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⭐OB Water Rescue, Chamber Sponsors Leadership, House Fire And A Crash

Issue #863

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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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🌊 Water Rescue Highlights Rip Current Dangers in Ormond Beach

A 19-year-old Winter Garden man was pulled unconscious from the water in Ormond Beach on March 14 after witnesses reported hearing him cry out for help. According to Volusia County Beach Safety officials, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. in an area without a staffed lifeguard tower.

Responders quickly removed the swimmer from the water and began CPR before transporting him to a nearby hospital. As of March 15, his condition remained unknown.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by rip currents, powerful channels of water that move away from shore. Beach Safety officials emphasize a few key precautions: always swim near a staffed lifeguard tower (locations are posted daily in the Volusia Beaches mobile app), observe the current before entering the water, and remain calm if caught in a rip current. Swimmers are advised to conserve energy, signal for help, and swim parallel to shore when possible. If that’s not an option, floating on your back until the current weakens can make all the difference.

With spring beach season approaching, officials are urging residents and visitors alike to prioritize safety before taking the plunge.

🗳️ Chamber Hosts Free Campaign & Leadership Training

Shifting from shoreline safety to civic engagement, the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents to consider stepping into public service.

In partnership with the Florida Institute for Political Leadership, the Chamber will host a free, two-day virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training on April 7 and 8 from 5:30–8 p.m. The program is part of a nonpartisan initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and is open to anyone interested in running for office, working on a campaign, or serving in an appointed role.

Now in its second year locally, the training covers campaign preparation, operations, and fundraising fundamentals. To date, the statewide program has trained more than 2,000 participants, with a significant percentage planning to run for office.

Chamber President and CEO Debbie Cotton said the goal is not to endorse candidates, but to equip community members — especially those in the business sector — with the tools and knowledge to lead effectively.

For those curious about what it really takes to mount a campaign, this program offers a practical starting point and a deeper look at civic responsibility.

🚨 Public Safety Roundup: Crash and Structure Fire Reported

It was a busy day for emergency responders in Ormond Beach on Saturday with both a traffic incident and a reported structure fire keeping crews on alert.

Earlier in the day, responders were dispatched to the area of Destination Daytona Lane and Destination USA Circle following reports of a motorcycle crash. The incident appears to have involved a single vehicle, and medical assistance was requested at the scene. Additional details about injuries or contributing factors have not yet been released.

Later that evening, firefighters responded to a reported structure fire near Oakmont Circle. Multiple units — including engines, a ladder truck, medic personnel, and a battalion chief — were dispatched. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

While both situations are still developing, the quick response from local emergency teams underscores the coordinated effort required to keep the community safe. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious on roadways and ensure homes are equipped with working smoke detectors and fire safety plans.

This Day In Florida History

  • 1836 – Richard Keith Call becomes the third territorial governor of Florida after the term of John Henry Eaton ends.

  • 1865 – During the final weeks of the Civil War, Confederate troops travel across a burning railroad bridge over the Aucilla River while pursuing Union deserters near Tallahassee.

  • 1890 – The Flagler Presbyterian Memorial Church in St. Augustine is dedicated by Henry Flagler in memory of his daughter.

  • 1908 – Miami’s early tourism industry expands as new resort promotions and railroad connections bring more winter visitors to South Florida.

  • 1910 – Land development activity increases along Florida’s east coast as new communities begin forming during the early land-boom period.

  • 1920 – Baseball legend Babe Ruth is photographed playing in a spring training game in Miami, reflecting Florida’s growing role in Major League Baseball training.

  • 1925 – Florida’s land boom continues with rapid real estate sales and development projects across the state.

  • 1937 – A Works Progress Administration project compiles a historical survey of Indian River County, documenting the region’s early settlement and citrus industry.

  • 1939 – A photograph documents the Governors’ Club Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, showing the city’s growing tourism district.

  • 1942 – Florida military bases intensify training operations as the state becomes a major training ground during World War II.

  • 1956 – Construction and expansion of highways accelerate across Florida during the early years of the Interstate era.

  • 1963 – Florida’s space program infrastructure continues expanding along the Space Coast during the height of the U.S. space race.

  • 1972 – Environmental awareness grows statewide as conservation groups push for stronger protections of wetlands and coastal habitats.

