⭐ Left Behind, Daisy Grimes, Florida Duel, "Super Flu" Info

Issue #794

06 Jan

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🧃 Left Behind at Lunch

A family road trip to Florida turned into a panic-stricken detour after a 5-year-old boy was accidentally left behind at an Ormond Beach fast food restaurant. The boy, visiting from South Carolina, was found alone in the play area, prompting staff to contact the police. Surveillance footage revealed the family had left 35 minutes earlier, apparently unaware their youngest traveler was missing.

The mother later phoned the restaurant in distress, leading to a reunion coordinated by local police at their station around 3:19 p.m. She explained that the confusion stemmed from her other children being glued to electronic devices and each parent assuming the other had accounted for the boy.

While the story ends with a safe return and likely a family group hug, it’s a reminder to always do a headcount—especially when your travel companions are under four feet tall.

🌹 Daisy Grimes: A Rose That Keeps Blooming

Ormond Beach’s own Daisy Grimes is the kind of community pillar that doesn’t just stand tall—she shines. As Bethune-Cookman University’s director of protocol, Grimes has made it her mission to ensure every person feels seen, valued, and included. Her work, inspired by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy and symbolized by the black rose, spans education advocacy, historical preservation, and unrelenting community service.

Though she’s tried retiring—twice—Grimes keeps returning to her work, driven by a deep love for B-CU and its values. From supporting underprivileged youth through enrichment programs to helping recognize victims of lynchings with the Volusia Remembers Coalition, her impact is broad and bold.

Grimes believes in honest conversations, historical accountability, and the power of inclusion. Whether she’s at the Capitol or in a school library, she’s making space for every voice—proving that legacy isn’t just something you leave behind, but something you build every day.

🏁 Gearing Up for the America 250 Florida Duel

Speedweeks 2026 just got a patriotic twist. The legendary Duel races leading up to the Daytona 500 have been renamed the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona, marking both a new sponsorship and a nod to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Thanks to a fresh partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, fans can expect not just adrenaline-fueled competition on February 12th, but also a focus on road safety. The FDOT plans to be on-site, offering safety education to thousands of racegoers—because what better place to talk about safe driving than at 200 mph?

The Duel races set the tone (and the lineup) for the big Daytona 500 finale, but now they also double as a celebration of history and progress. Get ready to wave those flags—and maybe pick up some tips on safe lane changes while you're at it.

🦠 The “Super Flu” You Should Know About

Just in time for the new year, a new flu strain—Subclade K (A(H3N2))—has surged across the U.S., with Florida among the hardest-hit states. Dubbed the “super flu,” this strain has led to over 7.5 million illnesses, 19,000 hospitalizations, and more than 3,000 deaths since October, according to the CDC.

Subclade K is notable for its ability to dodge some immune defenses, making it tougher for your body to fight if you've been vaccinated against older strains. That said, health experts still recommend the flu shot to reduce severe symptoms and complications. The usual flu suspects—fever, fatigue, coughing, and chills—are all present, with children sometimes experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.

The peak of flu season typically hits between December and February, so it’s not too late to arm yourself. Wash those hands, mask up if needed, and get vaccinated. The super flu may be fast and sneaky, but a little prevention goes a long way.

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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, Jan 6, 2026

🎒 Back to School

  • Volusia County Schools: Classes Resume

    • After the winter break and yesterday's teacher planning day, all students report back to class today. Please be mindful of active school zones and increased morning traffic.

🏛️ Civic Meetings

  • Ormond Beach City Commission Meeting

    • The first City Commission meeting of 2026. Agendas are typically published the Friday prior, but this is the scheduled time for the commission to reconvene for regular business.

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Location: City Commission Chambers, 22 S. Beach St.

  • Daytona Beach Shores City Commission

    • The neighboring city of Daytona Beach Shores also holds its first council meeting of the year.

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: Shores Community Center

🍽️ Dining & Nightlife

  • 31 Supper Club: Taco Tuesday

    • A local favorite for easing back into the weekday routine. Enjoy gourmet tacos and drink specials on the patio.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

  • Grind Gastropub: Burger Night

    • Tuesday is traditionally Burger Night at the Grind, featuring special pricing on their signature burgers. A great spot for a casual dinner after the first day back at school/work.

    • Time: 4:00 PM – Close

    • Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach

🧘 Wellness & Community

  • SilverSneakers Classic

    • A low-impact fitness class designed to increase muscle strength and range of movement. Open to eligible seniors.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center

🕯️ Last Chance Holiday History

  • Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours

    • Tours of the historic "House That Hats Built" in DeLand continue for just a little longer. It's a great opportunity to see the decorations without the December crowds.

    • Time: Tours vary (Reservations Required)

    • Location: Stetson Mansion, DeLand

Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026

🎒 School Alert

  • Volusia County Schools: Early Release Day

    • An important reminder for parents: Today is an Early Release Day for all Volusia County public schools. Students will be dismissed approximately one hour earlier than usual.

🐢 Nature & Learning

  • Marine Science Center: Educational Enrichment

    • Join the staff for a special morning program featuring animal ambassadors and educational talks. It’s a great way to learn about local marine life and conservation efforts.

    • Time: 9:00 AM

    • Location: Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet

  • UF/IFAS Volusia Master Gardener Free Plant Clinic & Educational Program

    • Bring photos or examples to identify and correct plant problems, and learn Florida gardening tips. January is “Weeds: Identifying weeds and solutions to dealing with them”. 

    • Time: 10:00 AM - Noon

    • Location: Ormond Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Avenue in Ormond Beach.

🧘 Wellness & Recreation

  • AumShanti Yoga: Highway to OHM

    • A gentle, restorative yoga session held on the oceanfront terrace. Suitable for all skill levels.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)

  • Daytona Shores Community Center

    • Get creative with a "Fitness, Fun & Freedom" art workshop (10:00 AM) or join the community for open card games later in the day.

    • Time: 10:00 AM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center

🎤 Nightlife

  • Kickstart Karaoke @ Hard Rock

    • The popular weekly karaoke night returns! Belt out your favorite hits on the Sessions Terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

🏛️ Civic Meetings

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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