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- ⭐ Manatee Pushback, Tragic Dog Attack, "Timeless Gestures", Weil Is Out
⭐ Manatee Pushback, Tragic Dog Attack, "Timeless Gestures", Weil Is Out
Issue #639
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🐋 DEP Appeals Ruling on Manatee Protections
Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is pushing back against a federal ruling that found it violated the Endangered Species Act in connection with manatee deaths in the northern Indian River Lagoon. The agency filed a 56-page brief with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging Judge Carlos Mendoza’s order to halt new septic systems and establish protective measures for the lagoon’s manatee population.
DEP contends it’s not the right agency to carry out wildlife protection—arguing that responsibility falls to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The agency also disputes claims linking septic systems directly to seagrass loss, a primary food source for manatees. The lawsuit, filed by Bear Warriors United, followed a devastating year in 2021 when manatee deaths topped 1,100, primarily due to starvation caused by seagrass decline.
Despite some rebound in numbers, the long-term recovery of the lagoon’s ecosystem could take a decade, according to Mendoza. For now, the court battle continues over who bears responsibility—and how soon manatees might see relief.
Source: Ormond Observer
🐶 Dog Attack Claims Life of Infant in Ormond Beach
In a heartbreaking tragedy, a 5-month-old boy named Carter was mauled to death by a 130-pound Great Dane-Husky mix in Volusia County. The infant was under the care of family members while his parents were out celebrating the mother’s 21st birthday. According to authorities, the dog managed to enter the room where Carter was resting, leading to fatal injuries.
Despite efforts to save him, Carter died at the hospital. The dog was declared dangerous and euthanized the following day after the family declined to appeal the decision. Sheriff Mike Chitwood described the incident as “so, so, so tragic,” and officials emphasized the rarity of such dog attacks in the area.
The case remains under active investigation. Meanwhile, Volusia County Animal Services urges the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Source: Fox35News
🩰 "Timeless Gestures" Honors Dance and Photography Pioneers
Art and movement collided in an emotional tribute at Daytona State College’s Southeast Museum of Photography during “Timeless Gestures — A Celebration of the Visual and Performing Arts.” The multidisciplinary event paid homage to the collaboration between iconic photographer Barbara Morgan and modern dance trailblazer Martha Graham.
Museum technician Christina Katsolis curated the event, blending Morgan’s historic images with live dance performances inspired by Graham’s signature technique. Among the performers was Aria Reiter, a student at New World School of the Arts and daughter of Flagler School of Dance owner Jeanna Reiter. Alongside fellow dancer Luciano Oliviero, Aria performed an original piece titled “Foundations,” showcasing Graham’s emotionally driven style.
The event also featured live figure drawings by student artists, underscoring the theme of artistic intersection. As attendees reflected on the profound legacy of Graham and Morgan, the evening became more than a performance—it became a shared celebration of artistic evolution.
Source: Ormond Observer
🗳️ Josh Weil Ends Senate Bid Due to Health Concerns
Florida Democrat Josh Weil has withdrawn from the 2026 U.S. Senate race, citing health issues related to Rhabdomyolysis—a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream. Weil, who previously ran against Randy Fine in a special Congressional election, said his symptoms have worsened and that he could not commit fully to a demanding campaign.
In a statement, Weil emphasized that Florida deserves a senator who can give “100 percent” and added that stepping aside now gives another progressive candidate time to enter the race. His withdrawal opens the field as Republican incumbent Ashley Moody, appointed earlier this year to replace Marco Rubio, seeks a full term.
Weil’s exit is a blow to Democrats who had hoped to build momentum in the Republican-leaning district, but his early move allows for recalibration ahead of the 2026 cycle.
Source: Ormond Observer
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
• Allen T. Machi, 40, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 19; prowling, cannabis, paraphernalia, controlled substance. Bail: $4,000
• Garrick R. Butler, 35, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 19; felon in possession of ammo. Bail: $5,000
• Rebecca A. Wells, 33, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 19; controlled substance, paraphernalia. Bail: $3,500
• Jeffrey T. Severino, 42, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 21; battery. No bail set
• Holly S.A. Spears, 22, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 24; tampering with evidence. No bail set
Holly Hill Police Department
• Jerrid A. Buhler, 30, of Holly Hill – Arrested July 20; failure to report as career offender. Bail: $10,000
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
• Melissa A. Swift, 40, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 18; false imprisonment (under 13), child abuse. Bail: $5,000
• Joseph Bompadre, 55, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 19; motor vehicle fraud, grand theft, resisting. Bail: $6,000
• Theodore J. Lafar, 50, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 20; aggravated battery (pregnant victim). Bail: $2,500
• Kevin M. Marino, 34, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 21; license canceled, vehicle theft, controlled substance, paraphernalia, tampering. Bail: $4,500
• Rudy Marino, 39, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 21; paraphernalia, controlled substance, tampering. Bail: $5,500
• Dustin D. Smith, 38, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 22; controlled substance, paraphernalia. Bail: $1,750
• William C. Smith, 66, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 22; cocaine, paraphernalia. Bail: $2,750
• Sherri B. Fields, 45, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 23; cocaine, resisting. Bail: $2,000
Volusia County Detention Center
• Judson I. Woods, 51, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 18; battery (65+), grand theft. Bail: $7,500
• Robert A. Goodwin, 36, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 18; fleeing, Schedule II drug, paraphernalia, license revoked. Bail: $13,000
• Jacob R. Cannon, 23, of Ormond Beach – Arrested July 21; battery. Bail: $25,000
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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
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.
Sun Aug 3
Event: 🍇 Sunday Brunch Plant Bingo August!, 12 – 2 PM
Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach
Join for a fun brunch and plant-themed bingo event with great food and drinks.Event: 🌿 Light Up Seaglass Tree or Succulent Class - 8/3, 1 – 4 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create a glowing seaglass tree or a lovely succulent display in this guided class.Event: 🎉 St. James Day Festival, 1 PM
44 S Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
Celebrate community and culture with festivities at this local event.Event: 🧘♂️ Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
Small-group fitness session focusing on functional training and kickboxing.Event: 🎶 Live Music: Derek Trull & Easystreet — RiverGrille, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Enjoy live music and scenic river views while dining.
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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