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  • ⭐New Schedule At Strickland Range, Full Crowd At Jewish Fest, Gov. Candidate Arrested, Morgan Says "No Go"

⭐New Schedule At Strickland Range, Full Crowd At Jewish Fest, Gov. Candidate Arrested, Morgan Says "No Go"

Issue #892

14 Apr

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Volusia County

A scheduling note for anyone who uses the Strickland Shooting Range in Daytona Beach: beginning April 21, the facility will operate Thursday through Sunday only, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the county ensures adequate qualified safety staff coverage during all open hours. The two days trimmed from the schedule — Tuesday and Wednesday — will be restored once staffing is fully resolved. Passholders get an automatic one-month extension on their current membership to compensate for the reduced access. No action needed on your end — the extension applies automatically.

Strickland Range — temporary schedule starting April 21

  • Open Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Tuesday and Wednesday temporarily closed

  • Annual and semi-annual passholders receive one-month automatic extension

  • Questions: Volusia County Parks, Recreation and Culture — 386-736-5953

✦

✡️Sunday's Jewish Heritage Festival at The Casements drew a full crowd for the ninth edition of the biennial celebration, which ran from morning to evening with kosher and Mediterranean food, music, dance, arts vendors, and exhibits including a Holocaust Memorial and Jewish Hall of Fame. Children had inflatables, face painting, and — in what may be the festival's most distinctive offering — camel rides. The event was opened by four local officials who introduced themselves collectively as "The Four Mensches": Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, Rabbi Rob Lennick, and Marvin Miller. Chitwood pledged unambiguously that antisemitism would not be tolerated on his watch in Volusia County. The festival is free, open to the entire community, and returns in two years. Mark it down.

✦

A Palm Coast man who filed paperwork to run for Florida governor was arrested last Friday on eight felony charges following a domestic disturbance at his Cleveland Court home. Deputies responding to the call found two elderly victims — one bedridden — sheltering in a bedroom after the suspect allegedly battered them, threatened to kill them, and threatened responding officers as well. He was taken into custody without violence after complying with deputies' commands near his pool. While being transported to jail, he made statements that prompted a Baker Act hold. As of Monday he remained in custody. The candidate had filed as a Democrat in the 2026 gubernatorial race, though by all indications the campaign had no meaningful traction before this weekend's events.

✦

Prominent Orlando trial attorney John Morgan announced Sunday that he will not seek the governorship in 2026 — closing a chapter of sustained public speculation that had run for over a year. Morgan, who successfully led ballot initiative campaigns to legalize medical marijuana and raise the state's minimum wage, said he arrived at the decision after reflection during a winter in Maui, citing age, family priorities, and an honest assessment that door-to-door campaigning isn't his style. He's 70, he likes Hawaii, and he has grandchildren. Fair enough.

What he is doing, however, is launching a Florida-based third political party — and offering $100,000 to whoever comes up with the best name for it. Morgan has been talking about this idea for over a year, previously floating "Capitalist Party" as a possibility. He argues that the majority of Florida voters occupy a practical middle ground that neither major party serves well, and he wants to formalize that space into something permanent. Paperwork is reportedly in progress. The naming contest is open. If you've got a good idea and could use six figures, the door appears to be ajar.

Sources
"Beauty of culture: Ninth biennial Jewish Heritage Festival" — Ormond Observer, April 13, 2026
"Strickland Shooting Range to Temporarily Adjust Days of Operation" — Volusia County, April 2026
"Florida Governor Candidate Arrested in Palm Coast" — News Daytona Beach, April 2026
"John Morgan won't run for governor, plans $100K contest for third party" — Daytona News-Journal, April 13, 2026

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📅 Tuesday, April 14, 2026

📍 Ormond Beach

🌮 Dining & Nightlife

  • Elevated Taco Tuesday at 31 Supper Club

    • Step back in time to the 1930s! Head to Ormond Beach's iconic Prohibition-style dining destination for a gourmet spin on Taco Tuesday, accompanied by world-class live music in a beautifully decorated atmosphere.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: 31 Supper Club (31 W Granada Blvd)

📚 Youth & Education

  • Ready to Learn Pre-K Storytime

    • An interactive, in-person literacy program designed specifically for children ages 3-5 to build foundational reading skills through engaging stories and activities.

    • Time: Morning (Check library for exact start time)

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (30 S Beach St)

🏛️ Civic & Local Government

  • Brownfield Advisory Board Meeting

    • Standard city business continues this evening. Residents are welcome to attend this public board meeting focused on local environmental and property redevelopment initiatives.

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach City Hall, Training Conference Room (22 S Beach St)

📍 Holly Hill

🏓 Active & Leisure

  • Tuesday on the Courts @ Pictona

    • Keep your weekly fitness routine going strong! Pictona is open for standard play across its 49 courts. If you prefer to stay out of the afternoon sun, head to the "Club Hub" in the Osprey Room for indoor table games and socializing.

