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- ⭐ OB Mayor Eyes, Grant Scrutiny In DAB, Crusin' Cafe' Sale?, More Local Chix?
⭐ OB Mayor Eyes, Grant Scrutiny In DAB, Crusin' Cafe' Sale?, More Local Chix?
Issue #809
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
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🗳️ Ormond Mayor Eyes Tallahassee
Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie is ready to swap City Hall for the state Capitol. He’s officially entered the race for Florida House District 29, which covers DeLand, Deltona, Lake Helen, Osteen, and unincorporated areas west of Port Orange. Leslie, who took office as mayor in 2024, made his campaign announcement on January 19, citing a desire to be “accessible and accountable” to his community.
Originally from New Jersey, Leslie brings a business background in commercial real estate and e-commerce. He’s already recognized as a “Home Rule Hero” by the Florida League of Cities. His legislative priorities include smart growth, flood mitigation, better infrastructure, affordable property insurance, and fiscal responsibility.
While the race is just beginning, Leslie’s platform leans heavily into local needs with a promise to be a voice in Tallahassee for residents who feel unheard.
Source: Ormond Observer
💸 Grant Scrutiny for Historic Daytona Property
The Volusia County Council is poised to decide whether to claw back nearly $500,000 in grant funding from The Heritage Preservation Trust of Volusia County. At the center of the issue: the Hotchkiss Mather Historic Home in Daytona Beach and allegations of covenant violations related to upkeep and access.
According to the ECHO Advisory Committee, which oversees cultural and historic grants, the Trust has struggled to maintain its properties, citing a lack of volunteers and funding. The organization now plans to sell the Hotchkiss property and use the proceeds to repay grant funding and support another property, Lilian Place.
Critics say this situation exposes flaws in the grant process, calling for tighter oversight and a more rigid application system. The council’s upcoming decision could impact not just this case but the future of how public dollars are managed for historic preservation.
Source: MyNews13
🏁 Daytona Considers Buying Cruisin’ Cafe
It might be the last lap for the iconic Cruisin’ Cafe on Daytona Beach’s Main Street. City officials are weighing a $4.36 million deal to purchase the longtime motorsports-themed restaurant and two neighboring properties. The plan? Demolish the building, free up parking space, and possibly pave the way for a future restaurant or park.
If approved, the purchase would give the city strategic control over a bustling intersection at A1A and Main Street. City staff argue it’s a smart investment — easing parking woes and supporting new development, including a proposed restaurant and event space at the nearby city-owned 777 Main St.
The seller, Myara Properties, has agreed to the deal after two years of negotiations. They’ll keep one nearby property and continue operations through this year’s Bike Week. Future plans include using the space temporarily for entertainment — think shipping containers and pop-up vendors — while officials map out longer-term redevelopment.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🐔 County Considers Chicken-Friendly Changes
Backyard chicken fans may soon have something to crow about. Volusia County is considering easing restrictions to allow more residents to keep a small flock at home. Proposed changes include reducing the land requirement from one-third to a quarter acre and possibly removing the need for a building permit.
For residents like Crystal Sanders, who’s raised chickens for years, the birds are more than egg-layers. She says they offer comfort, routine, and even emotional support. Councilmember Matt Reinhart supports the idea, emphasizing that these are not large-scale operations — just families raising a few birds for food and companionship.
The focus would shift to cleanliness and minimizing neighborhood disruption. While nothing is official yet, the council could decide soon whether to move forward with drafting new ordinances.
Source: WESH.com
Recent Deaths
Kathy Lynn McCreery, 76, of Ormond Beach, passed away on January 11, 2026.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Hanes, 92, of Ormond Beach, passed away on January 10, 2026.
Geraldine A. Clark, 91, of Ormond Beach, passed away on January 4, 2026.
Donna Lynn Harris, 63, of Ormond Beach, passed away on January 11, 2026.
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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:
Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports Headline (Don't Miss!)
IMSA Twenty-Four Premier at ONE DAYTONA
The official kickoff to race week! This free event brings the "World Center of Racing" across the street to the entertainment district. See over 30 world-class race cars up close, watch pit stop demonstrations, and get autographs from over 100 professional drivers in Victory Circle.
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: ONE DAYTONA (Victory Circle)
🎒 School Alert
Volusia County Schools: Early Release Day
A mid-week reminder for parents: Today is an Early Release Day for all public schools in the county. Students will be dismissed approximately one hour earlier than usual.
🍷 Sip & Social
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) 441-4421Premium Wine Tasting Experience
Join the Ormond Beach ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for their monthly tasting event. For a small entry fee ($15), sample a curated selection of premium wines and spirits. It’s a great way to discover a new favorite before dinner.
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Ormond Beach (Oceanside)
🎤 Nightlife
If you aren't at the car show, head to the oceanfront Sessions Terrace to sing your heart out. It’s a locals' favorite for Wednesday night entertainment.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Highway to OHM
A gentle, restorative yoga session held on the Rock Royalty Terrace overlooking the ocean.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Here is the curated event list for Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The roar returns! Today marks the first day of on-track action for the Rolex 24 weekend, featuring day-and-night practice sessions and the first wheel-to-wheel race of the season.
📅 Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
🏎️ Motorsports: The Roar Returns
Rolex 24 at Daytona: Thursday Track Action
The engines officially fire up for the race weekend. Today is packed with practice sessions for all classes, qualifying for the big race, and the first support series race.
Key Schedule Highlights:
10:00 AM: WeatherTech Championship Practice 1
2:15 PM: Qualifying (GTD/LMP2/GTP) — Watch the teams fight for pole position.
5:15 PM: Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 1 — The famous "bumper cars" series; always a fan favorite.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Night Practice — A spectacular chance to see the cars with their lights on/glowing rotors.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏆 Signature Community Event
81st Annual Installation Banquet
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its most prestigious evening of the year. Local business leaders and city dignitaries gather to welcome the new Board of Directors and honor community contributions. (Ticketed Event).
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🥦 Fresh & Local
Before heading to the track, grab some fresh air and local goods. The market is open every Thursday under the trees at City Hall Plaza.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach
🎨 Arts & Workshops
A creative morning for children ages 3-5 to explore art concepts and enjoy a storybook reading.
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum
A therapeutic art session open to anyone seeking a creative outlet for healing and relaxation.
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The Evening Muze @ Hard Rock Hotel
If you aren't at the night practice, enjoy a relaxed evening of live music on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Thursday is Jazz Night at this 1930s-style speakeasy. Enjoy a cocktail in the Havana Bar with live piano/jazz accompaniment.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🤝 Support & Wellness
A compassionate support group for those who have lost a spouse, hosted by the Chamber at The Blake.
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Blake at LPGA (Williamson Blvd)
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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