⭐Hurricane Prep, Pat Brown Returns, Unemployment Up In Volusia

Issue #632

25 Jul

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⭐ Hurricane Prep, Pat Brown Returns, Unemployment Up In Volusia

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🌪️ Volusia Runs Hurricane Drill to Prep for Peak Season

With the most active stretch of hurricane season just ahead, Volusia County turned up the pressure—intentionally—by staging a full-scale preparedness exercise at its Emergency Operations Center in Daytona Beach.

Officials from municipalities and state agencies gathered for a detailed simulation that covered everything from evacuation decisions to post-storm recovery. Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham emphasized that the drill wasn’t just a test—it was a vital dress rehearsal for real-life storm chaos.

“This exercise gave us a chance to simulate the complexities of a major storm and practice making difficult decisions in real time,” Mecham said.

Participants faced scenarios involving downed power lines, flooded roads, and rescue missions, all while coordinating logistics and public communication. With the Emergency Operations Center fully activated, the team worked to iron out any procedural kinks that might arise during an actual emergency.

Officials encourage residents to take this moment as a cue to review emergency plans and stock up on supplies. Preparedness today could make all the difference tomorrow.

🏈 Pat Brown Returns to B-CU, Full Circle From Wildcat to Coach

Pat Brown’s football journey has taken him from New Jersey to Germany and back to Daytona Beach—but now, he’s right where he started: on the Bethune-Cookman sidelines. The former Seabreeze High School head coach and B-CU graduate has joined the Wildcats’ coaching staff as assistant coach, co-special teams coordinator, and running backs coach.

Brown’s coaching resume includes playoff appearances, a district championship with Seabreeze, and recent stops at Valdosta State and Abilene Christian. But his true passion has always been about more than wins—it’s about mentoring young athletes.

“I let them know that alumni are behind them,” Brown said of his return. “We’re encouraging them and we are here as a support system.”

Head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. praised Brown’s character, citing his loyalty, leadership, and work ethic. Brown’s journey—both on and off the field—shows a commitment to lifting others, driven by the community values he grew up with.

Brown and his wife, Michelle, both B-CU alums, have planted strong roots in Daytona. With Brown back on the home turf, local football just gained a serious asset—and a heartfelt role model.

📉 Unemployment Rises in Volusia County Amid Economic Concerns

There’s a storm of a different kind brewing in Volusia County—the economic kind. According to June 2025 data, the county’s unemployment rate has climbed to 4.6%, marking its highest level since August 2021.

Greg Blosé, CEO of Nexus 360, noted that the data reflects a months-long trend of economic softening. Volusia’s workforce shrank from 257,060 in May to 256,051 in June, while the number of unemployed residents jumped by more than 1,500—from 10,706 to 12,217.

“For months, Nexus 360 has shared that warning signs were present for an economic downturn in Volusia County,” Blosé said. “Those warning signs have turned into fewer jobs created and more people in the unemployment line.”

The region’s sluggish job recovery is raising red flags among local leaders, who worry that slower growth may linger longer here than in other parts of Florida.

While the county navigates potential headwinds, community stakeholders are keeping a close eye on the data—and preparing for a challenging few months ahead.

Recent Arrests

Ormond Beach Police Department

• Gabriella G. Jordan, 33, of Ormond Beach, arrested July 13 for tampering with a witness. No bail.
• Donald W. Hinebaugh, 48, of Ormond Beach, arrested July 14 for trespassing and drug possession. Bail: $6,000.

Holly Hill Police Department

• Matthew Ellison, 41, of Holly Hill, arrested July 13 for domestic battery by strangulation and false imprisonment. No bail.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

• Bradley S. Merten, 21, of Ormond Beach, arrested July 11 for driving without a license, possession of a weapon by a felon, drugs with intent to sell, and paraphernalia. Bail: $23,500.
• Callie Y. Keith, 45, of Holly Hill, arrested July 12 for petit theft. No bail.
• Mickael U. Douce, 30, of Ormond Beach, arrested July 12 for improper display of a weapon. No bail.
• Daniel E. Moritz, 51, of Ormond Beach, arrested July 15 for grand theft auto, fleeing, and driving with license revoked. Bail: $10,000.
• Brigette M. Gonzalez, 32, of Ormond Beach, arrested July 16 for battery. No bail.
• Anthony J. Pandolfi, 43, of Ormond Beach, arrested July 16 for drug possession and paraphernalia. Bail: $1,000.
• Mikael V. Montgomery, 31, of Holly Hill, arrested July 17 for firearm possession by a felon, resisting without violence, and violating an injunction. No bail.

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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

   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.

 Sun Jul 27

  • Event: 🎶 Adult Skate Night, Jul 27 – Jul 28
    250 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Late-night skating fun for adults looking to roll into a nostalgic evening.

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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