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  • ⭐Red Flag Warning, OB Resident Killed on Motorcycle, Honey Baked Ham Expanding

⭐Red Flag Warning, OB Resident Killed on Motorcycle, Honey Baked Ham Expanding

Issue #870

23 Mar

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Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops

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Image: National Weather Service

Inland Flagler County spent Sunday under a red flag warning through 7 p.m., as dry, breezy, and unseasonably warm conditions — highs near 87 in Bunnell — combined with critically dry vegetation to create what the National Weather Service called "critical wildfire conditions." The warning extended into western St. Johns and Duval counties and portions of inland Northeast Florida between the I-95 and I-75 corridors. Even though Volusia County was not included in the warning, Volusia County Fire Chief Joe King issued a clear message: even those outside the formal warning zone face elevated risk, and common sense goes a long way this time of year.

Red flag reminders from Fire Chief Joe King

  • Never leave a grill unattended — dispose of charcoal properly

  • Don't throw cigarettes from vehicles

  • Don't park hot vehicles or equipment on dry grass

  • Don't burn yard waste during dry, windy conditions

  • Clear leaves from your roof and gutters

  • Remove dead vegetation within 30 feet of your home's perimeter

  • Trim trees and limbs within 15 feet of your chimney

  • Make sure your chimney has a working spark arrester

On Thursday afternoon, 25-year-old Chase Rivera of Ormond Beach was killed when his motorcycle collided with an SUV at the intersection of North Nova Road and North Old Kings Road. Police say the SUV was traveling northbound and attempted a left turn into the Trails Shopping Center when it struck Rivera, who was heading southbound. Officers responded at 4:29 p.m.; Rivera was transported to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Speed is not believed to be a factor, and the investigation remains active.

"Taking an extra moment to pause and look twice for motorcycles and cars can save a life." — Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, Ormond Beach Police Department

Rivera is the latest in a string of road fatalities in the area in recent weeks — a grim reminder of how quickly a left turn can go wrong. If you witnessed the crash, OBPD asks that you contact Officer Jack Lyster at [email protected] or 386-229-7173.

And now, something that smells like the holidays: Honey Baked Ham is eyeing a second Volusia County location, with the goal of opening a new Daytona Beach store in time for the 2026 holiday season. The company — which has operated a franchise at 345 Bill France Blvd. since 1994 — reviewed roughly 300 markets nationwide before zeroing in on Volusia as one of the most underserved areas where it already has a proven track record.

"Volusia was one of the ones left standing once we went through everything," said Eric Edwards, the company's director of development, who cited family density, business-friendly conditions, strong real estate options, and the county's interstate access as key factors. "I think a lot of people, when they think of this market, might not realize the family density and the businesses established there." The new store will most likely be a franchise location, consistent with the company's broader growth strategy across the Southeast. Real estate selection and franchise partnership are the two remaining pieces to fall into place before the ribbon gets cut — ideally, Edwards said, just before the holidays. Which is, of course, when you really want a glazed spiral ham.

Sources
"Inland Flagler County under red flag warning" — Daytona News-Journal, March 22, 2026
"Ormond Beach motorcyclist killed in crash with SUV on Nova Road" — Ormond Observer, March 20, 2026
"Honey Baked Ham eyes Volusia expansion" — HomeTown News, March 2026

This Day In Florida History

  • 1513 – Juan Ponce de León sighted the east coast of Florida during his first voyage, marking one of the earliest recorded European contacts with the region

  • 1565 – Spanish forces continued preparations in St. Augustine for expanding settlements along Florida’s northeastern coast

  • 1704 – During Queen Anne's War, English-led raids and their Native allies advanced into Spanish Florida territory

  • 1821 – U.S. officials began organizing territorial governance shortly after Spain transferred Florida to the United States

  • 1845 – Early administrative steps were underway in Florida following its admission as the 27th U.S. state earlier that month

  • 1861 – Florida troops were mobilizing after the state’s secession ahead of major American Civil War engagements

