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- ⭐ Employment Misunderstanding, Kirk Remembered, Arts Funds Withheld
⭐ Employment Misunderstanding, Kirk Remembered, Arts Funds Withheld
Issue #709
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Lance Avery - Courtesy Photo
🧩 Employment Misunderstanding Leaves Family Seeking Answers
An emotional plea at an Ormond Beach City Commission meeting has sparked new conversations around special needs employment. Anni Suadi says her son, Lance Avery, who has Down syndrome, was let go from a job at Nova Rec that he believed would become permanent. She described it as a pilot program, but city officials clarified there was no such program—only a temporary placement via the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation on-the-job training initiative.
Lance, now 25, completed his training with strong support from a job coach and continued volunteering until November 2024. His role included various recreational and event prep tasks—jobs he performed with dedication. Still, the city says it was never a pathway to employment.
The Parks and Rec Department maintains its support for inclusion through six other Special Populations programs and a newly funded “Miracle Field” for special needs residents. While there’s community support for creating a formal employment program, city officials emphasized that launching such initiatives requires time, planning, and resources not currently allocated.
Source: Ormond Observer
🛣️ Road to Remembrance
The Volusia County Council is set to discuss dedicating part of North Beach Street as a memorial highway honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who died in September at a Utah university. Spearheaded by Council Chair Jeff Brower, the proposed stretch runs from West Granada Boulevard to the Flagler County line, a location known for its scenic views and popular among motorcyclists for “freedom rides.”
Brower sees the tribute as a nod to Kirk’s commitment to respectful dialogue across differing viewpoints. However, there's some uncertainty as the route lies within the Ormond Scenic Loop, a state- and nationally-designated scenic highway, which may complicate renaming efforts.
If approved, Volusia would follow Lake County, which has already designated a “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.” A state bill also proposes renaming streets on university campuses after Kirk—including one at Daytona State College.
Source: Ormond Observer
🎭 Arts Funding Withheld Over Pride and Drag Show Concerns
A $611,000 arts funding package was frozen by the Volusia County Council amid controversy over Pride and drag events held at two local theaters. The funding, earmarked for over 30 cultural groups, was pulled after Councilman Danny Robins raised objections to third-party events hosted at Athens Theatre and Shoestring Theatre—events not covered by the grant requests but promoted on the venues’ websites.
The Cultural Council had vetted and recommended the funding based solely on itemized, family-friendly programming. Yet the County Council voted unanimously to redirect the money to general infrastructure—like roads and sidewalks—instead.
While supporters argued for artistic freedom and warned of the impact on Volusia’s cultural fabric, council members like Robins insisted it was a matter of moral stewardship of public funds. Legal concerns over potential discrimination were also raised, as county code prohibits bias based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Calls to establish clearer future guidelines were voiced, but for now, dozens of cultural organizations must pivot without the expected county support—casting uncertainty over the future of arts funding in Volusia.
Source: Ormond Observer
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Owen Wesley Kirkpatrick (20) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-27. Charge(s): Fraudulent bank deposit, grand theft, ID theft, counterfeiting. Bail: $10,000.
Michael Harry Fields (46) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-29. Charge(s): Child neglect. Bail: $7,500.
Holly Hill Police Department
Charles Valentine (56) of Holly Hill – Arrested on 2025-09-30. Charge(s): Petit theft, dealing in stolen property. Bail: $7,500.
Steven Anthony Sullivan (43) of Holly Hill – Arrested on 2025-10-01. Charge(s): Battery, child neglect. Bail: Not set.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Venessa Lynn Hildenbrand (50) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-26. Charge(s): Trespassing, drug possession without prescription. Bail: Not set.
Donald James Smith (47) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-27. Charge(s): Aggravated battery on elderly, battery. Bail: Not set.
Sarita Koshalya Singhal (42) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-28. Charge(s): Aggravated assault. Bail: $5,000.
Adam Michael Baldridge (39) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-28. Charge(s): DUI, tampering with evidence. Bail: $3,000.
Curtis Brian Mohammed (42) of Holly Hill – Arrested on 2025-09-29. Charge(s): Drug possession without prescription, paraphernalia. Bail: $5,500.
Ciara Jamille Longworth (40) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-29. Charge(s): Drug possession without prescription, paraphernalia. Bail: $3,000.
Jeral William Dietlin (40) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-30. Charge(s): Battery. Bail: Not set.
Jordan Lee Martin (31) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-10-01. Charge(s): Possession of cocaine with intent near school (armed), drug possession without prescription. Bail: $6,000.
Laurie Ann Pavlak (64) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-10-01. Charge(s): Possession of cocaine with intent to sell. Bail: $5,000.
Austin C. Myerscough (27) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-10-02. Charge(s): Unregistered vehicle, false registration, drug and paraphernalia possession. Bail: $3,000.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Shaun William Noble (48) of Ormond Beach – Arrested on 2025-09-27. Charge(s): Possession/exchange of illegally harvested palmetto berries. Bail: $2,500.
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Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
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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
Fri Oct 10
Event: 🏍️Triketoberfest 2025, Oct 10 – Oct 12
Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson Dealership and Showroom, 1637 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
The first day of a weekend-long motorcycle rally and celebration.Event: 🎸Jay Paski, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
An all-out 80s tribute show on the Pictona green, free for the community.Event: 🎱Pool Tournament, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Rockefellers Ormond, 142 E Granada Blvd STE 7, Ormond Beach
Test your skills at the weekly Friday night pool tournament.Event: 🎳Weekly Bowling, 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Ormond Lanes, 260 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Cap off the night with some late-night league or open bowling.
Sat Oct 11
Event: 🛍️Bear Creek Annual Craft Show, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bear Creek Village, 6 Bear Creek Path, Ormond Beach Shop for unique handmade items and crafts from local vendors at this annual community show.Event: 🎄Grinchmas Seaglass Tree, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create your own festive, Grinch-themed sea glass tree in this fun and creative workshop.Event: 🎃Pumpkin Painting Party, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Happy Co Surf & Coffee, 1210 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Get into the fall spirit with a fun-filled afternoon of painting pumpkins for all ages.Event: 🥃Moonshiner's Master Distiller Tour, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, 998 N Beach St, Holly Hill
Go behind the scenes and learn about the distilling process with an award-winning master distiller.Event: 🎨Mimi's Original Art October Sip and Shop, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Mimi's Original Art, 1385 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Browse local art, enjoy a beverage, and shop for unique pieces at this casual gallery event.Event: 😂Sit Down for Stand Up, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Enjoy a night of laughter featuring a lineup of talented stand-up comedians.Event: 🎵Esh x Schief: KONA TIKI BAR, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Enjoy live music from Esh x Schief in a relaxed tiki bar atmosphere.
Sun Oct 12
Event: 🧘yoga + connection, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Join a local yoga guru for a class followed by a light brunch and good conversation.Event: 🎨Light Up Seaglass Tree or Succulent Class, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create your own light-up seaglass tree or succulent arrangement in this guided class.Event: 🍂2025 Fall Festival, 2:00 PM
County Line Family Farms, 77 Cir S Rd, Ormond Beach
Enjoy a day of fall fun with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and other farm activities for the whole family.Event: 🏃SoNapa Grille 5K Run and Walk, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
SoNapa Grille, 324 N Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
Run or walk a 5K through the beautiful Trails neighborhood, followed by a happy hour after-party.Event: 🏍️Big Engine: Sunday Saints & Sinners, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Rock out with Big Engine at this classic biker pub.Event: 🏍️Biketoberfest, All Day
eddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson, 1637 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
A multi-day motorcycle rally with vendors, food trucks, live music, and demo rides.
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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