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- ⭐ VoTran Route Changes, OB Salutes Vet, Bazil Advises
⭐ VoTran Route Changes, OB Salutes Vet, Bazil Advises
Issue #717
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
Brian Shield’s Forecast
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🚌 Votran Plans 2026 Route Overhaul, Asks for Rider Input
Volusia County’s transit system is in for a significant update—and they want your feedback. Votran has announced a series of proposed service changes that would roll out in early 2026, with public meetings scheduled this October to gather community input.
Among the changes: Route 1 is set for elimination, replaced in part by on-demand VoRide service. Route 3 will drop its A, B, and C branches for a simplified loop, and night service on several routes will shift to VoRide, with a new Route 70 covering after-hours needs. Other adjustments include schedule tweaks, route consolidations, and reductions in off-peak frequency. Holiday service would be suspended on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Riders can attend in-person open house meetings or join a virtual session. Staff will be on hand to explain the changes and collect comments. Can’t make it? You can still submit feedback until October 30.
Full details and the public meeting schedule are available online or by calling Votran directly.
Source: Volusia County
🎖️ Ormond Beach to Salute WWII Hero on His 100th Birthday
Mark your calendars for a heartwarming tribute: Ormond Beach is throwing a celebration for World War II veteran John J. Jeckovich’s 100th birthday today, October 18.
The event, set at Aden Senior Living, will include military honors, a parade, and speeches from local dignitaries. Mr. Jeckovich, who served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946, is a decorated Battle of the Bulge veteran. He earned a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, and several other distinctions for his bravery—including helping liberate POW and concentration camps in Nazi Germany.
Affectionately known as “The BulgeBuster” on his YouTube channel, Mr. Jeckovich has posted over 600 videos sharing his wartime experiences and life advice. His story is as much about resilience as it is about service—he returned to the front lines despite severe injuries and later worked 35 straight years at a paper mill without missing a day.
Residents are encouraged to send him a birthday card or simply stop by to honor one of the Greatest Generation’s finest.
Source: HomeTown News
🚁 How Ryan Bazil is Uplifting Florida’s Future
Ryan Bazil once chased dreams of soccer stardom—but a pivotal chat with his dad redirected him toward aerospace and STEM, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Now an IT specialist with Florida Power & Light’s nuclear fleet and an Embry-Riddle alum, Bazil helps lead FPL’s “Drones in School” initiative, mentoring young students and showcasing how drone technology is reshaping energy safety. From reducing radiation exposure to making operations more efficient, Bazil's work blends cutting-edge innovation with heartfelt mentorship.
The former Boynton Aerospace Science Academy student and Embry-Riddle grad says his journey started with being open to change. Now, he's inspiring the next generation to do the same—encouraging students to make mistakes, experiment, and pursue tech careers through competitive drone programs.
These high-flying contests are more than just STEM events—they’re gateways to scholarships, travel, and career exploration. Bazil even judged the state championship at Embry-Riddle, where his own journey began.
His advice? “Don’t say no to anything. You never know what door might open.”
Source: Ormond Observer
The Flavor Event of the Year Returns Sunday!
Get ready, food lovers — Ormond Beach’s most anticipated culinary celebration is back and bigger than ever! On Sunday, October 19th, from 4–7 p.m. at Rockefeller Gardens, Taste of Ormond marks its 12th delicious year supporting Ormond Beach MainStreet.
This isn’t just another food event — it’s a full-scale gourmet experience with unlimited tastings from Ormond’s hottest restaurants, exclusive wine and craft beer samplings from S.R. Perrott, and a lively Kona Tiki Bar Mixology Experience that’s pure entertainment in a glass.
Participating Restaurants include:
Neighborhood Scoop
RiverGrille on the Tomoka
Fletcher’s Irish Pub
Stonewood Grill and Tavern
Novel Tea Book Shop
Ormond Garage
The Grind
Margarita Island
Wine Not? Ormond Beach
31 Supper Club
Salty Beach Charcuterie Boards
Good Vibes Scratch Kitchen
Alexander’s
Ledo Pizza & Pasta
Rockefellers
Fugu
There’s still a few tickets left! — Get Your Tickets Here and support Ormond Main Street and the local businesses that make Ormond Beach shine! More information at 386-492-2938.
“Ceviche28” Brings Peruvian-Mexican Flair to Ormond Beach (Frida’s Re-born) 🌮🐟
Ormond Beach food lovers, get ready for something truly special! The father-and-son duo of Pedro and Peter Navarez have opened Ceviche28, a fresh new fusion concept blending the bold, colorful flavors of Peru and Mexico right in the heart of town.
