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  • ⭐Marineland Sale On Hold, Teacher Score, Aura-Aero Opens, Volusia Fair

⭐Marineland Sale On Hold, Teacher Score, Aura-Aero Opens, Volusia Fair

Issue #730

31 Oct

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🐬 Historic Dolphin Park Sale Hits a Legal Speed Bump

A $7.1 million deal to sell Marineland Dolphin Adventure has been put on pause by a federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware. The sale, which had been lined up between The Dolphin Company and Texas-based Delightful Development, raised legal concerns after another bidder—led by former park director Felicia Cook—claimed they were unfairly excluded despite raising $4 million.

Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein cited Marineland’s operational status, which includes a dozen dolphins and other sea life, as a factor in her decision to halt the sale. Adding historical weight, the park—originally opened in 1937 with connections to both the Vanderbilt and Tolstoy families—has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986.

While the designation offers recognition, it doesn’t protect the site from being redeveloped should a future owner have other plans. A hearing on the issue is set for November 3.

🍎 Teachers in Volusia Score Salary Boost in New Agreement

Volusia County Schools and the Volusia United Educators Instructional union have reached a tentative agreement that includes a 2% cost-of-living raise for teachers with at least a year under their belt. It also bumps the base salary for all teachers to $50,000—pending ratification by the school board.

The deal comes after a contentious negotiation period that included a public demonstration. Originally, the district offered a 1.5% raise, while VUE sought 4%. The new agreement also sweetens the pot with a $2 bump in the retention supplement multiplier, paid bereavement leave, and annual bonuses based on tenure—up to $5,000 in some cases.

VUE President Elizabeth Albert called the agreement a win, though she emphasized the work isn’t done. “We have shown once again that when we put our collective effort and energy into something, we will win,” she said.

✈️ French Aviation Firm Lands in Daytona with Big Plans

French aircraft manufacturer Aura Aero officially opened its new U.S. headquarters this week at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach. The 11,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for its INTEGRAL aircraft program—think sleek, aerobatic-capable training planes. But this is just the beginning.

By 2028, Aura Aero plans to build a 500,000-square-foot assembly line nearby to produce the world’s first hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The company expects to generate over 1,000 jobs locally as it scales up production.

Executives say Daytona was the perfect fit due to the convergence of academia, industry, and state-level support for innovation. ERAU President P. Barry Butler summed it up: “There are a lot of different parts to the future of aviation and aerospace. Most of them are somewhere in this Research Park.”

🎡 Dragons, Dogs, and Deep-Fried Fun: Volusia Fair Returns Nov. 6

The Volusia County Fair & Youth Show is back from November 6 to 16, bringing 11 days of music, livestock shows, circus acts, and all the fair food your heart desires. This year’s lineup features interactive experiences like MythiCreatures (think dragons you can pet), Disc Connected K9's Frisbee dog show, and the life-sized dinosaurs of Jurassic Kingdom.

Tickets are cheapest online—$12 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6–12—so plan ahead. Once inside, all shows and daily activities are free with admission, including musical acts like Richie and the High Street Rockers and aerial acrobatics from Circus Incredible.

And yes, there's also an antique tractor parade, talent show, and a guinea pig contest. Because why not?

Recent Arrests

  • Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Antonio W. Downs (57) – Arrested on 2025-10-22. Charge(s): Grand theft, burglary of an occupied structure. Bail: $7,500.


    Holly Hill Police Department

  • Alecia Renee Rivers (28) – Arrested on 2025-10-19. Charge(s): Assault, resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer. Bail: $500.

  • Jorge Luis Machado Barcelo (47) – Arrested on 2025-10-23. Charge(s): DUI with damage, fleeing or attempting to elude, leaving scene of crash involving damage. Bail: $3,500.

    Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (Ormond Beach arrests only)

  • Cody R. Driggers (26) – Arrested on 2025-10-18. Charge(s): Possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without prescription. Bail: $3,000.

  • Constantine C. Magoulas (34) – Arrested on 2025-10-18. Charge(s): Possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without prescription. Bail: $10,500.

  • Jomo Kenyata Morris (36) – Arrested on 2025-10-18. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without prescription, alcoholic beverages on beach. Bail: $5,200.

  • Damon Mark Moser (51) – Arrested on 2025-10-19. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without prescription, paraphernalia. Bail: $3,000.

  • Dwayne Allen Davis (55) – Arrested on 2025-10-19. Charge(s): Possession of amphetamine, controlled substance without prescription, paraphernalia. Bail: $15,000.

  • Mark David Vierling (63) – Arrested on 2025-10-22. Charge(s): Battery. Bail: Not set.

  • Mark David Holland (44) – Arrested on 2025-10-23. Charge(s): Burglary of unoccupied dwelling, grand theft from dwelling, possession of controlled substance without prescription, paraphernalia. Bail: $38,000.

