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  • ⭐Rt. 1 Commerce Park OK'd, Judge Sides W/Developers, "Toilet to Tap" Ban Closer

⭐Rt. 1 Commerce Park OK'd, Judge Sides W/Developers, "Toilet to Tap" Ban Closer

Issue #824

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🏗️ Rt. 1 Commerce Park Cleared for Takeoff

At their February 3 meeting, the Ormond Beach City Commission gave final approval to the Tomoka Commerce Park — and they want to be crystal clear: it’s not another self-storage facility.

Planned for 890 N. U.S. 1, the 12-acre park will host 11 buildings totaling 110,270 square feet, combining office and warehouse space. Mayor Jason Leslie framed it as a hub for service-based small businesses like plumbers and contractors — the unsung heroes of daily life.

While some residents expressed concern online about potential traffic, wetland impacts, and fears of “more storage units,” city leaders emphasized the development’s commercial and light industrial focus. Developer Scott Vanacore’s plan passed with full commission support.

"These are not storage facilities," said Commissioner Travis Sargent, referencing advocacy from the group Protect Volusia. He and others maintained that the project will bring jobs and economic opportunity — not rows of roll-up doors.

⚖️ Judge Sides with Developers in Tomoka Oaks Golf Lawsuit

Meanwhile, a different type of development drama is playing out in court. A federal magistrate judge denied multiple claims in the city’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit over the controversial redevelopment of the Tomoka Oaks golf course.

The developers — Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach I LLC — claim the city acted arbitrarily when it rejected their request to rezone the closed 147-acre course for a 300-home subdivision. The judge noted that holding governments accountable for “uncodified” and inconsistently applied policies “logically makes sense.”

The legal dispute stems from an April 2024 commission meeting where officials unanimously denied the rezoning, urging a plan with less density. Since then, tensions have simmered between city officials and the developers, who bought the land in 2021.

With an evidentiary hearing set for Feb. 27, this court battle is far from over — but for now, the developers have a legal tailwind behind them.

🚰 Flushing Out the Future: Volusia Eyes ‘Toilet to Tap’ Ban

And now, from the courtroom to the county council — Volusia is wading into water politics. On Tuesday, councilmembers advanced a proposal that could ban “toilet to tap” water reuse in the county’s utility service areas.

Also known as direct potable reuse, the process treats wastewater to be safe for drinking. While this method is used in places like California and Colorado, it has no current presence in Volusia. Still, some officials — including Council Chair Jeff Brower — want to preemptively ban it, citing public concern and possible upcoming projects in Deltona.

The measure would affect only about 7% of the county, where Volusia provides water services directly. Councilman Jake Johansson questioned the urgency, saying they shouldn't legislate for “problems we don’t have yet.” A vote on whether to place the issue on the ballot for public vote is expected on March 3.

For now, Volusia residents won’t be sipping recycled water — but the debate is far from dried up.

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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 in


Thursday, Feb 5, 2026

🏎️ Motorsports Headline

  • DIRTcar Nationals (Night 6)

    • The intensity is high at Volusia Speedway Park. Tonight features a massive double-header with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. Watching the 900+ horsepower winged sprint cars on the half-mile clay is one of the most visceral racing experiences of the year.

    • Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM

    • Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)

🥦 Fresh & Local

  • Ormond Beach Farmers Market

    • Start your Thursday with a stroll under the live oaks at City Hall Plaza. Pick up fresh local produce, honey, and artisan crafts.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall Plaza, Ormond Beach

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Rob Hazen @ Hard Rock Hotel

    • Enjoy live music from Rob Hazen on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. It’s a great spot for a Thursday night cocktail with a view.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

  • Acoustic Music Jam

    • A community favorite where local musicians gather to play acoustic sets. Listeners are welcome to enjoy the informal concert.

    • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:45 PM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center

🍽️ Dining & Leisure

  • Game Days at Dave & Buster's

    • Thursday features game day specials, including deals on wings and arcade play.

    • Time: All Day

    • Location: Dave & Buster's, Daytona Beach

🧘 Wellness

  • AumShanti Yoga: Free Your Mind Flow

    • A Vin/Yin fusion class designed to help you unwind and clear your head.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)

  • Community Recreation

    • Daytona Beach Shores Community Center offers several classes:

      • Zumba Gold: 8:45 AM

      • Chair Volleyball: 1:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center

Friday, Feb 6, 2026

🎸 Headline Concerts

  • The Frontmen: Country Supergroup

    • Three lead singers, one stage. The voices behind 90s country giants Lonestar (Richie McDonald), Restless Heart (Larry Stewart), and Little Texas (Tim Rushlow) perform their massive catalog of hits, including "Amazed" and "God Blessed Texas."

    • Time: 8:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)

    • Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach

  • Karla Bonoff in Concert

    • A night of legendary songwriting. Bonoff is famous for writing hits like "Someone to Lay Down Beside Me" (Linda Ronstadt) and her own hit "Personally." She performs in the intimate setting of the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.

    • Time: 7:30 PM

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

🏎️ Motorsports Headline

  • DIRTcar Nationals (Night 7)

    • The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars return for their second night of action alongside the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. Friday nights at the speedway are typically electric, with the fastest cars on dirt fighting for championship points.

    • Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM

    • Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)

🎨 Arts & Community

  • First Friday Art Walk

    • Stroll along historic Beach Street for this monthly cultural event. Galleries stay open late, hosting artist talks, live music, and wine tastings. It coincides with Downtown Daytona Nights, featuring food trucks and street performers.

    • Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach (Beach St.)

  • Free Family Art Night

    • Bring the kids for a creative evening at the museum. Families can work together on a fun, hands-on art project on the garden terrace.

    • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Live Music @ Hard Rock Hotel

    • Friday nights on the Sessions Terrace feature high-energy live bands and ocean views. It’s a perfect after-party spot if you are coming from the Art Walk.

    • Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

    • Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

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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