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  • ⭐ Tomoka Park Clears Hurdle, Local Artist Joins Effort, FCSO Detective Disciplined

⭐ Tomoka Park Clears Hurdle, Local Artist Joins Effort, FCSO Detective Disciplined

Issue #773

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Courtesy: City of Ormond Beach

🏗️ Commerce Park Clears a Hurdle in Ormond Beach

A new multi-use development is on its way to Ormond Beach after the Planning Board gave the green light to the Tomoka Commerce Park project at 890 N. U.S. 1. Spanning 12 acres, the development will include 11 buildings across four lots with a variety of permitted uses, including office spaces, restaurants, retail, churches, and indoor RV/boat storage.

The project passed with a 6-0 vote, though not without community pushback. Local residents voiced concerns about increased flooding and wetland impacts. Two small, man-made wetlands on the property will be affected, but the developer plans to offset this by purchasing mitigation credits. One acre of natural wetland will remain untouched.

Despite vocal opposition, board members defended the project as consistent with current zoning and a good fit for the corridor. “We want this type of business and this type of activity,” said Board Member Troy Railsback. Still, critics worry about storage proliferation, especially since the developer also owns nearby RV storage operations.

The debate underscores ongoing tension between growth and environmental protection in the area.

🎨 Local Artist Joins Statewide Effort to Make Art More Inclusive

Ormond Beach’s Sara Meinking, owner of Sea Dreams by Sara, has joined the board of Arts4All Florida to help expand inclusive art programs in Volusia and Flagler counties. The nonprofit, which serves people with disabilities through arts education and cultural programs, has operated for over 40 years but has had limited reach in this region—until now.

With a background in music therapy and a passion for making creativity accessible, Meinking is eager to bring workshops, exhibitions, and school partnerships to the area. She joins two other new board members from Volusia County: Nancy Lowden Norma and Heather Wolynic.

“I’m excited to be that presence for Arts4All,” Meinking said, noting that she hopes to host events at her shop and help raise community awareness.

Arts4All served over 21,000 people across Florida in 2024 and aims to reach more through local partnerships. For Meinking, this work is personal: her father had multiple sclerosis, and she remembers attending adaptive camps that supported his needs and brought joy to their family.

By championing these programs, she hopes to shift perceptions around disability and artistry—and help unlock the creative potential in everyone.

🚔 Flagler Detective Disciplined Over Conduct Violation

Detective Ardit Coma of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended without pay following an internal investigation into an incident on Dec. 4 that involved improper vehicle operation and conduct unbecoming of an officer.

The investigation found that Coma violated two key policies: failure to maintain professional conduct on and off duty, and failure to drive responsibly in an official vehicle. The punishment includes a two-day unpaid suspension—costing him over $850—and the loss of his agency take-home vehicle for 90 days.

“His actions hurt the image of our agency,” said Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge. “Our employees are held to a higher standard.”

According to the agency, Coma accepted full responsibility and waived a formal disciplinary hearing, allowing the matter to be resolved swiftly. Sheriff Staly emphasized accountability and transparency in handling the case.

The incident serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on public servants and the importance of maintaining public trust—on and off the road.

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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:
  TESTING A NEW FORMAT..TELL IS WHAT YOU THINK

Saturday, Dec 13, 2025

🎄 The Main Event

  • Home for the Holidays Nighttime Parade

    • The city’s signature holiday event. The evening begins with a tree lighting ceremony at City Hall, followed by the "Country Christmas" themed parade featuring floats, bands, and Santa Claus. Anheuser-Busch Clydsdale Horses Full Hitch

    • Time: Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM | Parade starts at 6:30 PM

    • Location: City Hall Plaza & Granada Blvd (Parade Route), Ormond Beach

🎖️ Remembrance & Honor

  • Wreaths Across America Ceremony

    • Join the Captain James Ormond Chapter of the DAR and local residents to remember fallen veterans by placing wreaths on gravesites. It is a moving morning of reflection.

    • Time: 9:00 AM (Ceremony start)

    • Location: Hillside Cemetery, Ormond Beach

🎭 Shows & Concerts

  • Jingle Laser Rock

    • A spectacular light show choreographed to classic holiday hits. A high-energy alternative to traditional carols.

    • Time: 7:30 PM

    • Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach

  • A Holiday Tribute to Frank & Dean

    • Step back in time with this dinner-show style tribute to the Rat Pack, performed live at one of the beachside's favorite venues.

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Location: Salty D's Beachside, Ormond Beach

  • Final Draft Live Concert

    • Enjoy live R&B/Soul music on the riverfront as part of the holiday festivities.

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: Riverfront Esplanade, Daytona Beach

🎸 Nightlife & Live Music

  • Esh x Schief Duo @ Hard Rock

    • Live music on the Sessions Terrace overlooking the ocean. Great for pre- or post-parade drinks.

    • Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • The Greentree Brothers @ Saints & Sinners

    • A popular local pub gig featuring live music and an outdoor "party" atmosphere.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Saints & Sinners Pub, Ormond Beach (Destination Daytona)

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Matinees

  • A Year with Frog and Toad

    • A whimsical musical matinee perfect for younger children, following the adventures of the beloved storybook characters.

    • Time: 1:00 PM

    • Location: News-Journal Center, Daytona Beach

Sunday, Dec 14, 2025

❄️ Winter Festivals

  • Candy Cane Lane at Calvary

    • A massive community event featuring a "100% chance of snow," a holiday train, live outdoor concerts, face painting, and food trucks. It is a favorite local tradition for families.

    • Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    • Location: Calvary Christian Center (1687 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach)

  • Wonderland at ONE DAYTONA

    • Victory Circle transforms into a holiday playground featuring real snow slides, festive characters for photo ops, and live music. Free and open to the public.

    • Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

    • Location: ONE DAYTONA (across from the Speedway)

🩰 Theater & Arts

  • Ormond Ballet: Under the Mistletoe & Nutcracker

    • Support local talent at this double-feature holiday performance. The show includes a festive "Under the Mistletoe" act followed by the classic "Nutcracker" ballet.

    • Time: 3:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (US-1)

⛵ Outdoor & Recreation

  • Reilly's Run Around the Buoys

    • A fun social sailing race hosted by Halifax Youth Sailing. Whether you are sailing or watching from the shore, it’s a great afternoon on the water followed by a cookout.

    • Time: Skipper's Meeting at 12:30 PM

    • Location: Halifax Youth Sailing, Daytona Beach

🎸 Live Music & Dining

  • Sunday Brunch with Kelly Jarrard

    • Enjoy oceanfront brunch vibes with live music on the terrace.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Sessions Terrace)

  • Nick Hildyard Live

    • Wrap up the weekend with a relaxed evening set by Nick Hildyard.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

🎄 Nightly Lights

  • Magic of Lights

    • The drive-through light experience at the Speedway continues tonight.

    • Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

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