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- ⭐ McMahon Running, Turtle Superhero, Crosswalk Controversy, Euthanized Manatee
⭐ McMahon Running, Turtle Superhero, Crosswalk Controversy, Euthanized Manatee
Issue #667
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Today’s Forecast
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Coleen McMahon-Courtesy Photo
🗳️ Nurse Makes Political Move in Ormond Beach
A new name is entering Ormond Beach’s political arena: Coleen McMahon, a registered nurse and longtime resident, officially filed to run for the Zone 1 City Commission seat currently held by Lori Tolland. With elections still a year away, McMahon is diving in early, hoping to connect with voters and bring a fresh, transparent perspective to city government.
McMahon’s resume includes more than just healthcare. She’s also held a broker license and worked in business development and insurance — a blend of experiences she believes positions her well to understand the complex issues facing the city.
“I believe we need something more powerful — government working for the people,” McMahon said. Her priorities include transparency in spending, development oversight, and giving citizens direct forums to ask questions.
Though she never planned a political career, recent commission meetings convinced her that someone needed to step up. “I would fight for open government,” she added, stressing the importance of clarity in how taxpayer dollars are used.
Source: Ormond Observer
🐢 Sea Turtle Superhero: Volunteering with Heart in Ponce Inlet
Over at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Erica Leigh is doing more than just lending a hand — she’s feeding turtles, educating campers, and even walking gopher tortoises. It’s all part of her volunteer gig, which she started after a visit with her kids sparked a deeper calling.
Leigh has become a cornerstone of the center’s team over the past two years. Whether helping in the turtle hospital or explaining marine conservation to young campers, she’s known for going above and beyond. “Sea turtles have a rough life,” she said, underscoring her commitment to their care and survival.
The Marine Science Center’s staff couldn’t agree more. “She is amazing,” said volunteer coordinator Wendy Georgevich, citing Leigh’s enthusiasm and flexibility. Her passion has helped the center continue its vital work — from rehab to education — while reminding us all of the value of giving back.
Thinking of joining her? Leigh says volunteering at any local conservation group is a great way to support both animals and the staff who work tirelessly for them.
Source: MyNews13
🏁 Crosswalk Colors Stir Debate in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach’s iconic checkered flag crosswalks have crossed their last finish line. Repainted with standard white stripes due to a Florida Department of Transportation directive, the change is part of a state-wide effort to standardize crosswalks — but not everyone is cheering from the stands.
Work crews swapped out the NASCAR-themed stripes overnight, drawing swift and colorful commentary on social media. The move echoes the removal of a rainbow crosswalk in Orlando, sparking questions about priorities, spending, and public art.
“This is so incredibly stupid and a complete waste of our money,” posted one resident, summarizing the tone of over 150 Facebook comments. Others lamented the loss of local flair, while some supported the change as a return to state safety standards.
Local voices like Weegie Kuendig called the move tone-deaf: “So now we are going to outlaw colors?” she asked. Transportation experts argue decorative crosswalks enhance safety and identity — not harm it.
Whether you’re mourning the crosswalks or shrugging it off, the conversation highlights a growing divide over how much control communities should have over their visual identity.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🐋 Injured Manatee Euthanized in Ormond Beach
A somber moment unfolded in Ormond Beach after a manatee found in Strickland Creek had to be euthanized due to extensive injuries from a boat strike. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), along with SeaWorld and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens staff, responded to the report near Tomoka State Park on August 27.
Despite the rescue efforts, the manatee — a male — suffered trauma so severe to his fluke that a SeaWorld veterinarian made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. Manatee deaths from boat strikes in 2025 have already surpassed recent years, with 78 deaths recorded — higher than the five-year average. Collisions are the leading human-related cause of manatee mortality, often resulting in fatal blunt or sharp trauma.
FWC urges boaters to stay alert, slow down, and follow signage for manatee protection zones. Simple precautions like wearing polarized sunglasses and sticking to marked channels can make a life-saving difference.
