⭐ Troy Kent Meeting, Polar Plunge, Top Deputy Arrested

Issue #790

02 Jan

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Volusia County

🗣️ Councilman Kent Opens Floor to District 4

Residents of Volusia County’s District 4 will get their chance to voice community concerns directly to their representative this January. County Councilman Troy Kent is hosting a public meeting on Monday, January 12th, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park in Ormond Beach. The event promises to be a casual but constructive hour of conversation, offering locals the opportunity to ask questions, share input, and stay informed on local issues heading into 2026.

Kent, who has represented District 4 since 2022 and previously served as an Ormond Beach City Commissioner for nearly two decades, is well-versed in the nuances of area governance. His district includes Ormond Beach, Ormond-by-the-Sea, Holly Hill, and parts of Daytona Beach, DeLand, and DeLeon Springs. While the meeting is specifically geared toward District 4 residents, anyone is welcome to attend—no RSVP required.

If you've got something to say or simply want to hear from your elected official, this might be your moment.

🧊 Brave Souls Take the Plunge at Flagler Beach

New Year’s Day got off to a brisk start in Flagler Beach as dozens of residents and visitors leapt—literally—into 2026 with the annual Polar Plunge. While the water wasn’t quite Arctic (hovering around 60°F), it was cold enough to wake anyone up from holiday festivities. Swimmers, many dressed in festive or downright wacky costumes, dove into the chilly surf near the Flagler Beach Pier, celebrating the new year with shrieks, laughs, and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

Organizers encouraged participants to "start 2026 by jumping into very cold water on purpose," and locals delivered. Across the country, polar plunges are a tradition, with events often supporting causes like the Make-A-Wish Foundation. While Flagler’s was on the mild side compared to Milwaukee—where participants faced 14°F air temperatures—the spirit was just as wild.

In the end, no one chickened out, though many probably had second thoughts mid-splash.

🚨 Top-Ranked Deputy Arrested After New Year's Incident

Flagler County Sheriff's Office is under scrutiny again after one of its own found herself on the wrong side of the law. Detention Deputy First Class Sara Radford—named the agency’s Detention Deputy of the Year in 2022—was arrested early New Year’s Day following an alleged domestic battery incident in Daytona Beach.

According to FCSO, Radford and the alleged victim were intoxicated after New Year’s celebrations when an argument escalated, resulting in her arrest. “We will let the criminal justice system play out,” said FCSO Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge, who emphasized the deputy will receive due process. In the meantime, Radford has been placed on unpaid suspension.

The sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal investigation, a standard protocol for such cases. Radford has been with the agency since 2011.

The incident has cast a shadow on an otherwise decorated career and underscores the agency’s stated commitment to holding employees accountable (?), even off-duty.

Source: WESH.com

Have A Birthday Coming Soon?

Recent Arrests

Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Angela K. Evans, 45, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 19; charged with grand theft; bail $2,500.

  • Donathan E. Evans, 21, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 19; charged with grand theft; bail $2,500.

  • Elgens F. Hyppolite, 18, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 20; charged with criminal mischief; bail $2,500.

  • Adam Scott Bross, 35, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 24; charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer; bail $2,500.

Holly Hill Police Department

  • Ryan Joseph Cuff, 25, of Holly Hill — arrested Dec. 19; charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon; bail $1,500.

  • Tamarra L. Maddox, 39, of Holly Hill — arrested Dec. 19; charged with reckless driving causing serious bodily injury; bail $3,000.

  • Jose Manuel Formoso, 69, of Holly Hill — arrested Dec. 19; charged with battery of a person 65 years of age or older; bail not set.

  • James Graham Slentz, 41, of Holly Hill — arrested Dec. 25; charged with battery of a person 65 years of age or older; bail $2,500.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

  • Kimberly Ann Hawthorne, 37, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 18; charged with grand theft – firearm; burglary while armed; possession of a weapon by in-state felon; dealing in stolen property; bail not set.

  • Nicole Catholdia Davidson, 19, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 18; charged with carrying a concealed firearm; possession of a firearm on school property; bail $10,000.

