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  • ⭐Missing Boaters Found Off OB, OB Faces$8.2mm Cut, Memorial For Tollbooth Victim

⭐Missing Boaters Found Off OB, OB Faces$8.2mm Cut, Memorial For Tollbooth Victim

Issue #949

10 Jun

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Photo: Courtesy New Smyrna Beach Police

🚤 Missing Boaters Found Safe Off Ormond Beach

What began as a concerning search effort ended with welcome news Tuesday afternoon when two missing Lake Helen boaters were found safe approximately 25 miles off the coast of Ormond Beach.

The men had departed from the Swoop Boat Ramp in New Smyrna Beach early June 8 aboard their 25-foot Carolina Classic vessel, Dirty Oar, planning to fish roughly 30 miles offshore. When they failed to return as expected, a multi-agency search involving the New Smyrna Beach Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office was launched.

Hours later, authorities announced the pair had been located and were in good health. The successful outcome brought relief to family members and first responders alike, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated marine search operations along Volusia County’s coastline.

For a story that began with uncertainty, it ended with the best possible result: two fishermen safely returning home.

💰 Ormond Faces Tough Choices Amid Property Tax Debate

Ormond Beach officials are preparing for what could become one of the city's most significant financial challenges in recent memory.

During a June 9 budget workshop, commissioners directed staff to prepare next year’s budget using the current millage rate of 4.3202 mills, maintaining a flat property tax rate while uncertainty surrounds Florida’s proposed property tax reforms.

If approved by voters this November, the constitutional amendment would dramatically expand homestead exemptions, potentially removing nearly $1.9 billion in taxable property value from Ormond Beach by 2028. City Finance Director Kelly McGuire estimates the change could create an annual revenue shortfall of approximately $8.2 million.

Commissioners emphasized that maintaining current services remains a priority, but staff warned that losses of this magnitude would likely require difficult decisions. McGuire noted that even eliminating the city’s entire parks and recreation department would not fully offset the projected deficit.

Commissioners also discussed restoring video livestreaming of city meetings, though no decision was made. The proposal would cost approximately $50,000 in the first year and $24,000 annually thereafter.

💜 Family Seeks Memorial for Beloved Toll Attendant

The family of Tammie Jo Baker is turning grief into remembrance after the longtime Daytona Beach resident was killed in the June 1 crash at the Dunlawton Avenue beach ramp tollbooth.

On June 9, a judge ordered the driver charged in the crash to remain jailed without bond as the criminal case proceeds. But for Baker’s family, the focus remains squarely on honoring the woman they describe as the heart of their family.

Speaking after the hearing, Baker’s daughter, Louella McBride, reflected on the many milestones her mother will now miss, including the upcoming birth of her first great-grandchild. Her son, Shawn Baker, described his mother as compassionate, faith-filled and devoted to helping others.

The family now plans to ask the Volusia County Council to create a memorial in Baker’s honor, potentially a bench at Lighthouse Point Park overlooking the dog beach — a place they believe reflects her love of people, animals and the community she served.

“My mom was the glue that held us together,” McBride said, echoing the sentiment shared by many who knew her.

Recent Deaths

  • Juan Garcia Leyva, age 84, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away on September 19, 2025.

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Events for Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Ormond Beach Farmers Market

    • It's Thursday, which means it is time for the weekly farmers market! Stroll through the City Hall Plaza to shop for fresh regional produce, baked goods, local honey, plants, and handcrafted items.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall Plaza (22 S. Beach St)

  • Event: 🏛️Site Plan Review Committee, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
    City Hall - CR103, 22 S. Beach Street, Ormond Beach
    A public city planning committee meeting.

  • Event: 🏛️The Casements Summer Tour Hours, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr., Ormond Beach
    Guided summer tours offered hourly at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

  • Event: 🎨Kids Painting with Pastels Art Class, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
    The Salty Mermaid, 1546 Ocean Shore Boulevard, Ormond Beach
    A colorful afternoon of pastel art and creativity for young artists.

  • Event: 🏛️Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. US1, Ormond Beach
    A public Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏓Junior Summer Pickleball Camp, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill
    A youth pickleball camp focused on fundamentals, games, confidence-building, and social fun.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🧘AumShanti Yoga - Highway to OHM, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
    Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach - Rock Royalty Terrace, 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach
    A beginner-friendly gentle yoga class open to locals and visitors.

  • Event: 🏃The Running Elements - Wednesday Run Club, 6:00 PM
    ONE DAYTONA, One Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach
    A free weekly community run open to all abilities.

  • Event: ⚾Daytona Tortugas Baseball Games - 2026 Season, 6:35 PM
    Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach
    A Daytona Tortugas home baseball game at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

  • Event: 🧠Twisted Trivia w/Will Hammer, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
    Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach - Sessions, 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach
    A three-hour music and trivia night with prizes.

Events for Thursday, June 11, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🏛️Evaluation Committee Meeting RFP 2026-16 R - Data Center Infrastructure Upgrade, 9:00 AM
    Training Room, 22 South Beach Street, Ormond Beach
    A public purchasing calendar meeting for the city’s data center infrastructure upgrade RFP.

  • Event: 🏛️The Casements Summer Tour Hours, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr., Ormond Beach
    Guided summer tours offered hourly at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

  • Event: 🏛️Planning Board, 6:00 PM
    City Commission Chambers, 22 S. Beach Street, Ormond Beach
    A public Ormond Beach Planning Board meeting.

Holly Hill

  • Thursday on the Courts @ Pictona

    • Head over to the 49-court facility for a great day of open-play pickleball. If you prefer indoor games to beat the summer heat, the "Club Hub" in the Osprey Room is open for cards, Mahjong, and socializing. Don't forget to grab lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Kitchen.

    • Time: Open daily (typically 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM)

    • Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🎶Summer Soundtrack: Jon Cabrera Unplugged - 90s Acoustic Throwbacks, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM
    Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA, One Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach
    A high-energy acoustic throwback set featuring 1990s favorites.

  • Event: ⚾Daytona Tortugas vs. Jupiter Hammerheads, 6:35 PM
    Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach
    A minor-league baseball game with a Taps & Tacos promotion

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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#VolusiaCounty #OrmondBeach #BoatingSafety #LocalGovernment #PropertyTaxes #CommunityNews #DaytonaBeachShores #TammieJoBaker #Memorial #VolusiaStrong

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