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  • ⭐ Holly Hill Stabbing, Cold Shelters Open, Classical Mastery, Sports Winners, Cold Weather Blast

⭐ Holly Hill Stabbing, Cold Shelters Open, Classical Mastery, Sports Winners, Cold Weather Blast

Issue #787

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Volusia County Sheriff

🚔 Holly Hill Stabbing Leaves One Man Critically Injured

In a tragic incident just after Christmas, a stabbing at a Holly Hill 7-Eleven has left one man in critical condition. The victim, identified as William McCauley, was found unconscious near a bus bench and rushed to the hospital after receiving immediate care from first responders.

Police arrested 29-year-old Andrew Drake at the scene, charging him with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. According to the Holly Hill Police Department, the altercation may have started as an argument over music—though details remain sparse.

This is Drake’s third arrest in Volusia County this year. He remains in custody without bond as the investigation continues in collaboration with the State Attorney’s Office and the Volusia County Crime Scene Investigations Unit.

Officials are urging anyone with further information to come forward as the case unfolds.

❄️ Cold Weather Shelter Options Open December 30 and 31

As chilly temperatures roll into Volusia County, local organizations are preparing to open their doors to residents in need of warm shelter. On the nights of Tuesday, December 30, and Wednesday, December 31, cold-weather shelters will be activated to assist those without reliable heat or housing.

In DeLand, The Bridge, managed by the Neighborhood Center, will open its facility at 421 S. Palmetto Ave. Guests can check in starting at 6:30 p.m. and stay overnight until 8 a.m., with breakfast served before departure. To learn more about services at The Bridge, residents can call 386-734-8120, ext. 601.

Over on the east side of the county, Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM) is coordinating shelter access in collaboration with local churches and nonprofit groups. While HUM doesn’t operate a shelter directly, it ensures that individuals are connected to available resources and may even assist with transportation, courtesy of VoTran and community partners. Anyone in need is urged to contact HUM at 386-317-5886 as soon as possible.

Volusia County continues to work with its partners to provide vital support—supplying shelters with food, bedding, and other essentials to keep residents safe and warm.

 🎻 Classical Mastery Opens Daytona Solisti’s 2026 Season

From state titles to timeless tunes, Daytona Solisti kicks off its 2026 “Winter Music Festival” on Jan. 11 with a program that includes Mozart’s famously challenging Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor. The piece will be performed by a powerhouse group led by pianist Michael Rickman alongside violinist Susan Pitard Acree, violist Zoriy Zinger, and cellist Joseph Corporon.

Also on the program is Schubert’s Piano Sonata No. 21, composed just weeks before his untimely death. Critics have called it “pure inspiration,” and Rickman is set to bring it to life.

Two additional concerts round out the season: “Baroque and Romantic Gems” on Feb. 15 and “Romantic Realms” on March 15, all held at Port Orange Presbyterian Church. Admission is by $15 donation—a small price for musical excellence.

Rickman, a Steinway Artist and Stetson University professor emeritus, has collaborated with Acree for 19 years. Their performances promise a rich, emotional start to the year.

🏆 Title Runs and Grit Define 2025 Sports Scene

It was a championship year for two local high school teams, each etching its place in history with resilience and poise. At Flagler Palm Coast High School, the girls wrestling team took home its first-ever state title—cementing a banner year for the Bulldogs. Over at Seabreeze High School, the boys bowling team defended its state crown in thrilling fashion, winning a decisive 3-2 final match against Titusville Astronaut at the Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando.

With only five team members—no room for subs—the Sandcrabs relied on every bowler. Xavier Subia's strike set up Dalton Boice for the final roll, clinching the win. Newcomer Jonathan King was instrumental to their success. “If it wasn’t for [King], none of this would have been possible,” Boice said.

Elsewhere in the FPC sports world, the school made a coaching change, parting ways with football coach Daniel Fish despite a 9-2 record. Veteran coach Patrick Turner steps in to lead the program.

