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- ⭐ BEACH Assist, OB Budget, Officer Update
⭐ BEACH Assist, OB Budget, Officer Update
Issue #688
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Today’s Forecast
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Brian Shields Tropical Update
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🏖️ Big Assist for BEACH House
The SMA Healthcare Foundation just netted a slam dunk of support: a $25,000 grant from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) for its BEACH House Program. This marks only the second time OMYF has funded a nonprofit in Volusia County, and the impact is significant.
BEACH House provides short-term residential respite for youth ages 10-17 facing homelessness, truancy, or family conflict. With services ranging from shelter and meals to counseling and family therapy, the goal is to stabilize youth and ultimately reunite families.
“With this generous grant, we can enhance the support SMA Healthcare provides to young people in crisis,” said Jennifer Secor, Executive Director of the Foundation. The funds will help bolster counseling, education, and family-focused programming — a lifeline for many in the community.
In the words of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation: it's about helping at-risk youth reach their full potential. And in Volusia County, that's looking a little more hopeful this week.
Source: Ormond Observer
💸 Budget Debate Gets Heated in Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach’s City Commission wrapped up its second and final budget hearing with a new, lower-than-expected property tax rate — but not without drama. Originally bracing for a 10% increase, residents will now see a 5.3% hike instead.
Commissioner Travis Sargent’s eleventh-hour proposal to cut the rate even further sparked confusion, debate, and some serious pushback. While the idea of reducing the burden was popular, proposed cuts to Parks and Rec and other key services proved too much.
The final compromise? A tax rate of 4.3832 mills, which maintains funding for parks, public safety, and community improvements, while trimming a few administrative positions and axing a pricey livestreaming initiative.
But not everyone was happy. Residents expressed frustration over the last-minute pivot and what they perceived as political gamesmanship. “It was an embarrassment to the city,” said Chamber of Commerce Chairman Eric Palacios.
At the end of the night, Ormond Beach dodged deeper cuts, but the debate laid bare a rift between fiscal restraint and service priorities — one that’s not likely to disappear before next year’s budget season.
Source: Ormond Observer
🕯️ Community Mourns Fallen Officer
In a heartbreaking moment for Volusia County, local law enforcement held a solemn procession to escort the body of slain Officer David Jewell from the medical examiner’s office ahead of his burial. The Edgewater Police Department shared that the escort was to ensure “he is never alone.”
Jewell was tragically shot while off-duty at a Circle K in Ormond-By-The-Sea. Eduardo Machado, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
Residents lined the route of the procession, paying their respects with flags, signs, and silence. A vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at Edgewater Alliance Church, as the community continues to grieve.
Tributes have poured in, from flowers on Jewell’s cruiser to a GoFundMe that’s already raised over $52,000 for his family. “It was sad. It hurt because he was a good friend,” said fellow officer Trevor Gray.
In the face of tragedy, the community is leaning on one another — united in sorrow, support, and remembrance.
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Diante Marquez Holmes (34) – Arrested on 2025-09-06. Charge(s): False imprisonment, tampering with a witness. Bail: Not set.
Charles David Harmer (39) – Arrested on 2025-09-08. Charge(s): Domestic battery by strangulation, aggravated battery. Bail: Not set.
Michael Dewin Henry (60) – Arrested on 2025-09-11. Charge(s): Battery on a person 65 years of age. Bail: Not set.
Holly Hill Police Department
Robert F. Weiss (30) – Arrested on 2025-09-05. Charge(s): Possession of controlled substance without prescription, possession of paraphernalia. Bail: $3,000.
Astrid Laree Darago (41) – Arrested on 2025-09-06. Charge(s): Possession of Schedule II substance, paraphernalia, cannabis, amphetamines, and controlled substance without prescription. Bail: $20,000.
Michael Aaron Needham (26) – Arrested on 2025-09-08. Charge(s): Aggravated assault, battery. Bail: Not set.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Kenneth Dwight Driggers (52) – Arrested on 2025-09-05. Charge(s): Petit theft, possession of Schedule II substance, paraphernalia, and cannabis. Bail: Not set.
