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- ⭐ Statues Return, Distilling Success, Jetty Steps, Healing Hooves
⭐ Statues Return, Distilling Success, Jetty Steps, Healing Hooves
Issue #785
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Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
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🎨 Art Imitates Life on Granada Boulevard
Twelve new Seward Johnson sculptures will soon dot downtown Ormond Beach, turning everyday sidewalks into scenes of lifelike whimsy. These vivid, life-size pieces—ranging from a stylish Mona Lisa to a kid with a melting ice cream cone—are part of a six-month installation kicking off January 19. Sponsored by local businesses and coordinated by the Ormond Beach Arts District, the exhibit will span Granada Boulevard from A1A to Lewis Street, with every sculpture publicly accessible.
Whether it’s browsing “Bake Sale” in Granada Plaza or crossing paths with a fiddler in Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, visitors can expect to do double-takes. Each piece comes with signage and QR codes offering backstory and sponsor details, plus a printed and digital map will help you find each figure. Interactive features like photo contests and guided tours during the monthly art walks aim to deepen engagement.
Seward Johnson’s globally celebrated work has appeared everywhere from Times Square to the Venice Film Festival. Now, Ormond Beach gets its turn in the spotlight.
Source: Ormond Observer
🥃 Distilling Success at Copper Bottom
From the shores of Holly Hill to the national spotlight, Copper Bottom Craft Distillery’s branding story is as smooth as its rum. On January 15, co-owner Jenni Craig will share how she and her husband Jeremy built their distillery’s reputation at a professional development luncheon hosted by the Florida Public Relations Association’s Volusia/Flagler chapter.
Opened in 2016, the distillery gained buzz in 2025 after Jeremy appeared on Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners Master Distiller.” Jenni, a PR pro and founder of a local fundraising agency, will recount their branding journey, including how they weathered the pandemic and turned their small-batch spirits into a big name.
The event will be held at Copper Bottom (998 N. Beach St.), starting at 11:30 a.m., with lunch included. Registration is open now at fpravf.org.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏖️ North Jetty Steps Back Into Action
Ponce Inlet’s beloved North Jetty is (partially) back in business. After severe tides destroyed its wooden connector in October, Volusia County has restored access with a temporary staircase, providing a much-needed link for beachgoers—at least until a full rebuild in 2026.
The jetty sits at the scenic junction of the Halifax and Indian Rivers with the Atlantic Ocean, drawing locals and tourists alike. The new stairs are a welcome, if interim, fix that complies with regulations requiring breakaway timber structures—think dune walkovers that yield in a storm rather than resist.
Because the structure is federally owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the county must play by their rules. Concrete reinforcements, for example, would require higher-level approvals. That said, a proposal to extend a more resilient concrete deck westward is currently under review, aiming to boost storm durability and safety.
For now, stairs are in—and summer strolls are back on.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🐴 Healing Hooves in a New Home
Whispering Meadows Ranch, a longtime source of equine-assisted therapy, has officially moved into a new, expanded facility in Ormond Beach. Their new 9-acre location on West Granada Boulevard, near the Tiger Bay State Forest, gives more room to grow—and graze.
Founded 18 years ago by Richard and Helene Davis, and now led by daughter Kristine Aguirre, the ranch started with a single horse and a handful of kids in special needs programs. Today, it offers everything from horseback riding therapy to “Stable Moments,” a mentorship initiative for foster and adopted children.
The therapy helps participants build confidence, strength, and communication skills—sometimes achieving miraculous breakthroughs with nonverbal kids. The new site includes a large pond, goats, open pasture, and a covered arena that allows year-round sessions, rain or shine.
As Whispering Meadows continues to evolve, partnerships and outreach efforts are expanding to bring healing to even more children and families in the region.
You can reach them at whisperingmeadowsranch.org
Source: Hometown News
This Day In History
1170 – Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is murdered in Canterbury Cathedral.
1503 – The Battle of Garigliano ends with a decisive Spanish victory over France in Italy.
1665 – The London Gazette, the oldest surviving English newspaper, is first published.
1845 – Texas is admitted as the 28th state of the United States.
1851 – The first American YMCA opens in Boston, Massachusetts.
1854 – Gadsden Purchase: The United States acquires land from Mexico to facilitate a southern railroad route.
1890 – The Wounded Knee Massacre occurs in South Dakota, marking the last major armed conflict between U.S. forces and Native Americans.
1911 – Sun Yat-sen becomes the first provisional president of the Republic of China.
1937 – The Constitution of Ireland comes into effect.
1940 – Germany drops the first bombs on London using parachute mines during World War II.
1972 – Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crashes in the Florida Everglades.
1989 – Václav Havel is elected president of Czechoslovakia following the Velvet Revolution.
1996 – Guatemalan government and rebel forces sign a peace accord ending a 36-year civil war.
2012 – Flooding from Typhoon Wukong affects large portions of the Philippines.
2020 – The United States surpasses 300,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths.
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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:
Monday, Dec 29, 2025
🏎️ Motorsports & Action
The "World Karting Association" action continues with a full day of racing. This is one of the biggest weeks of the year for karting enthusiasts, featuring Dirt, Sprint, and Road Racing series all happening simultaneously on the Speedway grounds.
Time: Gates open at 8:00 AM (Racing all day)
Location: Daytona International Speedway (Enter at Gate 40, Williamson Blvd)
🎄 Continuing Holiday Spectacles
The holiday season isn't over yet! The massive drive-through light show remains open nightly through January 3rd. Monday is typically a great night to visit with lighter traffic.
Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🧘 Wellness & Recreation
AumShanti Yoga: Living on the Breath
Center yourself before the New Year with this alignment-based yoga class focused on breathwork and balance.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Looking for low-key social fun? The Daytona Shores Community Center hosts open play for Euchre (12:00 PM) and active Chair Volleyball (1:00 PM).
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Daytona Shores Community Center (Short drive south)
🍽️ Locals' Dining Specials
Grind Gastropub: All-Day Happy Hour
A Monday staple in Ormond Beach. Enjoy "The Happiest Hours" pricing from open until close—perfect for catching up with friends who are in town for the holidays.
Time: 11:30 AM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach
Tuesday, Dec 30, 2025
🏁 Motorsports Action
It’s the checkered flag for the World Karting Association's massive holiday event. Catch the final races of the Dirt World Championships and the Road Racing series inside the "World Center of Racing."
Time: Racing continues until completion (Gates open early)
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🕯️ Cultural Observance
Kwanzaa: Day 5 (Nia)
Today celebrates Nia (Purpose). The principle encourages the community to commit to the collective vocation of building, developing, and defending the community. Watch for local cultural gatherings at the Midtown Cultural Center (Daytona).
🎄 Holiday Lights
With the holiday rush mostly over, tonight is an excellent opportunity to drive through the Speedway’s light show without the long lines. The display remains open through January 3rd.
Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🍽️ Dining & Nightlife (Locals' Favorites)
Before the chaos of New Year's Eve, enjoy a relaxed evening on the patio with gourmet tacos and drink specials. Live music is often featured in the "Havana Bar" area.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
Grind Gastropub: Hospitality Night
A popular night for service industry workers and locals alike. Enjoy late-night food and drink specials in the outdoor Tiki area.
Time: 9:00 PM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach
🏛️ City Status
City Offices Closed: Ormond Beach City Hall and administrative offices remain closed for the winter break.
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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