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  • ⭐Lifeguards Help Tiny Turtle, Chitwood Raises Concerns, Family Fun At Casements, Secret Deals In Bunnell

⭐Lifeguards Help Tiny Turtle, Chitwood Raises Concerns, Family Fun At Casements, Secret Deals In Bunnell

Issue #1048

Author

.George Sloane
18 Sep

NOTE: Your can always» READ ONLINE

Courtesy Volusia County

🐢 Lifeguards Lend a Flipper to Tiny Turtle

A baby sea turtle got some timely assistance from Volusia County Beach Safety after being washed back onto shore Sept. 16.

The hatchling had already entered the ocean when waves, wind or currents returned it to the beach. Lifeguards transported the turtle to the Marine Science Center for evaluation and care. Known as “washbacks,” these young turtles may be exhausted or weakened and sometimes need rehabilitation before returning to sea.

The rescue comes during a record-breaking nesting season in Volusia County, meaning beachgoers could encounter more hatchlings along the shoreline. Officials remind visitors not to touch or return stranded turtles to the water themselves. Instead, alert a lifeguard or authorized beach official, who can determine whether the hatchling needs help.

🗳️ Chitwood Raises Concerns Over Amendment 3

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood is opposing Florida’s Amendment 3, arguing that the proposed property-tax changes could significantly reduce funding available to his agency.

Chitwood said his office could face a $37 million reduction in 2027, which he equated to 241 deputy positions or a combination of deputies and the agency’s 911 communications center. Other law enforcement and firefighter organizations have also raised concerns about potential effects on local government revenue.

Supporters of the amendment argue it would provide homeowners with tax relief and pressure local governments to reduce unnecessary spending. The measure would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments afterward. Florida constitutional amendments require at least 60% voter approval to pass.

🎃 Family Fun Returns to The Casements

Realty Pros Assured is bringing its annual Community Appreciation Night back to The Casements in Ormond Beach on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6-9 p.m.

The free event will feature trunk-or-treating, a trackless train, face painting, balloon animals and plenty of carnival-style treats, including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. Young visitors can also enter a costume contest beginning at 6:15 p.m., with prizes planned for the Scariest, Funniest and Most Creative costumes. Participation is limited to 25 children in each category.

The evening will also include a free showing of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Realty Pros Assured, founded in Ormond Beach in 2008, hosts the annual gathering as a thank-you to local residents and families.

⛽ Bunnell Fuel Depot Talks Draw Scrutiny

Bunnell officials have held confidential economic-development discussions with Belvedere Terminals, according to reporting by FlaglerLive. The company previously pursued large rail-served fuel terminal projects in Ormond Beach and Palm Coast that did not move forward.

FlaglerLive reports the Bunnell project operated under the code name “Another Great Day” and that the City Commission approved a grant and development agreement in 2025 as part of a consent agenda. Belvedere later requested an extension of confidentiality protections allowed for certain economic-development projects under Florida law.

The current status and potential location of the proposal remain unclear. Vice Mayor John Rogers told FlaglerLive he understood the earlier development deal had not materialized, while the continued confidentiality of related records raised questions in the outlet’s reporting about whether other discussions remain active.

Source: FlaglerLive

Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Carolyn R. McDowell, 74, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 3; battery on specified personnel; resisting officer without violence. Bail: $500.

  • Kassandra E. Smith, 55, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 6; controlled substance without prescription; drug equipment possession/use. Bail: $3,000.

  • Usen C. Ikpe, 54, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 6; petit theft merchandise/farm transit, 2+ prior convictions. Bail: $2,500.

  • Gary Dean Nagel, 59, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 8; aggravated assault with deadly weapon without intent to kill; discharging firearm in public. Bail: not set.

  • Devin B. Tennant, 33, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 9; controlled substance without prescription. Bail: $5,000.

  • Savannah S. Rawlins, 21, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 9; controlled substance without prescription; destroying/harvesting saw palmetto berries without permit. Bail: $5,000.

Holly Hill Police Department

  • Jake Leonard Brown Jr., 44, Holly Hill— arrested Sept. 6; assault; prior-conviction battery, second/subsequent offense. Bail: not set.

  • Harley M. Strong, 32, Holly Hill— arrested Sept. 8; criminal mischief. Bail: not set.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

  • Andrea Denise Ford, 68, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 7; controlled substance without prescription; drug equipment possession/use; DWLS/revoked-equivalent status. Bail: $3,000.

  • Stephen Lee Freeland, 32, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 7; controlled substance without prescription. Bail: $2,500.

