⭐QR Code Scams, Soup For The Soul, Fast Food Violence

Issue #864

17 Mar

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Today’s Forecast

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🔐 The New Face of Credit Card Scams in 2026

If you still picture phishing scams as poorly written emails with suspicious links, it’s time for an update.

In 2026, fraudsters are leaning into polished, tech-powered tactics that look far more legitimate. One fast-growing scheme is “quishing” — phishing via QR codes. Instead of clicking a dubious link, victims scan a code placed on a parking meter, restaurant table tent, or even a mailed flyer. Sometimes scammers layer fake QR stickers over legitimate ones, redirecting users to cloned payment sites designed to capture card details.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence has introduced another unsettling twist: voice cloning. You may receive a call that sounds exactly like your bank’s fraud department. The caller ID might even display your bank’s name. But the urgent demand to “verify your full card number” or share a one-time passcode is the giveaway.

The common thread? Urgency. Threats of account suspension. Pressure to act within minutes. Refusal to let you hang up and call back.

The best defense remains surprisingly simple: slow down. Call the number on the back of your card. Manually type official websites into your browser. Never share passwords or one-time passcodes.

Modern scams are polished and personal. Healthy skepticism is your competitive advantage.

Source: Epoch Times

🍲 Soup for the Soul in Daytona Beach

On March 14, Halifax Urban Ministries hosted its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser at the Ocean Center, bringing together volunteers, restaurants, and supporters to raise awareness and funding for its meal programs.

The concept is simple but powerful. Attendees receive a small ceramic bowl—one of more than 400 handcrafted by local high school students—and are served soup donated by area restaurants. The “empty bowl” symbolizes the experience of individuals who rely on soup kitchens and food assistance programs.

Board Chair Clint Bagwell described the event as “serving hope to the community.” And the numbers underscore the impact. Halifax Urban Ministries, which has served the Daytona Beach area for 45 years, provided more than 130,000 hot meals last year. Programs like Barracks of Hope also offer housing and support services for veterans.

Local eateries including Kale Café, Ocean Deck, Caribbean Jack’s, and others donated soups for the evening, turning a simple meal into a shared statement of solidarity.

It’s a reminder that while technology evolves, the importance of showing up for one another remains constant.

🚨 Fast-Food Dispute Turns Violent in Ormond Beach

And in a starkly different local development, an argument over nacho-flavored fries escalated into a violent assault in Ormond Beach.

According to police, a 23-year-old fast-food employee was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being dragged outside and beaten by a group of six individuals. The confrontation reportedly began in the drive-thru, where occupants of a vehicle argued with staff over the quantity of fries in their order.

Employees initially provided additional fries, but the group returned through the drive-thru claiming they still had not received them. Tensions escalated when a drink was thrown at staff, prompting one employee to throw it back. The group then parked, exited the vehicle, and approached the restaurant.

The victim attempted to lock the doors but was pulled outside, where he was beaten and kicked for several minutes. Witnesses described the suspects as mostly teenagers, along with one adult. Police say the victim intends to press charges if those responsible are identified.

The incident remains under investigation, serving as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine disputes can spiral into serious violence.

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Yesterday’s Fire & EMS Calls

Source: Dispatch alerts summarized from CrimeRadar monitoring of public-safety radio traffic and emergency response activity in the Ormond Beach area. Information reflects initial dispatch reports and may change as incidents develop. View the live feed at https://www.uscrimeradar.com/ormond-beach-fl.

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📅Tuesday, March 17, 2026

🍻 St. Patrick's Day Headquarters

  • Fletcher's Irish Pub (Ormond Beach)

    • This is the absolute epicenter of the holiday in Ormond Beach! As the city's premier authentic Irish pub, expect a massive, high-energy celebration all day long. They will be pouring plenty of Guinness and serving up their scratch-made Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd's Pie, and Scotch Eggs. Get there early if you want a table!

    • Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM

    • Location: 393 W Granada Blvd

🍀 Family & Kids

  • Once Upon A Storytime: St. Patrick's Day Edition

    • A perfect morning activity for the little ones (ages 4 and under). The historic Casements is hosting a completely free, festive storytime complete with a holiday-themed craft and a snack.

    • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

    • Location: The Casements (25 Riverside Dr)

🎨 Arts & Leisure

  • OMAM Art Book Club Kickoff

    • Skip the green beer and dive into art history instead! The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is hosting its first official Art Book Club meeting. Today's discussion focuses on "The Secret Life of Sunflowers," a richly imagined novel inspired by Vincent van Gogh.

    • Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

    • Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)

🍻 Neighborhood Celebrations

  • Fletcher's Irish Pub (Holly Hill)

    • Don't want to fight the heavy crowds on Granada Blvd? Head to Fletcher's second location right in Holly Hill! You get the exact same authentic menu and excellent beer selection, but with a slightly more relaxed, local-neighborhood vibe.

    • Time: 11:30 AM – Midnight

    • Location: 745 Ridgewood Ave

      🌊 Scenic & Relaxed

  • A "Pinch-Free" Coastal Escape

    • If you want to completely avoid the St. Patrick's Day revelry, loud pubs, and green decorations, Ormond-by-the-Sea is your sanctuary. Take a peaceful walk along the pristine, no-drive sands of North Peninsula State Park, or grab a quiet, non-Irish seafood dinner on the patio at Lagerheads Bar & Grill or Oceanside Grill.

📅Wednesday, March 18, 2026

🎭 Live Theater & Music

  • 'The Rat Pack Together Again' Starring Tony Sands

    • Transport yourself back to the golden era of music! This thrilling tribute brings the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. back to the stage with a wonderful mix of song, brilliant musical arrangements, comedy, and sketches.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)

    • Tickets: Starting at $40

📚 Library & Community Education

  • Chair Yoga In-Person

    • Led by a certified instructor, this relaxed morning session gives participants an opportunity to move their bodies and clear their minds without the strain of a traditional yoga mat class.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (Sea Turtle Room)

  • Crafty Cards: Book Lovers Club

    • Have fun with a special edition of Crafty Cards! This adult workshop focuses on creating beautiful, custom greeting cards centered around reading and books. All materials are provided.

    • Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (LaunchPad)

🛼 Family Fun

  • Astro Skate: Alien Green Out!

    • Keep the St. Patrick's Day energy going! Kids and families are invited to wear their most creative green outfits for this themed skating night. Guests who wear green get free pizza, punch, and cotton candy during the first hour.

    • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Location: Astro Skate Center (250 N. US-1)

    • Cost: $8 admission (plus skate rental)

🛡️ Community & Safety

  • 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

  • Stay Alert & Defend Yourself (SADY) Class

    • Hosted by the City of Holly Hill, this free community course focuses on situational awareness and basic self-defense strategies. It is a highly practical and empowering class for local residents looking to boost their confidence and safety skills.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    • Location: Check the Holly Hill city calendar for the exact community room.

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