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- ⭐Meet Casey Mears, Crosswalk Concerns, High Cost of Sweetness
⭐Meet Casey Mears, Crosswalk Concerns, High Cost of Sweetness
Issue #832
Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
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Courtesy MBM Motorsports/Facebook
🏁 Racing for a Cause in Daytona Beach
As engines rev up for the iconic DAYTONA 500, one local shopping destination is bringing the community into the fast lane—while keeping philanthropy front and center.
Casey Mears, veteran driver of the No. 66 car, will appear at Tanger Daytona Beach on Today, from 2–3 p.m. for a special meet-and-greet ahead of race weekend. Wristbands will be available beginning at 1 p.m. near Columbia, and guests are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited.
But this event goes beyond autographs and photo ops. At the conclusion of the appearance, Tanger will present a $10,000 donation to The Gracie Foundation, a nonprofit supporting women undergoing cancer treatment. The partnership also helps deliver “Gracie Gifts,” care packages filled with thoughtful items meant to uplift recipients during challenging times.
Mears’ No. 66 Garage 66 Ford Mustang will prominently feature Tanger as a key partner during the race weekend—bringing national visibility to a local initiative.
It’s a reminder that while the DAYTONA 500 brings speed and spectacle, it can also spotlight meaningful community support.
Source: Ormond Observer
🚸 Crosswalk Concerns on Riverside Drive
Meanwhile, just north in Holly Hill, the focus shifts from race cars to road safety—specifically for pedestrians crossing Riverside Drive.
Resident John Stephens raised concerns after several close calls while using crosswalks between Eighth Street and LPGA Boulevard. He says drivers frequently fail to stop, creating tense moments for walkers and their four-legged companions alike.
City officials acknowledge the concerns but note that pedestrian traffic along Riverside Drive is relatively low. Holly Hill Police Department reports no prior formal complaints, though they plan to conduct pedestrian right-of-way enforcement this year in coordination with state and federal partners.
Advocacy group Bike/Walk Central Florida has also stepped in, coordinating safety operations planned for March. The organization says similar efforts have boosted driver yield rates by more than 10% in other areas. Along with enforcement, leaders will evaluate whether additional signage, pavement markings, or flashing signals could enhance visibility.
For Stephens and others who cross Riverside regularly, even modest improvements would offer peace of mind. As the city reviews options, the conversation underscores a broader goal: making shared roads feel safe for everyone.
Source: MyNews13
🍫 The High Cost of Sweetness This Valentine’s Day 💕💕
And finally, love may be priceless—but chocolate certainly isn’t.
A new national report shows chocolate prices in 2026 are up 236% compared to 10 years ago, contributing to a 51% jump in the overall cost of a typical Valentine’s Day celebration since 2016. Dinner for two, champagne, roses, and greeting cards have all risen in price—but chocolate leads the charge.
At Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory in Daytona Beach, longtime owner Chuck Smith says wholesale cocoa prices have skyrocketed. When he entered the business in 1983, cocoa cost $7.50 per pound. Today, it’s hovering above $31 per pound.
The culprit? Severe weather and crop disease in West Africa, which supplies the vast majority of the world’s cocoa beans. Drought, monsoons, and blight reportedly wiped out as much as 67% of recent harvests. While global wholesale prices have recently eased, retail chocolate prices remain elevated due to strong demand and lingering market instability.
Still, customers like George Denys are keeping tradition alive—price tag and all. After all, some gestures are simply too sweet to skip.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Alan Ray Ouellet (38) – Arrested on Feb. 5.
Charge(s): Trespass, domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, possession of a controlled substance without prescription, paraphernalia.
Bail: $2,500.
Holly Hill Police Department
Dwayne Black (32) – Arrested on Jan. 30.
Charge(s): Burglary of an occupied dwelling, trespass in an occupied structure, resisting an officer with violence, harming police/fire/search & rescue animal, aggravated stalking (credible threat), burglary of an occupied dwelling, criminal mischief.
Bail: $29,500.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Matthew Todd Thomas (41) – Arrested on Jan. 30.
