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  • ⭐Prince of Peace Access Debate Continues, County to Assist Energy Bills, Lenny Sentenced to 4.5yrs, OB Couple Saved

⭐Prince of Peace Access Debate Continues, County to Assist Energy Bills, Lenny Sentenced to 4.5yrs, OB Couple Saved

Issue #928

20 May

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🚧 Church Access Debate Continues on Hand Avenue

As construction rolls on along Hand Avenue, parishioners at Prince of Peace Catholic Church are making it clear: they want their left turn back.

At a May 18 community meeting hosted by District 4 Councilman Troy Kent, church members voiced frustration over a newly installed median that blocks eastbound drivers from turning left into the church and its Like New Shop thrift store. The $5.1 million road project, aimed at improving safety between Clyde Morris Boulevard and Nova Road, was designed after 31 crashes in five years — including one fatality — many linked to left turns.

County Engineer Tadd Kasbeer said access was prioritized for nearby residential communities with no alternate entry points. The church, he noted, has another entrance at Nova Road with a traffic light.

Still, about 1,000 parishioners signed a petition urging restoration of the turn lane. With construction slated for completion in February 2027, the debate over safety versus convenience appears far from over.

Source: Ormond Beach

💡 County Outreach to Help with Energy Bills & Home Repairs

Volusia County is offering a different kind of assistance — this time aimed at easing financial strain for residents.

The county’s Community Assistance Division will host an outreach event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 3 at the Florida Department of Health in Daytona Beach. Staff will help residents apply for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP), which supports households with at least one member age 60 or older facing utility emergencies.

Officials will also prescreen applicants for several housing programs, including Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation loans of up to $100,000 for major safety repairs, wind hazard mitigation grants up to $20,000, and emergency repair assistance for essentials like roofs, HVAC systems and accessibility upgrades.

Appointments aren’t required, and all funding comes through state and federal grants. For eligible homeowners, it could mean meaningful help keeping homes safe, livable and powered.

🍕 Lenny’s Pizza Owner Begins 4.5-Year Sentence

The owner of two Lenny’s New York Pizza restaurants has begun serving a 4.5-year prison sentence after a failed attempt to revisit his plea deal.

Leonard Fries Jr., 50, pleaded no contest to multiple drug-related charges stemming from a 2025 raid on his home. Originally facing up to 137 years if convicted at trial, Fries accepted a negotiated sentence earlier this year. At his May 19 sentencing, he submitted a letter that appeared to seek a reduced 30-month term, but Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols declined to reconsider the agreement.

Prosecutors made clear that withdrawing the plea would reopen the door to more serious penalties. Fries ultimately chose not to challenge the deal.

Authorities have described the case as part of a broader crackdown known as Operation Summer Slammer. Fries, who cited personal hardships and expressed regret, was taken into custody after sentencing to begin serving his term.

🚒 Deputy Kicks in Door to Save Elderly Couple

Responding to reports of a house fire just before midnight, Volusia Sheriff’s Deputy Royce James forced entry into the burning home and pulled an elderly woman to safety. Ormond Beach firefighters located and rescued a second victim, an elderly man, as crews worked to contain the blaze.

Both residents were transported to a local trauma center as trauma alerts and remain in critical condition, according to the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters.

Body camera footage released by the Sheriff’s Office captured the urgency of the response. Officials praised the coordinated efforts of law enforcement and fire crews, crediting their quick action with preventing further tragedy.

Authorities are asking the community to keep the victims, their families and the first responders involved in their thoughts.

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Events for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
    (New Location) Grace Life Beachside Church Hall, 6 Sandra Drive, Ormond Beach
    All Are Welcome!  More info at (386) 441-4421

  • Event: 🖼️Quiet Light: The Art of Sara Pedigo, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Mid-week is an ideal time to view this solo exhibition exploring the beauty of fleeting light in domestic spaces, paired with a peaceful walk through the museum's tropical gardens.

  • Event: 🎨Summer Art Camp Registration Open, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach Registration is active today for the 2026 youth summer art sessions (ages 6–12). Parents are encouraged to lock in spots early as class sizes for the creative seasonal workshops are limited.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Wednesday open play is running all day long. Drop in to enjoy the top-tier facility and jump into recreational or competitive matches across the 49 available courts.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🎒Volusia County Schools Early Release Day, 12:00 AM (Afternoon Release) Volusia County Schools, Daytona Beach / Regional Area A scheduled early release day for district students. Residents should keep an eye out for increased school-zone activity and shifting afternoon traffic patterns.

  • Event: 🏋️Fitness, Fun & Freedom Class, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Dr, Daytona Beach Shores A morning wellness class designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall functional fitness in a highly social, welcoming community setting.

  • Event: 🎭Beetlejuice - The Musical (Touring), 7:30 PM Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd, Daytona Beach The national Broadway tour continues its run at the Peabody. Based on Tim Burton's classic film, this musical comedy delivers a wild, high-energy show full of underworld magic and striking set designs.

Events for Thursday, May 21, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🛍️Downtown Ormond Farmers Market, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Ormond Beach Regional Library Parking Lot, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach A great Thursday morning tradition. Browse booths from local farmers and artisans featuring fresh produce, raw honey, fresh-baked goods, and unique handmade crafts.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Thursday open play is active all day on the premier campus. All skill levels are welcome to drop in, sync up with other players, and enjoy the 49 professional courts.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🎭Beetlejuice - The Musical (Touring), 7:30 PM Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd, Daytona Beach The ghost with the most continues his hilarious haunting in Downtown Daytona! Catch this spectacular, high-production Broadway national tour packed with edgy comedy, wild practical effects, and show-stopping musical numbers.

  • Event: 🏃Thursday Night Run Club, 6:30 PM ONE DAYTONA (Victory Circle), 1 Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach A fun, social community run open to all paces and skill levels. Meet up in the center of the entertainment district for a structured loop followed by social hour at nearby restaurants.

  • Event: 🎸Joey Grillo Acoustic Live, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions Stage), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Unwind with great music and ocean views. Singer-songwriter Joey Grillo takes the stage at Sessions to deliver a diverse set of acoustic rock covers and melodic originals.

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.

Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here. OR scan the QR Code below

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