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- ⭐ Fire Fund Rollback, Kent Meeting, Inmate Farming, Flesh Eating Bacteria
⭐ Fire Fund Rollback, Kent Meeting, Inmate Farming, Flesh Eating Bacteria
Issue #676
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🔥 Fire Fund Rollback: More Savings, Same Service
Volusia County Council is tightening the tax belt—just a little. In a 5-2 vote, council members opted to go with the rollback rate of 3.6236 mills for the fire rescue fund. That’s a 5.7% drop in the tax rate, potentially saving the average homeowner around $32.64 while still fully funding current service levels.
The move avoids a $2.8 million budget bump that would’ve gone toward new fire equipment and staffing. Still, Councilman Troy Kent argued that taxpayers should keep the difference in their pockets. “The case is… putting that extra money that they want to have in their fund in your pockets to keep,” he said.
Councilman Danny Robbins, however, expressed concern about long-term funding, especially if property taxes are eventually eliminated—a notion being floated at the state level.
Meanwhile, an appeal may be in the works regarding the Property Appraiser’s $1.5 million renovation request, which has sparked budget concerns and calls for fiscal restraint.
Source: Ormond Observer
🗣️ Kent Hosts Community Chat on Sept. 15
Want to share your thoughts with a county official? Councilman Troy Kent is opening the floor. On Monday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 6 p.m., Kent will host his quarterly “District Dialogue 4 Residents” at Holly Hill City Hall. No reservations required—just show up and speak up.
The open-forum meeting covers issues affecting District 4, which includes Ormond Beach, Ormond-by-the-Sea, Holly Hill, parts of Daytona Beach, DeLand, and DeLeon Springs.
Source: Ormond Observer
🌱 Growing Second Chances: Inmate Farming Program Launches
Volusia County is taking a fresh approach to reducing incarceration costs—with veggies. A new farming program, launching in early 2026, aims to lower inmate food expenses while teaching agricultural and mechanical skills.
The initiative, part of the Second Chance Reentry Services Program, will expand the jail’s existing garden by an acre. Inmates will grow produce like cabbage, lettuce, onions, and potatoes. The goal: put fresher food on inmate trays and practical skills in their toolkits.
Reentry Coordinator Chris Lorenti said, “They will be using tractors and all kinds of things ... It’s a great system.” County Vice Chair Matt Reinhart agrees, saying the program offers both economic and personal growth opportunities.
At a cost of nearly $112 per inmate per day, any savings help—but this program’s true value might just lie in the rows of crops and rows of new beginnings.
Source: MyNews13
🦠 Flesh-Eating Bacteria: One Case Each in Volusia and Flagler
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: Florida has reported 25 cases of Vibrio vulnificus—a bacteria infamously nicknamed “flesh-eating”—so far this year, including one each in Volusia and Flagler counties. Of those, five cases have been fatal.
Thriving in warm, brackish coastal water, the bacteria can enter the body via open wounds or raw seafood (think raw oysters). Once inside, it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a condition that destroys muscle and skin tissue—sometimes requiring amputation.
Florida typically sees about 48 cases annually, but 2024 set a grim record with 82. The CDC advises avoiding warm saltwater if you have open wounds and skipping the raw shellfish platter during peak season.
Stay safe out there—sun, surf, and sushi aren’t always the best mix.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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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
Sun Sep 7
Event: 🎭 Emo Night Cabaret, 12 – 2 AM
443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach, FL
An emo-themed cabaret night sure to spark nostalgia and energy.Event: 🎨 Back to School-Live Upcycle, 7 PM
Camelot Mobile Estates, 436 S Nova Rd Office, Ormond Beach, FL
A creative upcycling event to kick off the school year with sustainable flair.Event: 🌿 Light Up Seaglass Tree or Succulent Class - 9/7, 1 – 4 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
A hands-on craft class to make a glowing seaglass tree or succulent display.
Mon Sep 8
Event: 🎨Grinchmas Seaglass Tree - Sept 8, 1 – 3 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Creative crafting with a holiday twist.Event: 🏄♂️Gnarly Charley Surf Series - Beach Buckets, time not specified
The Beach Bucket, 867 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Youth surf competition fun.Event: 📚Ormond Beach Regional Library | 09/08/2025, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
An informative or educational library event.Event: 💡Medicare Made Easy with Eric Sellick, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Educational session on Medicare benefits.Event: 🏛️Aviation Advisory Board Meeting, 7 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Discussion on local aviation matters.Event: ☕Unity Night @ Kava Kula, Sep 8
142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Community gathering with kava vibes.Event: 🍝Spaghetti Dinner, 9:30 – 11:30 PM
521 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
Late-night community pasta gathering.
Tue Sep 9
Event: 🌐 Networking Group 1, 7:30 – 8:30 AM
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Local professionals gather to connect, collaborate, and grow their network.Event: 🗣️ Community Conversation with Diahann Suchan, 10:30 PM
150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach
An open forum for community discussion and civic engagement.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
Enjoy tacos and live tunes by the waterfront.Event: 🌟 Taco Tuesday at Kava Kula, 7 – 9 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
Kava and tacos come together for a chill evening.Event: 👩💼 Bold Ladies Chair Expo, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Good Vibes Scratch Kitchen, 165 N Yonge St, Ormond Beach
Empowering women entrepreneurs through networking and fun chair exhibits.Event: 💎 Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create one-of-a-kind jewelry using real gemstones in this hands-on class.
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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