⭐OB Father Sentenced, Junior Lifeguards Dive, Firefighters Win

Issue #994

Author

.George Sloane
25 Jul

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Volusia County Branch Jail

⚖️ Ormond Father Sentenced to 42 Years

An Ormond Beach man has been sentenced to 42 years in prison following the 2025 hot-car death of his 18-month-old son. Scott Gardner, 34, pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and child neglect causing great bodily harm. Prosecutors said Gardner left his son, Sebastian, inside a truck without air conditioning on June 6, 2025, while he got a haircut and visited a bar. Medical personnel reported the child's body temperature reached as high as 111 degrees. Gardner had originally faced a first-degree murder charge before reaching a plea agreement. Circuit Judge Kathryn Weston said she believed a life sentence would have been appropriate, while State Attorney R.J. Larizza emphasized the profound loss at the center of the case.

🌊 Junior Lifeguards Dive Into the Future

Volusia County's Junior Lifeguard Program is helping develop the next generation of beach safety professionals. The 46-year-old program attracts 300 to 400 hopefuls each summer, with qualifying participants ages 9-15 learning water safety, lifesaving techniques and ocean ecology. During July's competition training camp at Ponce Inlet, junior guards practiced events including iron guard, run-swim-run, rescue relay and beach flags. About 10 to 20 participants are expected to compete at the USLA Junior National competition in Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 4. Organizers say the program isn't just about medals—it also serves as an important recruiting pipeline at a time when Volusia County needs more lifeguards protecting its beaches.

🥎 Firefighters Win the Game, Charities Win Bigger

And speaking of friendly competition, Volusia County's firefighters and deputies traded emergency vehicles for ball caps at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach for their first charity softball showdown. Volusia County Fire and Rescue earned the on-field bragging rights with a convincing 26-6 victory over the Volusia Sheriff's Office, but the scoreboard wasn't the night's biggest number. The event raised more than $70,000 for the V Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research and the Volusia Sheriff's Youth Foundation. The Spruce Creek girls varsity softball team even joined the action, prompting Sheriff Mike Chitwood to jokingly "swear in" the players so they could bat for his side. The inaugural game proved successful enough that organizers are already planning a rematch in 2027.

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📅 Local Events: Saturday, July 25, 2026

It's the weekend! Spend your Saturday enjoying nature in Ormond Beach, playing pickleball at Holly Hill's evening social, or tasting your way through the huge Daytona Beach Wing Battle!

📍 Ormond Beach

🌳 Outdoors & Nature

Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail Drive

Spend your Saturday morning taking a gorgeous drive or bike ride along the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. Enjoy over 30 miles of natural beauty, including state parks, historic sites, and beautiful ocean views.

Time: Open all day | Location: Starts at Birthplace of Speed Park (21 Ocean Shore Blvd)

🎨 Arts & Culture

Summer Art Exhibits at OMAM

Enjoy a peaceful Saturday stroll through the local arts! The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is a great place to escape the heat and explore beautiful indoor galleries and lush outdoor gardens.

Time: Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)

📍 Holly Hill

🏓 Active & Leisure

Saturday Dink N Drink @ Pictona

Saturdays are for pickleball! Head to the courts for Pictona's weekly Dink N Drink event, featuring open play, drink and food specials, music, and a fun community atmosphere.

Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave) | Cost: Free for Members / $10 Non-Members

📍 Daytona Beach

🍗 Food & Drink

2nd Annual Daytona Beach Wing Battle

Enjoy this all-inclusive Wings & Alcohol event! Taste test from various competitors and cast your vote for the best wings in Daytona Beach. The event features unlimited wing samplings, drinks, live music, and a free game area.

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Location: Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach (1100 Cornerstone Blvd) | Cost: Ticket required

🎸 Live Music & Concerts

Star Spangled Summer: Bob Seger & Allman Bros Tributes

Enjoy an oceanfront concert as "Beautiful Loser" and "Allman Revival" bring the iconic hits to life! Stay in your spot after the music, because Saturday night concerts at the Bandshell are always followed by a fireworks spectacular over the ocean.

Time: 7:15 PM | Location: Daytona Beach Bandshell (70 Boardwalk) | Cost: Free GA / VIP Available

🍻 Nightlife & Celebrations

Main Street's Cheers to 150 Years

The city's 150th-anniversary celebration continues on Main Street! Keep the party going with a massive weekend block party honoring the milestone. Enjoy live entertainment, great food, and a lively crowd spilling out from the local bars.

Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Location: Main Street Entertainment District

📅 Local Events: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Wrap up the weekend with a huge community celebration for Daytona Beach's 150th birthday, a morning beach cleanup, or a relaxing Sunday brunch and yoga session in Ormond Beach!

📍 Ormond Beach

🧘‍♀️ Wellness & Outdoors

Sunday Morning Yoga in the Park

Start your Sunday with a peaceful outdoor yoga session along the Halifax River. Suitable for all skill levels. Bring your own mat, some water, and a friend to enjoy the beautiful morning breeze at Rockefeller Gardens.

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Location: Rockefeller Gardens (26 Riverside Dr) | Cost: Free

🍳 Food & Drink

Sunday Brunch at Historic Rose Villa

Treat yourself to a fantastic Sunday brunch in a beautiful, historic setting! Located in the heart of downtown, Rose Villa offers signature Southern-inspired brunch dishes and craft cocktails perfect for a relaxing Sunday.

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Location: Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar (43 W Granada Blvd)

📍 Holly Hill

🏓 Active & Leisure

Sunday Open Play @ Pictona

Finish the weekend strong with Sunday pickleball! Whether you're a beginner looking for a casual rally or an experienced player looking for competitive open play, Pictona's world-class facilities are the place to be.

Time: Open all day | Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)

📍 Daytona Beach

🌊 Volunteering & Outdoors

Beach Squad Public Beach Cleanup

Give back to the local community this Sunday morning! Join the Beach Squad for their weekly public beach cleanup. All supplies are provided—just bring your positive attitude, some sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

Time: 8:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Location: Sun Splash Park (611 S Atlantic Ave) | Cost: Free

🎉 Festivals & Community

Our City, Our Story: 150 Years of Community

The 150th Anniversary weekend wraps up with a huge family-friendly festival! Come together for a day of connection and culture featuring incredible food, live entertainment, and engaging activities that highlight the stories of Daytona Beach.

Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Location: Midtown Recreation Complex (925 George W Engram Blvd) | Cost: Free entry

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