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- ⭐Peace Garden Near Completion, New Board Member, 500 Fuels Local Economy, 500 Start Moved Up
⭐Peace Garden Near Completion, New Board Member, 500 Fuels Local Economy, 500 Start Moved Up
Issue #834
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
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🌿 Mary’s Peace Garden Nears Completion at Prince of Peace
Construction is nearly complete on Mary’s Peace Garden at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ormond Beach, and parishioners are preparing to celebrate both new beginnings and a major milestone.
The 6,000-square-foot garden features a striking 170-foot-long, 16-foot-wide cross-shaped plaza along Nova Road. At its heart stands a 6-foot marble statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, elevated on a 5-foot base and framed by monuments of the Stations of the Cross. Benches, light poles and lush landscaping complete the serene setting, designed as a sanctuary for prayer, reflection and community gatherings.
The project, which broke ground in August 2025, was funded through a generous parishioner bequest, additional donations and support from the parish’s Vietnamese Catholic community.
Mary’s Peace Garden will be dedicated on Sunday, March 15, during a special Mass officiated by John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando. The celebration will also mark the parish’s 60th anniversary and include its Rite of Confirmation ceremony.
Officially decreed on March 4, 1966, the parish now serves approximately 1,800 households. With the garden’s completion, the church adds a lasting space for quiet devotion in the heart of the city.
Source: Ormond Observer
🌍 Cultural Awareness Fund Welcomes New Board Member
Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. is expanding its leadership team with the appointment of Ormond Beach resident Denise Davalloo to its board of directors.
Davalloo currently serves on the board of the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach and brings a strong background in business administration, public relations and corporate communications. As executive assistant to the CEO at SMA Healthcare, she pairs operational experience with global perspective — she speaks six languages, including English, German, Persian, Spanish, French and Turkish.
Founder and Executive Director William Sanchez described Davalloo as bringing “a thoughtful balance of professional rigor and cultural perspective,” particularly valuable as the nonprofit grows its K–5 curriculum and STEM-based initiatives such as Chef Koochooloo.
Davalloo emphasized the importance of unity through diversity, referencing the national motto, E Pluribus Unum, and likening America’s cultural fabric to a Persian carpet woven from distinct threads. She said she looks forward to supporting the organization’s mission of fostering mutual respect and deeper understanding across communities.
For more information, visit https://www.culturalawarenessfund.com.
Source: Ormond Observer
Meanwhile, just a few miles south, the roar of engines is once again taking center stage.
🏁 Daytona 500 Fuels Local Economy
Race weekend has arrived, and with it comes the unmistakable buzz surrounding the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
Hotels are filling up, restaurant tables are turning faster than pit crews at work, and thousands of fans are streaming into town. According to the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitor Bureau, February alone generated $1.4 million in bed tax revenue last year, part of more than $12.4 million annually for the Halifax-Daytona Beach area. A recent study by NASCAR and Florida State University estimates the races contribute roughly $1.7 billion in annual economic activity across Florida.
Local staples like Hampton’s Restaurant — just three miles from the Speedway — are preparing to serve quadruple their usual volume, welcoming longtime fans who treat race week as a family tradition. Business owners say collaboration across the hospitality industry helps maximize the weekend’s impact, from breakfast counters to fine dining establishments.
With early hotel booking trends already pacing ahead of last year, tourism leaders are optimistic that 2026 could set new records.
Source: MyNews13
And in a final twist before the green flag drops, organizers have made one important adjustment.
⏰ Daytona 500 Start Time Moves Up
Weather has prompted a schedule change for Sunday’s 68th running of the Daytona 500.
Organizers announced that the race will now begin at 1:30 p.m., one hour earlier than originally planned, in anticipation of potential evening thunderstorms. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m., with the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone welcoming fans at 8:30 a.m.
Pre-race festivities remain on track, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover and an infield concert by country music star Miranda Lambert.
On the racing front, Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe will start on the front row, aiming to capture their first Daytona 500 victory. Standing in their way is William Byron, who has won the past two editions of the “Great American Race.”
With engines primed and skies (hopefully) cooperating, all signs point to another memorable chapter in Daytona’s racing legacy — just slightly ahead of schedule.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
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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
Sunday, Feb 15, 2026
🏁 THE MAIN EVENT
The Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. 40 drivers, 200 laps, 500 miles. The energy inside the "World Center of Racing" is indescribable as the new NASCAR season officially begins.
Pre-Race Concert: Country superstar Miranda Lambert will perform the pre-race show on the ballfield grass before driver introductions.
Grand Marshal: Comedian Nate Bargatze will give the command to start engines.
Flyover: Be in your seats early for the USAF Thunderbirds flyover (weather permitting).
Start Time: Green flag approx. 2:30 PM (TV: FOX).
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🛑 Racing Status: Dirt Track
Volusia Speedway Park: OFF
The DIRTcar Nationals have concluded. There is NO racing at the dirt track tonight. The focus is entirely on the big track.
🥂 Brunch & Pre-Race
Sunday Brunch @ Hard Rock Hotel
If you aren't heading to the track, this is the best place to soak up the atmosphere without the chaos. Enjoy the ocean view, mimosas, and live acoustic music before the race starts.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🚦 Important Logistics Note
Traffic Alert:
Avoid International Speedway Blvd (US-92) and I-95 near the Speedway unless you are going to the race. Delays will be severe all day, especially from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (arrival) and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (exodus).
Watch Parties:
If you don't have a ticket, head to One Daytona (across from the track) for the outdoor screens, or Main Street to watch with the biker crowd. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Monday, Feb 16, 2026
🇺🇸 Holiday Observance: President's Day
Schools & Government:
Volusia County Schools: CLOSED (Student/Teacher Holiday).
Post Offices/City Halls: Most government offices and banks are closed in observance of the federal holiday.
Parking & Traffic:
The "Great Exodus": Expect heavy traffic on I-95 and I-4 westbound as tens of thousands of campers and fans leave the Speedway area. It is best to avoid International Speedway Blvd (US-92) until the afternoon.
🏎️ Motorsports Status: Quiet Track
Daytona International Speedway: Cold. No on-track activity.
Volusia Speedway Park: Cold. The DIRTcar Nationals concluded on Saturday. The dirt track is now quiet until the next scheduled event.
🧘 Recovery & Leisure
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Open 7 days a week. With the race over, a climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse offers a peaceful perspective and fresh ocean air.
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ponce Inlet (South of Daytona Beach)
Escape the traffic. State parks remain open on holidays. It is a perfect day for a quiet picnic or fishing along the Tomoka River to decompress from the noise of Speedweeks.
Time: 8:00 AM – Sundown
Location: North Beach St, Ormond Beach
🍽️ Dining
Grind Gastropub: Locals' Night
Reclaiming the town. Monday is traditionally "Locals' Night" at this Ormond Beach favorite. With the tourists leaving, it’s a good time to enjoy the patio and Happy Hour pricing.
Time: 11:30 AM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond 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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