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- ⭐ Mother Sentenced, Penny Conundrum, Sign Owners Retire, Whale Watchers Needed
⭐ Mother Sentenced, Penny Conundrum, Sign Owners Retire, Whale Watchers Needed
Issue #796
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Table of Contents
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Volusia County Branch Jail
👩⚖️ Volusia Mother Sentenced in Son’s Death
A Volusia County mother will spend the next 32 years in prison following the devastating death of her teenage son. Talia Nelson, 45, pleaded no contest to aggravated manslaughter and child abuse, avoiding a first-degree murder trial. Her sentencing on Monday marks the end of a tragic case that shook the Daytona Beach community.
Nelson’s 14-year-old son weighed only 33 pounds at the time of his death, suffering from years of abuse and neglect. Despite claiming he had multiple medical conditions, prosecutors revealed that he hadn’t received any medical care in over three years. The heartbreaking details prompted a strong response from State Attorney R.J. Larizza, who described the case as "heartless and cruel."
Judge Leah Case handed down the sentence following a prosecution led by Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak. The Daytona Beach Police Department led the investigation into the teen’s death.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🪙 Florida’s Penny Problem Gets Rounded Out
As the penny slowly disappears from American pockets, Florida lawmakers are trying to smooth out the wrinkles in cash transactions. With the U.S. Treasury halting penny production in November 2025 — thanks to a skyrocketing unit cost of $3.69 per coin — Floridians could soon be rounding their purchases to the nearest nickel.
Sen. Don Gaetz and Rep. Fiona McFarland filed a bill (SB 1074/HB 951) to guide retailers through this copper coin conundrum. Under the proposal, only cash payments would be rounded, while electronic transactions remain unchanged. So if your bill comes to $1.12, expect $1.10 in change. But if it’s $1.13, you’ll get $1.15 back. Fair play in a post-penny world.
Though many stores still have pennies in circulation, the legislation is a forward-thinking move as supplies dwindle. Notably, the nickel isn’t faring much better — now costing over 13 cents to mint.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
👋 Sign of the Times..Speedi Sign Owners Retire
After nearly four decades of creating banners, signs, and smiles in Volusia and Flagler Counties, Ron and Carla Cornelius of Speedi Sign have retired. The Ormond Beach couple started their Holly Hill-based business in 1989 with a simple mission: deliver great signs, fast, and treat customers right.
And they delivered — serving everyone from hospitals and municipalities to local real estate agencies, all with a five-person team. Speedi Sign even powered through tough times, including 9/11, COVID-19, and a 2022 fire that forced them to rebuild from soot-covered ruins. Loyal customers and fellow business owners rallied behind them during the hard times, proving just how deeply they’d embedded themselves into the local fabric.
The Corneliuses sold the business in late September 2025 to Jake Muhleman, who’s expected to continue their customer-first legacy. As they head into retirement, the couple plans to travel and reflect on their decades of dedication.
Source: Ormond Observer
🐋 Calving Season Brings Hope for Right Whales
There’s good news splashing in Florida’s coastal waters. The critically endangered Northern Right Whale has already welcomed 15 new calves this season — a surprising and hopeful early count. Whale mothers and their young are being spotted up and down the coastline, including recent sightings in Ormond Beach and The Hammock.
The Marineland Right Whale Project, which monitors a 70-mile stretch from Ponte Vedra to Ponce Inlet, is calling for more volunteers to help track these majestic (and very rare) creatures. With fewer than 400 individuals left, each sighting plays a role in protecting the species. When a whale is spotted and reported, nearby boaters are alerted to slow down — potentially saving lives.
Volunteers can join at any time and are encouraged to whale-watch from piers or dunes. For those short on time, just saving the hotline (1-888-97-WHALE) can make a difference.
In 2025, only 11 calves were reported — so 2026 is already off to a strong start.
Source: Ormond Observer
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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:
Thursday, Jan 8, 2026
🎭 Headline Entertainment
Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show-CANCELLED
Television legend Vicki Lawrence takes the stage at the Peabody Auditorium. The show features a mix of stand-up, music, and a special appearance by her most famous character, "Mama" (Thelma Harper). A nostalgic and hilarious night out.
Time: CANCELLED DUE TO “UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES”
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
🏛️ Civic & Community (Important)
Volusia County Council Meeting
The first regular meeting of the County Council for 2026. This session typically sets the tone for the year's legislative priorities.
Time: 9:00 AM (Regular Meeting) | 11:00 AM (Workshop)
Location: Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, DeLand
The weekly market returns to its regular schedule. Shop for fresh local produce, honey, and artisan crafts under the trees at City Hall Plaza.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach
🐢 Nature & Learning
With right whale calving season underway, the Marine Discovery Center hosts a timely lecture on these endangered giants. Learn how to spot them and what is being done to protect them.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Marine Discovery Center, New Smyrna Beach
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Enjoy a solo set by Rob Hazen on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. Great for a relaxed Thursday evening drink.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Step back in time at this 1930s-style speakeasy. Thursday nights often feature smooth jazz or piano in the Havana Bar.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🤝 Support & Wellness
A compassionate support group facilitated by local professionals, offering a space for connection and healing.
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Blake at LPGA (Hosted by Ormond Chamber)
Saturday, Jan 10, 2026
🏃 Sports & Active
AdventHealth Moonlight Beach Run
Lace up your running shoes for a unique evening race on the "World's Most Famous Beach." The event features a 5K, 10K, and the "Bandshell Challenge" (15K). The race starts at the Daytona Beach Bandshell and runs north on the sand under the stars.
Time: Races start at 4:30 PM (Sunset/Evening)
Location: Daytona Beach Bandshell & Oceanfront
Florida Winter Volleyball Festival
The Ocean Center transforms into a massive volleyball arena for this two-day tournament. Watch top club teams from across the state compete in high-energy matches.
Time: All Day (Matches start approx. 8:00 AM)
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
98th South Atlantic Women's Amateur ("The Sally")
Today is the Championship Round of the historic "Sally" golf tournament. Spectators are welcome to walk the course at Oceanside Country Club to watch some of the world's best amateur women golfers compete for the title.
Time: Final Round Tee Times (Morning)
Location: Oceanside Country Club, Ormond Beach
🥦 Farmers Markets
Daytona Beach Downtown Farmers Market
Spend your Saturday morning strolling along the Halifax River. Browse fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and plants on City Island.
Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Market @ Magnolia (Beach St. & Magnolia Ave), Daytona Beach
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Speed Limit 70 @ Hard Rock Hotel
Get ready to dance to hits from the 70s through the 00s. The band Speed Limit 70 takes over the oceanfront Sessions Terrace for a high-energy Saturday night.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Florida Underground Music Festival
Day 2 of this independent music showcase features local and regional underground artists performing live.
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Daytona Beach Airport (Verify venue locally)
🎨 Arts & Culture
The museum exhibitions are open today. It is a perfect quiet escape after a busy week to see the latest installation or walk through the lush gardens.
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum
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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