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- ⭐ Water Rights Debate, Campus Cooks, Tiny Dancers, One Man's Garage
⭐ Water Rights Debate, Campus Cooks, Tiny Dancers, One Man's Garage
Issue #768
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
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Image: Protect Volusia Facebook Page
OPINION
From Elena Krafft - Protect Volusia
💧 What’s At Stake As Daytona Tries to Buy Out Ormond’s Rights
“… it’s crucial that Ormond Beach residents understand what’s at stake with Avalon. Some are saying our water-service rights “don’t matter,” but that’s simply not true. Daytona Beach’s own city attorney confirmed in a public meeting that under the 2006 agreements, Ormond has the legal right to serve Avalon — not just in name, but in control, infrastructure, and fees. Daytona would be the retail provider, but Ormond would hold the power.”
“What’s more telling is how nervous Daytona seems. Their attorney admitted that if Ormond ever decides to serve, Daytona would have to pay for retrofitting the entire system — a cost they say could run into the millions. That’s why they offered Ormond $2.3 million to give up those rights. Our commission rightly rejected it, 4–1.”
“What bothers me most is the disregard for our community. Our protections, our infrastructure, and our quality of life aren’t for sale — especially not as a bargain line item in someone else’s development plan.”
See Full Comment and Videos: Protect Volusia
🍽️ Campus Cooks Turn Up the Heat
Local high school chefs sharpened their knives — and their skills — at Daytona State College’s annual “Sharpen Your Skills” culinary competition. Students from Seabreeze and Mainland high schools took to the kitchen arena, facing off in gourmet meal prep, edible centerpieces, and a waiter relay.
Seabreeze brought a Mediterranean flair to the table, earning third place in the gourmet meal contest with dishes like seared swordfish and a lemon olive oil cake. Culinary teacher Hannah Offenberg beamed with pride, noting how the team spent three months fine-tuning the menu. Last year, they took first — this year’s bronze was still a proud showing.
Meanwhile, Mainland returned to competitive cooking after more than a decade. Under the guidance of new teacher Jade West, their team whipped up Latin-inspired fare and clinched third in the waiter relay. West’s mission: reviving a once-renowned culinary program and helping students pursue real careers in the kitchen.
Beyond medals and menus, these teens walked away with critical life skills — teamwork, time management, and the art of plating under pressure.
Source: Ormond Observer
🎭Tiny Dancers, Timeless Tale- “A Christmas Carol” Takes the Stage
Holiday magic hits the stage as the European Performing Arts Conservatory (EPAC) prepares to present its ballet adaptation of A Christmas Carol on December 20 at Seabreeze High School Theatre. With over 80 performers — from preschoolers to professionals — the show promises to blend Dickens’ classic with graceful choreography and heartfelt storytelling.
There are two performances, at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., each featuring spirited renditions of familiar characters like Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Artistic Director Kaley Marshall, along with choreographers Alex Reiter, Karyn Ruddy, and Patricia Santamarina, have created a production that aims to move both hearts and toes.
EPAC isn’t stopping there. The nearly 50-year-old conservatory is expanding its footprint by annexing an adjacent space, allowing for more classes and students. Enrollment opens in January — just in time for those inspired by the performance to take their first plié.
Source: Ormond Observer
🛒One Man’s Garage Makes a Difference
While many are busy prepping holiday feasts, James Roper is thinking about every meal, every day. Since 2023, Roper’s Daytona Beach garage has transformed into a full-time food collection hub, serving families through Second Harvest Food Bank. What began with a single bin has grown into over 26,000 pounds of donated food — and counting.
Roper's motivation is personal. After his own family faced food insecurity following Hurricane Michael, he made it his mission to ensure others wouldn’t go hungry. Now a volunteer ambassador for Second Harvest, Roper collects food year-round, rallying neighbors and reminding everyone that hunger doesn’t take a holiday.
Second Harvest's Volunteer Manager, Ian Dixon, notes that demand has surged — from feeding 200 families weekly to upwards of 500. Volunteers like Roper are the “heartbeat” of the mission, he said, helping to keep shelves stocked and spirits lifted.
“I won’t stop,” Roper says. “Not until someone tells me hunger’s been solved.” Until then, his garage door stays open — and his heart even more so.