  • Wyatt Keith Hughes (28) – Arrested on 2025-10-23. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without prescription, paraphernalia. Bail: $3,000.

  • Justin Albert Stokes (36) – Arrested on 2025-10-23. Charge(s): Domestic battery by strangulation, battery. Bail: Not set.


    Florida Department of Law Enforcement (Ormond Beach arrest)

  • Robert Russell McNamara (52) – Arrested on 2025-10-21. Charge(s): Harvesting saw palmetto berries without permit. Bail: $5,000.

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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

  Thu Oct 30

  • Event: 🥕Ormond Beach Farmer's Market, 8 AM–1 PM
    Ormond Beach Farmer's Market,22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
    Held every Thursday at City Hall Plaza, this market offers a great selection of local produce, baked goods, honey, plants, and handicrafts

  • Event: ☕Chamber. Coffee. Connect., 9–10 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce,165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A casual business networking event for members of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce.

  • Event: 🩺Career Fair Healthcare and Wellness, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
    Daytona College,425 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
    An event hosted by CareerSource Flagler Volusia, providing an opportunity to meet and recruit diverse candidates in the healthcare and wellness fields.

  • Event: 💎Authentic Gemstone Jewelry Class, 1–3 PM
    The Salty Mermaid,1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Discover the art of jewelry making in this hands-on workshop! You'll have the option between creating two bracelets, two pairs of earrings, or one necklace with your choice of gemstone beads, charms, and clasps.

  • Event: 🍷"Autumn in Piedmont" Wine & Food Rooftop Social, 6–8 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens,78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Join friends from beach + vine on the rooftop terrace for a seasonal food and wine pairing event inspired by Piedmont, Italy. This social starts with a toast of sparkling wine followed by a four-course tasting menu.

  • Event: 🧠Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8–10 PM
    ava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge,142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
    Put your knowledge to the test! Gather your friends for an evening filled with laughter, excitement, and friendly competition while sipping on Kava-infused delights. A $50 bar tab is available for the winning person or team.

    Fri Oct 31

  • Event: 🏓Balance & Motion, Time not specified
    Pictona at Holly Hill pickleball,1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    A class focusing on pickleball skills, movement, and strategy.

  • Event: 🌊BEACHSIDE, Oct 31 – Nov 1
    Salty D’s Beachside,790 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy live entertainment and drinks at this beachside venue.

  • Event: 🎤Parton lee Reynolds, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill,1900 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Live acoustic music performance by Parton lee Reynolds.

  • Event: 🎸Matt McKeown, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Ormond Garage,48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Live music performance by Matt McKeown at the Ormond Garage taproom.

  • Event: 🍬Halloween Trunk or Treat, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    Cricket Wireless Authorized Retailer,1517 N Nova Rd, Holly Hill
    A safe and fun family-friendly Trunk or Treat event sponsored by Cricket Wireless.

  • Event: 🍸Adult Trick or Treat, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Ormond Liquor,235 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A special Halloween-themed liquor tasting event for adults.

  • Event: 🧟Zombie Luau Halloween Party, 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM
    Kava Kula Kava Bar & Lounge,142 E Granada Blvd #213/214, Ormond Beach
    A festive Halloween party with a Zombie Luau theme, featuring Kava and other specialty drinks.


  • Event: 🎨Behind the Scenes — Art Spotlight, Nov 1 – 29
    Art Spotlight,67 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A members-only art show offering a peek into the creative process that happens beyond the canvas.

  • Event: 🎸Bar Fly, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Saints & Sinners Pub,1635 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy live music from the band Bar Fly.

  • Event: 🎤Bone Daddy @ Ormond Brewing Co., 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Ormond Brewing Company,301 Division Ave UNIT 15, Ormond Beach
    Live music performance by Bone Daddy at the brewery.

  • Event: 🎶Live Music with Mark Chirico, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    beach + vine,1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    Enjoy an evening of wine and live music with local artist Mark Chirico.

    Sun Nov 2

  • Event: 🧘Floating Sound Bath, 8:00 AM Seabridge
    Riverfront Park,3570 John Anderson Dr, Ormond Beach
    Immerse yourself in healing vibrations while floating.

  • Event: 🎨Light Up Seaglass Tree or Succulent Class - 11/2, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    The Salty Mermaid,1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
    A hands-on craft class to make a glowing seaglass tree or succulent display.

  • Event: 🇺🇸HSFC Annual Veteran event — HSFC, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    1001 U.S. Rte 1,1001 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
    An annual event honoring local veterans.

  • Event: 💃ARGENTINE TANGO - Weekly Group Dance Classes, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Dance-ology Studios,533 N Nova Rd Suite 105, Ormond Beach
    Our weekly classes are designed to help you embrace the art of leading and following with precision. Whether you're a beginner or have some tango experience, these classes will help you develop strong fundamentals.

  • 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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