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- ⭐ Cassen Park Reopens, Fine Challenged, Disaster Response Teams
⭐ Cassen Park Reopens, Fine Challenged, Disaster Response Teams
Issue #640
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🌴 Cassen Park Reopens with Civic Pride
Photo: City of Ormond Beach Facebook
Cassen Park in Ormond Beach is back—and it's more than just a pretty place to watch boats glide by. With a fresh redesign, the park now boasts a new alignment with Medjool palms creating a visual bridge straight to City Hall. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 30, officials praised the transformation as “a seamless connection between nature and civic life.”
Mayor Jason Leslie called it “a proud day” and emphasized the park’s role in family outings, fishing trips, and riverside relaxation. The redesign features flood-resistant native plants, expanded bait shop facilities, additional boat trailer parking, and upgraded electrical systems (hint: future bridge lighting is in the works).
Commissioners hailed the project as a model of collaboration, honoring history while paving the way for the next generation. Commissioner Harold Briley took a nostalgic turn, recalling when he helped rename it Cassen Park in honor of former Mayor Ernest Cassen. And longtime bait shop manager Ike Leary received a heartfelt shoutout for his years of service.
As Commissioner Travis Sargent put it: “We're opening the door to new memories.”
Source: Ormond Observer
🗳️ Gambaro vs. Fine: A Congressional Clash Brews
Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro Jr. has officially thrown his hat in the ring to challenge U.S. Rep. Randy Fine for Florida’s 6th Congressional District. And he’s not pulling punches. In an Aug. 1 interview, Gambaro claimed Fine “doesn’t care” about the district, citing his absence and lack of a district office in Palm Coast, the district’s largest city.
Fine, who lives in Melbourne—nearly two hours from Palm Coast—won the seat in a special election this April. He claims President Trump personally asked him to run and highlights that he's opened several offices across the district. However, none are located in Palm Coast, which boasts a population of over 100,000.
Gambaro, a retired U.S. Army Reserve Brigadier General, said his top priorities include infrastructure funding, beach re-nourishment, and healthcare access. He’s not yet listed as an official candidate, but he’s planning to finish his City Council term through November 2026.
Meanwhile, Fine is dealing with controversy over recent comments about Gaza that have drawn criticism, even from within his party. Buckle up—this race could get interesting.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🚨 Volusia Needs You: Join the Disaster Response Team
Volusia County is ramping up its emergency preparedness, and they need your help. The county’s Volusia Ready Response Corps is actively recruiting volunteers to support vulnerable residents during disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.
From distributing supplies to clearing debris or assisting at shelters, the team offers a meaningful way to give back during high-stress times. So far, over 80 volunteers have signed up—but more are needed, especially with hurricane season in full swing.
The next training session will be held on Thursday, August 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center in Daytona Beach (3825 Tiger Bay Road). Training is provided and includes safety instruction—volunteers won’t be placed in dangerous situations and aren't obligated to respond to every emergency.
Groups, individuals, and organizations are all encouraged to register. Flexible time commitments mean you can help in a way that fits your schedule.
To register, visit volusia.org/vrrc. For more info, call 386-943-7039 or email Sonja Baker at [email protected].
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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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
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.Mon Aug 4
Event: 🏋️♂️Private Training: 1 Day, 10 AM – 12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Personalized athletic training in a professional sports environment.Event: 🎾Trailblazers Tennis Summer Camp, Aug 4
Ormond Beach Tennis Center, 38 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
A fun and instructional tennis camp for youth of all skill levels.Event: 🎤Monday Karaoke at Grind Gastropub, 6 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy a lively night of karaoke with great food and tropical vibes.Event: 🧘Unity Night @ Kava Kula, Aug 4
Kava Kula, 142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
An evening of connection, kava, and community wellness activities.
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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