  • 1995 – Tourism statistics show record spring-break travel to Florida beaches and theme parks.

  • 2010 – Historic preservation projects continue across Florida as communities restore landmarks and promote heritage tourism.

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📅Monday, March 16, 2026

🦎 Family & Kids

  • Exotic Animal Experience

    • Looking for a free activity to kick off the kids' spring break? Head to the Ormond Beach Regional Library! Pibbles and Company Exotic Animal Advocacy is bringing rescue ambassador animals for a fun, hands-on, educational wildlife experience.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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

    • Cost: Free

🎨 Arts & Culture

  • Beachside Sculpture Walk

    • Today marks the kickoff of "Membership Appreciation Week" at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. Start the week with a guided, peaceful sculpture walk through the gardens and surrounding areas.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)

🏛️ Civic & Community

  • LENT DINNER CHURCH AT TOMOKA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

      Time: 6:00pm
      Location: Tomoka United Methodist Church Bleekman Hall, 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. - Ormond Beach

  • Historic Landmark Preservation Board Meeting

    • Standard city business continues at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend this board meeting focused on preserving Ormond Beach's historical sites.

    • Time: 4:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach City Hall, Room 103 (22 S. Beach St)

🏓 Active & Leisure

  • Spring Break on the Courts @ Pictona

    • With the local kids officially out of school for the week, expect a lively, multi-generational atmosphere at Pictona today. It's a great Monday to drop in for some open-play pickleball or grab a relaxed lunch at The Kitchen.

    • Time: Open daily (typically 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)

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

🎤 Local Nightlife

  • Monday Night Karaoke @ Seadrift Sports Bar & Grill

    • Keep the weekend energy going! Head to this beloved Ormond-by-the-Sea staple to grab a drink, shoot some pool, and sing your heart out with the locals.

    • Time: Starts around 9:00 PM

    • Location: Seadrift Sports Bar & Grill (114 Oceanshore Blvd)

🌊 Scenic & Relaxed

  • A Quiet Spring Break Escape

    • With local schools on break and college spring breakers filling up Daytona Beach to the south, the traffic-free sands of Ormond-by-the-Sea are your best bet for a peaceful Monday beach walk or a quiet afternoon of surf-fishing.

📅Tuesday, March 17, 2026

🍻 St. Patrick's Day Headquarters

  • Fletcher's Irish Pub (Ormond Beach)

    • This is the absolute epicenter of the holiday in Ormond Beach! As the city's premier authentic Irish pub, expect a massive, high-energy celebration all day long. They will be pouring plenty of Guinness and serving up their scratch-made Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd's Pie, and Scotch Eggs. Get there early if you want a table!

    • Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM

    • Location: 393 W Granada Blvd

🍀 Family & Kids

  • Once Upon A Storytime: St. Patrick's Day Edition

    • A perfect morning activity for the little ones (ages 4 and under). The historic Casements is hosting a completely free, festive storytime complete with a holiday-themed craft and a snack.

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

    • Location: The Casements (25 Riverside Dr)

🎨 Arts & Leisure

  • OMAM Art Book Club Kickoff

    • Skip the green beer and dive into art history instead! The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is hosting its first official Art Book Club meeting. Today's discussion focuses on "The Secret Life of Sunflowers," a richly imagined novel inspired by Vincent van Gogh.

    • Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

    • Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)

🍻 Neighborhood Celebrations

  • Fletcher's Irish Pub (Holly Hill)

    • Don't want to fight the heavy crowds on Granada Blvd? Head to Fletcher's second location right in Holly Hill! You get the exact same authentic menu and excellent beer selection, but with a slightly more relaxed, local-neighborhood vibe.

    • Time: 11:30 AM – Midnight

    • Location: 745 Ridgewood Ave

      🌊 Scenic & Relaxed

  • A "Pinch-Free" Coastal Escape

    • If you want to completely avoid the St. Patrick's Day revelry, loud pubs, and green decorations, Ormond-by-the-Sea is your sanctuary. Take a peaceful walk along the pristine, no-drive sands of North Peninsula State Park, or grab a quiet, non-Irish seafood dinner on the patio at Lagerheads Bar & Grill or Oceanside Grill.

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