  • 1865 – Union forces increased control over key parts of Florida in the closing weeks of the Civil War

  • 1883 – Railroad expansion projects pushed further into central Florida, accelerating settlement and tourism

  • 1912 – Agricultural development surged in South Florida with new drainage and land-use efforts in the Everglades region

  • 1925 – Florida’s land boom continued as developers promoted coastal and inland real estate across the state

  • 1935 – New Deal programs funded infrastructure and park improvements throughout Florida during the Great Depression

  • 1942 – Florida’s coastline was placed on heightened alert due to German U-boat activity during World War II

  • 1965 – Civil rights demonstrations and desegregation efforts were ongoing across several Florida cities

  • 1980 – Miami faced increased migration pressures during a period of significant Caribbean immigration

  • 2000 – Preparations were underway across Florida counties ahead of a major election year that would draw national attention later that fall

👇👇NEW DAILY FEATURE 👇👇

Yesterday’s Fire & EMS Calls

All transcripts, headlines, and summaries are automatically generated by AI from live dispatch audio. These alerts are not an official report. Alerts are based on unconfirmed dispatch communications that may change as situations develop. Review the original audio and verify details with official sources before relying on this informationon.

Lewis & Lewis Painting, Your Local Painters

Family Craftsmanship, Built on Decades of Experience

When it comes to painting in the Ormond Beach area, experience matters—and few local companies can match the depth of knowledge behind Lewis & Lewis Painting.

Originally established over 26 years ago in Pennsylvania, the business made its way to Florida in the early 2000s, where it has steadily grown into a trusted, family-run operation. Today, the company is powered by Lori Lewis, her husband Jeff—who brings more than 50 years of painting experience—and their son Jeffrey, Jr., who has been in the trade since his early teens and is now preparing to take the reins of the business.

🏠 Full-Service Painting—Inside and Out

Lewis & Lewis Painting handles a wide range of residential and light commercial projects, with a strong focus on repaint work throughout Volusia and surrounding counties. Their services include:

  • Interior and exterior painting

  • Kitchen cabinet refinishing

  • Epoxy floor coatings

  • Pool deck painting

  • Wallpaper removal

Whether it’s refreshing a single room or completing a full exterior repaint, the team emphasizes doing the job right from start to finish.

⭐ A Commitment to Quality Over Shortcuts

In an industry where quick, low-cost jobs can be tempting, Lewis & Lewis Painting, Inc. stands firmly behind a quality-first approach.

Their philosophy is simple: no skipped steps, no rushed work, and no cutting corners. From proper surface preparation—like thorough cleaning before exterior jobs—to using high-quality paints designed to withstand Florida’s intense sun, every project is handled with long-term durability in mind.

They also guide customers through product choices, offering premium options like top-tier paints while still helping clients find alternatives that fit within their budget—without sacrificing reliability.

📈 Built on Reputation and Referrals

Much of the company’s growth has come through word-of-mouth referrals and an active online presence, where they share projects and helpful information about proper painting practices.

Their commitment to quality has earned them strong community recognition, including:

  • A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau

  • Best Painter in Ormond Beach (2025)

  • Recognition as a Top Local Business in 2026

🛠️ Doing It the Right Way

Fully licensed across multiple counties and fully insured, Lewis & Lewis Painting, Inc. operates with professionalism and accountability—something that’s increasingly important in a competitive market.

Their team focuses not just on delivering a great finish, but on educating customers about what a proper paint job should look like—helping homeowners avoid costly mistakes from inexperienced or unlicensed contractors.

If you’re in need of expert painting services with a family-friendly approach, reach out to Lewis & Lewis Painting Inc. at (386) 316-5009. Trust them to bring their 20+ years of experience and passion to your next project. Visit their website at lewisandlewispaintinginc.com.

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Monday, March 23, 2026

🎨 Coastal Arts & Crafts

  • Sea Glass Lantern Workshop

    • Get crafty by the beach! Salty Mermaid Art is hosting a hands-on workshop where you can design and create your own beautiful, illuminated sea glass lantern. It is the perfect coastal-themed activity for a relaxed Monday afternoon.

    • Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    • Location: Salty Mermaid Art (1546 Ocean Shore Blvd)

    • Cost: $87 (Tickets required)

📚 Library & Makerspace

  • Cricut® Crafts: Personalized Phone Case

    • Head to the Ormond Beach Regional Library's LaunchPad makerspace to personalize your phone case with a fun vinyl design. You can choose from a selection of images or design your own using Design Space®. All materials are provided while supplies last.

    • Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (30 S Beach St)

  • eLab Open Assistance

    • Need some tech help to start the week? Drop into the library's eLab for free, one-on-one assistance with basic computer skills, cover letter and resume building, email setup, or navigating job applications.

    • Time: Late morning/Early afternoon

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (LaunchPad)

✈️ Youth & Community

  • Civil Air Patrol (OBCS) Cadet Meeting

    • The local Ormond Beach Composite Squadron (Civil Air Patrol) holds its weekly meeting at the airport. Tonight's schedule focuses on cadet physical fitness (PT) testing and team-building activities.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: 760 Airport Rd, Ormond Beach

🏓 Leisure & Community

  • LENT DINNER CHURCH AT TOMOKA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

      Time: 6:00pm
      Location: Tomoka United Methodist Church Bleekman Hall, 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. - Ormond Beach

  • FHCP Club Hub Games @ Pictona

    • Not in the mood to sweat on the pickleball courts? Pictona hosts the "Club Hub" in the Osprey Room! It is a relaxed, welcoming indoor space for the community to gather, socialize, and play Mahjong, cards, chess, and backgammon.

    • Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (Osprey Room, 1060 Ridgewood Ave)

  • Monday Open-Play Pickleball

    • Start your week on the courts! With the massive 4-day Pictona Challenge tournament officially wrapped up, the 49-court facility returns to its standard open-play schedule for locals.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

⚾ Youth & Community

  • Challenger Baseball: Opening Day

    • Today marks the start of the Spring 2026 Challenger Baseball season! Hosted at the Nova Community Center, this fantastic program provides adaptive sports programming for special populations. Come out and support the players as they hit the field for their first practice of the season.

    • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

    • Location: Nova Community Center (440 N Nova Rd)

🏛️ Civic & Local Government

  • Ormond Beach City Commission Meetings

    • It is a busy evening at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend both the preliminary workshop and the regular commission meeting to stay updated on local development, zoning, and city business.

    • 5:30 PM: City Commission Workshop (Topic: Employee Benefits RFP) – Held in the City Commission Conference Room.

    • 7:00 PM: Regular City Commission Meeting – Held in the City Commission Chambers.

    • Location: Ormond Beach City Hall (22 S Beach St)

🍜 Local Dining & Social

  • Ramen Night @ Drunken Duck Brewing Company

    • Skip cooking tonight and head over to Holly Hill's favorite community-focused brewery. The Drunken Duck is hosting a special Ramen Night! Grab a bowl of hot noodles and pair it with one of their fantastic, locally brewed craft beers on tap.

    • Time: Taproom opens at 4:00 PM

    • Location: Drunken Duck Brewing Company (101 2nd Street, Unit 401)

🏛️ Civic & Local Government

  • Regular City Commission Meeting

    • Just like their neighbors to the north, the City of Holly Hill is holding its standard City Commission meeting tonight. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in local civic matters.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Location: Holly Hill City Hall (1065 Ridgewood Ave)

🎨 Coastal Arts & Crafts

  • Coastal Sea Glass Gnome Workshop

    • Embrace the coastal lifestyle with a fun, hands-on craft! Salty Mermaid Art is hosting a specialized morning workshop where you can design and build your very own decorative coastal gnome using beautiful pieces of sea glass.

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Location: Salty Mermaid Art (1546 Ocean Shore Blvd)

    • Cost: $81.88 (Advance registration required)

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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