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  • ⭐ Statues Coming. Missing Teen Found, Still No Arts $$, Church Packs Meals

⭐ Statues Coming. Missing Teen Found, Still No Arts $$, Church Packs Meals

Issue #722

23 Oct

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🗿 Ormond Beach Approves 2026 Sculpture Tour

Ormond Beach is getting ready for another dose of public art charm. The City Commission unanimously approved the Arts District’s request to host 12 new Seward Johnson sculptures downtown in early 2026. The upcoming tour will run from January 15 through June 15, and features all-new statues—none are repeats from last year's popular display.

Last year’s 13-statue exhibit drew thousands of visitors, boosted downtown traffic, and generated plenty of buzz, according to Arts District VP Judy Stein. This time around, the city will sponsor two sculptures using $8,000 in CRA funds, while private sponsors are footing the bill for the remaining installations.

Here’s where you can spot the sculptures next year:

  • Seacoast Bank, 175 W. Granada Blvd.

  • 70 W. Granada Blvd.

  • Main Street Park, 34 W. Granada Blvd.

  • Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, 1 N. Beach St.

  • Cassen Park, 1 S. Beach St.

  • Fortunato Park, 2 John Anderson Drive

  • Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive

  • The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive

  • Ormond Memorial Arts Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.

  • Granada Plaza, 145 E. Granada Blvd. (three sculptures)

👧 Missing Daytona Teen Found Safe in Marion County

After a tense 24-hour search, 13-year-old Jaylen Glass, who disappeared from Hinson Middle School on Oct. 21, was found "safe and sound" in Marion County, according to Daytona Beach Police. Jaylen was taken into protective custody under the Baker Act, concluding a search that involved drones, bloodhounds, and helicopters.

The discovery came just after a heartfelt press conference where Jaylen’s father, Darian Glass, pleaded for her safe return. Surveillance footage showed Jaylen walking off campus during detention, reportedly after asking for water. Prior to leaving, she had been grounded and had her cellphones confiscated.

Police Chief Jakari Young revealed suspicions that Jaylen may have received help to hide, warning that aiding a runaway is a criminal offense. Although authorities haven’t disclosed how or where she was found, they confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

Daytona Beach Police thanked the community for their support: “Your collective efforts exemplify the strength of our community.”

🎭 Volusia Council Rejects Arts Funding Amid Culture Clash

In a vote that’s become more familiar than festive, the Volusia County Council once again declined to fund community cultural grants. The Tuesday, Oct. 21 meeting followed earlier controversy sparked by Councilman Danny Robins, who questioned arts organizations that featured drag shows, leading to two theaters withdrawing their applications.

A motion to fund the remaining applicants this year narrowly failed in a 4-3 vote, with several council members arguing the funds should be redirected to core government services. The debate took a sharp turn when residents accused Robins of promoting division. One speaker even referenced Robins’ past reprimand as a police officer for visiting a strip club while on duty, calling into question his moral authority.

Despite the friction, this isn’t necessarily the end. The council could revisit the topic in future budget discussions. For now, though, Volusia’s cultural organizations remain in funding limbo.

🍚 Church Members Pack 10,000 Meals for Global Hunger Relief

Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church kicked off its “Helping Hands Week” in a big way—by teaming up with Rise Against Hunger to assemble 10,000 meal bags. Each bag creates six servings and will be sent to communities in Haiti and the Philippines.

The event, held on Sunday, Oct. 19, wasn’t just about giving back; it was also a chance for parishioners to bond. “This was so much fun and great way to get to know one another better while helping others in need,” the church shared on Facebook.

The effort is part of a larger wave of faith-based community initiatives across Volusia County, showcasing how local congregations continue to take action on global issues—one meal at a time.

Beachside Dog Grooming Reopens with a Fresh Look and a Beachside Flair

After more than a decade of keeping local pups polished and pampered in Ormond-By-The-Sea,, Beachside Dog Grooming has a brand-new home at 1468 Ocean Shore Boulevard. Owner Carolyn Hart, a professional groomer with more than 23 years of experience, says the move marks a fresh chapter for the beloved business — one that combines a brighter, more visible location with room to grow.

Hart began her grooming career over two decades ago, working for other salons before striking out on her own. “I groomed for about twelve years before opening my own shop,” she said. “It’s just something I’ve always loved — working with animals, making them look and feel their best.” For the last eleven years, she operated Beachside Dog Grooming in a tucked-away location that many customers had trouble finding. When that building was sold, Hart began searching immediately for a new spot — and the timing worked out perfectly.

Our Reception Area

The move wasn’t without hurdles. “The county had trouble figuring out how to permit the space,” Hart explained, noting that the previous tenant, Seadrift, had combined several units into one. “It delayed things for a couple of months, but we finally got through it.” Despite the setback, Hart was able to keep her entire team together — three groomers and a bather — and everyone is excited about the salon’s relaunch.

Bathing and Drying Station

The new shop offers expanded grooming space, fresh décor, and plenty of natural light. It also provides the visibility Hart had always wanted. “People used to say, ‘I drive by your old place all the time and never knew you were there,’” she said. “Now, they can’t miss us!”

