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  • ⭐ Pay Gaps For SLP's, Young Artist Shines, Thief "teleports" In, Watch This!

⭐ Pay Gaps For SLP's, Young Artist Shines, Thief "teleports" In, Watch This!

Issue #771

11 Dec

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Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops

Photo: Volucia County Schools

💸 Pay Gap Sparks Outcry Among School Speech Therapists

Volusia County Schools is drawing heat after approving a $1.8 million contract to bring in outside speech-language pathologists (SLPs), despite ongoing complaints about underpayment of current staff. The two-year deal sets aside $900,000 annually to contract SLPs and assistants at rates up to $85 an hour — nearly double the $36.58 to $48 hourly rate paid to district-employed SLPs.

Five speech-language pathologists spoke out at the Dec. 9 school board meeting, stressing the glaring wage disparity and its role in pushing skilled professionals out of the education system and into higher-paying healthcare roles. One teacher, who’s resigning in January, was offered $20 more per hour — by a contractor — to do the same job, in the same school.

Despite calls for further discussion, the contract passed 3-2, with board members Donna Brosemer and Ruben Colon dissenting. Colon cited concerns about the lack of a clause preventing these companies from poaching current employees, saying, “I don’t want to be their recruiting grounds.”

🎨 Young Artist Shines Bright at OMAM’s Family Art Night

Meanwhile, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum spotlighted a much more cheerful scene at December’s Free Family Art Night. The Fonseca family, including 6-year-old Angelica, was chosen as the month’s featured family. The museum praised Angelica as a “bright and enthusiastic young artist” who eagerly attends the monthly event.

Each session brings new techniques and creative challenges for Angelica, who enjoys the support of instructor Linda King and her team. These nights offer more than just finger paint and paper — they foster community, creativity, and confidence.

Free Family Art Night runs most first Fridays of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with all supplies provided. The next session is scheduled for Jan. 2, giving young creatives another chance to make their mark.

🚗 BMW Joyride Ends in Crash — and Confusion

And finally, a surreal car theft story from Ormond Beach: Calvin Johnson, a 36-year-old homeless man with a long arrest record, told Volusia deputies he “teleported” into a BMW convertible before speeding off at 130 mph. The car was left running and unlocked while the owner walked his dog in Bicentennial Park — a detail the thief apparently took full advantage of.

Moments later, deputies responded to a crash involving the same BMW at U.S. Highway 1 and Plantation Oaks Boulevard. Johnson was found at the scene, injured but conscious, and was taken to Halifax Health under guard.

Charged with grand theft auto and driving on a suspended license, Johnson's defense may be a first in local court history: spontaneous teleportation. It's safe to say his ride — and his story — crashed hard.

🛩 Not In Ormond But Check This Out

Watch Video as Plane Crashes on Car on I-95 Near Cocoa

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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:
  TESTING A NEW FORMAT..TELL IS WHAT YOU THINK

📅 Oemond and Beyond - Thursday, Dec 11, 2025

🎸 Live Music & Concerts

  • The Elovaters @ Destination Daytona

    • Catch the popular reggae-rock band The Elovaters performing live at the covered pavilion, with special guests Kash'd Out and Coyote Island. A major tour stop for the area.

    • Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM

    • Location: The Pavilion at Destination Daytona, Ormond Beach

  • Christmas at the Opry

    • Direct from Nashville, this holiday spectacular features country music stars and bright holiday lights performing your favorite festive hits.

    • Time: 7:30 PM

    • Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach

  • Live Music at 31 Supper Club

    • Enjoy a sophisticated evening of dining and live entertainment inside the "Speakeasy" dining room.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

🎨 Arts & Culture Excursions

  • OMAM Bus Trip: Orlando Art Museums

    • Join the Ormond Memorial Art Museum for a guided bus trip to explore the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art. Hosted by guest curator Ruth Grim.

    • Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Bus departs from OMAM)

    • Location: Departs from Ormond Memorial Art Museum

  • Art of Healing Workshop

    • A creative workshop designed for anyone in need of reflective time, caregivers, or survivors. Open to all skill levels.

    • Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

    • Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens

🏛️ Civic & Community

  • Google for Genealogy - Halifax Genealogical Society

    Have you heard the phrase “Google is your friend?” Google is a great resource for finding a lot of information for everyday life. However, you can also use Google for genealogy! In this program, Kim will show you some of the ways that Google functions can be used to aid your genealogy research!

    Time: 1:30pm - FREE
    Location: Ormond Beach Library, 30 S Beach Street, Ormond Beach, FL

  • Planning Board Meeting

    • Public meeting discussing zoning and development orders, including the Tomoka Commerce Park.

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: City Commission Chambers, Ormond Beach City Hall

🎄 Continuing Holiday Events

  • Magic of Lights

    • The drive-through holiday light show continues nightly.

    • Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

Friday, Dec 12, 2025

🥂 Holiday Highlights

  • Holiday Cocktail Stroll @ Riverfront Esplanade

    • Part of the "December to Remember" series, this ticketed event invites you to sample handcrafted seasonal cocktails at seven exclusive stops along the riverfront. Enjoy the dazzling light displays and a Holiday Bazaar for shopping as you stroll.

    • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Location: Riverfront Esplanade, Daytona Beach (Beach St.)

  • Magic of Lights (Weekend Hours)

    • The drive-through light show at the Speedway is open late for the weekend crowd. A great option if you want to stay in the car and enjoy the festive vibes.

    • Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona International Speedway

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Stealing Vanity @ Hard Rock Hotel

    • Kick off the weekend with high-energy live music on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. Stealing Vanity brings a dynamic performance perfect for dancing or relaxing with a drink.

    • Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Mary Kate Brennan @ OB Beverage House

    • Enjoy an intimate set by singer-songwriter Mary Kate Brennan in the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the "OB Pub."

    • Time: 6:30 PM

    • Location: OB Beverage House (118 W Granada Blvd)

🦅 Nature & Outdoors

  • Winter Bird Walk

    • Join the Environmental Discovery Center staff for a guided morning walk to spot local and migratory winter birds.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

    • Location: Environmental Discovery Center, Ormond Beach

  • Animal Ambassador Day: Deer

    • Stop by the center to learn more about the local deer population and meet the center's animal ambassadors.

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    • Location: Environmental Discovery Center, Ormond Beach

🏛️ Civic Meetings

  • Pension Board Meetings: General Employees (8:30 AM) and Police & Firefighters (10:00 AM) Pension Boards meet at City Hall.

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