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- ⭐Saluting Valusia Vets, OMAM Vet Tribute, A+ Teacher Honored, Marineland Saved
⭐Saluting Valusia Vets, OMAM Vet Tribute, A+ Teacher Honored, Marineland Saved
Issue #742
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Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
Brian Shield’s Forecast
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
Swipe image left for more daily forecasts
Photo: Volusia County
🇺🇸 Saluting Service: Volusia County Hosts Employee Veteran Luncheon
Volusia County proudly honored its employee veterans with a dedicated luncheon at the Ocean Center, celebrating their dual commitment to both country and community. As part of the county’s Volusia Values Veterans Program (V3P), the event recognized over 200 veterans across county departments, highlighting how their leadership and discipline continue to enrich public service.
County Council members and leadership teams personally expressed their gratitude, reinforcing the county’s year-round mission to support veterans not only in the workforce but also in the broader community. From Public Works to Community Services, veterans are a vital force in delivering exceptional service.
Scott Olson, Director of Veterans Services, emphasized that the values veterans bring—service, resilience, and teamwork—make them irreplaceable assets. Volusia County plans to continue the tradition of this annual luncheon in conjunction with Veterans Day.
To see the celebration in action, photos and videos are available here
Source: Volusia County
🎖️ Stories That Serve: Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s Veterans Day Tribute
In Ormond Beach, the annual Veterans Day Tribute at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum offered powerful reflections on sacrifice and service. Keynote speaker and City Commissioner Travis Sargent, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, delivered an emotional address, sharing his own journey to enlistment and the personal impact of losing a fellow Marine to suicide.
With heartfelt performances from local musicians and performers, the event honored veterans past and present. Sargent’s message was clear: support for veterans must go beyond symbolic gestures—it must include real action like access to health care, education, and mental health resources.
The museum itself stands as a testament to enduring gratitude. Built in 1946 with contributions from WWII veterans, it has long fulfilled its mission to honor those who served. Mayor Jason Leslie echoed this sentiment, reminding the community that gratitude should last beyond Veterans Day.
Commissioner Sargent was recognized with a leadership award and a challenge coin, a nod to his ongoing service and advocacy.
Source: Ormond Observer
🍎 Kindergarten Joy: A+ Teacher Inspires Lifelong Learners
At Holly Hill School K-5, kindergarten teacher Rhonda Gordon-Blackwell is making early education unforgettable. Featured as an A+ Teacher, she’s known for turning classrooms into places of laughter, learning, and lasting memories.
Her journey to teaching began in college, where working at a daycare sparked a lifelong passion. Now, years into her career, Gordon-Blackwell remains dedicated to adapting with the times—changing curriculum, evolving teaching styles—but never straying from her mission to leave a positive impact on each student.
She hopes her students remember more than the ABCs. “They remember my smile. They remember how I made them feel,” she says. And her advice to the community? Support the children in your life—read with them, talk with them, and simply be there.
Her approach is a reminder that while teaching methods may shift, the heart of education remains the same: connection and care.
Source: MyNews13
🐬 Marineland Saved: New Owners Plan Revival of Historic Marine Park
In a turn of events worthy of a feel-good documentary, the historic Marineland Dolphin Adventure facility will remain open, thanks to a successful $6.5 million bid by Clay County couple Jon and Barbara Rubel. The November 10 auction followed months of financial uncertainty and a failed sale attempt in October.
Their company, #1 Apex Association, won the second auction with a plan that not only preserves the marine park but protects its animals and staff—an element U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein deemed critical.
The Rubels worked with dolphin specialists to create a viable business model, convincing the court that Marineland is more than real estate—it's a legacy. Their vision edged out other developers whose plans for the site were undisclosed.
With a confirmation hearing set for November 12, the community waits with hopeful anticipation. For Marineland’s animals, staff, and fans, it’s a win that ensures this unique oceanfront institution lives to educate and inspire another day.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
Recent Deaths
Gail B Sambuca, 74, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 22 2025.
Angelo Salvo Sr., 81, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 22 2025.
Susan Johnston, 76, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 24 2025.
Teresa Eugenia O’Brien, 86, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 24 2025.
Edward J. Weeks, 99, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 29 2025.
Linda C. Mentzer, 81, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 31 2025.
Marion Rigney, 94, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 31 2025.
Dennis Lurel McMillon, 68, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 31 2025.
Mary W. Weeks, 93, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 2 2025.
Warren Hyland Cobb, 93, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 3 2025.
Jeffrey Todd Kitterman, 58, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 5 2025.
Charles Willice Hines, 79, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 8 2025.
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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
Wed Nov 12
AARP Chapter 1057, 10 am, at
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach, 57 N Halifax Dr, Ormond BeachAARP Chapters offer opportunities to connect with other AARP members. Join to meet new people, give back and have fun! Activities can include meals, outings, and community service as a major priority.
UF/IFAS Gardening Florida Style Workshop, 10:30am - 12n
O.B. Environmental Discovery Center , 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
Topics change monthly. For add’l info contact Irene Herring 386-295-0618. (Sep-May)Event: 🤝 Networking Group 2, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
This is a member only group and is industry exclusive.Event: 🏛️ Leisure Services Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts, 399 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Official public meeting of the Leisure Services Advisory Board.Thu Nov 13
Event: 🎨 7 Piece Charcuterie Woodburning Class, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
In this class, you will be guided in the technique of woodburning with your choice of available football or coastal designs. This set includes a charcuterie board, a 4 piece coaster set, a cheese spreader and dip dish.Fri Nov 14
Event: 🌿Animal Ambassador Day - Marvelous Manatees, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond BeachEvent: 🧀Raclette Night, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Join us every Friday in November for Raclette Night! A delicious, melty cheese served over roasted potatoes, prosciutto and other good stuff!
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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