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- ⭐ Ormond Tax Hike, "Granite Gangster", Housing Plateaus
⭐ Ormond Tax Hike, "Granite Gangster", Housing Plateaus
Issue #641
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Table of Contents
Today’s Forecast
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Brian Shields Tropical Update
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💰 Ormond Beach’s Tax Bill Bump
Ormond Beach residents may notice a slightly heavier lift on their next property tax bill. The City Commission has approved a tentative millage rate of 4.5220 for fiscal year 2025-26—15.82% higher than the rolled-back rate of 3.9024. Translation? A homesteaded property with a taxable value of $250,000 will see about a $100 annual increase.
The $143 million city budget (up from $131.98 million last year) prioritizes public safety, stormwater upgrades, and utility infrastructure. This includes $3.6 million earmarked to modernize the stormwater system and prevent local flooding, plus funds for nine new police vehicles, an emergency response ATV, and extrication tools.
Also included are increased contributions to pensions ($5.1 million) and the Downtown Redevelopment fund ($1.1 million). With rising income levels—median household income nudged up to $62,243—leaders say the modest hike is a fair trade for maintaining Ormond Beach’s quality of life.
The first public hearing on the budget is Sept. 3 at 7 p.m., and the city encourages residents to join the conversation.
Source: Hometown News
🧑⚖️ ‘Granite Gangster’ Acquitted
After a four-day courtroom drama, Charles D. Ogden, Sr.—dubbed the “Granite Gangster”—was found not guilty of fraud and unlicensed contracting during Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. The Daytona Beach jury deliberated for less than two hours before clearing him of all seven felony charges.
Jurors never heard of Ogden’s criminal history, his social media moniker, or details about his bankruptcy filings. Instead, defense attorneys painted a picture of a small, struggling family business trying to serve hurricane-rattled homeowners amid supply chain chaos.
The prosecution argued Ogden overstepped legal bounds, especially by managing licensed tasks without the credentials. But murky business ownership, a complex contracting loophole, and ambiguous roles between Ogden and his son left enough doubt to sway the jury.
Post-verdict, Ogden celebrated outside the courthouse with his family and attorneys, crediting their passionate defense. As for the victims who alleged shoddy work and unfinished jobs—some left scratching their heads in disbelief.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🏘️ Volusia’s Housing Market Hitting a Plateau
Volusia’s housing market has officially cooled—but not crashed. June sales showed just a slight dip: home sales down 0.6% and median prices slipping under 1%, now sitting at $362,500. Condo and townhouse sales fell nearly 10%, with median prices down to $270,000.
On the flip side, new construction held steady with 707 units permitted in June (including 335 apartments), a slight increase from last year. Mortgage rates remain stubborn at around 6.74%, adding to the chill in market activity.
Still, the real estate pipeline remains active. Notable developments include a 165-unit condo project on North Atlantic Avenue, the 269-unit Tomoka Farms Townhomes, and the much-anticipated Avalon Park with 8,000 homes in the works.
All signs point to a market transitioning—more favorable for buyers, still appealing for builders, and more predictable for everyone. As summer sizzles on, real estate isn’t exactly booming, but it’s holding ground better than most expected.
Source: Hometown News
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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
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.Tue Aug 5
Event: 🌅Rise & Shine, 6–7 AM
Laughing Lotus Yoga & Wellness, 208 Moody Blvd, Ormond Beach
Gentle yoga to start your day with positive energy.Event: 🧘Gentle Flow Yoga w Optional Beach Walk, 7:15–8:15 AM
Laughing Lotus Yoga & Wellness, 208 Moody Blvd, Ormond Beach
A peaceful yoga class followed by a rejuvenating beach walk.Event: 💻The Tech Tutor, 10:30–11:30 AM
Ormond In The Pines Senior Living, 101 Clyde Morris Blvd, Ormond Beach
Get one-on-one help with your tech questions.Event: 🎨Garden Gatherings: Friendship Bracelets, 2 PM
3065 FL-40, Ormond Beach
Create custom friendship bracelets in a garden setting.Event: 🏛️City Commission Meeting, 5:30 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
Monthly meeting discussing city governance and local issues.Event: 🎲Family Bingo, 9:30–10:30 PM
1464 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Fun-filled bingo night for the whole family.
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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