⭐ Mini Mayors & Money, DAR Wreaths, Seabreeze Fraud Suspect

Issue #774

14 Dec

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🏙️ Mini Mayors and Money Management

Fourth graders from Pathways, Tomoka, and Pine Trail elementary schools recently donned business attire and stepped into the shoes of CEOs, mayors, and counselors—all thanks to the Junior Achievement's JA BizTown program. The interactive experience gave students a taste of real-world jobs in a simulated town setting, blending fun with financial literacy.

The students weren’t just play-acting—they ran a miniature economy, balanced budgets, and learned how every job contributes to a functioning community. Volusia County Schools shared their pride in the program, highlighting how students built teamwork, leadership, and budgeting skills that could shape their futures.

As JA BizTown puts it, the goal is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. And judging by the enthusiasm of these future leaders, we’re in good hands.

Source: Ormond Beach

🎖️ Wreaths Across America: A Decade of Tribute

At Hillside Cemetery in Ormond Beach, silence gave way to reverence during the 10th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, hosted by the local DAR chapter. The event honored 250 veteran graves, joining a national day of remembrance held at over 5,200 locations.

Ceremonial wreaths were laid while “Taps” echoed through the air, and retired Marine Col. Bancroft McKittrick addressed attendees with a powerful keynote speech. This year’s theme, “Keep Moving Forward,” underscored the importance of not just remembering those who served but also passing their legacy forward.

Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie issued a proclamation during the event, encouraging residents to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of service members, and to teach future generations the true cost of freedom.

✈️ Scam Grounded: Seabreeze Fraud Suspect Caught

A long-awaited arrest has brought a sense of closure—and some poetic justice—for families at Seabreeze High School. Robert Safford Goodwin, the Massachusetts man accused of swindling over $400,000 from students and parents for a scrapped 2024 Italy and Greece trip, was recently captured in California.

Goodwin allegedly collected thousands from each traveler through his business, Stone & Compass, only to cancel the trip and vanish without refunds. Now held in Ventura County Jail, he faces extradition to Florida on felony charges including money laundering and an organized scheme to defraud.

In a statement as cheeky as it was cathartic, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office noted that defrauded families will be invited to greet Goodwin at the airport upon his return. Meanwhile, lawsuits and a state attorney general complaint reveal similar canceled trips involving Flagler College, with potential civil penalties exceeding $1.8 million.

The message from local authorities is clear: scams won’t fly here.

Interesting Interview With John Morgan
Yes…THAT John Morgan

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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

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

Monday, Dec 15, 2025

🎭 Arts & Culture

  • DSC Acting Showcase

    • Support the next generation of local talent at this free showcase. Daytona State College acting students will take the stage to perform scenes and bring unforgettable stories to life.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: News-Journal Center, Daytona Beach

🎄 Holiday Lights (Nightly)

  • Magic of Lights

    • The Speedway’s drive-through light show is open nightly. Monday evenings are typically less crowded, making it a great time to visit.

    • Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

  • Rose Villa Gingerbread Fantasy

    • Monday is a perfect evening to stroll the grounds of the Rose Villa to see the gingerbread-themed lights without the heavy weekend dinner crowds.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar, Ormond Beach

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Sass Duo @ Hard Rock

    • Enjoy live music on the Sessions Terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Sass Duo brings an upbeat vibe to start the week.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Grind Gastropub: All-Day Happy Hour

    • A local favorite to kick off the work week. Enjoy "The Happiest Hours" pricing from open until close.

    • Time: 11:30 AM – Close

    • Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach

🧘 Wellness

  • AumShanti Yoga: Living on the Breath

    • An alignment-based yoga class focused on breathwork to center yourself for the week ahead.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

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

🏛️ Civic Meetings

  • RFP Evaluation Committee: Evaluation of proposals for city towing services (9:00 AM at City Hall Training Room). Note: The Historic Landmark Preservation Board meeting originally scheduled for today has been cancelled.

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