Charge(s): Battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of paraphernalia and THC oil, threat against law enforcement officer, obstructing an officer without violence, resisting an officer with violence.
Bail: $60,500.Joseph Bompadre (56) – Arrested on Jan. 30.
Charge(s): Driving with a license canceled, grand theft (motor vehicle).
Bail: Not set.Daniel Scott Lombard (52) – Arrested on Feb. 2.
Charge(s): Failure of a sex offender to properly register.
Bail: Not set.Christopher Dale Hodges Jr (43) – Arrested on Feb. 3.
Charge(s): Driving with a canceled license, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without prescription.
Bail: $5,500.Jaqueline S. Upson (53) – Arrested on Feb. 3.
Charge(s): Possession of Schedule II substance, driving with a canceled license.
Bail: Not set.Christopher Michael Prida (29) – Arrested on Feb. 4.
Charge(s): Battery – second/subsequent offense, possession of a weapon by in-state felon.
Bail: $7,500.
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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
Friday, Feb 13, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports Headline: The Truck Series Opener
The bumper-to-bumper chaos of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns. This is often the wildest race of the week, as young drivers try to make a name for themselves on the high banks. The night also features the first official practice session for the Daytona 500 cars.
Schedule:
5:35 PM – 6:25 PM: Daytona 500 Practice 1 (See the Cup cars dial in their setups).
7:30 PM: Fresh From Florida 250 (100 Laps).
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏎️ Dirt Track Action
The "World of Outlaws" Late Models take center stage at Volusia Speedway Park. These full-fendered dirt cars slide around the track at incredible speeds. They are joined by the Super DIRTcar Series (Big Block Modifieds) for a premier double-header.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎸 Headline Concerts
Free Fallin: A Tribute to Tom Petty
Sing along to the hits of Florida’s own Tom Petty. "Free Fallin" is widely considered one of the best touring tributes, recreating the sound and feel of the Heartbreakers. Expect hits like "American Girl," "Refugee," and "I Won't Back Down."
Time: 8:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
Shake, rattle, and roll at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. This high-energy production brings the music of the 50s and 60s to life—think Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins—with a "Stray Cats" style edge.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
🥦 Fresh & Local
If you are venturing west toward DeLand before the races, check out this award-winning evening market. It features local produce, food trucks, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Artisan Alley, DeLand
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The hotel will be packed with race fans. Catch a live band on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace to kick off the weekend.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
💕💕Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
🏁 The Speedway Double-Header
The United Rentals 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)
The Xfinity Series takes center stage for its season opener. These drivers are hungry to prove themselves, often resulting in one of the most aggressive races of Speedweeks. It’s the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day for a race couple.
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
The General Tire 200 (ARCA Menards Series)
The day kicks off with the ARCA Menards Series. Watch the future stars of the sport tackle the high banks in a chaotic 80-lap sprint.
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🎤 Headline Festival
Bert Kreischer's Full Throttle Festival
A massive entertainment event hits the Ocean Center. Comedian Bert "The Machine" Kreischer hosts a wild night featuring rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd and DJ Diplo. It is a unique mix of comedy, southern rock, and EDM designed for the race crowd.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🏎️ Dirt Track Finale
DIRTcar Nationals: The Grand Finale
The three-week marathon concludes tonight! A "Big Gator" champion will be crowned in both the World of Outlaws Late Models and the Super DIRTcar Series. It is the last chance to see the dirt fly before the circus leaves town.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎣 Community & Outdoors
Reel in the Fund Fishing Tournament
A family-friendly catch-and-release fishing tournament held at Central Park in Ormond Beach. Prizes are awarded for various age groups.
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Central Park (Fleming Ave), Ormond Beach
❤️ Valentine's Day Note
Dining Alert: With the combination of Valentine's Day, the Xfinity race, and the Bert Kreischer festival, beachside restaurants will be slammed. If you haven't made a reservation, consider dining early (before 5:00 PM) or heading inland to Ormond Beach West (Granada Blvd near I-95).
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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