⭐Glowing Waters, More Cleanups, Healthy Pelicans, Pastor Gill

Issue #626

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⭐ Glowing Waters, More Cleanups, Healthy Pelicans, Pastor Gill

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🌊 Glow Season in Full Swing: Florida's Best Bioluminescence Spots

It’s time to trade your glow sticks for something a little more natural. Bioluminescence season is peaking in Florida, and July and August are prime months to catch the stunning light shows in warm coastal waters. This phenomenon, caused by a chemical reaction in marine organisms, creates an unforgettable glow, best seen on kayak tours that keep you safely distanced from any potentially harmful algae.

Top spots for viewing include Merritt Island, Indian River Lagoon, and Guana Lake near Ponte Vedra Beach—just north of St. Augustine. On these summer nights, you might witness glowing dinoflagellates or even fireflies, with comb jellies lighting up the water year-round.

Before you head out, pack wisely: insect repellent, clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and a healthy dose of wonder. Your phone may struggle to capture the glow, but your memory won’t.

🧤 Help Keep Ormond’s Coast Clean This September

Mark your calendars: the 40th annual International Coastal Cleanup is coming to Ormond Beach on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 8 to 11 a.m.—and volunteers are the heart of this effort. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers in Volusia County collected 8,500 pounds of trash. This year, organizers are hoping for even more community support.

Several Ormond Beach sites, including Highbridge Park and Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, will serve as cleanup zones. Volunteers are encouraged to preregister online by Sept. 8 to receive a commemorative giveaway and a native tree—species like sea grape and Simpson’s stopper—while supplies last.

Be sure to bring garden gloves, a refillable water bottle, and outdoor gear. Buckets and gloves will be provided. For extra eco-points, consider arriving via kayak or paddleboard to reach hard-to-clean spots.

Register and learn more at www.volusia.org/cleanup starting on August 1.

🐦 Pelicans Return to the Wild in Ponce Inlet

After a healing stay at the Marine Science Center, a group of brown pelicans will flap their way to freedom on Monday, July 21. The public is invited to witness the release at 10:30 a.m. at the dog beach in Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet.

Most of the birds were injured by fishing hooks or tangled in lines—a reminder of the impact of marine debris. The release is a celebration of resilience, care, and second chances.

Parking is free at the Marine Science Center, and it's a short walk to the beach. While the center will be closed that day, this uplifting event offers a perfect excuse for an early beach stroll. Be sure to check for weather-related updates before heading out.

🙏 A Fond Farewell to Pastor John Gill

On June 15, the Tomoka United Methodist Church family gathered to say a heartfelt goodbye to Pastor John Gill, who officially retired after years of service both in Ormond Beach and across Florida. Gill, who first served Tomoka UMC from 2002 to 2011 and returned in 2021, left a lasting legacy of compassion and leadership.

His journey included time at the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, where he helped place children into foster care, and various church leadership roles statewide. Now stepping back, Gill plans to support the church in a new way—as a retired pastor.

The congregation welcomed Rev. Katie Harrington on July 6 with a potluck lunch and plenty of warm wishes. Gill offered parting advice: “Love Katie and her family the same way you have loved me and mine.”

It’s a new chapter for the Tomoka UMC family, built on a legacy of care and community.

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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 Jul 19

  • Event: 🎄Christmas in July - Downtown Ormond Beach, 3 PM
    9 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Festive summer celebration bringing Christmas cheer to downtown Ormond Beach.

  • Event: 🎁2nd Annual July Jingle, 10 AM – 3 PM
    Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193, 285 Wilmette Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
    Crafts, vendors, and holiday spirit at this seasonal market.

  • Event: 🖼️Christmas in July, 10 AM – 5 PM
    Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Art and holiday-themed treasures on display.

  • Event: 🧠Anxiety Breakthrough Blueprint Workshop Series, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    New Journey Chiropractic, 292 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Educational series aimed at managing and overcoming anxiety.

  • Event: 🖌️Watercolor Workshop, 1 – 4 PM
    Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Hands-on art class for all skill levels to explore watercolor techniques.

  • Event: 🎶Live Music: Soul Fire — RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 5 – 8 PM
    RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 US-1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Enjoy live music along the river with local band Soul Fire.

  • Event: 🧒Small Group Saturdays-K, 9 – 11 AM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Kid-focused physical activity program fostering fun and fitness.

  • Event: 🏓AdventHealth Sundown Showdown Series 2025, 7 – 11 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    Competitive evening pickleball event with food, fun, and entertainment.

  • Event: 🏘️Ormond in the Pines, All day
    101 Clyde Morris Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Community gathering showcasing local living and services.

 Sun Jul 20

  • 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 designed for individual skill development.

Mon Jul 21

  • Event: 🎾 Youth Pickleball Summer Camp, 9 AM – 2 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    Fun and active summer camp focused on learning and improving pickleball skills for youth.

  • Event: 🐾 Pet Camp for Ages 6-11, Jul 21 – Jul 25
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Engaging camp for kids aged 6-11, centered on pet-themed art and learning experiences.

  • Event: 🏛️ Historic Landmark Preservation Board, 4 PM
    10X Ormond Beach Apartments, 600 Crowne Commerce Ct, Ormond Beach
    Public meeting discussing local historic preservation matters.

  • Event: 🎤 Monday Karaoke at Grind Gastropub, 6 – 10 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Join the fun with open mic karaoke at a lively local venue.

  • Event: 🧩 Creative Clues & Code: A Week of Puzzles, Patterns..., Jul 21 – Jul 24
    1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Exciting week of interactive learning through puzzles, patterns, and codes for kids.

  • Event: 🕶️ VR Summer Camp Week 8, Jul 21 – Jul 24
    1089 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Immersive virtual reality experiences and learning adventures for kids.

  • Event: 🎄 Sea Glass Christmas Tree Class, 1 – 4 PM
    Sea Dreams by Sara, 398 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
    Create a festive Christmas tree using beautiful sea glass pieces.

  • Event: 🏋️ Private Training: 1 Day, 12 – 2 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
    One-on-one athletic training session focused on skill development.

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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