If you see an injured manatee (or any wildlife in distress), call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-3922.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Thomas Drake Whiting, 18, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 15 for criminal mischief. Bail: $2,500
Sarah Ann Russo, 36, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 16 for battery on person 65+. No bail set
Derek Wayne Mills, 41, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 21 for battery on person 65+. No bail set
Stephen Butler, 36, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 21 for child neglect. Bail: $2,000
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Kristina Marie Funderburk, 32, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 15 for drug possession, paraphernalia, and allowing unauthorized driver. No bail set
Richard C. Merso, 32, of Holly Hill, arrested Aug. 15 for ID fraud, possession of credit card tools, drugs, and paraphernalia, and driving with canceled license. No bail set
Lindsey Nicolelang Abel, 39, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 19 for drug and paraphernalia possession. Bail: $5,500
Kyle Morris Fuller, 35, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 19 for drug and paraphernalia possession. Bail: $3,000
Mason Thomas Bloomfield, 45, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 19 for domestic battery by strangulation. No bail set
Erick David Zuniga Valdovinos, 30, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 20 for grand theft. Bail: $2,500
Deborah Ann Farinoli, 71, of Ormond Beach, arrested Aug. 21 for aggravated battery on person 65+. Bail: $5,000
Volusia County Detention Center
Liliana Garcia, 28, of Holly Hill, arrested Aug. 18 for cocaine and paraphernalia possession. Bail: $3,000
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Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
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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
Fri Aug 29
Event: 🎶 BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
Live music and beachside vibes at this fun coastal hangout.Event: 🎸 Bradford Buckley, 6 – 9 PM
Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Enjoy great food and live tunes in a stylish, historic venue.Event: 🎤 Javier Perez, 7 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Chill out with island-style vibes and live acoustic music.Event: 🎶 Big Engine: Saints & Sinners Friday night, 6 – 10 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Rock out with Big Engine in this biker-friendly pub.Event: 🎵 SOUNDEVICE @ Kona Tiki Bar, Aug 29 – Aug 30
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Two nights of electrifying live music in a tropical setting.Event: 🏈 Private Training: 1 Day, 10 AM – 12 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
Sports skill-building session for young athletes.Event: 🎨 Resin Jewelry Class!, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Craft your own beachy resin jewelry with expert guidance.Event: 🎶 JimmyAli at The Grind on Friday, 9:00 – 11:55 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Late-night music with JimmyAli to keep the weekend vibes alive.
Sat Aug 30
Event: 🎉Summer Open House - FREE CLASSES, 6 PM
443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Join us for a night of free classes and community fun!Event: ☕sober café, 7 – 10 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
An evening of connection, live music, and sober celebration.Event: 🎶Janet LaVigne, 6 – 9 PM
Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy live music in a vibrant atmosphere.Event: 💎Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class, 1 – 3 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Create your own gemstone jewelry with guidance.Event: 🎨Sea Turtle Pallet Painting Class, 2 – 4 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Paint a beautiful sea turtle on wood pallets.Event: 🧘Learning to Love Yourself, 1 – 7 PM
600 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
A transformative experience focused on self-love and mindfulness.Event: 🏈Uga Vs Marshall Tailgate, 3:00 – 11:59 PM
Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Tailgating fun with food, drinks, and football fans.Event: 🌅Break of Dawn Watercolor Painting Class, 11 AM – 1 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Learn to paint serene sunrises with watercolors.Event: ⚽Small Group Saturdays-K, 9 – 11 AM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Youth soccer and athletic development activities.
Sun Aug 31
Event: 🎉Baddies Who Beach, 6 PM
442 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Social gathering celebrating empowerment and beach vibes.Event: 🍷Obs Wine Mixer, 2 – 5 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy a curated wine tasting experience with beachside ambiance.Event:Mixed Media Night Light or Suncatcher Class, 1 – 3 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Create your own unique night light or suncatcher in this hands-on art class.Event: 🕺Free Dance Event: Dance-ology OPEN HOUSE, 7 – 10 PM
Dance-ology Studios, 533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond Beach, FL
Explore dance with free classes and fun during this open house event.Event: ⚽Sunday Semi-Private: FG/KO, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
Focused football training sessions for skill development.
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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