  • Edward John Strickland, 38, Ormond Beach— arrested Sept. 10; battery, 1 prior; criminal mischief; throwing deadly missile at building. Bail: not set.

  • Joseph Birty Faircloth, 56, Holly Hill— arrested Sept. 9; battery on person 65+. Bail: $5,000.

  • Channon M. Phillips, 26, Holly Hill— arrested Sept. 10; cocaine possession; controlled substance without prescription; drug equipment possession/use. Bail: not set.

NOTE: This report lists arrests only, not convictions, from publicly available information, All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ormond Beach has no shortage of great places to eat, drink, snack, sip, and celebrate, and now it's time to recognize the local favorites that make our community delicious.

We're kicking off Best Of Ormond Beach Food & Drink 2026, and we want to hear from you. Vote for your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, bars, bakeries, brunch places, pizza joints, breweries, sweet treats, and more.

Whether it's the place you recommend to a friend, the order you crave all week, or the neighborhood spot that always gets it right, this is your chance to give them some love.

Nominate your favorites today and help spotlight the best food and drink in Ormond Beach!

VOTING EXTENDED!! NOMINATIONS CLOSE SEPTEMBER 22

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Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

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Events for Friday, September 18, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🎨 Wellness Paint Party with Gina Bickish, 10:45 AM–1:15 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Relaxing guided painting class for beginners and experienced painters. Supplies are included; advance registration is required.

  • Event: 💎 Artisan Jewelry Workshop for Beginners with Susan Durbec, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Beginner-friendly workshop using genuine gemstones to create bracelets, anklets or a necklace while learning basic stringing and finishing techniques. Materials are included.

  • Event: 🎸 Steeln' Peaches: Celebrating the Allman Brothers Band, 7:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Florida's Steeln' Peaches celebrates the music of the Allman Brothers Band with a seven-piece Southern-rock tribute featuring favorites from the band's catalog.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🚤 Daytona Boat Show, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
    Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Opening day of the three-day marine show featuring more than 15 regional dealers, over 70 manufacturers, boats, personal watercraft, marine electronics and accessories. Admission is $5; active military and veterans are free.

  • Event: 🛍️ Riverfront Market, 5:00–9:00 PM
    Riverfront Esplanade, 355 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Friday-night waterfront market featuring up to 45 local vendors plus live music by Aaron Esposito.

  • Event: 🍽️ Taste of Volusia, 5:30–8:30 PM
    Riverfront Esplanade, 355 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    ReNew Recovery Café's annual culinary fundraiser brings together area restaurants, chefs and community partners for an evening of food and fundraising.

  • Event: 🎶 Friday Night Live: Felipe Pavani Band, 6:00–8:30 PM
    Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA, 1 Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free Friday-night concert featuring Felipe Pavani's energetic mix of rock classics and international pop favorites.

  • Event: 🎉 Rally Mode: B-CU Homecoming Pep Rally featuring Rick Ross & Lloyd, 7:00 PM
    Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Bethune-Cookman University's Homecoming pep rally and concert features Rick Ross and Lloyd as part of the Wildcats' Homecoming festivities.

  • Event: 💃 The Women Next Door – Female Revue, 7:00–9:00 PM
    Cristy B's Comedy Club, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Ticketed two-hour female revue featuring choreographed dance and stage entertainment.

  • Event: 🎸 Crashrocket Live, 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
    Main Street Station, 316 Main St., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Friday-night live performance by Crashrocket at the historic Main Street garage bar and music venue.

  • Event: 😂 Comedian Carmen Vallone, 9:30–11:00 PM
    Cristy B's Comedy Club, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Late-night stand-up comedy performance by comedian Carmen Vallone.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🎬 Movie with a Cop: Lilo & Stitch, 8:00–9:30 PM
    Holly Hill City Hall, 1065 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117
    Free family movie night under the stars with the Holly Hill Police Department. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; complimentary popcorn and water will be available while supplies last.

Events for Saturday, September 19, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🌊 Granada Approach Coastal Cleanup, 8:00–11:00 AM
    Birthplace of Speed Park/Granada Approach, 21 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    International Coastal Cleanup volunteer event along the beach. This location has reached its registration capacity.

  • Event: 🌊 Andy Romano Park Coastal Cleanup, 8:00–11:00 AM
    Andy Romano Beachfront Park, 839 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Family-friendly beach cleanup organized as part of Volusia County's International Coastal Cleanup. Registration for this site is currently full.

  • Event: 🌊 Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park Coastal Cleanup, 8:00–11:00 AM
    Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, 1800 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Community cleanup for groups and families participating in the countywide International Coastal Cleanup. This site's registration has reached capacity.

