⭐ No Beach Fireworks, Calling Camps, Favorite Teacher

Issue #788

31 Dec

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Volusia County


🎆 No Fireworks on the Sand, Please

Just because Florida law allows fireworks on New Year’s Eve doesn’t mean they’re welcome everywhere. Volusia County is reminding residents and visitors that fireworks are prohibited on the beach—unless you're watching a permitted, professional display. The concern? Safety and sustainability.

Unauthorized fireworks can lead to injuries, accidental fires, and lingering debris that endangers both people and marine life. Even if the sparkly displays feel festive, they can have a harmful afterglow when not managed properly.

Officials urge the public to celebrate responsibly by following local ordinances and sticking to professionally organized shows when available. This isn’t about dampening holiday spirits—it’s about preserving the natural beauty of our shores and keeping everyone safe.

So, before you pack the sparklers, remember: beaches are for sandcastles, not fire hazards.

🏕️ Calling All Camp Creators

Volusia County is getting an early start on summer—2026, that is. The Community Assistance Division is inviting local nonprofits, schools, churches, and cities to apply as providers for the Summer Camp Scholarship Program. The goal? Deliver enriching, safe, and affordable camp experiences for children aged 5 to 14 (or up to 17 for kids with special needs).

Providers must offer camps that run weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for at least six weeks between June 1 and August 7. Camps should include classic summer activities like crafts, field trips, sports, and supervised play—and healthy eating and movement are big pluses.

Scholarships will be available for children from income-eligible families, and providers will be reimbursed based on attendance. New applicants must attend a mandatory training session on January 13, and all applications are due by January 30.

Interested in shaping young minds while helping families in need? Now’s the time to apply.

🍎 From Front Desk to Favorite Teacher

Chris Palau didn’t set out to become a teacher, but Seabreeze High School is sure glad she did. Recently named the school’s Teacher of the Year, Palau’s journey from working at a nature park to inspiring students in biology and environmental science is as unexpected as it is uplifting.

After starting at Seabreeze in support roles—including with the band’s color guard—Palau eventually took the leap into teaching in 2021. She now serves as a Support Facilitation teacher and IEP case manager, helping students feel seen, supported, and successful.

Palau’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. She co-sponsors the Seabreeze Closet, providing students with essential items and formalwear, and uses her own life experiences to mentor kids through life’s curveballs.

Her advice to students is simple and powerful: “Stay weirdly you.”

For Palau, teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And her story is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to discover where you truly belong.

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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:


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)

Happy New Year! Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

🦅 First Day Hikes & Outdoors

  • First Day Hike at Tomoka State Park

    • Start your 2026 resolutions on the right foot! Join a park ranger for a guided 1-mile hike through the park's historic and natural landscapes. It’s a peaceful way to ground yourself for the year ahead.

    • Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach (Meet at the Rec Hall Trailhead)

  • New Year's Day Virtual Run

    • A flexible way to get active. Run or walk your own 5K route in Ormond Beach at your own pace to earn a commemorative shirt and medal.

    • Time: All Day

    • Location: Anywhere in Ormond Beach

🌊 Polar Plunges

  • Polar Bear Plunge at Riverfront Swim Club

    • Take the plunge—literally! Gather family and friends for the annual ride down the slide or a splash in the pool to "wash off" 2025. Hot cocoa and donuts provided.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    • Location: Riverfront Swim Club, Daytona Beach (Beach St.)

  • Atlantic Ocean Plunges (Informal)

    • While less organized, it is a local tradition for brave residents to charge into the ocean near the Main Street Pier or Granada Approach at noon. Watch for small groups gathering on the sand.

    • Time: Around 12:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona Beach & Ormond Beach Public Approaches

🥂 "Hair of the Dog" Brunch & Dining

  • New Year's Day Brunch at The Shores

    • Recover with a grand buffet featuring traditional "good luck" dishes like black-eyed peas and collard greens, alongside fresh seafood and carved meats.

    • Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

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

  • 31 Supper Club: New Year's Day Patio Party

    • Keep the celebration going into the evening with an outdoor patio party featuring live music by Grammy-nominated duo Dana & Sharon.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

🎄 Final Holiday Sightseeing

  • Magic of Lights (Extended)

    • Did you miss the lights in December? The Speedway’s drive-through display remains open through January 3rd.

    • Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

  • Ormond Memorial Art Museum Gardens

    • While the museum building is closed for the holiday, the lush gardens remain open from sunrise to sunset. It is a beautiful, quiet spot for New Year's reflection.

    • Time: Sunrise – Sunset

    • Location: 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach

🏛️ City Status

  • Holiday Closures: City Hall, the library, and most administrative offices are closed in observance of New Year's Day.

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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