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- ⭐ BP At Libraries, A National Park?, Volusia Superintendent
⭐ BP At Libraries, A National Park?, Volusia Superintendent
Issue #684
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❤️ Libraries with Heart Brings Blood Pressure Monitors to the Bookshelves
The Volusia County Public Library is going beyond bookshelves with a new chapter in community health. Thanks to the American Heart Association’s “Libraries with Heart Initiative,” library patrons can now check out blood pressure monitoring kits just like any other library item.
Each kit includes a digital blood pressure monitor, easy-to-follow instructions, health tips from the AHA, and even a list of nearby health providers. The goal? To make blood pressure awareness and management accessible and affordable for everyone.
Why this matters: Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, often unknowingly. Dubbed the “silent killer,” unmanaged hypertension can lead to serious complications—but early monitoring and small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Available now at all 14 Volusia library branches, this program is part of a broader mission to eliminate barriers to health care access. As Sonya Vezmar of the AHA put it, “Our mission centers on ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead a long, healthy life.”
Source: Ormond Observer
🌲 Path to a National Park? Ocala Forest May Get a Nature Upgrade
A new bill in Congress could transform parts of Central and North Florida—including beloved spots in Volusia and Flagler counties—into a national park. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, H.R. 4656, the “Path to Florida Springs National Park Act,” proposes a study to evaluate whether areas like Ocala National Forest and Blue Spring State Park should be elevated to national park status.
This isn’t a done deal yet—the bill only calls for a study, which would take up to three years if funded. The 2,800-square-mile review area stretches from south of Jacksonville to north of Orlando and includes natural gems like De Leon Springs, Lake George State Forest, and Tiger Bay State Forest.
But not everyone’s cheering. Some locals are voicing concerns about the potential for increased tourism, citing environmental and community impacts. A petition opposing the bill has already garnered more than 6,500 signatures.
While the idea sparks a mix of excitement and apprehension, one thing’s clear: Florida’s natural beauty is worth talking about—and maybe preserving on a grander scale.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🏫 Volusia's Dr. Carmen Balgobin Named National Superintendent of the Year
It’s official—Volusia County’s own Dr. Carmen Balgobin has been named the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents. This honor shines a national spotlight on the district's impressive progress under her leadership.
Since stepping into the superintendent role in 2022 (after a brief earlier term in 2020), Balgobin has overseen a 93.7% graduation rate, brought all D-rated schools back on track, and led the district to its first A-rating in 16 years.
Chosen from five finalists across the country, Balgobin stood out for her commitment to public education and her collaborative, servant-leadership approach. “This honor belongs to our entire Volusia County Schools team,” she said. “It truly takes a village.”
Her journey in education began in Orange County, evolving through roles in Osceola and eventually to Volusia County. Now, as a national education leader, Dr. Balgobin continues to inspire transformation across public schools, proving that with teamwork and vision, lasting change is possible.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
This Day In History
1821 – Central America, including parts of present-day Mexico and Central American nations, declared independence from Spain
1830 – The first National Negro Convention convened in Philadelphia to organize against slavery and racial discrimination
1857 – William Walker, American filibuster, surrendered in Nicaragua after a failed attempt to establish control
1858 – The first transatlantic telegraph cable was completed, linking Europe and North America more reliably
1890 – The Sherman Antitrust Act was used for the first time by the U.S. government to break up a monopoly
1916 – Tanks were used for the first time in combat by the British Army at the Battle of the Somme in World War I
1935 – The Nuremberg Laws were enacted in Nazi Germany, institutionalizing racial discrimination against Jews
1940 – The U.S. introduced the Selective Training and Service Act, the first peacetime military draft in its history
1944 – U.S. Marines landed on Peleliu Island in the Pacific during World War II
1947 – Indian leaders Jawaharlal Nehru and Muhammad Ali Jinnah met to finalize the terms of partition between India and Pakistan
1949 – Konrad Adenauer became the first Chancellor of the newly formed Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)
1963 – A church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama killed four young African-American girls, galvanizing the civil rights movement
1981 – The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Sandra Day O’Connor as the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice
1997 – The domain name “google.com” was registered
2008 – Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, sparking a major escalation of the global financial crisis
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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 Sep 15
Event: 🌙Unity Night @ Kava Kula, Sep 15
Kava Kula, 142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
An evening of unity, community connection, and relaxation.Event: 📚Back to School Book Fair, 12 AM
Holly Hill School, 1500 Center Ave, Holly Hill
A book fair to kick off the school year with fun and literacy-focused activities.
Tue Sep 16
Event: 💼 Mastermind Roundtable, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
An interactive business roundtable for professionals to share ideas and solutions.Event: 📚 Once Upon a Storytime
The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach, FL
A magical storytime experience for children and families at a historic venue.Event: 🧠 Alzheimer Association's In-Person Caregiver Support, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Aberdeen Tennis Court, 40 Allwood Green Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Support group for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease, hosted in-person.Event: 💰 Financial Power After Hours, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Launch Credit Union | Ormond Beach, 240 N Williamson Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Evening networking and financial empowerment tips with community experts.Event: 🌮 Taco Tuesday at Kava Kula, 7 – 9 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy tacos and kava drinks with friends in a relaxed lounge atmosphere.Event: 🍼 NSB Babe James Parent Cafe, 9:30 – 11:00 PM
454 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
A community gathering for parents to connect, share resources, and support one another.Event: 🍻 Music bingo at the Duck hosted by Happy to be Here, 7 – 9 PM
Drunken Duck Brewing Company, 101 2nd St Unit 401, Holly Hill, FL
A lively night of music bingo, drinks, and fun prizes at a local brewery.
Wed Sep 17
Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
GraceLife Beachside Church Hall, 6 Sandra Drive, Ormond Beach
All Are Welcome! More info at (386) 441-4421Event: 🎨 ISEA Symposium in Ormand Beach, Florida, Sep 17–Sep 20
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
An international symposium celebrating electronic art and innovation.Event: 🖌️ "Collage, Painting, and Drawing" with Judy Gilmer, 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, F
A hands-on art workshop exploring mixed media techniques with a seasoned artist.Event: 🍷 Wine Down Wednesday, 4–6 PM
Tomoka Boat Club Marina Bait Shop and Tiki Bar, 1001 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach, FL
Relax midweek with drink specials at this scenic tiki bar.Event: 🏛️ City Commission Meeting, 7 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach, FL
Local government meeting open to the public for civic engagement.Event: 🎲 Wednesday is BINGO Night at Kava Kula, 7–11 PM
Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy an energetic night of BINGO, drinks, and community fun.Event: 🧠 "What is Creativity and How Do We Access It?", Sep 17–Sep 18
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
A creative dialogue session aimed at unlocking your artistic potential.Event: 🖼️ "Memory Ware Mosaics" with Gila Rayberg, Sep 17–Sep 18
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Learn mosaic techniques by transforming sentimental objects into art.Event: 📚 Mystery/Thriller Book Club, Sep 17–Sep 18
150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Join fellow readers in a gripping discussion on suspenseful novels.
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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