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- ⭐ Pumped About Prices, Standing "O" For Jayla, 2k Stimulus Status, NASCAR Commissioner Exit
⭐ Pumped About Prices, Standing "O" For Jayla, 2k Stimulus Status, NASCAR Commissioner Exit
Issue #795
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⛽ Pumped About Prices
Motorists in Florida kicked off 2026 with a welcome surprise: the lowest gas prices to start a new year since 2021. Drivers across Daytona Beach and Port Orange found themselves grinning at the pump, including George Hausermann of DeLand, who filled up his truck at Buc-ee's for just $2.699 a gallon.
Other stations weren’t far behind. RaceTrac on Beville Road was advertising regular gas at $2.799 and BJ's Wholesale in Port Orange posted an eye-catching $2.559 per gallon for members. While we can’t predict how long these prices will last, it's clear that for now, road trips just got a little more budget-friendly.
Whether you're cruising to work or planning your next weekend getaway, it might be a good time to enjoy the extra change in your cup holder.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🎓 A Standing Ovation for Jayla Long
Mainland High School senior Jayla Long is on her way to Spelman College — and she’s doing it with heart, smarts, and an inspiring sense of purpose.
Ranked eighth in her class with a 4.3 GPA, Jayla’s journey has been marked by resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to service. From battling personal loss to launching student mentoring initiatives, her story is as much about uplifting others as it is about academic excellence.
Her acceptance to Spelman, the culmination of years of hard work and guidance from her accomplished mother, Mainland alum and award-winning educator Kristie Long, brought tears of joy. Principal Melissa Fraine called Jayla “the future of leadership,” a title that fits as well as her dedication to her school, community, and peers.
With Spelman on the horizon and a legacy already building behind her, Jayla’s next chapter promises to be just as inspiring.
Source: Ormond Observer
💸 Stimulus Buzz or Scam Fuzz?
Been hearing chatter about a January 2026 stimulus check or IRS direct deposit? Before you start checking your bank account, here’s the reality check: there are no new federal stimulus payments approved for this month.
The last official round of economic impact payments was in 2021. A final opportunity to claim missed credits from that year ended in April 2025. Since then, Congress hasn’t passed any new relief programs, and the IRS hasn’t issued new payouts.
There’s also buzz about a proposed “$2,000 tariff dividend” tied to President Trump, but no official legislation or plan has materialized.
Source: Fox35News
🏁 NASCAR's Commissioner Waves the Exit Flag
Steve Phelps, NASCAR's first commissioner and a 20-year veteran of the organization, announced his resignation after a rocky federal antitrust trial in Charlotte, NC exposed inflammatory texts he sent during revenue-sharing negotiations.
Phelps' exit comes in the wake of backlash over a particularly harsh exchange in which he insulted NASCAR legend Richard Childress. The fallout triggered a storm of criticism, including a pointed letter from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris demanding Phelps’ removal. NASCAR settled the related lawsuit days later.
Despite the controversy, NASCAR officials praised Phelps for his transformative leadership, citing innovations like bringing races to new cities and navigating the sport through the pandemic. Phelps expressed gratitude to the NASCAR community and said he’ll pursue new opportunities outside the sport.
For now, there’s no replacement on the horizon, as NASCAR’s president Steve O’Donnell and the leadership team step in to steer the ship.
Source: WESH.com
Recent Deaths
Margaret Ann Adams, 82, of Ormond Beach, passed away on December 31, 2025.
Bernard Dalton, 91, of Ormond Beach, passed away on December 31, 2025.
Dorothy Ellen Badovick, 91, of Ormond Beach, passed away on December 28, 2025.
Paulette A Burbank, 81, of Ormond Beach, passed away on December 30, 2025.
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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 7, 2026
🎒 School Alert
Volusia County Schools: Early Release Day
An important reminder for parents: Today is an Early Release Day for all Volusia County public schools. Students will be dismissed approximately one hour earlier than usual.
🐢 Nature & Learning
Marine Science Center: Educational Enrichment
Join the staff for a special morning program featuring animal ambassadors and educational talks. It’s a great way to learn about local marine life and conservation efforts.
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet
UF/IFAS Volusia Master Gardener Free Plant Clinic & Educational Program
Bring photos or examples to identify and correct plant problems, and learn Florida gardening tips. January is “Weeds: Identifying weeds and solutions to dealing with them”.
Time: 10:00 AM - Noon
Location: Ormond Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Avenue in Ormond Beach.
🧘 Wellness & Recreation
AumShanti Yoga: Highway to OHM
A gentle, restorative yoga session held on the oceanfront terrace. Suitable for all skill levels.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Daytona Shores Community Center
Get creative with a "Fitness, Fun & Freedom" art workshop (10:00 AM) or join the community for open card games later in the day.
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Daytona Shores Community Center
🎤 Nightlife
The popular weekly karaoke night returns! Belt out your favorite hits on the Sessions Terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🏛️ Civic Meetings
Ormond Beach Site Plan Review Committee: 9:00 AM at City Hall (Conference Room 103).
Public Works Bid Openings: Lift Station Improvements (1:00 PM) and Aerial Fireworks Display proposals (2:00 PM) at the City Hall Training Room.
Thursday, Jan 8, 2026
🎭 Headline Entertainment
Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show
Television legend Vicki Lawrence takes the stage at the Peabody Auditorium. The show features a mix of stand-up, music, and a special appearance by her most famous character, "Mama" (Thelma Harper). A nostalgic and hilarious night out.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
🏛️ Civic & Community (Important)
Volusia County Council Meeting
The first regular meeting of the County Council for 2026. This session typically sets the tone for the year's legislative priorities.
Time: 9:00 AM (Regular Meeting) | 11:00 AM (Workshop)
Location: Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, DeLand
The weekly market returns to its regular schedule. Shop for fresh local produce, honey, and artisan crafts under the trees at City Hall Plaza.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach
🐢 Nature & Learning
With right whale calving season underway, the Marine Discovery Center hosts a timely lecture on these endangered giants. Learn how to spot them and what is being done to protect them.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Marine Discovery Center, New Smyrna Beach
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Enjoy a solo set by Rob Hazen on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. Great for a relaxed Thursday evening drink.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Step back in time at this 1930s-style speakeasy. Thursday nights often feature smooth jazz or piano in the Havana Bar.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🤝 Support & Wellness
A compassionate support group facilitated by local professionals, offering a space for connection and healing.
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Blake at LPGA (Hosted by Ormond Chamber)
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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