⭐ Rough Seas, OB Drug Bust, $400k Travel Scam, Heart Health Walk

Issue #700

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Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
Brian Shield’s Forecast

Swipe image left for more daily forecasts

Image: NHC

🌊 Hurricane Imelda Brings Rough Seas and Risky Surf

Volusia County residents and visitors are urged to steer clear of the shoreline as Hurricane Imelda continues to churn up trouble along the coast. Hazardous beach conditions, including powerful breakers of 6 to 10 feet and a high risk of life-threatening rip currents, are expected through Saturday. And that’s not all—distant swells from Hurricane Humberto are making the surf even more intense.

If you're thinking of heading offshore, think again. Seas are peaking between 9 and 18 feet, with a small craft advisory in full effect. Breezy conditions and scattered showers may also bring up to an inch of rain and gusts up to 25 mph throughout the day.

Officials stress staying informed through trusted channels like the National Weather Service, Volusia County Emergency Management app, and social media updates.

In short: it's a great week to stay inland, stream a good show, and keep those beach towels tucked away.

🚔 Repeat Offenders Busted in Ormond Beach Drug Raid

For the second time in two years, a home on Carolina Avenue in Ormond Beach has been shut down as a drug hub. The East Volusia Narcotics Task Force arrested five individuals last Thursday during a raid at the residence, which has now been deemed uninhabitable due to code violations.

Those arrested include Tyler Adams, Daniel Culbreath, Rochelle Edick, Joseph Meeks, and Jennifer Meeks. Detectives seized 0.19 grams of fentanyl, 0.59 grams of heroin, more than 8.5 grams of methamphetamine, and various paraphernalia.

The bust was executed after undercover detectives used a ruse at the door to gain access. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activity in the area. Authorities found a total of nine people inside the home at the time of the raid.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity—because clearly, some houses just don’t learn the first time.

✈️ $400K Trip Scam Hits Seabreeze High Students

What was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime turned into a financial and emotional disaster for 104 Seabreeze High School students and chaperones. They were left high and dry after paying nearly $400,000 for a June 2024 European adventure that never happened.

The man behind the now-defunct travel agency, Robert Goodwin, 56, is facing charges of money laundering and organized fraud—totaling over $150,000. The Volusia Sheriff's Office has issued a warrant for his arrest, and a $4 million bond has been set.

The agency, Stone and Compass Travel, shut down abruptly in May 2024, claiming it had no funds for refunds. Shortly after, their website and phone lines vanished. Investigators found that multiple other organizations, including Flagler College, have filed similar complaints.

Parents and students are still reeling from the financial blow, each having paid at least $3,550. As one parent put it, “We planned for a lifetime memory, and got a masterclass in fraud instead.”

❤️ Community Steps Up for Heart Health at Daytona Speedway

The Daytona International Speedway will trade racecars for walking shoes this Friday, Oct. 3, as it hosts the 2025 Volusia-Flagler Heart Walk. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and is expected to draw over 1,100 participants from across the region—all stepping out in support of heart health and CPR awareness.

Last year’s walk raised $230,000, and this year’s organizers aim to beat that benchmark. Participants will enjoy family-friendly activities, survivor stories, photo ops, and CPR demos.

Organizers like AdventHealth’s Joni Hunt and Lorenzo Brown emphasize the power of prevention, connection, and education. “Every step we take together is an investment in healthier families and a more vibrant future,” said Brown.

Community groups from schools to major companies like Brown & Brown and Walgreens are all joining in. Kids from Food Brings Hope and area schools will also take part.

Interested in walking (or cheering)? Call 800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) or register online through the American Heart Association.

Recent Deaths

  • Ralph Ferrara, 90, of Ormond Beach, passed away on September 24, 2025

  • Aliki Augustine, 84, of Ormond Beach, passed away on September 23, 2025

  • Michael Frances Toth, 74, of Ormond Beach, passed away on September 18, 2025

  • Carolyn W. Ferguson, 89, of Ormond Beach, passed away on September 24, 2025

  • Emily G Whitney, 83, of Ormond Beach, passed away on September 22, 2025

  • Alice M. Trevithick, 102, of Ormond Beach, passed away on September 17, 2025

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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

  

Wed Oct 1

  • Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
    (New Location) GraceLife Beachside Church Hall, 6 Sandra Drive, Ormond Beach
    All Are Welcome!  More info at (386) 441-4421

  • Event: 🎨Mark Anthony Hill Solo Show “Bits & Pieces” Art Opening, Time Not Specified Art Spotlight, 67 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach The opening reception for a month-long solo art exhibition by Mark Anthony Hill titled “Bits & Pieces”.

  • Event: 📚Zine Night!, 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM Novel Tea Bookshop, 150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach A creative night for zine enthusiasts to meet, create, and share their work.

  • Event: 💃Intro to Pole Choreography 6-Week Series, 9:40 PM 443 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach The first class of a 6-week series introducing the fundamentals of pole choreography.

  Thu Oct 2

  • Event: 🧑‍🌾Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach Shop for fresh produce, artisan goods, and more from local vendors at this weekly market.

  • Event: 🏳️‍🌈Daytona Pride Meet & Greet, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Drunken Duck Brewing Company, 101 2nd St Unit 401, Holly Hill A social meet and greet event for the local LGBTQ+ community and allies.

  • Event: 🎶The Fabulous B Naturals, 6:00 PM Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach Enjoy live music from The Fabulous B Naturals on the beachside deck.

  • Event: 🏎️RC Car Night, 8:00 PM Ormond Beach Skate Park, 440 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach A fun night for remote control car enthusiasts to race and show off their vehicles.

  • Event: 🧠Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Test your knowledge on a variety of subjects at the weekly trivia night.

 

  Fri Oct 3

  • Event: 🎉Community Appreciation Night, 6 – 9 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
    An evening dedicated to honoring the local community with festivities and engagement.

  • Event: 🎬Movies on the Halifax - Beetlejuice
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
    Outdoor screening of the classic film "Beetlejuice" for a fun night under the stars.

  • Event: 🎨Creative Club!, 9:30 – 11:30 PM
    150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach
    A late-night creative workshop inviting all to express themselves through various art forms.

  • Event: 🎸Javier Pérez @ Ormond Garage, 6 – 10 PM
    Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Live music performance featuring Javier Pérez in a vibrant, garage-themed 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

Scan for event form

 

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.

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