Also noteworthy: Seabreeze senior Sofia James managed double duty—placing third in district wrestling and then placing fourth in state weightlifting, just one day apart.

🧊 Bundle Up: Wind Chills Could Dip Into the 20s

If your New Year's Eve plans include outdoor fun, prepare for more frostbite than fireworks. A strong cold front is expected to push through Volusia and Flagler counties on Dec. 29, dragging temperatures into the 30s—and wind chills into the upper 20s.

“The cold front is going to move through some time mid-evening,” said Brendan Schaper, a National Weather Service meteorologist. Temperatures across the region may struggle to hit 60°F, and lows are expected to settle near or below freezing in many inland areas.

Northern parts of Volusia, including Ormond-by-the-Sea, will feel it first, with wind chills plunging into the low 30s as early as Tuesday evening. The coldest bite is expected on New Year’s Eve morning, with widespread wind chills between 27 and 29 degrees.

Flagler County has activated its cold weather shelter at the Rock Transformation Center, while Volusia County is expected to announce similar plans. Officials are reminding residents to bundle up, bring pets indoors, and protect sensitive plants.

For those using heaters or fireplaces, safety precautions are a must. And for everyone else? Hats, gloves, and heavy coats are in.

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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:

Tuesday, Dec 30, 2025

🏁 Motorsports Action

  • Daytona KartWeek (Final Day)

    • 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

  • Magic of 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)

  • 31 Supper Club: Taco Tuesday

    • 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.

New Year’s Eve! Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025

🥂 Upscale Galas & Dinner Parties

  • 31 Supper Club: Roaring into 2026

    • Ormond Beach’s premier NYE event. Step into a 1930s speakeasy atmosphere for a 4-course gourmet dinner, midnight champagne toast, and hand-rolled cigars. Live entertainment provided by Grammy-nominated artists Dana & Sharon.

    • Time: Seating begins at 7:45 PM

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

    • Cost: Ticketed Event (Reservations Essential)

  • Hard Rock Hotel: "Hard Rockers & High Rollers"

    • A "Casino Royale" themed extravaganza. The party spans the Avalon Ballroom and oceanfront terrace, featuring casino games, DJ Psycho Ced, and live music by the "Switch" mixtape band.

    • Time: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Hilton Oceanfront: "Timeless 2025"

    • An elegant oceanfront celebration in the Coquina Ballroom featuring a grand buffet, open bar, and high-energy live music by The Buzzcatz.

    • Time: 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM

    • Location: Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort

🎆 Fireworks & Public Celebrations

  • New Year's Eve on Main Street

    • The region's massive block party. Main Street is closed to traffic for pedestrians, featuring multiple music stages, street performers, and food vendors. The night culminates with the New Year's Eve Ball Drop (Main St. & Wild Olive) and fireworks over the ocean.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Fireworks/Ball Drop at Midnight)

    • Location: Main Street, Daytona Beach

  • Ocean Walk Shoppes Ball Drop Party

    • A family-friendly spot to watch the festivities. WingHouse usually hosts a viewing party, and the outdoor area offers a great view of the fireworks and bandshell entertainment.

    • Time: 9:00 PM – Midnight

    • Location: Ocean Walk Shoppes, Daytona Beach

🎸 Live Music & Casual Parties

  • Main Street Station: Rock 'n Roll Ball

    • For rock fans, this is the place to be. Enjoy a "Back in Black" themed party with live music from Black Sheep and Papa Wheelee.

    • Time: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM

    • Location: Main Street Station, Daytona Beach

  • The Shores Resort: Coastal Celebration

    • A fantastic "No Cover" option. The Shores opens its doors for a public party featuring a DJ and champagne toast. A late-night breakfast buffet is available after midnight for a fee.

    • Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

    • Location: The Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach Shores

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Friendly

  • Astro Skate: NYE Family Skate

    • Roll into the new year with the kids! This alcohol-free event features pizza specials, games, and a festive balloon drop for the younger crowd.

    • Time: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM

    • Location: Astro Skate, Ormond Beach (US-1)

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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