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  • ⭐ New VoTran "Uber", Cold Shelters Opening, Protect Plants, Elon Musk Scam

⭐ New VoTran "Uber", Cold Shelters Opening, Protect Plants, Elon Musk Scam

Issue #802

14 Jan

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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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🚗 New Ride on the Block: VoTran Teams Up with Uber

Volusia County is hitting the gas on innovation with a new Uber-powered pilot program aimed at helping Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) residents get around more easily. Thanks to a $450,000 grant from the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, eligible riders can now access same-day, curb-to-curb service for short trips—15 miles or less—for just $3.50 each way.

To take advantage of the service, participants need to opt in by calling VoTran. After enrolling, rides can be booked through the VoTran app or over the phone. The catch? It’s one rider per trip, and only those who can walk on their own are eligible.

Operating through the end of June, the pilot is a step toward modernizing public transport for those who need it most. For more info or to check eligibility, head over to www.votran.org.

❄️ Cold Front, Warm Hearts: Shelters Open for Chilly Nights

With freezing temps on the horizon, Volusia County is stepping up. Cold-weather shelters will be available the nights of Thursday, Jan. 15, and Friday, Jan. 16, offering safe refuge for residents without reliable heat or housing.

In DeLand, The Bridge (421 S. Palmetto Ave.) will welcome guests from 6:30 p.m. to 8 a.m., complete with breakfast. Over on the east side, Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM) is coordinating efforts with local churches to ensure warm beds are available. HUM also helps with transport—just call early at 386-317-5886.

Volusia County works closely with community partners to monitor forecasts and activate resources when temperatures dip. If you're in need—or know someone who is—now's the time to spread the word and stay warm.

🪴 Freeze Hacks: How to Save Your Garden from the Chill

Floridians may not get much snow, but the cold snap coming this week could still do a number on your garden. Fortunately, the University of Florida has dropped some science-backed tips that might surprise you—like watering your plants before the freeze.

It sounds backwards, but moist soil retains heat better than dry dirt. Just water in the morning before the freeze, and don’t forget to mulch and cover your plants (leaves and soil). Skip the plastic sheets unless they’re carefully secured and not touching the plants.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s in North Florida and the 30s around Orlando. If your plants could talk, they'd be begging for a little pre-freeze TLC right about now.

🤖 "Elon" Took My Life Savings: Florida Man Duped by Deepfake Scam

A Leesburg couple is reeling after losing nearly $45,000 to a convincing online scam involving a deepfake video of Elon Musk. George Hendricks believed he won a car and $100,000 after interacting with a Facebook group, only to be strung along by scammers using WhatsApp and AI-generated videos mimicking Musk.

The fraudsters requested an initial $7,500 “shipping fee,” followed by additional “investment opportunities.” Hendricks, convinced by the seemingly personal videos and hundreds of messages, drained his savings and maxed out credit cards.

Experts warn that deepfake scams are growing more sophisticated and accessible. Kieran Human from cybersecurity firm ThreatLocker urges people to watch for red flags—like unnatural video movement—and always verify before sending money.

Sadly, the scam has deeply impacted Hendricks' life and marriage. It's a harsh reminder that if a billionaire offers you a prize in your DMs, it's probably not a real deal—just a digital illusion.

Source: ClickOrlando

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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 14, 2026

🎒 School Alert

  • Volusia County Schools: Early Release Day

    • An important 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.

🤝 Business & Networking

  • Business After Hours: Daytona Toyota

    • Join the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce for their January networking event. It’s a chance to connect with local business leaders while checking out the newly renovated Daytona Toyota facility. Refreshments provided.

    • Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

    • Location: Daytona Toyota (N. Nova Rd)

🏛️ Civic Meetings

  • Budget Advisory Board

    • The board meets to discuss the city's financial planning and budget priorities.

    • Time: 5:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall Conference Room 103, Ormond Beach

  • Site Plan Review Committee

    • A technical review meeting for upcoming development projects.

    • Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

    • Location: City Hall Conference Room 103

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Rusty Wilmot @ Hard Rock Hotel

    • Enjoy a solo performance by Rusty Wilmot on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. A great spot for a relaxed mid-week evening.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

🧘 Wellness & Recreation

  • AumShanti Yoga: Highway to OHM (Gentle)

    • A gentle yoga flow suitable for all levels, held on the Rock Royalty Terrace.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Fitness, Fun & Freedom

    • An active movement class for seniors and adults.

    • Time: 10:00 AM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center

Thursday, Jan 15, 2026

🏛️ Civic & Planning

  • Ormond Beach Planning Board Meeting

    • A key meeting for local development. The board reviews site plans and zoning changes before they go to the City Commission. Agendas are available online.

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: City Commission Chambers, 22 S. Beach St.

  • Daytona Beach Board of Adjustment

    • The board meets to hear appeals and variance requests regarding city zoning codes.

    • Time: 2:30 PM

    • Location: Daytona Beach City Hall (301 S. Ridgewood Ave)

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Psycoustic Duo @ Hard Rock Hotel

    • Enjoy an evening of acoustic rock covers on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. It’s a great spot for a Thursday night cocktail with a view.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Live Jazz @ 31 Supper Club

    • Thursday nights at this speakeasy-style venue often feature live piano or jazz in the Havana Bar, perfect for a sophisticated night out.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

🧘 Wellness

  • AumShanti Yoga: Free Your Mind Flow

    • Clear the mental clutter with this Vin/Yin fusion class held on the Rock Royalty Terrace.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

🏛️ Last Chance History

  • Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours

    • Only a few days remain! The historic "Christmas Spectacular" tours end this weekend (Jan 18). Today is one of your final chances to see the mansion in its full holiday glory.

    • Time: Tours vary (Reservations Required)

    • Location: Stetson Mansion, 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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