supply wish list for needed equipment that can be ordered and sent to Texas for assistance on Amazon Here.
Through personal tragedy, Maria Davila discovered her calling to be present for others in their moment of greatest need, proving that sometimes our deepest wounds become our greatest source of strength to help heal others.
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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
Sat Jul 12
Event: 🎄 Christmas in July Sip, Shop & Sparkle, 3 – 10 PM
1385 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
Vendors, food, drinks & sparkle-filled shopping fun celebrating Christmas in July.Event: 🏌️ Spearman Memorial Golf Tournament, 8:30 AM
Riviera Country Club, 500 Calle Grande St, Ormond Beach, FL
A charity golf tournament in honor of the late Joe Spearman.Event: 🧘 Move & Renew: A Wellness Experience, 9 AM – 12 PM
CrossFit HyperNova, 515 Carswell Ave Building 104, Holly Hill, FL
A holistic session with movement, breathwork, and rejuvenation.Event: 🧒 Small Group Saturdays-P, 11 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Interactive youth sports and fitness activities in a small group setting.Event: 🍳 Brotherhood Breakfast, 1 – 4 PM
1681 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
A casual meal gathering for community bonding and inspiration.Event: 🎶 Live Music with Mark Chirico, 6 – 9 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy an evening of wine and music with local artist Mark Chirico.Event: 🎸 Rising Lion Reggae Night Saturday Summer Series, Jul 12 – 13
Fletcher's Irish Pub, 393 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
A night of chill reggae rhythms as part of the pub’s summer music series.
Sun Jul 13
Event: 🚗 Super Swap Sunday Car & Motorcycle Swap Meet, Sunday
Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson Dealership and Showroom, 1637 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
Car and motorcycle enthusiasts gather for a day of swapping and showcasing vehicles.Event: ⚽ Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Focused football training session in a semi-private environment.
Mon Jul 14
Event: 🍺 Monday is Growler Refill Day, 11 AM – 8 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
Refill your growlers with your favorite kava blends all day long.Event: 🎨 Imagination in Motion: A Week of Cartoon, Music ..., Jul 14 – Jul 17
1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
A creative summer camp blending cartoons, music, and storytelling for young imaginations.Event: 🕹️ VR Summer Camp Week 7, Jul 14 – Jul 17
1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Explore virtual reality worlds and learn immersive tech skills in this fun camp experience.
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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