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  • ⭐ Manatees Warm Up, Deputies Rescue 11yr-old, Sheila Jordan's Legacy

⭐ Manatees Warm Up, Deputies Rescue 11yr-old, Sheila Jordan's Legacy

Issue #792

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🐋 Manatees Make a Splash at Blue Spring State Park

As temperatures drop, Florida's manatees are heading inland in search of warmer waters—and they’re drawing a crowd. At Blue Spring State Park, the natural spring maintains a balmy 72 degrees year-round, making it an essential winter refuge for manatees that can’t tolerate water below 68 degrees.

Hundreds of manatees have been spotted congregating in the park’s clear waters this week as cold air settled over the state. These gentle giants migrate from coastal spots like Flagler County into inland springs every winter, and Blue Spring has become a hotspot for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse—sometimes with over 500 manatees visible on especially chilly mornings.

For those unable to brave the lines, Florida State Parks offers live webcams so you can still enjoy the aquatic spectacle from home. It's a serene reminder of how nature adapts—and how lucky Florida is to have such magical moments just below the surface.

Source: Fox35News

🚨 Sheriff’s Deputies Rescue Kidnapped 11-Year-Old from Sex Offender

In a harrowing but heroic turn of events, Flagler County deputies rescued an 11-year-old boy who had been reported missing for three days after a tip led to a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve. The child, found with another minor and registered sex offender Darnell Hairston, revealed a terrifying ordeal that included being choked unconscious, bound with shoelaces, and threatened with weapons.

Hairston allegedly lured the boy to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates, where he held him captive for days. Evidence found at multiple locations—including Hairston’s vehicle and residence—corroborated the child's chilling account. The boy told deputies he feared for his life and thought he’d be killed if they hadn’t intervened.

Hairston was arrested after attempting to flee and disarm a deputy. He now faces a long list of charges including kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, and resisting arrest with violence. Meanwhile, the second juvenile involved is being investigated as a potential co-conspirator.

Thanks to a watchful citizen and quick action from law enforcement, this child is safe—and justice is underway.

🌟 Building a Legacy: Sheila Jordan Empowers Girls at Pace Center

At the Pace Center for Girls in Ormond Beach, Executive Director Sheila Jordan isn’t just leading—she’s transforming. Since taking the reins in 2020, Jordan has championed the center’s mission of empowering girls through education, counseling, and life skills.

Jordan’s journey is as inspiring as the girls she now supports. From a career in nonprofits like City Year to hurricane relief in Louisiana, and even founding her own youth program, she’s always been drawn to hands-on impact. At Pace, she’s found her calling. “It reminds me of the girl that I was,” she says. “And it gives me an opportunity to celebrate the girl that I am.”

Under Jordan’s leadership, the center is preparing for its own transformation: a $6.2 million new campus that will allow them to expand their services from 50 to 85 girls. Housed in a historic schoolhouse now, the new space will help provide even more room for friendships, growth, and healing.

With passion, purpose, and a powerful personal story, Jordan is helping girls see beyond trauma to a future full of possibility.

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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:


Sunday, Jan 4, 2026

🚚 Festivals & Foodies

  • FOODEES Food & Culture Festival (Final Day)

    • Don't miss the last day of this massive food truck takeover at Tanger Outlets. Admission is free, offering access to over 40 diverse food trucks, 60+ artisan crafters, and a "Fun Park" for the kids.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

    • Location: Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach (Cornerstone Blvd)

🏡 Home & Lifestyle

  • Daytona Home Show

    • Start your 2026 renovation projects here. This expo features the latest in kitchen, bath, gardening, and home decor. Meet local contractors and see product demonstrations.

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Approx. Sunday Hours)

    • Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach

🏛️ History & Holiday

  • Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular

    • The holiday magic continues at Florida's most historic home. Tours of the mansion, featuring elaborate designer decorations, are available today. Reservations are required.

    • Time: Tours vary (Check availability)

    • Location: Stetson Mansion, DeLand (approx. 25 min drive)

🏈 Sports & Entertainment

  • Game Day at Dave & Buster's

    • Catch the final Sunday of the regular football season on the massive HDTV screens. It’s a high-energy spot to watch the games with arcade breaks in between.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – Midnight

    • Location: Dave & Buster's, Daytona Beach (near Tanger Outlets)

🌿 Nature & Outdoors

  • Self-Guided Sunday at Tomoka State Park

    • Avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful Sunday morning hike or paddle along the Tomoka River. The park is open all day for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – Sunset

    • Location: Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach

Monday, Jan 5, 2026

🎒 School Status

  • Student Holiday (No School)

    • Volusia County students have one more day of Winter Break while teachers report for a planning day. Classes resume tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan 6.

🏛️ Historic Holiday Tours

  • Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular

    • The "Christmas Mansion" tours continue through mid-January. With the holiday rush over, Monday is a fantastic time to tour Florida’s most historic home (in DeLand) to see the elaborate designer decorations before they are taken down.

    • Time: Tours vary (Reservations Required)

    • Location: Stetson Mansion, DeLand (approx. 25 min drive)

🎲 Community & Recreation

  • Card Games & Active Rec

    • The Daytona Shores Community Center hosts open activities for residents and visitors. Join in for a game of Euchre or get moving with Chair Volleyball.

    • Time: Euchre at 12:00 PM | Chair Volleyball at 1:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center (3000 Bellemead Dr)

🍽️ Locals' Dining Specials

  • Grind Gastropub: All-Day Happy Hour

    • Ease back into the work week with "The Happiest Hours." Happy Hour pricing is available from open to close every Monday, making it a favorite spot for locals to gather.

    • Time: 11:30 AM – Close

    • Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach

💼 Professional Development

  • 2026 Tax Season: All Aboard!

    • A full-day professional seminar for tax professionals to prepare for the upcoming filing season. Hosted by the FL National Association of Tax Professionals.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    • Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites (Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport)

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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