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- ⭐ School Budget Drops, OB Mayor Pushes "No Tax Increase", Free Legal Help
⭐ School Budget Drops, OB Mayor Pushes "No Tax Increase", Free Legal Help
Issue #638
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💸 Volusia School Budget Shrinks Amid Declining Enrollment
Photo: Volusia County Schools
The Volusia County School Board has approved a tentative budget of $1.175 billion for the 2025-26 school year—a nearly $361 million drop from last year. The reduction is largely due to declining student enrollment, attributed in part to the state's expanding voucher program. Over 1,400 fewer students are expected this year.
Alongside the leaner budget, the board set a total millage rate of 5.279, which is slightly lower than last year’s but still 2.99% above the roll-back rate. The Required Local Effort millage, mandated by the state, stands at 3.027. While that may sound technical, board member Ruben Colon put it plainly: “Our portion went down. Nobody will tell you that. It doesn’t sell newspapers.”
District CFO Todd Seis said the financial focus remains on maintaining strong staffing, effective learning environments, and overall operational efficiency. Even with fewer funds, the aim is to preserve educational quality for all students.
Source: Ormond Observer
🧮 Ormond Mayor Pushes for No Tax Increase
Mayor Jason Leslie of Ormond Beach wants to keep property taxes flat, despite the City Commission's preliminary vote to increase the tax rate by 10%. Leslie called that vote a starting point—not the final word. His focus? Public safety first, frills later.
In a candid Q&A, Leslie shared ideas like leasing city vehicles to cut long-term costs, reassessing new staff positions, and scrutinizing code enforcement spending. His philosophy? Local government should treat budgets more like households do: prioritize needs, delay wants, and question every recurring cost.
He’s not against spending—he just wants it to be smart. “If I can at least provide some kind of relief,” he said, “I’m going to do it.” Public safety remains the budget’s cornerstone, with $2.8 million earmarked for first responders alone. But with inflation biting everywhere else, Leslie wants to spare residents any more surprises in their tax bills.
Source: Ormond Observer
🧑⚖️ Free Legal Help for Entrepreneurs
Volusia County’s budding business owners can get some free legal insight next Tuesday, August 5, thanks to the Acuity Business Pass seminar hosted at the DeLand Regional Library. From 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., SCORE—a national organization of retired business executives—will walk attendees through the legal intricacies of starting and running a small business.
The session is designed to make daunting legal hurdles feel more like manageable steps. Topics include everything from business formation to ongoing compliance. The event is a collaboration between Volusia County Economic Development and Library Services, reflecting the county’s commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship.
And it’s more than just good intentions—the Acuity Business Pass program was recently named the Best Library Business Program in Florida. Not bad for a one-hour seminar that costs nothing to attend. Pre-registration is recommended for those planning to go.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
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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
Thu Jul 31
Event: 🌽Ormond Beach Farmers Market, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
Local farmers and vendors offering fresh produce and handmade goods.Event: 🐴Kids Pony Camp #2, 1:30 – 3:45 PM
234 Rodeo Rd, Ormond Beach
Fun and educational pony experience for kids including riding and grooming.Event: 🎨Seaside Crosses Craft Class, 2 – 4 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create beautiful seaside cross crafts with guidance and supplies provided.Event: 🖌️Watercolor Transfer Painting Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Learn a unique watercolor technique using transfer methods.Event: 📚General Fiction Book Club, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach
Engage in thoughtful discussions of selected fiction titles.Event: 🎤Psycho Magnets, 7 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Live music by Psycho Magnets in a lively outdoor tiki bar setting.Event: 🎤Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8 – 10 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
Test your trivia skills while enjoying a relaxed kava lounge atmosphere.
Fri Aug 1
Event: 🎉 Surprise Party, Fri, Aug 1 – Sat, Aug 2
142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Celebrate in style with this festive surprise gathering.Event: 🎨 Free Family Art Night: Paper Lizard Sculptures, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Join for a fun and creative evening crafting colorful lizard sculptures.Event: 🖌️ SEA TURTLE PAINT CLASS & LUNCH - COUNCIL ON AGING, 5 PM
351 Andrews St, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy a relaxing painting session featuring sea turtles, followed by lunch.Event: 🏋️ Private Training: 1 Day, 12 – 2 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Personalized athletic training sessions to improve performance.Event: 🎬 Movies on the Halifax - Inside Out 2, 8:30 PM
The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
Outdoor family movie night featuring the animated hit "Inside Out 2".Event: 🎸 JimmyAli at The Grind on Friday, 9:00 – 11:55 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Live performance by JimmyAli with great food and tropical vibes.
Sat Aug 2
Event: 🎨 First Saturday Ormond Art Walk, 5 – 9 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Stroll through local galleries and enjoy vibrant artwork displays.Event: 🏄 Salt & Social Club, 1 – 3 PM
Happy Co Surf & Coffee, 1210 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
A community gathering with beach vibes, coffee, and conversation.Event: 💃 Pole Workshops w/ Mariia Diachkina, 5:30 PM
443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
Learn from world-class pole performer Mariia Diachkina in this dynamic workshop.Event: 🏊 Hydro Swim Club Tryouts!, 11:30 AM
Ormond Beach Family YMCA, 500 Sterthaus Dr #5128, Ormond Beach
Try out for the local swim club and make a splash!Event: 🎳 9-Pin No Tap Fundraiser Tournament For Chelsea, 12 – 3 PM
Ormond Lanes, 260 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Join this fundraiser tournament to support Chelsea and have bowling fun.Event: 🤸 Small Group Saturday-LS, 10 AM – 12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
Engage in sports and fitness in a small group setting.Event: 🌿 The Wellness Way Approach to Inflammation, 11 AM – 12 PM
The Wellness Way - Ormond Beach, 725 W Granada Blvd STE 8, Ormond Beach
Discover holistic methods to manage and reduce inflammation.Event: 🎨 Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class, 1 – 3 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Craft your own gemstone jewelry with guidance from expert artists.Event: 🎨 Handpainted Hat Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Design and paint a unique hat in this fun, creative session.Event: 🧜 Mixed Media Magical Mermaid - Acrylic Painting Class, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create a whimsical mermaid painting using mixed media techniques.Event: 🎨 DIY Your School Supplies Workshop, 10 AM – 12 PM
The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden LLC, 150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach
Decorate and personalize school supplies with artsy flair.
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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