Grooming Sadie

Looking ahead, Hart plans to expand Beachside Dog Grooming’s offerings with a small retail area and a fun new feature she calls the Tiki Treat Bar — a cheerful setup where customers can fill bags with an assortment of dog treats. The shop will also carry collars, leashes, food, bowls, and other pet essentials.

“It’s been a long road getting here,” Hart said with a smile, “but it feels great to be back — bigger, better, and ready to keep Ormond’s dogs looking fabulous on the beachside.”

You can visit Beachside’s Facebook Page to see the latest happenings. If your fur-baby needs a great grooming call Carolyn at 386-238-9986. Mention Ormond Local Pulse when you call for a special discount.

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Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam

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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

  Thu Oct 23

  • Event: 🥒Pictona Open 2025 by Emerge Insurance Services, All Day Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    A multi-day pickleball tournament for players of various skill levels and age groups.

  • Event: 🍓Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
    Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and handmade crafts from local vendors.

  • Event: 🏋️Private Training: 1 Day, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach
    A one-day private training session.

  • Event: 🎨"Manifest Destiny: American Art of the 19th...", 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Explore an exhibition or lecture on the themes and artwork of 19th-century America.

  • Event: 🎤switch duo, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy a live musical performance by the Switch Duo.

  • Event: 🧠Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge, 142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
    Test your knowledge on various subjects at this weekly trivia event.

    Fri Oct 24

  • Event: 👟 Private Training: 1 Day, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Sports Complex, 700 Hull Rd, Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🎉 Community Appreciation Night, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
    A free family event featuring trunk or treating, face painting, a trackless train, and a kids costume contest starting at 7:00 PM.

  • Event: 🛼 Phi Beta Sigma presents Pink The Rink, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Astro Skate of Ormond Beach, 250 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
    Lace up your skates and groove to the music while supporting a great cause. This event is all about having a blast on the rink while raising awareness for an important issue.

  • Event: 🎭 Halifax Repertory Theatre - Annie, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
    A performance of the classic musical "Annie," following the resilient orphan in Depression-era New York. Features beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It's the Hard Knock Life.”

  • Event: 🎶 Nate Utley, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Live music performance by Nate Utley at the Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar.

  • Event: 🎤 Open Mic Night - Ormond Beach, 9:00 PM
    Green Turtle Kava Bar - Ormond Beach, 1474 W Granada Blvd # 410, Ormond Beach
    A celebration of creativity and community. Showcase your skills in music, poetry, or comedy, or just sit back and enjoy the show.

  • Event: 🎳 Weekly Bowling, 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM
    Ormond Lanes, 260 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy a night of weekly league or open bowling at Ormond Lanes.

  • Event: 🎃 Trunk or Treat, 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
    100 Corbin Ave, Ormond Beach
    Join the community for a festive trunk or treat Halloween event.

  • Event: 🎬 Movies on The Halifax, 11:00 PM
    25 Riverside Dr, Ormond Beach
    A late-night movie screening at Rockefeller Gardens along the banks of the Halifax River.

    Sat October 25

  • Event: 🗣️ Speakers Series: Writers in Paradise, 10:00 AM
    Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
    Jim Clark, Senior Lecturer at UCF, highlights the journeys of more than two dozen renowned authors—past and present—who found inspiration and refuge under Florida's sun.

  • Event: 🕷️ Craft Day: Not So Spooky Spiders, 10:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
    A fun craft day event focused on making not-so-spooky spiders.

  • Event: 🛍️ Adopt A Block + Free Groceries, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Holly Point Apartments, 1000 15th St, Holly Hill
    An outreach event featuring a free grocery giveaway, Shine Kids Block Party, free community BBQ, prayer, and resources for the community.

  • Event: 📸 Mastering the Basics of Phone & DSLR Photography, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

    Learn to gain control of exposure and understand the fundamentals of composition with your smartphone or DSLR camera in this photography workshop.

  • Event: 👙 Ormond Beach - Bikini Company, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
    Fountain Square Shopping Village, 142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A special event or promotion at the Bikini Company swimwear boutique.

  • Event: 🎄 Grinchmas Seaglass Tree, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A unique, festive class where you can create your own beautiful, perfectly crooked, seaglass Grinch tree, complete with fairy lights and a heart ornament.

  • Event: 🎨 Sip & Paint in Nature: Tea, Treats, and Tiny Art, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
    73 Village Dr, Ormond Beach
    An outdoor sip and paint event focused on creating tiny art, complete with tea and treats in a natural setting.

  • Event: 🎃 Nspire Allstars Halloween, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Riptide Gymnastics & Cheer, 1203 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
    A spooky family fun day open to the public! Enjoy Trunk-or-Treating with volunteers, carnival games with athletes, open gym fun, food, games, prizes, and more.

  • Event: 🍰 Trick or Sweet: A Halloween Cake Class!, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, 1 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
     A fun, Halloween-themed cake decorating course where you can create your own monstrous masterpiece to take home.

  • Event: ☕ sober Café, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A social gathering in a sober environment at the Grind Gastropub.

  • Event: 🍪 Bake sale vender show, (Time not specified) 221 Riverbend Rd, Ormond Beach A local bake sale and vendor show.

  • Event: 🤫 The Mystery of the Ladies in Black (Ormond Beach), (Time not specified) 330 S Beach St, Ormond Beach A local historical event or tour.

  • 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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