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- ⭐Sanctuary On The Move, Hocevar's Dream, New Daytona Lineup, Golf Cart Fire
⭐Sanctuary On The Move, Hocevar's Dream, New Daytona Lineup, Golf Cart Fire
Issue #833
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Table of Contents
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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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🐾 Sanctuary on the Move in Ormond Beach
In Volusia County, the team at Samadhi Wildlife is facing a race of its own — and it doesn’t involve a checkered flag.
After learning the property where they operate is in foreclosure, founder Dawn Barbone and her team have been scrambling to secure a safe future for the hundreds of animals in their care. The rescue rehabilitates Florida native wildlife, from temporarily injured raccoons to permanent residents that can’t return to the wild.
Following a recent news story, the community stepped up in a big way, raising more than $100,000. That surge of support allowed the organization to purchase 10 wooded acres near Ormond Beach. The catch? The land is completely undeveloped.
Bringing electricity to the site is estimated at $25,000. Clearing the land could cost another $25,000. And many of the current enclosures — cemented into the ground — can’t be relocated. For now, the animals remain at the existing property, though the timeline is uncertain.
It’s a pivotal moment for a local rescue that’s spent years protecting Florida wildlife — and now needs help protecting its own future. You can help with their GoFundMe page.
Source: WESH2
🏁 Hocevar’s Daytona Dream with a Familiar Logo
Meanwhile, just down the road in Daytona Beach, a different kind of preparation is underway as Carson Hocevar gears up for the 68th running of the Daytona 500.
The third-year NASCAR Cup Series driver will debut the No. 77 Chevrolet featuring Spectrum branding — a full-circle moment years in the making. Hocevar’s father once secured sponsorship from the company for Carson’s quarter-midget days. Now, that same logo will ride along for 13 races this season, beginning with Sunday’s main event.
Hocevar will start from the No. 6 spot, carrying both momentum and nostalgia into the sport’s biggest race. He describes every sponsor relationship as personal — friendships built along the way toward a childhood dream.
His crew chief, Luke Lambert, appreciates Hocevar’s fearless style and natural aggression on the track. That edge, paired with team continuity at Spire Motorsports, could make for an intriguing Daytona run.
If Hocevar sees Victory Lane this weekend, it won’t just mark a milestone — it’ll be a long-awaited payoff years in the making.
Source: MyNews13
🏎️ Duel Drama Shakes Up Daytona Lineup
And as if Daytona needed more intrigue, Thursday night’s Duel races at Daytona International Speedway delivered late-race chaos and unexpected heartbreak.
Joey Logano and Chase Elliott each captured wins in their respective 150-mile qualifying races, earning early-season points and momentum. But the real tension came among drivers fighting for the final Daytona 500 spots.
Casey Mears secured his place after a dramatic last-lap crash in the first Duel eliminated competitors just corners from the finish. In the second race, Anthony Alfredo initially appeared to have raced his way in — only to be disqualified in post-race inspection due to an unfastened transaxle cooling hose.
That decision opened the door for BJ McLeod, who learned he was in the Daytona 500 field only after arriving at inspection.
With qualifying complete and emotions already running high, Sunday’s race promises intensity from green flag to checkered. If the Duels were any preview, fans should expect strategy, aggression, and perhaps a little unpredictability.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🔥 Golf Cart Fire Prompts Safety Reminder in Flagler Beach
Finally, a close call in Flagler Beach is serving as a cautionary tale for homeowners.
A golf cart charging inside a garage burst into flames earlier this week, destroying the vehicle and nearly spreading to the home. Crews from the Flagler Beach Fire Department were able to contain the fire to the garage. No injuries were reported.
Owner Keith Evans believes an aftermarket heater — purchased online and recently installed during colder weather — may have sparked the blaze. Fire Chief Stephen Cox warned that golf carts are not designed to power high-draw accessories like heaters, which can strain electrical systems and significantly increase fire risk.
Officials advise homeowners to consult certified electricians before installing electrical add-ons and to store flammable materials in flame-rated cabinets. In the event of a fire that can’t be quickly extinguished, by losing the door and calling 911 can help slow the spread.
A timely reminder that sometimes small upgrades can carry big risks.
Source: FOX35
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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
💕💕Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
🏁 The Speedway Double-Header
The United Rentals 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)
The Xfinity Series takes center stage for its season opener. These drivers are hungry to prove themselves, often resulting in one of the most aggressive races of Speedweeks. It’s the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day for a race couple.
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
The General Tire 200 (ARCA Menards Series)
The day kicks off with the ARCA Menards Series. Watch the future stars of the sport tackle the high banks in a chaotic 80-lap sprint.
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🎤 Headline Festival
Bert Kreischer's Full Throttle Festival
A massive entertainment event hits the Ocean Center. Comedian Bert "The Machine" Kreischer hosts a wild night featuring rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd and DJ Diplo. It is a unique mix of comedy, southern rock, and EDM designed for the race crowd.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🏎️ Dirt Track Finale
DIRTcar Nationals: The Grand Finale
The three-week marathon concludes tonight! A "Big Gator" champion will be crowned in both the World of Outlaws Late Models and the Super DIRTcar Series. It is the last chance to see the dirt fly before the circus leaves town.
Time: Gates Open 4:00 PM | Racing starts approx. 5:30 PM
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville)
🎣 Community & Outdoors
Reel in the Fund Fishing Tournament
A family-friendly catch-and-release fishing tournament held at Central Park in Ormond Beach. Prizes are awarded for various age groups.
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Central Park (Fleming Ave), Ormond Beach
❤️ Valentine's Day Note
Dining Alert: With the combination of Valentine's Day, the Xfinity race, and the Bert Kreischer festival, beachside restaurants will be slammed. If you haven't made a reservation, consider dining early (before 5:00 PM) or heading inland to Ormond Beach West (Granada Blvd near I-95).
Sunday, Feb 15, 2026
🏁 THE MAIN EVENT
The Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. 40 drivers, 200 laps, 500 miles. The energy inside the "World Center of Racing" is indescribable as the new NASCAR season officially begins.
Pre-Race Concert: Country superstar Miranda Lambert will perform the pre-race show on the ballfield grass before driver introductions.
Grand Marshal: Comedian Nate Bargatze will give the command to start engines.
Flyover: Be in your seats early for the USAF Thunderbirds flyover (weather permitting).
Start Time: Green flag approx. 2:30 PM (TV: FOX).
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🛑 Racing Status: Dirt Track
Volusia Speedway Park: OFF
The DIRTcar Nationals have concluded. There is NO racing at the dirt track tonight. The focus is entirely on the big track.
🥂 Brunch & Pre-Race
Sunday Brunch @ Hard Rock Hotel
If you aren't heading to the track, this is the best place to soak up the atmosphere without the chaos. Enjoy the ocean view, mimosas, and live acoustic music before the race starts.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
🚦 Important Logistics Note
Traffic Alert:
Avoid International Speedway Blvd (US-92) and I-95 near the Speedway unless you are going to the race. Delays will be severe all day, especially from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (arrival) and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (exodus).
Watch Parties:
If you don't have a ticket, head to One Daytona (across from the track) for the outdoor screens, or Main Street to watch with the biker crowd. Arrive early to secure a spot.
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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