- Ormond Local Pulse
- Posts
- ⭐It's A Go For Tomoka Oaks, Explore Volusia In April, Opinion-Volusia Forever
⭐It's A Go For Tomoka Oaks, Explore Volusia In April, Opinion-Volusia Forever
Issue #862
Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE
Table of Contents
+
Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
Swipe image left for more daily forecasts
City of Ormond Beach
🏘️ Tomoka Oaks Development Gets Narrow Approval
After five years, two lawsuits, and seven public hearings, the Ormond Beach City Commission has officially approved a development order for Tomoka Reserve — a 254-home project planned for the former Tomoka Oaks golf course.
The March 13 special meeting ended in a reluctant 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Kristin Deaton casting the sole dissent. Emotions ran high inside packed commission chambers, where many residents wore red “Save Tomoka Oaks” shirts in opposition to the plan.
The 147-acre property, once an 18-hole golf course at the heart of the neighborhood, has long been zoned residential. While previous efforts to develop the land stalled, the current proposal by Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach, LLC gained momentum after developers filed both state and federal lawsuits challenging the city’s denial of rezoning requests.
City Attorney Randy Hayes cautioned that continuing litigation could cost millions — and potentially result in even denser development if courts sided with the developers. Commissioners ultimately concluded the project met land development code and comprehensive plan requirements, leaving little legal ground for denial.
A second hearing on Tomoka Reserve is scheduled for March 24 at City Hall.
Source: Ormond Observer
🌿 Explore Volusia Invites Residents Outdoors for Free
While one local land debate simmers, another part of Volusia County is inviting residents to experience preserved land firsthand.
Explore Volusia is offering a lineup of free outdoor programs throughout April, led by Volusia County environmental specialists. From wildflower hikes to eco-buggy tours and guided paddles, the series highlights the county’s conservation lands and management practices.
Highlights include a Wildflower Walk at Wiregrass Prairie Preserve on April 2, eco-buggy tours through Longleaf Pine Preserve and Heart Island Conservation Area, and paddling trips through mangroves at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve and along the St. Johns River.
For those looking for a challenge, the Deep Creek Adventure Hike on April 30 offers a five-mile trek through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps.
Programs are free, but reservations are required. Contact Tommy Nordmann at [email protected] or 386-943-7081, ext. 21266 to register.
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, and age requirements vary by event. Kayaks are available for certain paddles at no charge.
Source: Volusia County
💧 Opinion: On Volusia Forever
In an opinion post shared by Catherine Pante of Slow The Growth Volusia, sharp criticism was directed at Volusia County Council members Don Dempsey and Greg Gimbert over efforts perceived as attempts to weaken the Volusia Forever Land Conservation Program.
The program, approved by 75.6% of voters, funds land acquisition and conservation efforts countywide. According to Pante, proposals to revisit or repeal the initiative threaten protections for wetlands, aquifers, and drinking water.
The opinion piece argues that land conservation is directly tied to water protection, flood mitigation, and long-term environmental sustainability — and accuses local leaders of political maneuvering rather than transparent governance.
Supporters of Volusia Forever maintain that the stakes extend beyond policy debates: they see it as a question of honoring voter intent and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
As growth pressures increase across the county, the conversation around conservation appears far from over.
GET YOUR VIP PASS
Receive Special News Notifications, Special Community Events, etc.
BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Get your on VIP pass for your group.
Click here for more information
⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!
Get hands-on, no-fluff AI training built for local businesses—not tech geeks. Whether you run a salon, law firm, restaurant, or repair shop, or individual, we’ll show you how to use AI to save time, cut costs, and grow fast.
A community for everyone…local businesses, professionals, individuals.
Check out these proven AI prompts for Local Businesses
Looking for a Great Place To Eat?
Click Image
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐
Great Voucher Dealz
Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.
Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam
Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam
Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam
Currently Unavailable
Sunday, March 15, 2026
🚴 Active & Outdoors
St. Augustine / Florida Coast to Coast Bike Tour (Departure)
Today marks the official kickoff and departure day for this 6-day, fully supported cycling vacation. Riders will gather in Ormond Beach this morning before setting off on a peaceful, 42-mile journey up the "Historic Coast" toward St. Augustine. * Location: Departs from Ormond Beach (Check with Wilderness Voyageurs for specific launch point)
🌺 Leisure & Culture
Sunday Stroll at OMAM Gardens
Enjoy a completely free, peaceful Sunday afternoon walk through the lush, tropical gardens at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. The gardens are shaded, quiet, and feature beautiful water elements and hidden sculptures.
Time: Open all day from sunrise to sunset
Location: 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
🥞 Local Dining Tradition
Sunday Brunch at The Rose Villa
Treat yourself to a fantastic local brunch at The Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar. Located in a beautifully restored historic building right downtown, it’s a beloved local staple for Sunday mornings.
Time: Brunch hours typically 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 43 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
🏓 Sports & Community
Sunday Open-Play Pickleball @ Pictona
Wrap up your weekend on the courts! Pictona is the buzzing heart of Holly Hill on Sunday mornings. With 49 courts available, it is the perfect spot for open play, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Grab a post-game lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Kitchen.
Time: Open daily (typically 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
Monday, March 16, 2026
🦎 Family & Kids
Exotic Animal Experience
Looking for a free activity to kick off the kids' spring break? Head to the Ormond Beach Regional Library! Pibbles and Company Exotic Animal Advocacy is bringing rescue ambassador animals for a fun, hands-on, educational wildlife experience.
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (30 S Beach St)
Cost: Free
🎨 Arts & Culture
Beachside Sculpture Walk
Today marks the kickoff of "Membership Appreciation Week" at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. Start the week with a guided, peaceful sculpture walk through the gardens and surrounding areas.
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)
🏛️ Civic & Community
LENT DINNER CHURCH AT TOMOKA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Tomoka United Methodist Church Bleekman Hall, 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. - Ormond BeachHistoric Landmark Preservation Board Meeting
Standard city business continues at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend this board meeting focused on preserving Ormond Beach's historical sites.
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach City Hall, Room 103 (22 S. Beach St)
🏓 Active & Leisure
Spring Break on the Courts @ Pictona
With the local kids officially out of school for the week, expect a lively, multi-generational atmosphere at Pictona today. It's a great Monday to drop in for some open-play pickleball or grab a relaxed lunch at The Kitchen.
Time: Open daily (typically 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
🎤 Local Nightlife
Monday Night Karaoke @ Seadrift Sports Bar & Grill
Keep the weekend energy going! Head to this beloved Ormond-by-the-Sea staple to grab a drink, shoot some pool, and sing your heart out with the locals.
Time: Starts around 9:00 PM
Location: Seadrift Sports Bar & Grill (114 Oceanshore Blvd)
🌊 Scenic & Relaxed
A Quiet Spring Break Escape
With local schools on break and college spring breakers filling up Daytona Beach to the south, the traffic-free sands of Ormond-by-the-Sea are your best bet for a peaceful Monday beach walk or a quiet afternoon of surf-fishing.
NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.
Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here. OR scan the QR Code below
Scan for event form
Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.
You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.
We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!
⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐
❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.
We could use your help!
We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?
Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE
 | Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇 |
Reply