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- ⭐ Second Aldi In O.B. Opens, New City Website, Scam Guy Arrives
⭐ Second Aldi In O.B. Opens, New City Website, Scam Guy Arrives
Issue #780
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🛒 New Aldi Opens in Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach just got a little more budget-friendly. Aldi has officially opened its second location in town, transforming the former Winn-Dixie at 353 W. Granada Blvd. into a sleek, 24,000-square-foot store. The grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 18, kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways for the first 100 customers, and plenty of excitement from local shoppers—some of whom lined up as early as 1 a.m.
District Manager Mathew White praised his team for their hustle in prepping the store, while shoppers like Danyelle Stalk and Danyelle Rodrigue carried on a family tradition of attending grocery store openings. With daily hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., plus online ordering and curbside pickup, the store is part of Aldi’s broader goal of opening 800 stores nationwide by 2028.
Source: Ormond Observer
🌐 Ormond Beach Launches New City Website
From grocery aisles to digital files, Ormond Beach is leveling up. On the same day as Aldi’s ribbon cutting, the city unveiled its long-awaited redesigned website. The upgrade, developed by Denver-based Granicus under a $210,000 contract, aims to create a user-friendly “digital government” experience that’s accessible across all devices.
Assistant City Manager Claire Whitley introduced the new site at a commission meeting, noting that while the visual overhaul is complete, content updates are ongoing. The site includes features to improve access to news, events, and city services—but residents may need to wait a bit longer for video streaming of commission meetings to go live.
The redesign is part of a broader effort to modernize local government communication, giving Ormond Beach residents a much smoother online experience. You can check out the new look at ormondbeach.org.
Source: Ormond Observer
✈️ Scam Suspect Confronted by Angry Students at Airport
What started as a planned class trip to Europe ended in confrontation at Daytona Beach International Airport. Seabreeze High School students, parents, and Volusia deputies were there to greet 56-year-old Paul Goodwin—owner of Massachusetts-based Stone and Compass Travel—with shouts of “You’re a scumbag!” as he was escorted off the plane.
Goodwin is accused of defrauding over 100 students and chaperones after allegedly canceling a prepaid European trip and ghosting the school. Each traveler had paid upwards of $3,500, and Florida’s Attorney General says the total scam may exceed $400,000 across multiple groups. Arrested in California on fraud and money laundering charges, Goodwin now awaits extradition to Florida on a $4 million bond.
What was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime became a cautionary tale—and a very public demand for justice.
Source: Fox35News
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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:
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025
🛥️ Signature Holiday Events
Halifax River Yacht Club Boat Parade
A spectacular floating parade of lights! Boats decorated in dazzling holiday themes travel south along the Halifax River. The parade begins at the Granada Bridge in Ormond Beach and ends near the Yacht Club in Daytona.
Time: Starts at Sunset (approx. 6:00 PM)
Location: Viewing along the Halifax River (Ormond Beach to Daytona Beach)
Holiday Night of Lights on the Tomoka
Join the Tomoka Boat Club for a magical evening on the river. The event features decorated docks/boats, an "Ugly Sweater" contest, holiday bingo, and food/drinks at the Tiki Bar.
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Tomoka Boat Club (Ormond Beach)
🏆 Sports & Spectating
PPA Tour: Daytona Beach Open (Semifinals)
Championship Saturday! Catch the intense semifinal matches for all Pro Draws. This is often the most exciting day of the tournament for spectators.
Time: 8:00 AM – Evening
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill
🎭 Theater & Arts
Halifax Repertory Theatre: Jingles & Jammies
Put on your favorite holiday pajamas and head to the theater for this festive revue. It’s a fun, family-friendly show featuring local performers singing holiday favorites.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Sip & Sculpt: Clay Gingerbread House
A creative holiday workshop where you can build and glaze your own ceramic gingerbread house while enjoying refreshments.
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: The Art House, Ormond Beach
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Jackalope Band @ Hard Rock Hotel
Dance the night away to 90s covers and "Big Banger" hits on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Catch this high-octane rock band at one of the area's most legendary venues.
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach (Main St.)
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Rock Your Flow
An energetic morning flow to start your weekend right.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Sunday, Dec 21, 2025
🏆 Sports Headline
Witness the best pickleball players in the world compete for Gold. Today features the medal matches for all pro divisions at one of the nation's premier facilities.
Time: Starts at 8:00 AM (Gold Medal matches typically run through the afternoon)
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (Adjacent to Ormond Beach)
❄️ Winter Festivals & Family Fun
Celebrate the season with snow slides, festive characters, and live music in Victory Circle. This free, family-friendly event is a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: ONE DAYTONA (across from the Speedway)
Halifax Repertory Theatre: "Jingles & Jammies"
Enjoy a Sunday matinee of this festive holiday revue. The show features local talent performing seasonal favorites, and the audience is encouraged to wear their holiday pajamas!
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
🍽️ Brunch & Live Music
Sunday Brunch with Jeff Whitfield
Relax on the oceanfront terrace with brunch cocktails and the soulful sounds of local favorite Jeff Whitfield.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Sessions Terrace)
🕯️ Seasonal Observances
Winter Solstice: Today is the astronomical first day of winter and the shortest day of the year.
8th Night of Chanukah: Tonight marks the final night of the Festival of Lights.
Open nightly, this drive-through display is a great way to brighten up the longest night of the year.
Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
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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