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- ⭐School Security Drones, Riverfest Success, Senior Dances The Nutcracker
⭐School Security Drones, Riverfest Success, Senior Dances The Nutcracker
Issue #749
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
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Campus Guardian ANn
🛡️ Volusia Schools Launch Security Drone Tech Pilot
Volusia County is stepping into the future of school safety with the launch of a cutting-edge drone program, joining Broward and Leon counties as part of a state-funded pilot initiative. The $557,000 Campus Guardian Angel program, backed by the Florida Legislature and coordinated by a Texas-based company, will introduce drones capable of responding to school emergencies—particularly active shooter situations—within seconds.
These drones are designed to distract attackers and provide live audio-visual intel to law enforcement, adding a new layer of rapid-response technology to campuses. Volusia Schools Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin and Sheriff Mike Chitwood both voiced strong support, calling the initiative an essential step in student safety.
The program will begin in early 2026 and could expand statewide if proven effective. With national school shooting exposure at alarming rates, officials hope this investment will shift the narrative. As Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas put it, “Florida remains the national leader in school safety because we continue to invest in solutions that protect students.”
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🎉 Riverfest Celebrates Big Turnout and Smooth Sailing
It’s official: the 16th annual Riverfest in Ormond Beach was a hit. Drawing between 7,200 and 8,000 attendees—a 10% bump from last year—the community event offered sunshine, shoreline vibes, and some serious staying power.
Executive Director Becky Parker of Ormond Beach Mainstreet credits perfect weather, a star-studded volunteer crew, and improved event tech for the success. Even the “sports lounge” tent, which had connectivity issues in past years, saw guests lingering longer thanks to seamless game streaming.
This year’s Riverfest featured over 100 vendors, parking shuttles, a boat show by Bluewater Marine, and support from Seabreeze High School’s various student programs. The event also served as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefitting school initiatives. Organized by a volunteer team led by Cassie Dixon and Nancy Cortez, Riverfest proved how a well-orchestrated community event can make waves—without breaking the bank.
As Parker noted, “It was the smoothest running festival that I’ve done in 11 years… We are a group of individuals pulling this together on very few resources.”
Source: Ormond Observer
🩰 Seabreeze Senior Dances Into the Limelight
Alexis Stockhammer, a senior at Seabreeze High School, will take the stage for a solo performance in Ormond Ballet’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker—a milestone that marks years of transformation. Though she’s danced since age 5, her journey took a meaningful turn when she shifted her mindset from fear of failure to embracing growth.
After years of dedication and encouragement from co-director Michelle Boutros, Stockhammer now shines in the Chinese Dance solo and as a demi-soloist in the snow scene. “You just can’t feel scared and embarrassed,” she said. “You just have to go for it.”
This year marks Ormond Ballet’s fifth performance of the full two-act classic by Tchaikovsky, featuring other talented dancers including Madeline Fleming as Clara and Eliza Dent as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Performances will take place at the News-Journal Center on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $25–$35, available at ormondballet.com. Prepare to be inspired—on and off the stage.
Source: Ormond Observer
Recent Deaths
Betty Virginia McMurray, 95, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 14, 2025.
Gloria Lee, 82, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 17, 2025.
Alvin Edward Ford, 76, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 8, 2025.
John Joseph Haney IV, 58, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 8, 2025.
Linda C. Mentzer, 81, of Ormond Beach, passed away on October 31, 2025.
Jeffrey Todd Kitterman, 58, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 5, 2025.
Julia Ann Lauck, 73, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 6, 2025.
Thomas Richard Lauck, 73, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 1, 2025.
Warren Hyland Cobb, 93, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 3, 2025.
Mary W. Weeks, 93, of Ormond Beach, passed away on November 2, 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 19
Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
(New Location) GraceLife Beachside Church Hall, 6 Sandra Drive, Ormond Beach
All Are Welcome! More info at (386) 441-4421Event: 🫂 <Alzheimer Association's In-Person Caregiver Support Group>, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Aberdeen Tennis Court, 40 Allwood Green Blvd, Ormond Beach
Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships.Event: 🍻 <Over 50 +/- Social Club Meet & Greet>, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Fletcher's Irish Pub, 393 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
A casual get-together for good food, good conversation, and meeting new friends. The venue has games like pool, foosball, and darts.Event: 🎵 <ROCK n ROLL BINGO>, 6:00 PM
Ormond Beach Sports Corner Bar and Grill, 709 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
Play along with Music Bingo every Tuesday and win prizes! Categories range from classic rock to 70s, 80s, 90s, and movie soundtracks.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 from 7-9 PM and $8 Kavaritas all day in various flavors.Thu Nov 20
Event: 🧺<Ormond Beach Farmer's Market>, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach
The market is held every Thursday at the City Hall Plaza, offering a great selection of local produce, baked goods, honey, plants, and handicrafts.Fri Nov 21
Event: 🏫 <Early Release Program>, 3:30 PM
Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach T
he Environmental Discovery Center often hosts educational nature programs for students during school early release times. Check with the center for specific topics.Event: 🧀 <Raclette Night>, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
beach + vine, 1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
A special culinary evening featuring Raclette—melted cheese scraped over potatoes, meats, and pickles—paired with wine selections.Event: ⛳ <Oceanside Country Club>, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Oceanside Country Club, 75 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach Evening dining or social event at the Oceanside Country Club. Note: This venue is typically private/members-only; please verify access before attending.Event: 🍸 <DIY Cocktail Class: Holiday Cocktails>, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, 998 N Beach St, Holly Hill
Learn the art of mixology in this hands-on class. You will likely craft and enjoy delicious holiday-themed cocktails using Copper Bottom's award-winning spirits.Event: 🎳 <Weekly Bowling>, 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Ormond Lanes, 260 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
Late-night open bowling sessions available for groups and individuals.
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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