  • Elijah Conner Pack, 20, of Holly Hill — arrested Dec. 18; charged with possession of a controlled substance without prescription; possession of a firearm on school property; carrying a concealed firearm; possession of paraphernalia and cannabis; possession of a firearm during commission of a felony; obstructing an officer without violence; bail $21,000.

  • Terrance R. Henry, 36, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 18; charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell; possession of cannabis with intent to sell; possession of Schedule II substance with intent to sell or deliver; possession of Schedule III substance; bail not set.

  • Tylee Ford, 46, of Holly Hill — arrested Dec. 19; charged with battery on a person 65 years of age or older; bail $5,000.

  • Matthew James Mandell, 45, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 19; charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle; possession of cocaine and paraphernalia; possession of controlled substance without prescription; bail $11,000.

  • Stephanie Louise Sullivan, 39, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 22; charged with obtaining property by fraud; bail not set.

  • Coral Lacy Hunt, 47, of Ormond Beach — arrested Dec. 24; charged with possession of a controlled substance without prescription; possession of a firearm and/or ammunition by convicted state felon; possession of paraphernalia; bail $5,500.

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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:


📅 Friday, Jan 2, 2026

🎸 Headline Concert

  • The Original Wailers @ Destination Daytona

    • Keep the "One Love" vibes going into 2026! Al Anderson and The Original Wailers bring the iconic music of Bob Marley to the Coca-Cola Pavilion. Special guests include Part One Tribe.

    • Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM

    • Location: The Pavilion at Destination Daytona, Ormond Beach

🚚 Festivals & Foodies

  • FOODEES Food & Culture Festival

    • Kick off the weekend at this massive touring food truck festival taking over Tanger Outlets. Admission is free, and the event features over 40 food trucks, 60+ artisan crafters, and a "Fun Park" for families.

    • Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Location: Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach (Cornerstone Blvd)

🌳 Community & Street Parties

  • First Friday Music in the Park

    • Take the scenic drive north A1A to Flagler Beach for their monthly street party. Enjoy live music at Veterans Park, local food vendors, and late hours for nearby shops and museums.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Veterans Park, Flagler Beach (approx. 15 mins north)

Here is the curated event list for Saturday, January 3, 2026.

The first Saturday of the year is packed with the final night of the Speedway’s lights, a major food truck festival, and championship basketball action.

📅 Saturday, Jan 3, 2026

🚚 Festivals & Community

  • FOODEES Food & Culture Festival

    • The massive touring food truck festival continues at Tanger Outlets. Admission is free, and the event features over 40 food trucks, 60+ artisan crafters, and a "Fun Park" for kids. It’s a great way to taste your way into the new year.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

    • Location: Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach (1100 Cornerstone Blvd)

  • Daytona Beach Farmers Market

    • Start your first Saturday morning of 2026 with a stroll along the riverfront. Pick up fresh local produce, baked goods, and plants on City Island.

    • Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    • Location: Market @ Magnolia (Beach St. & Magnolia Ave), Daytona Beach

🎄 Last Chance Event

  • Magic of Lights (Closing Night)

    • This is the final night of the season to experience the holiday light show at the Speedway. If you haven't gone yet (or want one last festive drive), tonight is your last chance before the lights go dark for the year.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

🏀 Sports

  • Florida Sunshine Shoot-Out

    • Catch the final day of this major high school basketball showcase. Top teams from Florida and across the nation compete on the courts at the Ocean Center.

    • Time: Games run all day

    • Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach

🎨 Arts & Culture (Nearby)

  • First Saturday Art Stroll (NSB)

    • Take a short drive south to New Smyrna Beach for the monthly Art Stroll. Galleries along Canal Street open their doors with artist talks, live music, and wine tastings.

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Gallery Walk 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

    • Location: Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach

🎸 Nightlife

  • Live Music @ Hard Rock Hotel

    • Saturday nights on the Sessions Terrace feature high-energy live bands and ocean views. A perfect spot for Saturday night cocktails.

    • Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Live Music @ 31 Supper Club

    • Enjoy fine dining and live entertainment in a sophisticated atmosphere.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

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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