Source: MyNews13
This Day In Florida History
1565 – Spanish forces in Florida continue building defenses at St. Augustine following earlier establishment of the colony
1821 – News arrives in Florida that the U.S. Congress has formally organized the Territory of Florida after acquiring it from Spain
1835 – Seminole warriors increase activity in Central Florida settlements as tensions rise ahead of the Second Seminole War
1845 – Florida prepares for admission into the Union following congressional approval earlier in the year
1861 – Florida state officials begin mobilizing troops for the Confederate cause during the Civil War
1886 – Railroad expansion continues across northeast Florida, paving the way for rapid tourism growth
1894 – Jacksonville experiences early winter freezes that damage citrus crops, marking the beginning of a multi-year agricultural crisis
1905 – Development of Miami accelerates as Henry Flagler expands railroad access to South Florida
1925 – Land developers announce major new housing projects across South Florida at the height of the Florida Land Boom
1928 – Reconstruction efforts continue statewide after the deadly Lake Okeechobee hurricane earlier in the year
1941 – U.S. military bases across Florida increase security and readiness following the attack on Pearl Harbor the day before
1959 – Cuban exiles begin arriving in Miami in greater numbers following political upheaval in Cuba
1963 – Civil rights demonstrations take place in St. Augustine as activists challenge segregationist policies
1982 – NASA prepares Kennedy Space Center facilities for upcoming Space Shuttle missions on the Space Coast
2004 – Florida communities continue hurricane repairs following a historic season of storms that severely damaged the state
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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:
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📅 Ormond Beach & Beyond
Monday, Dec 8, 2025
🎄 Holiday Spectacles (Nightly)
Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway
Experience the "World Center of Racing" transformed into a holiday wonderland. This drive-through light show features over 2 million lights and is open nightly, including Mondays.
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway (Enter at Int'l Speedway Blvd & Bill France Blvd)
Rose Villa Gingerbread Fantasy
Monday is a great night to beat the weekend crowds at this immersive Gingerbread-themed light display surrounding the historic Rose Villa restaurant.
Time: Evening (Dusk onwards)
Location: Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar, Ormond Beach
🏛️ Civic Engagement
Aviation Advisory Board Meeting
Stay informed on local infrastructure and city planning. This public meeting takes place in the Commission Conference Room.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach City Hall (Room 103)
🍽️ Monday Dining Specials (Locals' Night)
Grind Gastropub: All-Day Happy Hour
Kick off the week with "The Happiest Hours"—Happy Hour pricing is available from open to close every Monday. A local favorite for gathering on the patio.
Time: 11:30 AM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach
Lulu's Oceanside Grill: Monday Night Football
Catch the game with sound on and enjoy wing and pitcher specials.
Time: Evening (Game Time)
Location: Lulu's Oceanside Grill, Ormond Beach
🌴 Culture & History
Visit the "Jewel of Ormond Beach," the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller. Self-guided and docent-led tours are often quieter on Monday mornings.
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM)
Location: The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr.
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025
🎭 Headline Entertainment
Based on the cult movie and classic board game, this murder mystery comedy brings all your favorite suspects to life.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
A high-energy rock showcase featuring the talented students of the Daytona State College Music Production Technology program.
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: News-Journal Center, Daytona Beach
🎄 Holiday Festivities
A dazzling drive-through holiday light experience featuring digital animations and the favorite "12 Days of Christmas" display.
Time: Nightly (Opens at Dusk)
Location: Daytona International Speedway
Gingerbread Fantasy Light Display
Stroll through the grounds of the historic Rose Villa to see their stunning annual display of gingerbread-themed lights and décor.
Time: Evening
Location: Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar, Ormond Beach
🌿 Nature & Wellness
Guided kayak tour exploring the local waterways. Advance registration is usually required.
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Environmental Discovery Center, Ormond Beach
Start your Tuesday with a balanced flow on the terrace.
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
🍽️ Tuesday Locals' Favorites (Dining & Nightlife)
31 Supper Club: Taco Tuesday & Live Music — Enjoy gourmet tacos and drink specials on the patio, accompanied by live entertainment.
Grind Gastropub: Hospitality Night — A local industry favorite featuring late-night specials (9 PM - Close) and an outdoor tiki atmosphere.
Charlie Horse Restaurant: Burger Night — A long-standing local tradition offering their famous chargrilled cheeseburgers at a special price.
🏛️ Civic & Community
City Hall Bid Opening: Review of proposals for City Hall Access Control (2:00 PM at City Hall Training Room).
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