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- ⭐Lifeguard Tryouts, Political Arguments, duMolin Tosses Hat, Pickleball Assault Arrests
⭐Lifeguard Tryouts, Political Arguments, duMolin Tosses Hat, Pickleball Assault Arrests
Issue #829
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Volusia County Website
🏖️ Lifeguard Tryouts Make a Splash
As the water warms up in Daytona Beach, Volusia County Beach Safety is already thinking spring break — and they’re looking for strong swimmers to help keep visitors safe. With a nationwide lifeguard shortage still rippling across the coast, the agency is recruiting for its spring class, with tryouts set for Feb. 14 at the Ormond YMCA.
Applicants must be at least 16 and prepared to hustle: a 500-meter freestyle swim in under 10 minutes, a 50-yard freestyle in under 30 seconds, and a half-mile run in under 3 minutes 15 seconds are all on the checklist. Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Hailey Monahan calls it “the best job,” mixing sun, surf and the chance to send families home safely at the end of the day.
The role comes with responsibility — and improved pay. The starting rate is $19 per hour, with up to $750 in bonuses for those who complete the recruit class and work key weekends and holidays, according to beach safety director Tammy Malphurs. The fall recruit class saw a record 30–40 lifeguards complete training, feeding into a pool of roughly 200–250 seasonal part-timers. With many not available all summer, these tryouts are crucial to staffing towers before crowds hit the sand.
Source: MyNews13
🍺 Political Argument at Pub Ends in Arrest
While one side of the county is focused on keeping beachgoers safe, officers in Ormond Beach were called to handle a different kind of turbulence — this one outside a local pub. Police arrested a 69-year-old man visiting from New York after an argument over politics allegedly escalated into a stabbing.
According to the arrest report, a dispute among three people turned physical, and the man is accused of stabbing one person in the back during the struggle. A quick-acting bystander intervened, broke up the fight, disarmed the suspect and tossed the knife into nearby bushes.
The victim suffered a stab wound to the shoulder blade and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect, who had a black eye from the confrontation, was taken to jail on an aggravated battery charge.
The case is a reminder that spirited debate is better kept verbal — and that cool heads can prevent tense moments from turning into serious injuries.
Source: Ormond Observer
🗳️ Barry du Moulin Enters Zone 4 Race
From heated arguments to heated campaigns, Ormond Beach politics is also gearing up. Barry du Moulin, a retired inspector with the U.S. Coast Guard, has filed to run for the Ormond Beach City Commission Zone 4 seat in the 2026 election.
Du Moulin, originally from Massachusetts and a Volusia County resident since 2012, brings 24 years of Coast Guard experience — split between search and rescue and marine safety — plus later roles as an assistant deepwater port manager and deputy harbormaster. He also worked on a port security assessment team alongside the FBI, Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.
Locally, he previously served on the Ormond Beach Planning Board and now sits on the city’s Municipal Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund advisory board. After an unsuccessful bid for the same Zone 4 seat in 2018, he says residents and recent local issues — including discussions around the Tomoka Commerce project and his concerns about term limits and “new blood” on boards — nudged him back into the race.
Du Moulin cites homelessness, people living in vehicles, and code enforcement as key concerns, along with attracting larger employers, particularly at the Airport Business Park. His stated goal: leave the community better than he found it.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏓 Pickleball Dispute Leads to Assault Charges
Community life isn’t all politics and policy — sometimes it’s pickleball. A weekend game at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange took a serious turn when an on-court argument allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation, sending a player to the hospital and a Ponce Inlet couple to jail.
According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, Anthony Sapienza, 63, and Julianne Sapienza, 51, were playing pickleball late Sunday morning when insults were exchanged between them and two older players. Deputies say the dispute turned physical, leaving one elderly victim injured.
Anthony Sapienza was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on $10,000 bail, charged with two counts of battery on a person 65 or older and aggravated battery causing bodily harm. Julianne Sapienza faces a charge of battery on a person 65 or older and was released on $5,000 bail. It was not immediately clear whether pickleball paddles were used in the alleged attack.
The couple reportedly left the court in a vehicle but were soon located at home, as the victims knew their identities. It’s a reminder that even friendly competition works best when everyone keeps their cool — and their paddles on the ball, not each other.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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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 in
📅 Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports Headline
DIRTcar Nationals: Non-Wing Sprints & Late Models
A spectacular night for racing purists at Volusia Speedway Park. The USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Cars (Non-Wing) take to the track. Without the massive top wings to plant them to the ground, these cars slide wildly through the corners, requiring immense driver skill. They are joined by the thunderous DIRTcar Late Models.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🏟️ Speedway Status: Camper Arrival
Daytona International Speedway
Status: Staging & Load-In.
There is no public on-track activity today. However, if you are driving past the Speedway, you will see thousands of RVs and campers lining up and flooding into the infield. It is "Move-In Day" for the die-hard fans who will live inside the track for the next week.
🏛️ Civic & City Business
Midtown Redevelopment Board Meeting
A public meeting discussing development and revitalization projects in the historic Midtown district of Daytona Beach.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Daytona Beach City Hall (301 S Ridgewood Ave)
Peabody Auditorium Advisory Board
The board overseeing the city's historic theater meets to discuss upcoming programming and operations.
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium (Rose Room)
🍽️ Dining & Nightlife
With the race crowds starting to swell, this is a good night to escape to a "locals" spot for a high-end atmosphere and taco specials on the patio.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
Tuesday features special pricing on wood-fired burgers. Expect a busier crowd than usual as race teams and early bird fans hit the town.
Time: 4:00 PM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach
🧘 Wellness
Maintain your routine before the busy week ahead with this low-impact strength class.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Daytona Shores Community Center
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports Headline: The Daytona 500 Begins
Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light
The road to the Daytona 500 starts tonight. Witness the high-stakes, single-car qualifying session that determines the front row for Sunday's Great American Race. Every other starting spot will be fought for in tomorrow's Duel races.
Schedule:
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM: NASCAR Cup Series Practice (First look at the cars on track).
8:15 PM: Daytona 500 Qualifying (Under the lights).
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏎️ Dirt Track Action
Volusia Speedway Park hosts a massive double-header. The Super DIRTcar Series (Big Block Modifieds) join the DIRTcar Late Models. The Big Blocks are the premier class in Northeast dirt racing, making their annual Florida pilgrimage.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎒 School Alert
Volusia County Schools: Early Release Day
Reminder for parents: Today is an Early Release Day. All public schools will dismiss approximately one hour earlier than usual.
🤝 Business & Networking
Business After Hours: Mimi's Art Gallery
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly evening mixer. Enjoy appetizers and networking surrounded by local art.
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Mimi's Art Gallery (Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach)
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The legendary biker bar on Main Street kicks into high gear for race week. Catch local favorites Big Engine bringing their high-energy rock show to the "World Famous" Boot Hill.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
If you aren't at the track, sing your heart out on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🏛️ Civic Meetings
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION-Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland Hosted by Citizens for Ormond Beach
> Deputy Mayor Tolland will speak about current issues affecting Ormond Beach, upcoming city projects, and future plans for the community. Members of the Citizens for Ormond Beach board have prepared questions to help guide the discussion and provide insight into matters important to our city.
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ormond Beach Library, 30 S Beach St, Ormond BeachOrmond Beach Site Plan Review Committee
A technical meeting reviewing upcoming development projects.
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: City Hall (Conference Room 103)
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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