⭐ Bikes Roar In, Arts Groups Reeling, Credit Card Fraud

Issue #718

19 Oct

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Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
Brian Shield’s Forecast

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🏍️ Biketoberfest Brings Roar and Revenue to Main Street (and Ormond)

Main Street Daytona Beach was rocking this weekend, and Ormond Beach businesses felt the rumble too. Biketoberfest 2025 brought packed sidewalks, buzzing shops, and ringing registers, especially at long-standing staples like Humphreys & Son Jewelers and One Sexy Biker Chick.

Inessa Hansen, owner of the latter, noted that Main Street was busier than Ormond’s biker venues like the Iron Horse Saloon and Destination Daytona. She credited great weather—and some political optimism—for the surge in foot traffic and sales.

While some Daytona hotels near the Speedway hit full occupancy, others in Ormond and Daytona Shores reported slower bookings. Still, hospitality leaders agree: Biketoberfest remains a vital economic engine.

Ormond-based hotelier Manoj Bhoola praised the event’s promotion but suggested adding Speedway activities. Meanwhile, data from geofencing tech will soon provide an accurate attendance count—last year, Main Street alone drew over 72,000 visitors.

From leather jackets to late-night concerts, Biketoberfest continues to fuel tourism and local pride across both Daytona and Ormond.

z Volusia Arts Organizations Reeling After Surprise Grant Cuts

A last-minute decision by the Volusia County Council to slash over $611,000 in cultural grant funds has sparked outrage and uncertainty among local arts organizations. The Oct. 7 move came amid concerns over third-party events like drag shows, though none were actually funded through the grants. Instead, the cuts affect a wide range of programming: youth theater, historical tours, concerts, and summer camps.

Organizations impacted include:

  • Daytona Playhouse, which may scale back productions like My Fair Lady

  • Ormond Memorial Art Museum, facing potential cuts to veterans programs and free arts nights

  • Ormond Beach Historical Society, which could lose vital programming and tours

  • Daytona Beach Symphony Society, struggling to maintain student access and major performances

  • Bel Canto Singers, now scrambling to keep their season afloat

  • Civic Ballet of Volusia County, facing hurdles in staging The Nutcracker and spring shows

The Athens Theatre has launched a $700,000 GoFundMe campaign—Volusia Arts Lifeline—which has raised nearly $17,000. Many view the arts not as charity, but a longstanding partnership with the county that enhances local culture and community connection.

🍗 Watch Your Wallet-Popeyes Fraud Case Expands with Second Arrest in Palm Coast

A seven-month investigation into fraudulent charges at a Palm Coast Popeyes has led to a second arrest. Shaunta Johnson, 42, was charged with multiple felonies including fraudulent use of credit cards and identity theft. Johnson is accused of running an "organized scheme" with coworker Chaniqua Richberg, who was arrested in April.

The two allegedly targeted customers at the drive-thru window, skimming card info and using it to send commissary payments to Johnson's incarcerated boyfriend.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly credited the restaurant's new ownership with helping investigators crack the case. "We were able to put the missing pieces together and arrest the mastermind in this case," Staly said.

So next time you're grabbing a quick meal, maybe keep a closer eye on that credit card swipe.

🗳️ Poll Results: Overwhelming Support for Teacher Raises in Volusia

Nearly 9 in 10 readers say local educators deserve higher pay

A recent Local Pulse reader poll shows strong public support for increasing teacher pay in Volusia County. Of 144 respondents, 87% said “Yes, teachers deserve a raise,” while 15 voted no and 3 were unsure.

Many respondents emphasized how hard educators work for limited pay. One wrote, “Teachers are our most important employees! Pay them very well.” Another added, “They spend their own money and countless hours beyond the classroom.” Others cited inflation, with one comment noting, “Everyone’s bills are going up — teachers need at least a cost-of-living raise.”

A few dissenting voices argued that pay should reflect performance, saying, “Since COVID, the teaching has just plain sucked,” and another added, “They knew the pay scale when they chose this career.”

Overall, the results show near-unanimous community sentiment: Volusia teachers deserve better pay.

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.

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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

   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-Davidson

  • Event: 🎃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.

    Tue Oct 21

  • Event: 🏈LCA Flag Football @ Riverbend, 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Riverbend Academy, 2080 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Life Christian Academy's flag football team travels to Riverbend Academy for a game.

  • Event: ☕NSB Babe James Parent Cafe, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    454 S Yonge St, Ormond Beach
    A monthly gathering for parents and caregivers in Volusia County to connect, share experiences, and build community.

  • Event: 🎸ROCK n ROLL BINGO at Ormond Beach Sports Corner, 6:00 PM Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd,
    Ormond Beach
    Play music bingo with categories from classic rock to 80s, 90s, and movie soundtracks to win prizes.

  • Event: 🌮Taco Tuesday at Kava Kula, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy free tacos and drink specials at this weekly event.

  • Event: 🎶Music bingo at the Duck hosted by Happy to be Here Media!, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Drunken Duck Brewing Company, 101 2nd St Unit 401, Holly Hill
    A monthly music bingo night with multiple rounds, prizes, and a food truck on site.

  • Event: 🦅Monthly all Welcomed Club Meeting, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Fraternal Order of Eagles #3800, 190 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach A monthly meeting for members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

  • 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.

  • See More Recurring Events Here

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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