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  • ⭐ New Goodwill Hours, Celebrating 105, County Eyes Abuse, Worst Flu In 25 Years

⭐ New Goodwill Hours, Celebrating 105, County Eyes Abuse, Worst Flu In 25 Years

Issue #800

12 Jan

Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE

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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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Image: Goodwill Website

🛍️ More Time to Thrift: Goodwill Stores Extend Hours

If you’re a night owl or just love a late-day thrift treasure hunt, you’re in luck. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has expanded store hours across six counties — including Volusia. As of January 4, locations in Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Seminole, and Lake counties are now open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Previously, Sunday hours were shorter, closing by 8 p.m.

The change is designed to offer shoppers and donors more flexibility, while supporting Goodwill’s broader mission. “Every visit — whether to shop or donate — helps support local jobs, strengthen families and create a more sustainable Central Florida,” said Ed Durkee, President and CEO.

Note: Outlet stores aren’t included in this change. For the nearest retail location or Donation Xpress, check out GoodwillCFL.org.

🎂 105 Years Young: Dorothy Engel Celebrates a Milestone

Before heading into her weekly Bingo game, Dorothy Engel had a pretty big warm-up — her 105th birthday. On January 8, the Ormond Beach resident celebrated with friends at the Fraternal Order of Eagles club, capping off more than a century of rich life experiences.

Born in 1921 in Milton, Florida, Engel grew up in Chicago and summered in the Sunshine State. Her career journey took her from a liquor store to real estate to modeling for Buffums department store in California. She was also a courthouse clerk and a telephone operator.

She shared 68 years of marriage with her late husband Charles, a U.S. Marines captain, and together they raised two sons. In 1978, she settled in Ormond Beach, where she's received mayoral proclamations for her 100th and 103rd birthdays.

Still sharp and social, Engel’s long life is one marked by adaptability, adventure, and a lot of Bingo.

🛡️ Volusia Eyes Domestic Violence Registry Amid Troubling Stats

Volusia County is exploring a bold new strategy to combat domestic violence — a local offender registry inspired by Tennessee’s Savanna’s Law. The initiative was introduced during a recent county council meeting, where members voted unanimously to gather more information.

The motivation? Stark numbers. Volusia ranks fourth in Florida for domestic violence cases, logging about 4,000 annually, according to Buck James of the Domestic Abuse Council. Councilman Matt Reinhart emphasized the need for “education and transparency” to prevent repeat offenses.

Savanna’s Law, which went into effect this year in Tennessee, created a public database of persistent domestic violence offenders. Volusia’s potential version could serve a similar function, allowing residents to research and stay informed about those convicted of these crimes in their communities.

It’s still in early stages, but leaders hope the measure gains state-level attention and helps push back against the county’s concerning trends.

Source: MyNews13

🤒 Florida Faces Worst Flu Season in 25 Years

If you’ve been knocked flat by the flu lately, you’re not alone — Florida is in the thick of what experts are calling the worst flu season in more than two decades. Post-holiday surges have hit the state hard, with the CDC marking Florida as a high-alert zone for flu activity.

Dr. Tim Hendrix of AdventHealth Centra Care reports their clinics are seeing double the flu patients compared to last year. This year’s strain is particularly aggressive, with children being disproportionately affected. According to Dr. Gayathri Kapoor from Orlando Health, some young patients have required oxygen support or even ventilators.

Part of the problem? A mutation in the flu strain came after this season’s vaccine was already developed, making the shot less effective than usual — though still helpful in reducing hospitalizations.

The CDC also notes a troubling spike in pediatric deaths, the highest since the 2009 H1N1 outbreak. Doctors continue to urge vaccination, especially for children and those with underlying health conditions.

Source: Fox35Orlando

This Day In Florida History

  • 1861 — Secessionist forces took control of the Pensacola Navy Yard (Warrington Navy Yard), and the U.S. flag was hauled down there.

  • 1861 — Florida/Alabama forces demanded the surrender of Fort Pickens near Pensacola; the Union commander refused.

  • 1884 — A major downtown Orlando fire destroyed the Orange County Reporter newspaper plant and neighboring businesses.

