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- ⭐OB Nixes Fancy Sidewalks, Council Denies Vote On Water, Lennie's Owner Pleads
⭐OB Nixes Fancy Sidewalks, Council Denies Vote On Water, Lennie's Owner Pleads
Issue #838
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🚧 Ormond Beach Drops Decorative Sidewalk Plan
After years of planning and a few construction curveballs, Ormond Beach is pressing reset on its downtown sidewalk project.
Five years ago, the city envisioned installing decorative banded sidewalks along Granada Boulevard. The $2 million project, funded through Community Redevelopment Agency dollars, was meant to enhance the look of the downtown corridor. But supply chain issues and unavailable materials stalled progress for three years, prompting city officials to reconsider.
Now, the city is pursuing standard concrete sidewalks built to Florida Department of Transportation specifications. That shift comes with a practical bonus: FDOT would assume maintenance and liability once the project is complete.
Assistant City Manager Shawn Finley emphasized that safety and functionality are the priorities. Uneven decorative pavers had become tripping hazards over time, particularly for wheelchair users. Commissioners agreed that clean, durable concrete sidewalks would better serve residents and visitors alike.
Mayor Jason Leslie noted that while decorative touches were appealing, safety must come first. Commissioner Harold Briley added that downtown has matured into a destination on its own — it no longer needs ornamental sidewalks to draw crowds.
Next up: staff will bring bid documents and a maintenance transfer agreement with FDOT back to the commission for review.
Source: Ormond Observer
🚰 Volusia Council Rejects ‘Toilet to Tap’ Ban
In a narrow 4-3 vote, the Volusia County Council declined to move forward with a proposed ordinance and 2026 charter amendment that would have banned so-called “toilet to tap” water reuse.
The proposal aimed to prohibit recycling blackwater — wastewater from toilets — into drinking water or injecting it into the aquifer within the county’s jurisdiction. The idea resurfaced after a local political committee revived concerns tied to a shelved 2018 pilot concept in Daytona Beach.
Council Chair Jeff Brower argued that placing the issue on the ballot would give residents direct control. But most council members countered that the county has no plans to implement potable reuse and that the issue is largely outside its authority. In fact, the county controls only about 7% of utilities in Volusia, with municipalities overseeing the rest.
Councilman David Santiago called the proposal “a county solution looking for a county problem,” warning it could confuse voters who might assume it applied to their city water systems.
While some members said future water needs could change, the majority ultimately decided not to legislate against a practice that isn’t currently planned. Still, Brower signaled the debate may not be over.
Source: Ormond Observer
🍕 Lenny’s Pizza Owner Pleads in Drug Case
Leonard Fries Jr., owner of Lenny’s New York Pizza and Lenny’s New York Pizza II in Volusia County, has pleaded no contest to multiple drug-related charges and will serve 4.5 years in prison.
Fries, 50, entered the plea on Feb. 18 before Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell. Under the agreement, he will be sentenced on April 21 to 54 months behind bars. Prosecutors agreed to waive fines as part of the deal.
The case stems from a 2025 raid by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at Fries’ home in the gated Eagle Rock community near Ormond Beach. Authorities accused him of trafficking cocaine and possessing methamphetamine and other controlled substances with intent to sell.
Originally, Fries faced a lengthy list of charges — including trafficking, sale of cocaine and unlawful use of a communication device — and potentially more than 100 years in prison if convicted at trial, according to the judge.
He remains free on bond until sentencing.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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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 in
Thursday, Feb 19, 2026
🎸 Headline Concerts: The Tribute Battle
Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
Dust off your leisure suit. The Peabody hosts the world's #1 tribute to the Bee Gees. This production features big-screen video clips, photos, and dazzling imagery while the band performs hits like "Night Fever," "Jive Talkin'," and, of course, "Stayin' Alive."
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
SATISFACTION: The International Rolling Stones Tribute
If you prefer rock over disco, head to Ormond Beach. "Satisfaction" is an internationally acclaimed tribute show honoring the Rolling Stones and their 50+ year career. Expect all the swagger and hits of Mick and Keith.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
🧵 Major Event: Day 2
The quilting takeover continues at the Ocean Center. Today is a great day to attend the workshops and browse the Merchant Mall before the weekend crowds arrive.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🥦 Fresh & Local
The weekly market is open for business. Grab fresh produce, local honey, and artisan crafts under the shade of the live oaks.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach
🎤 Comedy & Nightlife
Thursday Comedy with Absar Siddiqui
Enjoy a night of laughs at Cristy B's, the area's dedicated comedy club. Tonight features touring comedian Absar Siddiqui.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Cristy B's Comedy Club, Daytona Beach
Dim Lights @ Lightnin' Salvage Enterprises
For a uniquely "Daytona" experience, visit this eclectic venue behind the junk yard for free live music. Tonight features "Dim Lights," an acoustic Americana trio.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Lightnin' Salvage Enterprises (Daytona Beach)
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Free Your Mind Flow
A Vin/Yin fusion class designed to clear mental clutter.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Friday, Feb 20, 2026
🎸 Headline Concert
Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years
Close your eyes and you might think you are in Central Park. This critically acclaimed tribute show from the UK performs the duo's most iconic hits, including "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It is widely considered the most authentic sounding tribute to the pair.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (US-1)
🧵 Major Event: Day 3
The expo enters its third day. If you are looking to avoid the weekend crowds but want to see the contest winners, Friday is the sweet spot. Classes and lectures run throughout the day.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
💼 Business & Networking
Early risers and business leaders gather at the Daytona Beach International Airport for the Quarterly Economic Development breakfast. It is a high-level networking event often featuring updates on major county projects.
Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Dennis R. McGee Room, Daytona Beach Int'l Airport
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Kick off the weekend with high-energy dance and rock covers. SASS brings a party atmosphere to the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
For a quieter, more romantic Friday night, enjoy fine dining and live piano jazz in the Havana Bar.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🥦 Fresh & Local
If you are up for a drive to West Volusia, this award-winning evening market in DeLand is a perfect Friday night activity with food trucks and local makers.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Artisan Alley, DeLand
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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