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  • ⭐Record Sea Turtle Nesting, Student Restitution, Historic Cemetery Expansion, and Legal Honors

⭐Record Sea Turtle Nesting, Student Restitution, Historic Cemetery Expansion, and Legal Honors

Issue #958

19 Jun

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🐢 Volusia's Sea Turtle Season Off to a Record-Breaking Start

Volusia County's beaches are experiencing a historic sea turtle nesting season, with 695 nests documented as of June 11 — the highest total ever recorded at this point in the season. The figure far surpasses the 444 nests counted by the same date in 2023, which ultimately became the county's record-setting year with 1,516 nests.

Nesting season runs through Oct. 31, and local beaches are already hosting loggerhead, green, leatherback, and five rare Kemp's ridley sea turtle nests. The first hatchlings are expected to emerge later this month.

County staff and conservation partners continue monitoring and protecting nesting sites while educating residents and visitors on how to reduce disturbances. Beachgoers are encouraged to respect marked nests, minimize nighttime lighting, remove beach equipment, and leave only footprints behind.

⚖️ Travel Agent Ordered to Repay Seabreeze Students

A travel agent accused of defrauding Seabreeze High School students and chaperones has reached a plea agreement requiring repayment of stolen funds. Robert Safford Goodwin pleaded guilty to two grand theft charges after a canceled 2024 student trip to Italy and Greece left more than 40 victims out thousands of dollars.

Under the agreement, Goodwin received credit for time served and will spend 25 years on probation. He must repay approximately $101,000 to Seabreeze victims and more than $536,000 to Flagler College. Officials said a previous lump-sum payment has already covered most of the restitution owed to students and parents.

Goodwin is prohibited from organizing group travel and faces severe penalties if he violates probation terms.

🕊️ Hillside Cemetery Adds New Columbarium

Historic Hillside Cemetery in Ormond Beach has unveiled a new columbarium installation to accommodate the growing demand for cremation memorial services. Located at 143 Seton Trail, the nonprofit cemetery said the addition provides secure memorial niches where cremated remains can be permanently placed and honored.

Cemetery representatives noted that cremation has become an increasingly popular choice among families, prompting the need for expanded memorial options. In addition to the new columbarium, Hillside continues to offer traditional burials, companion placements, and other memorial opportunities.

The project was completed with the assistance of several local businesses, including Bryson Crane Rental Service, McFarran Corporation, and Young Enterprises. More information about services and memorial options can be found at hillsidecemetery.co.

👩‍⚖️ Local Attorney Earns 11th Consecutive Super Lawyers Honor

Erum Kistemaker, managing attorney and shareholder of Kistemaker Business Law Group in Ormond Beach, has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers for the 11th consecutive year. The designation recognizes the top 5% of attorneys statewide and marks the 13th straight year she has received recognition from the organization, including two years as a Rising Star.

Kistemaker practices in condominium and homeowners association law, construction law, real estate matters, and business law. She has played an active role in shaping discussions surrounding Florida's evolving community association regulations and is frequently invited to speak on legislative and regulatory changes.

In addition to her legal practice, Kistemaker serves on several Florida Bar committees and task forces, continuing her longstanding involvement in legal education and policy development throughout the state.

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Recalls Chicken Fried Rice Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Ajinomoto Foods North America is recalling about 3.37 million pounds of frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken fried rice products that may contain glass, according to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The recall includes Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice sold in Canada and Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice sold at Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. Affected products were produced between Sept. 8 and Nov. 17, 2025, and bear establishment number P-18356 inside the USDA inspection mark.

The issue was discovered after four consumer complaints reported glass in the product. No injuries have been confirmed. Consumers are urged not to eat the recalled items and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

Recent Arrests

Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Reshell Vincent, 38, Ormond Beach— arrested June 1; agg battery bodily harm. Bail: $10,000.

Holly Hill Police Department

  • Robert William Johansen, 59, Holly Hill— arrested June 3; 1st-degree felony agg battery. Bail: not set.

  • William C. Smith, 67, Holly Hill— arrested June 3; grand theft. Bail: $2,500.

  • Christopher John Romanski, 19, Holly Hill— arrested June 3; burglary of occupied dwelling. Bail: not set.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

  • Daniel Vern Nesbitt, 66, Ormond Beach— arrested May 30; controlled substance w/o prescription. Bail: $1,000.

  • Christopher Francis Maguire, 52, Ormond Beach— arrested May 30; heroin possession, Schedule II possession, drug equip. possession/use, controlled substance w/o prescription. Bail: not set.

  • Mathew Jacob Banaszak, 35, Ormond Beach— arrested May 30; controlled substance w/o prescription. Bail: $2,500.

  • Andre John Tait, 42, Ormond Beach— arrested June 3; cocaine possession, drug equip. possession/use, DWLS, unregistered motor vehicle. Bail: not set.

  • Deanna Arlene Harrell, 36, Ormond Beach— arrested June 3; DUI causing death, vehicular homicide. Bail: not set.

Volusia County Detention Center

  • Tyrees Litoris Baker, 47, Ormond Beach— arrested May 30; battery, one prior. Bail: not set.

NOTE: This report lists arrests only, not convictions, from publicly available information, All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Events for Friday, June 19, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🍳Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Breakfast, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Free nutritious breakfast for kids and teens ages 18 and under.

  • Event: 🥪Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Lunch, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Free nutritious lunch for kids and teens ages 18 and under.

  • Event: 🎲S.T.R.E.A.M.: Math with Addition & Subtraction Family Bingo, 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
    Ormond Beach Regional Library Children’s Area, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Family bingo activity focused on addition and subtraction skills.

Holly Hill

  • No public events found for this date.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🍳Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Breakfast, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free dine-in breakfast for children and teens during summer break.

  • Event: 🧘AumShanti Yoga Stairway to Savasana, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
    Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Hatha yoga class on the Rock Royalty Terrace; open to locals and tourists.

  • Event: 🥪Summer BreakSpot: Dine-in Lunch, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free dine-in lunch for children and teens during summer break.

  • Event: 🎬Friday Flicks, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
    Daytona Beach Regional Library Auditorium, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Afternoon movie screening at the library.

  • Event: ⚽World Cup Watch Party, Match times vary
    PopStroke Daytona Beach, 1283 Cornerstone Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Watch World Cup matches on 40 televisions with match-day food and drink specials.

  • Event: 🎹Summer Soundtrack: Piano Bar Fridays with Blake Guyre & Wyatt Brooks – Disney / Broadway Night, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM
    Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA, One Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Family-friendly piano bar night featuring Disney, Broadway, and singalong favorites.

  • Event: 🎸Rock The Beach – A Tribute to Queen, 7:00 PM–11:00 PM
    Wave Terrace at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Queen tribute concert featuring Pinedas Band and Absolute Queen; ticketed event.

  • Event: 🎶Sounds of Summer: Human Clay & Jaded - Creed & Aerosmith Tributes, 7:15 PM–9:30 PM
    Daytona Beach Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Free oceanfront tribute concert presented by the City of Daytona Beach.

  • Event: 🛶Sunset & Fireworks Kayak and Paddle Board Tour Daytona Beach, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM
    Three Brothers Boards, 212 South Beach Street, Suite 100, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Guided sunset kayak or paddle board tour through scenic coastal waterways; fireworks may be available on select dates.

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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