  • Event: 🌊 Tom Renick Park Coastal Cleanup, 8:00–11:00 AM
    Tom Renick Park, 1565 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Beach cleanup where volunteers help remove litter and marine debris; participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and gardening gloves.

  • Event: 🌊 Highbridge Park Coastal Cleanup, 8:00–11:00 AM
    Highbridge Park Boat Ramp, 35 High Bridge Rd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail hosts a land-based cleanup of Highbridge Park and surrounding areas. Registration has reached capacity.

  • Event: 🌿 ECHO Rangers at OMAM, 12:00–1:00 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Children in grades 1–5 explore art and nature through hands-on projects inspired by the museum gardens as part of Volusia County's ECHO Rangers program.

  • Event: 🏺 Engravings of the Timucua: The Past Is Not Always What It Seems, 2:00–3:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Free illustrated lecture by archaeologist Dr. Jerald T. Milanich examining the famous 1591 Timucua engravings and the history of Ormond Beach's Halifax River mound. Registration is requested.

  • Event: 🎨 ArtWave Youth Workshop, 2:00–3:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Ages 10–14 learn about an artist and experiment with the artist's mediums and techniques. Supplies are included; advance registration is encouraged.

  • Event: 🎨 Art Battle Ormond Beach, Doors 5:00 PM; Painting Begins 6:00 PM
    Ormond Brewing, 301 Division Ave., Unit 15, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Live painting tournament where artists create works against the clock while the audience votes on who advances. Finished paintings are auctioned, with the event also supporting The Creative Chapter.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🌊 City Island Park Coastal Cleanup, 8:00–11:00 AM
    City Island Park, 105 E. Magnolia Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    International Coastal Cleanup along the Halifax River, with volunteers helping remove litter and debris from City Island Park.

  • Event: 🎉 B-CU Homecoming Parade, 9:00 AM
    Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Bethune-Cookman University's Homecoming parade brings the Wildcat celebration into the community as part of B-CU's 2026 Homecoming festivities.

  • Event: 🍂 7th Annual Festival of Fall, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
    Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32117
    Family-friendly fall festival featuring local vendors, food trucks, face painting and free photos with Pokémon favorites Eevee and Mimikyu.

  • Event: 🤸 Daytona Beach Bash Gymnastics Competition, Saturday Competition Sessions
    Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Opening day of a two-day USA Gymnastics competition featuring young athletes competing in vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.

  • Event: 🌮 Daytona Taco & Empanada Fest, 12:00–6:00 PM
    105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free food festival featuring taco and empanada vendors, artisans and crafters, a kids zone with bounce house and face painting, DJ entertainment and games.

  • Event: 🎓 B-CU Presidential Tailgate & Alumni Engagement Zone, 12:00–3:00 PM
    Daytona Stadium, 3777 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Bethune-Cookman Homecoming tailgate and alumni gathering ahead of the afternoon football game.

  • Event: 🏈 B-CU Homecoming Football Game vs. Virginia Lynchburg, 4:00 PM
    Daytona Stadium, 3777 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Bethune-Cookman University's Wildcats host Virginia University of Lynchburg in the centerpiece football game of B-CU Homecoming.

  • Event: 😂 Comedy Showcase at Cristy B's, 6:30–8:00 PM
    Cristy B's Comedy Club, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Saturday-evening stand-up comedy showcase featuring a lineup of comedians at the downtown Beach Street comedy club.

  • Event: 🎸 Star Spangled Summer: Walls of Echoes – Pink Floyd Tribute, 7:15 PM; Doors 5:30 PM
    Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Free oceanfront concert featuring Pink Floyd tribute band Walls of Echoes. General admission is free, with $15 reserved VIP seating available.

  • Event: 🎉 B-CU Homecoming Campus Kickback, 8:00–11:00 PM
    Bethune-Cookman University Quad, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Homecoming-night campus gathering concluding Saturday's Bethune-Cookman festivities.

  • Event: 😂 Late Comedy Showcase at Cristy B's, 9:00–10:30 PM
    Cristy B's Comedy Club, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Late Saturday-night edition of Cristy B's stand-up comedy showcase.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🌊 Sunrise Park Coastal Cleanup, 8:00–11:00 AM
    Sunrise Park, 1135 Riverside Dr., Holly Hill, FL 32117
    International Coastal Cleanup along the Halifax River. The site accommodates shoreline volunteers as well as boaters and kayakers; advance registration has reached capacity.

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

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