- Ormond Local Pulse
- Posts
- ⭐O.B. Property Tax Increase, Lifeguard Competition, Utility Rate Hikes
⭐O.B. Property Tax Increase, Lifeguard Competition, Utility Rate Hikes
Issue #631
NOTE: Sometimes Gmail will cutoff the end of the newsletter. Also if missing check the “Promotions’ and “Spam” folders and drag to inbox. 👇👇👇👇👇 You can always READ ONLINE
Table of Contents
Today’s Forecast
Click image for more forecasts at Accuweather
Click image above for interactive weather (and good sounds!)
Brian Shields Tropical Update
Swipe image left for more daily forecasts
⭐ O.B. Property Tax Increase, Lifeguard Competition, Utility Rate Hikes Eyed
AI Image
🏘️ Ormond Approves Tentative 10.2% Tax Hike to Boost Public Safety and Infrastructure
Ormond Beach residents may be looking at a 10.2% hike in property taxes, following the City Commission's unanimous approval of a tentative new rate of 4.5220 mills — a move set to generate critical funding for long-postponed needs.
City leaders cited pressing demands: police salary adjustments, aging vehicles, new fire equipment, and parks maintenance. Finance Director Kelly McGuire emphasized the need for sustainable revenue as the city faces $1.8 million in costs tied to new collective bargaining agreements alone.
The average homesteaded resident could see an extra $106.92 on their annual bill. Though some commissioners hunted for budget cuts — like nixing $100,000 in downtown traffic calming — most agreed that investing in essential services was overdue. Mayor Jason Leslie summed it up: “To hold on to great public safety staff, we have to pay them fairly.”
The first public hearing on the $143 million budget is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏊 Aussie Wins First Race as Lifeguard Championships Make Waves in Daytona
The 2025 James P. “Mac” McCarthy Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships kicked off Wednesday morning with an impressive start — and a surprise winner. Jack Eveleigh, a 21-year-old Australian temporarily lifeguarding in Destin, took first in the “Surf Swim Race,” an ocean course known for its brutal test of strength and navigation. Despite starting in the wrong direction, Eveleigh adjusted quickly and beat out a competitive field of Florida and Alabama lifeguards.
The two-day event continues Thursday, July 24, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Daytona Beach near the Hard Rock Hotel. More than 200 lifeguards will compete in a mix of land and ocean events, culminating with the dramatic Beach Flags Finals at 6:30 p.m.
There’s no admission fee, so bring your beach gear or catch the action on the Volusia Beach Safety Facebook livestream. Organizers promise camaraderie, skill, and plenty of sun-soaked spectacle.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
💧 Ormond Beach Eyes Utility Rate Hike, with Concerns Raised for Fixed-Income Residents
At a recent budget workshop, Ormond Beach floated increases to stormwater, water/wastewater, and solid waste utility rates for fiscal year 2025-2026. The proposed monthly bumps? $2 for stormwater, $11.59 for water and wastewater, and $1.97 for solid waste — a total of nearly $200 a year.
While city staff argue the changes are necessary to maintain services, City Commissioner Kristin Deaton raised concerns about the effect on residents relying on fixed incomes, calling the proposed increases “detrimental” for some. Finance Director Kelly McGuire noted that other rate structures might be available and will be explored in a follow-up workshop scheduled for August 19.
“We get it,” McGuire told the commission. “Let’s brainstorm options.”
Source: Ormond Observer
Looking for a Great Place To Eat?
Click Image
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐
 |  |
Great Voucher Dealz
Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.
⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!
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
Thu Jul 24
Event: 🥕Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Local farmers market featuring fresh produce and artisan goods.Event: 🧘Live Succulent Coastal Terrarium Class, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Hands-on class creating beach-themed succulent terrariums.Event: 🎸Country Music Night - The Essentials, 6 – 9 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach, FL
Live country music performance with food and drinks available.Event: 🍹BEACHSIDE, 6 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Evening gathering with beachside vibes and refreshments.Event: 🎶Chuck Morell, 7 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Live music performance in a laid-back tiki setting.Event: ❓Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
Fun trivia night with drinks and prizes.Event: 🖼️Third Thursday Docent Tour
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Guided tour exploring current art exhibits and lush gardens.
Fri Jul 25
Event: 🎨Christmas in July free kids art workshop, 1 – 3 PM
Happy Co Surf & Coffee, 1210 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Free festive art session for kids with a creative Christmas-in-July theme.Event: 🎸Bernie Boehm Music: Riptides, 6 – 10 PM
Riptides Raw Bar and Grill, 869 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
Live music performance featuring Bernie Boehm at this popular beachside spot.Event: 🍺Hannah Wilson, 6 – 9 PM
Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Enjoy live music by Hannah Wilson at a unique, garage-themed venue.Event: 🎤heather desanctis, 4 – 7 PM
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Acoustic live music with local artist Heather Desanctis.Event: ☕Café Roberto, 6:30 – 9:00 AM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Morning café experience featuring great coffee and community vibes.Event: 📚General Fiction Book Club, Jul 31 – Aug 1
150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach
Engaging discussion on general fiction reads with fellow book lovers.
Sat Jul 26
Event: 🚴♂️Ormond Loop Group Bicycle Ride, 8 AM
Trek Bicycle Ormond Beach, 362A W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Scenic group bicycle ride through the Ormond Loop area.Event: 👙Ormond Beach - Bikini Company, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Fountain Square Shopping Village, 142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy summer vibes and shopping at the Bikini Company.Event: 🧘♂️Small Group Saturday-LS, 10 AM – 12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Small group fitness and sports activities in the community complex.Event: 🎄Christmas in July Ornament Painting Class, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Create festive ornaments with a beachy twist.Event: 📚FAMILY MATTERS - HEALTH & WELLNESS, 11 AM – 1 PM
Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Community event promoting family health and wellness.Event: 🧬JSA Authentication, Jul 26 – Jul 27
KnT Sports Cards & Memorabilia, 287 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
Authenticate your sports memorabilia with JSA.Event: 🍺Bone Daddy @ Ormond Brewing Co., 6 – 9 PM
Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach, FL
Live music performance by Bone Daddy with local brews.Event: 🍸Sadie martini, 6 – 9 PM
Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Catch Sadie Martini live with a unique bar atmosphere.Event: 🎸SESAME PLEXER at ORMOND BEACH SPORTS CORNER, 7 – 11 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Rock performance from Sesame Plexer in Ormond Beach.Event: 🎭Guys and Dolls, Jul 26 – Aug 3
615 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
Classic musical theatre production in Ormond Beach.Event: 🎾AdventHealth Sundown Showdown Series 2025, All Day
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
Pickleball tournament and community gathering at Pictona.
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.
We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!
⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐
❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.
We could use your help!
We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?
Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE
 | Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇 https://bit.ly/ormondlocalpulse |
Reply