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- ⭐ Wildlife Haven Crisis, New Votran App, Credit Card Scams
⭐ Wildlife Haven Crisis, New Votran App, Credit Card Scams
Issue #781
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Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
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Courtesy Photo: Samadhi WIldlife
🦝 A Wildlife Haven in Crisis
The holidays are about hope—and Samadhi Wildlife in Ormond Beach is clinging to that spirit as they fight to save their home. The nonprofit sanctuary, which houses dozens of injured, orphaned, and non-releasable native animals, faces eviction through no fault of its own. Despite paying every month’s rent since moving into the property in July, Samadhi’s landlord is now in foreclosure, and the animals are at risk of losing their safe haven.
Founder Dawn Barbone and her team are aiming to raise $400,000 to buy the 2-acre property outright. So far, they’ve collected over $28,000 via GoFundMe and are appealing to the community for phased donations—$100,000 at a time. Their mission is unique: they specialize in saving trauma-affected animals that most facilities won’t take.
Barbone says the nonprofit, which receives no government funding, is driven solely by compassion and donations. “They have no other options,” she said of the animals. “We’re hoping for a Christmas miracle.”
Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-samadhi-wildlife.
Source: Ormond Observer
🚍 New VoTran App Makes Local Transit a Breeze
Getting around Volusia County just got simpler. The county has launched the VoTran On Demand app, which merges transit services into one easy-to-use mobile platform. From real-time bus tracking for fixed-route users to trip booking and management for paratransit riders, the app aims to cut down confusion and call wait times.
Bobbie King, the county’s transit director, says the app is streamlining daily operations, which can include up to 650 trips a day. Before, riders—especially those using VoAccess services—had to book rides by phone days in advance. Now, they can do it all through their phones, including canceling or changing rides with a few taps.
While general trip booking is currently limited to paratransit users, officials say more features are on the horizon. And don’t worry—traditional booking options by phone will remain available for those without smartphones.
The VoTran On Demand app is available now on iOS and Android.
Source: MyNews13
💳 Stay Alert: Credit Card Scams Surge This Season
Tis the season… for credit card fraud? According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, there’s been a noticeable uptick in suspicious activity on local bank accounts this week. Even Sheriff Mike Chitwood wasn’t spared—he recently flagged two unauthorized charges on his own cards.
With scammers taking advantage of busy shoppers, officials are urging residents to stay vigilant. Keep tabs on your transactions, link alerts to your mobile device, and report unfamiliar charges immediately. Holiday shopping may be joyful, but thieves are hoping you're too distracted to notice those sneaky withdrawals.
“It happened to me a couple times,” local shopper Curtis Jackson said, “but I hop back on and get my money back.” Others, like Tatyana Gonzalez, said staying connected with their bank is their first line of defense.
The takeaway? Double-check before you deck the halls—and your bank balance.
Source: WESH.COM
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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:
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
Monday, Dec 22, 2025
🎄 Holiday Family Fun
Malibu Beach Grill: Family Holiday Party
A special holiday event featuring crafts and fun activities for kids of all ages. Admission is free, making it a great dinner option for families looking to celebrate early in the week.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Malibu Beach Grill (Port Orange)
Magic of Lights (Christmas Week)
The Speedway’s drive-through light show is open nightly. With schools out for break, expect slightly higher traffic than usual for a Monday, but it remains a must-do tradition.
Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Catch the popular Americana/Folk duo JunoSmile performing live. A perfect laid-back vibe for a Monday night on the beachside.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Beachside Tavern, New Smyrna Beach (Short drive south)
Grind Gastropub: All-Day Happy Hour
The "Happiest Hours" continue! Enjoy happy hour pricing from open to close, a favorite for locals kicking off the holiday week.
Time: 11:30 AM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Living on the Breath
Take a moment to de-stress before the holiday rush with this alignment-based yoga class focused on breathwork.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
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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