  • 1888 — The Hotel Ponce de León in St. Augustine opened and welcomed its first guests.

  • 1888 — Jacksonville’s Florida Sub-Tropical Exposition opened to the public.

  • 1929 — Lowe Field (Sarasota’s first municipal airport) was dedicated.

  • 1939 — A major labor dispute involving Tampa’s cigar industry was reported as settled.

  • 1950 — Cocoa Beach officials discussed organizing a Volunteer Fire Department and assigned a point person to recruit members.

  • 1956 — The Langford (Winter Park) opened.

  • 1969 — Super Bowl III was played at the Miami Orange Bowl.

  • 1983 — The current Barron Collier Bridge over the Peace River opened to traffic (Punta Gorda / Port Charlotte area).

  • 1986 — Space Shuttle Columbia launched from Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-61C.

  • 1988 — The Florida Lottery officially began selling tickets.

  • 2005 — NASA’s Deep Impact spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral.

  • 2022 — The restored “Old Seven” (old Seven Mile Bridge segment) in the Florida Keys reopened to pedestrians and bicyclists.

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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:


Monday, Jan 12, 2026

🏛️ Last Chance History

  • Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular (Final Week)

    • This is the final week to experience the "Christmas Spectacular" at Florida’s most historic home before the decorations come down (season ends Jan 18). Monday offers a quieter atmosphere to tour the elaborate rooms.

    • Time: Tours vary (Reservations Required)

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

🏈 Sports & Social

  • NFL Super Wild Card Weekend: Monday Night Football

    • The NFL playoffs continue with the final game of "Super Wild Card Weekend." Expect big crowds and drink specials at local sports bars.

    • Where to Watch:

🧘 Wellness & Recreation

  • AumShanti Yoga: Living on the Breath

    • Start your week with intention. This alignment-based class focuses on breathwork to reduce stress.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)

  • Card Games @ Shores Community Center

    • Join the local community for a friendly game of Euchre or Samba.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center

🏛️ Civic Meetings

  • Historic Landmark Preservation Board

    • The board meets to discuss the preservation of Ormond Beach's historic structures and zones.

    • Time: 4:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall Training Room, Ormond Beach

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026

🏛️ Civic & City Business (Busy Night!)

  • Ormond Beach City Commission Workshop

    • The commission meets for a specific workshop session regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) for city employee benefits. These workshops are open to the public.

    • Time: 5:30 PM

    • Location: City Hall Conference Room 103, Ormond Beach

  • Volusia County School Board Meeting

    • A significant day for the School Board. They hold a workshop session in the afternoon followed by their Regular Session in the evening. Public comment is welcomed at the regular session.

    • Time: Workshop at 1:30 PM | Regular Session at 4:30 PM

    • Location: DeLand Administrative Complex (200 N. Clara Ave, DeLand)

  • Daytona Beach Board Meetings

    • Several advisory boards meet today:

      • Advertising Committee: 3:00 PM

      • Peabody Auditorium Advisory Board: 4:00 PM (Peabody Rose Room)

      • Midtown Redevelopment Board: 6:00 PM (City Hall)

  • Port Orange City Council Meeting

    • The regular meeting for the Port Orange City Council.

    • Time: 6:30 PM

    • Location: City Hall Council Chambers, Port Orange

  • South Daytona City Council

    • The neighboring city of South Daytona holds its regular council meeting.

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall, South Daytona

🍽️ Dining & Nightlife

  • 31 Supper Club: Taco Tuesday

    • Break up the week with gourmet tacos and drink specials on the patio. It’s a popular spot for locals to unwind after work.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

  • Grind Gastropub: Burger Night

    • Enjoy special pricing on signature burgers. The outdoor Tiki bar is a great spot if the January weather is mild.

    • Time: 4:00 PM – Close

    • Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach

🧘 Wellness

  • Gentle Yoga at The Casements

    • Many local rec programs resume full schedules this week. Check The Casements for morning classes often held in the riverfront rooms.

    • Time: Mornings (Verify schedule)

    • Location: The Casements, Ormond Beach

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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