⭐ School Safety, Second Chances

Issue #649

11 Aug

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Today’s Forecast

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🛡️ Volusia Schools Start Year with High-Tech Safety Boost

The school year is underway, and Volusia County Schools aren’t just sharpening pencils—they’re sharpening security measures. Every campus now has a dedicated safe school officer, either a trained guardian or sworn law enforcement officer.

This year’s headline upgrades include ZeroEyes, an AI gun detection system that uses existing security cameras to spot potential weapons and instantly alert staff and police. Complementing it is the Xtract One Gateway, a metal detection system that keeps morning entrances flowing smoothly while identifying threats.

Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin stressed the district’s two top priorities: safety and quality education. New rules now limit cell phone use: elementary and middle school students must keep them away entirely during the day, while high schoolers can only use them in class for learning purposes with teacher approval.

Rounding out the safety measures is Maverick, a firearm-detection K9 who will continue making rounds in middle and high schools. With tech, trained staff, and a loyal four-legged partner, VCS hopes to keep campuses both secure and welcoming.

Source: MyNews13

🔄 'Second Chance' Job Fair Opens Doors for Volusia Inmates

While schools are investing in students’ futures, Volusia County is also giving inmates a shot at a new beginning. The Second Chance Job Fair, now in its second year, connects soon-to-be-released inmates with employers, housing programs, and education resources.

Participants walked in with freshly prepared résumés and met with employers like Sam’s Club, Interior Logic Group, and VoRide. Jobs ranged from material handling to rideshare driving, with pay starting around $18 an hour. Daytona State College was also on site, showcasing workforce programs, apprenticeships, and degree paths.

For inmate Richard Erwin III, the fair is more than a job search—it’s a step toward his dream of starting a business and writing an autobiography titled God’s Still Working on Me. Others, like Alicia Wells, found the kindness at the event just as impactful as the opportunities.

Officials hope that by pairing employment with housing support, they can reduce the likelihood of former inmates returning to jail. As Councilman Matt Reinhart put it, this is about helping people “stay out and move forward.”

This Day In Florida History

  • 1841 – Richard K. Call begins his second term as governor of Florida Territory.

  • 1873 – Tampa is reincorporated.

  • 1965 – A race riot breaks out in Jacksonville’s northwest neighborhood, resulting in one death, injuries, and property damage.

  • 1973 – The University of Central Florida officially opens in Orlando.

  • 1988 – The “World’s Largest McDonald’s” opens in Orlando.

  • 1992 – Hurricane Andrew makes landfall in Florida, causing severe damage and loss of life.

  • 2004 – Governor Jeb Bush declares a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Charley.

  • 2009 – The National Hurricane Center begins monitoring the tropical wave that becomes Tropical Storm Claudette.

  • 2025 – The Tampa Bay History Center announces its upcoming “Lure of Florida Fishing” exhibit.

  • 1837 – Fort Peyton is established near St. Augustine during the Second Seminole War.

  • 1838 – Fort Hanson is built southwest of St. Augustine for defense purposes.

  • 1889 – The town of Kissimmee incorporates as a city.

  • 1911 – Florida enacts legislation allowing women to serve as public notaries.

  • 1926 – Construction begins on the original Gandy Bridge connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg.

  • 1950 – A major hurricane strikes near Cedar Key, causing widespread damage across North Florida.

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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

Mon Aug 11

  • Event: 🎉2025 Fatherhood Fiesta, 11 AM – 3 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
    An engaging community celebration focused on fatherhood and family activities.

  • Event: 🌙Unity Night @ Kava Kula, Aug 11 – Aug 12
    142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A night of community, connection, and conscious vibes with music, kava, and conversation.

  • Event: ⛳Halifax Plantation Golf Club
    Halifax Plantation Golf Club, 3400 Clubhouse Dr, Ormond Beach
    A day of golf and leisure at the scenic Halifax Plantation course.

    Tue Aug 12

  • Event: 🏠 Open Home On Sun. Aug 10, 12:00 – 2:00 PM
    26 Horseshoe Falls Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
    Open home showing for potential buyers.

  • Event: 🤝 Networking Group 1, 7:30 – 8:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Morning networking group for local professionals.

  • Event: 💪 Balance & Motion - BAM!, 2:45 – 3:30 PM
    1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL
    Class focused on improving balance and motion.

  • Event: 🌮🎶 Totally Twisted Taco Tuesday & Tunes!, 6 – 10 PM
    Tomoka Boat Club Marina Bait Shop and Tiki Bar, 1001 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach, FL
    Tacos, live music, and a fun evening by the water.

  • Event: 🎤 Tunes on Tap Local Spotlight Open Mic, 6 – 9 PM
    Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach, FL
    Local musicians take the stage for open mic night.

  • Event: 🧘‍♀️ Health & Wellness, It Starts with You Bold Ladies..., 5:30 – 7:30 PM
    Dr. Amber-Veta Ball | Cornerstone Chiropractic and Wellness, 1414 W Granada Blvd STE 2, Ormond Beach, FL
    Empowerment and wellness event for women.

  • Event: 🛝 Playground Exclusive, time not listed
    1687 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
    Exclusive playground access event.

    Wed Aug 13

  • Event: 🎉 Business After Hours - Pictona at Holly Hill!, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    Networking and community connection at Holly Hill’s premier pickleball and recreation center.

  • Event: 🤝 Networking Group 2, 12 – 1 PM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Local business professionals meet to connect and share opportunities.

  • Event: 🎤 NEW! Wednesday - Sinner's Serenade Open Mic Night, 6 – 9 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
    A lively evening of music and performance at this popular biker bar.

  • Event: 🏡 Open House for 2189 Old Dixie Highway Ormond Beach, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
    2189 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach
    Tour this beautiful property and explore its features.

  • Event: 🖌 Painting With Reptiles - homeschool education k-12, 3 – 5 PM
    46 Spring Meadows Dr, Ormond Beach
    Hands-on art experience featuring real reptiles for educational fun.

  • Event: 🏋️ Private Training: 1 Day, 12 – 2 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
    Personalized athletic training session to enhance performance.

  • Event: 🎲 Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 7 – 11 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
    An evening of friendly bingo competition with a relaxed vibe.

  • Event: 💎 Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class, 1 – 3 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Learn how to create beautiful jewelry with authentic gemstones.

  • Event: 💼 How to Close Your 1st Investment Deal in 30 Days, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
    CMG Home Loans - Ormond Beach, 900 W Granada Blvd Suite 4, Ormond Beach
    Practical real estate investment strategies for beginners.

  • Event: 🗺 Site Plan Review Committee, 9 AM
    Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, Ormond Beach
    Committee meeting to review development site plans along the scenic route.

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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