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- ⭐OBPD Honors Standouts, No More Property Taxes?, It's Gonna Get Cold (again)
⭐OBPD Honors Standouts, No More Property Taxes?, It's Gonna Get Cold (again)
Issue #840
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Capt. Chris Roos, Officer Jake Seseman, CeCe Woody, Carl Persis, Chief Jesse Godfrey. Courtesy OBPD-Pauline Dulang
👮 Ormond Beach Police Celebrate 2025 Standouts
The Ormond Beach Police Department took a moment this week to shine a spotlight on two of its own.
Officer Jake Sesemann was named 2025 Officer of the Year, while Crime Scene Analyst CeCe Woody earned Civilian of the Year honors during a Feb. 18 ceremony.
Sesemann, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran hired in 2017, was nominated by three supervisors for his leadership in training and mentorship. A graduate of Field Training Officer School at Daytona State College, he didn’t just complete the coursework — he paid it forward. Sesemann developed his own curriculum and conducted defensive tactics sessions across shifts, even adjusting his schedule to reduce overtime and make the training accessible department-wide.
An operator on the Southeast Volusia Regional SWAT Team, he has logged nearly 200 hours of bi-monthly training, assisted with 15 search warrants and participated in undercover operations, including a joint sexual predator sting during Bike Week 2025.
Woody, who joined OBPD two years ago, brings more than 20 years of experience in crime scene investigation. A former paramedic and instructor who has trained professionals overseas, she praised the department’s close-knit culture, saying small agencies make you feel like family.
Source: Ormond Observer
🏠 Florida House Advances Plan to Phase Out Property Taxes
The Florida House of Representatives has passed a proposal that could dramatically reshape how homeowners pay for local government.
In an 80-30 vote, lawmakers approved HJR 203, a measure that would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to eliminate most homestead property taxes over a 10-year period beginning in 2027. Taxes levied by local school districts would remain in place, but other homestead property taxes would gradually phase out through increasing exemptions of $100,000 annually until 2037.
The proposal now heads to the Florida Senate, and would also require the signature of Ron DeSantis to reach voters. Even then, at least 60% voter approval would be required to amend the state constitution.
Supporters say the move would offer meaningful tax relief to homeowners — with estimates suggesting 83% could benefit. Critics, however, warn of ripple effects. According to Axios, local governments collectively rely on roughly $13.3 billion annually in property tax revenue, meaning cities and counties may need to explore alternatives such as higher sales taxes or service cuts.
Two alternative proposals — expanding homestead exemptions and limiting annual assessment increases — are also under consideration.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🌬️ Cold Front to Bring Freeze Risk to Volusia-Flagler
Break out the jackets — again.
After highs in the mid-80s this weekend, a strong cold front is expected to sweep across Volusia and Flagler counties early next week, sending overnight temperatures plunging into the 30s. Wind chills could dip into the upper 20s in some inland areas.
Forecasters say Sunday will bring a modest 40% chance of rain, but totals are expected to remain under a quarter inch — not nearly enough to ease worsening drought conditions. Both counties are already under burn bans amid heightened wildfire risk fueled by dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds.
In the Daytona Beach area, lows could reach 35 degrees Monday night, with inland spots dipping to 33. Flagler County may see even colder readings, including the potential for a “hard freeze” in some inland communities, where wind chills could fall below 27 degrees.
Highs early next week will struggle to climb past the upper 50s, marking a sharp contrast from the sunny, beach-ready weekend ahead.
It’s a reminder that in Florida, even February doesn’t always make up its mind.
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
Saturday, Feb 21, 2026
🧵 Major Event: The Final Stitch
AQS QuiltWeek - Daytona Beach (Final Day)
It is your last chance to experience one of the largest quilting events in the world. Thousands of fiber artists will be wrapping up their classes, shopping the massive vendor mall, and admiring the award-winning quilt displays before the expo packs up.
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🎪 Charity & Galas
23rd Annual Sweetheart Ball: "Cirque du Soirée"
Volusia County’s premier father-daughter dance takes over the Ocean Center in the evening. Hosted by the Junior League of Daytona Beach, this year's gala features a "Night Under the Big Top" circus theme with dancing, a whimsical candy bar, mocktails, and raffles. All proceeds support local women and children's community programs.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🥓 Festivals & Downtown Events
8th Annual Beer & Bacon Festival
A perfect Saturday afternoon event for foodies. Head to the Riverfront Shops area for this popular annual festival celebrating two of the best things in life: craft beer and bacon. Expect plenty of food vendors, tastings, and a lively downtown crowd.
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Daytona Beach (Magnolia Ave / Beach St)
🎸 Headline Concerts & Shows
Grammy-nominated powerhouse singer and piano player Victor Wainwright brings his high-octane boogie-woogie and blues to Ormond Beach. Backed by his band "The Train," it is guaranteed to be a foot-stomping, high-energy show.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Mark of Excellence National Talent Competition
The Peabody Auditorium hosts this multi-day national dance and talent competition, bringing dedicated young performers from across the region to compete on the big stage.
Time: All Day
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
Here is the curated event list for Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Sunday brings a relaxed morning market on the riverfront, while the local biker bars begin their engines for the upcoming Daytona Bike Week with an antique motorcycle show and afternoon rock music.
📅 Ormond Beach & Beyond: Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
🛍️ Markets & Wellness
Kick off your Sunday morning with a free outdoor yoga session led by Renew Yoga Studio in the Rose Garden. Afterward, stroll the beautiful Riverfront Esplanade to browse over 45 local vendors, shop for fresh goods, and enjoy live music by Aaron Esposito.
Time: Yoga at 9:00 AM | Market from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Esplanade (179 S. Beach St), Downtown Daytona Beach
🏍️ Bike Week Pre-Parties
32nd Anniversary Antique & Custom Bike Show
The unofficial lead-up to Bike Week starts here! Head to the Beaver Bar for a massive community gathering featuring vintage, custom, and antique motorcycles. It is free to attend and offers a great preview of the bikes rolling into town.
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Beaver Bar (1105 N. US Highway 1), Ormond Beach
Diesel @ The Iron Horse Saloon
The "World Famous" Iron Horse Saloon is waking up for the motorcycle crowds. Grab a cold drink and catch a high-energy afternoon set from local rockers, Diesel.
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Iron Horse Saloon (1068 N. US Highway 1), Ormond Beach
🏐 Sports & Conventions
Day two of this major AAU youth club volleyball tournament wraps up with playoff brackets and championships.
Time: All Day (AM and PM Waves)
Location: DME Academy (2441 Bellevue Ave), Daytona Beach
2026 Public Lands Alliance Convention
The Ocean Center transitions from quilts to conservation as it welcomes nonprofits, land management agencies, and companies for the opening day of this major national trade show.
Time: Opening Day (Runs through Feb 26)
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
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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