If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Pedro made waves with his original Ceviche28 in Vero Beach — a hit known for its creative seafood and vibrant dishes. Now, he’s brought that same energy north to 195 W. Granada Blvd., in the former Frida’s location. And yes, Pedro was also the owner behind Frida’s and the still popular Agave Fresh Mex in Ormond Beach. This time, he and Peter are serving up something entirely new, while still honoring their family’s signature flair for great food and warm hospitality.
The menu at Ceviche28 is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold combinations — from zesty ceviches to sizzling chicken and steak plates that burst with flavor. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail from the full bar, and enjoy a perfect evening on the inviting outdoor patio.
Pedro and Peter invite all lovers of Mexican and Latin cuisine to stop by, say hello, and discover their unique spin on fusion dining. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a relaxed dinner, or a night out with friends, Ceviche28 is the place to be.
Come hungry, leave smiling — and see why everyone’s talking about Ormond’s newest taste sensation! And, show this Business Spotlight article to the server on your phone and receive 1 free House Margarita with your entre’ when 2 people are dining. Offer expires 10/31/25
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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
Sat Oct 18
Event: 🏆Ormond Beach Senior Games, All Day
Ormond Beach Senior Center, 351 Andrews St, Ormond Beach
The official start of the 41st annual multi-day athletic and recreational competition for seniors.Event: 🏍️Saturday Biketoberfest® at Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson, All Day
Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson, 1637 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
he Biketoberfest rally continues with a full day of bikes, live music, vendors, and entertainment.Event: 🚗Cruisin the Hill Car Show, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Holly Hill City Hall, 1065 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
Enjoy a display of classic and custom cars at this community car show.Event: 🎨Watercolor & Mixed Media Birch Tree Painting Class, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Join a guided art class to create a beautiful painting of birch trees using various media.Event: 🥃Moonshiner's Master Distiller Tour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, 998 N Beach St, Holly Hill
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process with a guided tour from a master distiller.Event: 🎶Live Music at RiverGrille, 5:00 PM
RiverGrille on the Tomoka, 950 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Enjoy dinner and drinks with a live musical performance on the Tomoka River.Event: 🎃Spooky Story Time!, 6:00 PM
Environmental Discovery Center, 150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach
A fun, family-friendly event featuring spooky stories perfect for the Halloween season.Event: 💡Mixed Media Night Light or Suncatcher Class, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Create your own unique night light or suncatcher in this creative mixed media workshop.Event: 🎤Smyrna Erb, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Catch a live performance by local band Smyrna Erb.Event: 🎸Molly Hatchet, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
See the legendary Southern rock band Molly Hatchet perform live as part of Biketoberfest.
Sun Oct 19
Event: 🍽️Taste Of Ormond, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
Ormond's favorite foodie event, featuring samples from two dozen of Ormond Beach's best restaurants, along with craft beer and wine, live music, and a charity raffle.Event: 🏍️Sunday Biketoberfest® at Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson, All Day
Teddy Morse's Daytona Harley-Davidson, 1637 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
he final day of Biketoberfest®, featuring live music, vendors, and the last chance to see the latest from Harley-DavidsonEvent: 🎃3rd HH Riverside Market Halloween Fun & Fall Festival, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunrise Park, 1135 Riverside Dr, Holly Hill
A festive market with a Halloween theme, featuring a pumpkin patch, costume contests, antique cars, live music, and trick-or-treating with vendors.Event: 🚶Tomoka State Park Ranger Walk, 10:00 AM
Tomoka State Park Campground, 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
A guided one-mile hike through the hardwood hammock of Tomoka State Park, where you can learn about the park's history, wildlife, and flora.Event: 🎶11 Days Of Live Music, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach The final day of live music at Saints & Sinners Pub to close out the Biketoberfest® rally.Event: 🎸Big Engine: Biketoberfest Survivors Party, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Celebrate the end of Biketoberfest® with a live performance from the band Big Engine at the official Survivors Party.Event: 🏍️Biketoberfest Show, 1:00 PM - 11:59 PM
Iron Horse Saloon, 1068 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
The final day of the Biketoberfest® rally at the iconic Iron Horse Saloon, with a full day and night of live music, entertainment, and motorcycle festivities.Mon Oct 20
Event: 🏋️Private Training: 1 Day, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
A private, one-day training session.Event: 🤝MAD Official Meet & Greet, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ormond Garage, 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
An official meet and greet event sponsored by JMS Chip.Event: 🎵The Good Life Band: Salty D's Beachside, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Salty D’s Beachside, 790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
Enjoy a mix of Rock & Roll, Country, and Party Music from the 60s - 90s with The Good Life Band.
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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