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

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

🌮 Local Dining

  • Taco Tuesday at the Duck

    • Support a great local business and treat yourself to dinner! The Drunken Duck Brewing Company frequently hosts local food trucks, and Tuesday evenings are all about grabbing some tacos to pair with their fantastic craft beers on tap.

    • Time: Taproom opens at 4:00 PM

    • Location: Drunken Duck Brewing Company (101 2nd Street, Unit 401)

📍 Daytona Beach

⚾ Sports & Entertainment

  • Daytona Tortugas vs. St. Lucie Mets (Breast Cancer Awareness Night)

    • Take me out to the ballgame! The Daytona Tortugas are back home at the historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Tonight is a special Breast Cancer Awareness game, so wear pink to honor survivors and fighters while you cheer on the home team!

    • Time: First pitch at 6:35 PM

    • Location: Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 E Orange Ave)

    • Tickets: Starting around $10

🏎️ Automotive & Racing

  • Celebration Exotic Car Festival: Track Days

    • Got a need for speed? After wrapping up their massive weekend concours show, the Celebration Exotic Car Festival moves to Daytona today! Watch as incredible exotic and race cars take over the track for high-speed driving on the world-famous Speedway.

    • Time: Track runs all day

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway (1801 W International Speedway Blvd)

🧘 Health & Wellness

  • AumShanti Yoga: Let It Be Flow

    • Start your morning with ocean views and deep breathing. The Hard Rock Hotel is hosting a guided Vin/Yin yoga session with instructor Lauren out on the beautiful Rock Royalty Terrace.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (918 N Atlantic Ave)

🤸 Community & Fitness

  • Active Classes at the Shores Community Center

    • The Daytona Beach Shores Community Center has a packed schedule today to keep residents moving and socializing:

      • Zumba Gold: 8:45 AM

      • Sittercise: 9:00 AM

      • SilverSneakers: 9:30 AM

      • Bridge (Card Game): 11:30 AM

      • Chair Yoga: 4:30 PM

      • Gentle Yoga: 6:00 PM

    • Location: Shores Community Center (3000 Bellemead Dr)

📅 Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📍 Ormond Beach

🏛️ Civic & Community

  • Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
    (New Location) Grace Life Beachside Church Hall, 6 Sandra Drive, Ormond Beach
    All Are Welcome!  More info at (386) 441-4421

  • Leadership Ormond Beach: City Government Day

    • Local community leaders and program participants will spend the day getting an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how Ormond Beach's municipal government operates, from public works to city planning.

    • Time: All Day (Closed program for registered cohort)

    • Location: Various municipal buildings in Ormond Beach

📚 Library & Support

  • eLab Open Assistance

    • Drop into the library's LaunchPad for free, one-on-one assistance with basic computer skills, cover letter and resume building, email setup, or navigating internet job searches.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (30 S Beach St)

📍 Holly Hill

💼 Business & Networking

  • Economic Prosperity Hour

    • Presented by Halifax Health, this fast-paced morning session brings together local leaders to share timely economic updates. Today's featured speaker is City of Holly Hill Mayor John Penny, who will offer insight into local initiatives and growth. Early registration is highly encouraged!

    • Time: 7:45 AM – 9:00 AM

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

🎲 Games & Social

  • Mid-Week BINGO at DAV Chapter 84

    • Looking for some mid-week fun? The local Disabled American Veterans chapter hosts a great community Bingo night every Wednesday.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: DAV Chapter 84 (605 8th St)

🏓 Active & Leisure

  • Wednesday on the Courts @ Pictona

    • Get over the mid-week hump on the courts! Pictona is open for its standard open-play schedule. It is a great Wednesday to drop in for a few games or hang out in the Osprey Room for cards and indoor games at the "Club Hub."

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

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

📍 Daytona Beach

⚾ Sports & Entertainment

  • Daytona Tortugas vs. St. Lucie Mets

    • Take me out to the ballgame! Grab a hot dog and a cold drink, and cheer on the hometown Daytona Tortugas as they continue their home stand against the St. Lucie Mets.

    • Time: First pitch at 6:35 PM

    • Location: Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 E Orange Ave)

🤝 Business & Social

  • Business After Hours at the Hard Rock Hotel

    • The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting their rescheduled April Business After Hours event down the road in Daytona! Connect with the local business community in a relaxed setting right on the beach.

    • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (918 N Atlantic Ave)

🏃 Fitness & Community

  • The Running Elements – Wednesday Run Club

    • Lace up your sneakers! Join fellow runners and walkers for a fun, community-focused evening run through the ONE DAYTONA entertainment district. All paces are welcome!

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: ONE DAYTONA (1 Daytona Blvd)

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