Tyler J. Lamy (31) – Arrested on 2025-09-09. Charge(s): Petit theft (second offense), possession of controlled substance without prescription, possession of paraphernalia. Bail: Not set.
Daniel Williams (35) – Arrested on 2025-09-09. Charge(s): Failure of sexual predator to properly register. Bail: Not set.
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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
Fri Sep 19
Event: 🌸Brew & Bloom, 8 AM – 12 PM
The Flower Bar by SBY, 157 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Morning coffee meets florals at this artsy floral bar event.Event: 🎨"Dyes with Native Plants" with Aida Tejada, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Explore plant-based dyeing techniques in a hands-on workshop.Event: 🎨"Batik Techniques" with Muffy Clark Gill, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Learn traditional batik methods from an expert artist.Event: 🎨"It’s Not Just a Gourd" with Deborah Hildinger, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create beautiful gourd art in this fun and creative session.Event: 🖌️"Chinese Brush Painting" with Ann Kozeliski, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Dive into the delicate art of Chinese brush painting.Event: 🍸International Morgan Day lunch, 4 PM
48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Celebrate Morgan cars with a lunch gathering in downtown Ormond.Event: 🎤Joseph Harrison, 5 – 8 PM
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Live music with ocean views in Ormond Beach.Event: 🎸Dustin Stock, 6 – 9 PM
Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Enjoy live music and craft brews in a retro garage setting.Event: 🎤Friday Karaoke at the OB with HARRYOKE!, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
Sing your heart out at this lively karaoke night.Event: 🎶BEACHSIDE, 6:30 PM
Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
Catch live beachside tunes with a chill vibe.Event: 🎸That's What She Said (FULL BAND) The Grind 9/19, 7 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Energetic full band performance at a popular Ormond Beach hotspot.
Sat Sep 20
Event: 🧹Coastal Cleanup at Sanchez Park, 8 – 11 AM
Sanchez Park, 329 Sanchez Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Part of the 2025 Coastal Cleanup initiative to help keep our parks pristine.Event: 🧹Coastal Cleanup at Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, 8 – 11 AM
Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, 1800 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Join the effort to clean up one of Ormond's beautiful beachfront parks.Event: 🧹Coastal Cleanup at Tom Renick Park, 8 – 11 AM
Tom Renick Park, 1565 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Community volunteers gather for the annual beach cleanup event.Event: 🧹Coastal Cleanup at Sunrise Park, 8 – 11 AM
Sunrise Park, 1135 Riverside Dr, Holly Hill, FL
Contribute to environmental wellness by participating in the Holly Hill site cleanup.Event: 🍸Moonshiner's Master Distiller Tour, 2 – 3 PM
Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, 998 N Beach St, Holly Hill, FL
Explore the art of craft distilling on this behind-the-scenes distillery tour.Event: 🏍️Saturday Lunch Rides with Terry, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
430 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy a scenic ride followed by lunch with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.Event: ♻️Coastal Cleanup at Cardinal Drive Park, 3 – 6 PM
Cardinal Drive Park, 650 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
Wrap up the day by lending a hand in this late afternoon cleanup event.Event: 🎤heartland hippies, 5 – 8 PM
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Catch live music and laid-back beach vibes at this oceanside hangout.Event: ✝️Faith and Fitness - Revelation Fitness, 6 PM
Romano Beachfront Park, 839 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL
An uplifting blend of spiritual inspiration and physical activity.Event: 👙Ormond Beach - Bikini Company, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Fountain Square Shopping Village, 142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Fashion and fun come together at this stylish swimwear showcase.
Sun Sep 21
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 in a semi-private coaching environment.Event: 🎤Patrick Sammy, 11 AM – 2 PM
Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Live music performance with oceanfront views.Event: 🎨Light Up Seaglass Tree or Succulent Class - 9/21, 1 – 4 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL
Create a glowing seaglass tree or a charming succulent display in a guided crafting session.Event: 🏈Saints & Sinners Sunday, 1 – 7 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach, FL
Enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment in a lively biker-friendly setting.
NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.
Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here. OR scan the QR Code below
Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.
You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.
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