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- ⭐ Save Marineland?, Schools Earn "A", SSA Benefits up 2.8%, An Aston Martin Condo?
⭐ Save Marineland?, Schools Earn "A", SSA Benefits up 2.8%, An Aston Martin Condo?
Issue #724
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🐬 Locals Try To Save Marineland
Local advocates are rallying to save Marineland Dolphin Adventure as a court hearing looms to finalize its $7.1 million sale. The historic oceanarium, home to 17 dolphins and nearly a century of marine legacy, was recently snapped up by a mysterious buyer, Delightful Development LLC, whose plans remain undisclosed.
Leading the charge is longtime resident Linda Wilson, who has spearheaded two petitions urging state and local officials to preserve the site. She proposes the state purchase the property using conservation funds through the Florida Forever Program. So far, more than 2,200 people have signed on.
A GoFundMe campaign, launched by former park director Felica Cook, aims to cover legal costs to challenge the sale in court. Supporters warn that redevelopment could erase the park’s cultural and ecological significance, which dates back to its 1938 opening — the world’s first oceanarium and a backdrop to classic films like Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The final sale hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 27. For many, it may be the last chance to save this treasured slice of Florida's coast.
Source: Ormond Observer
Superintendent Carmen Balgobin is proudly reporting that Volusia County Schools just earned its first “A” rating since 2009 — and it wasn’t a fluke. In a candid letter to the community, she laid out the numbers and the narrative behind the district’s rise, from higher math scores to a graduation rate now sitting at an impressive 94%.
Among the standout achievements: Starke Elementary jumped from a "D" to an "A" in just one year, and all traditional schools now hold A, B, or C grades. Across the board, academic gains were seen in key demographics, including English learners and students with disabilities.
Balgobin also addressed concerns over the graduation rate, emphasizing transparency and outlining the support systems — not shortcuts — that helped students succeed. She acknowledged the district’s ongoing work under a federal settlement to improve services for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students, signaling a commitment to both accountability and inclusion.
The letter closes with an open invitation for continued dialogue, reflecting a school district aiming not just for academic wins but for genuine community trust.
Source: Ormond Observer
Starting January 2026, Social Security and SSI recipients can expect a 2.8% boost in benefits, thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). That translates to about $56 more per month for the average retiree — welcome news for Florida’s 5 million-plus recipients.
But not all that glitters is gold. Inflation rose 3% in September, and Medicare premiums are expected to increase, potentially offsetting much of the gain. Part B alone could cost seniors an extra $21.50 per month.
To complicate things, some recipients are also grappling with reduced payments due to overpayment clawbacks, a change initiated under the Trump administration.
Still, the Social Security Administration is framing the adjustment as a necessary step to maintain economic stability for seniors and those on fixed incomes. If you’re eager to know your updated benefits, expect mailed notices by December — or check online with a “my Social Security” account before November 19.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🏙️ Aston Martin Shifts Gears Into Daytona’s Skyline
From the racetrack to the beachfront, Aston Martin is ready to make waves — not with a car, but a condo tower. The luxury automaker has announced plans for an 18-story residential development in Daytona Beach Shores, marking its first branded tower in Central Florida.
The project will include 86 oceanfront units, complete with upscale amenities like a fine-dining restaurant and café. While pricing and pre-sale details remain under wraps, the anticipated economic impact exceeds $3 billion, with over 10,000 jobs projected.
Aston Martin’s expansion into real estate mirrors a growing trend among high-end brands looking to offer full lifestyle experiences. The tower’s design, overseen by the brand’s chief creative officer, aims to blend automotive performance aesthetics with luxury living.
Set for completion by 2029, the tower promises to bring an international spotlight to Daytona Beach Shores. As the developers put it — it’s more than a place to live; it’s a statement.
Source: Fox35 News
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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 info
Sat October 25
Event: 🗣️ Speakers Series: Writers in Paradise, 10:00 AM
Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
Jim Clark, Senior Lecturer at UCF, highlights the journeys of more than two dozen renowned authors—past and present—who found inspiration and refuge under Florida's sun.Event: 🕷️ Craft Day: Not So Spooky Spiders, 10:00 AM
Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
A fun craft day event focused on making not-so-spooky spiders.Event: 🛍️ Adopt A Block + Free Groceries, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Holly Point Apartments, 1000 15th St, Holly Hill
An outreach event featuring a free grocery giveaway, Shine Kids Block Party, free community BBQ, prayer, and resources for the community.Event: 📸 Mastering the Basics of Phone & DSLR Photography, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond BeachLearn to gain control of exposure and understand the fundamentals of composition with your smartphone or DSLR camera in this photography workshop.
Event: 👙 Ormond Beach - Bikini Company, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Fountain Square Shopping Village, 142 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
A special event or promotion at the Bikini Company swimwear boutique.Event: 🎄 Grinchmas Seaglass Tree, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Salty Mermaid, 1546 - 1548 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
A unique, festive class where you can create your own beautiful, perfectly crooked, seaglass Grinch tree, complete with fairy lights and a heart ornament.Event: 🎨 Sip & Paint in Nature: Tea, Treats, and Tiny Art, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
73 Village Dr, Ormond Beach
An outdoor sip and paint event focused on creating tiny art, complete with tea and treats in a natural setting.Event: 🎃 Nspire Allstars Halloween, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Riptide Gymnastics & Cheer, 1203 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
A spooky family fun day open to the public! Enjoy Trunk-or-Treating with volunteers, carnival games with athletes, open gym fun, food, games, prizes, and more.Event: 🍰 Trick or Sweet: A Halloween Cake Class!, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, 1 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
A fun, Halloween-themed cake decorating course where you can create your own monstrous masterpiece to take home.Event: ☕ sober Café, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar, 49 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
A social gathering in a sober environment at the Grind Gastropub.Event: 🍪 Bake sale vender show, (Time not specified) 221 Riverbend Rd, Ormond Beach A local bake sale and vendor show.
Event: 🤫 The Mystery of the Ladies in Black (Ormond Beach), (Time not specified) 330 S Beach St, Ormond Beach A local historical event or tour.
Sun Oct 26
Event: 🌸Fall Flower Workshop with Green Door Gardener, 1–3 PM
beach + vine,1458 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach
Sip on a complimentary glass of Prosecco as you curate your own floral design in a stylish carafe using a selection of seasonal blooms during this hands-on workshop. Kimberly from The Green Door Gardener will show you the step-by-step process.Event: 🎭Halifax Repertory Theatre - Annie, 2 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts,399 U.S. Rte 1, Ormond Beach
The show follows red-headed orphan Annie as she navigates Depression-era New York in search of her parents—winning the heart of billionaire Oliver Warbucks along the way. The musical features beloved songs like “Tomorrow” and “It's the Hard Knock Life.”Event: 🍂2025 Fall Festival, 2–8 PM
77 Cir S Rd,77 Cir S Rd, Ormond Beach
Get lost in the fun at this fall festival featuring a thrilling commercial-sized corn maze, a pumpkin patch, friendly farm animals, pony rides, u-pick sunflowers, live music, and food trucks.Event: 🎃Trunk or Treat at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 9 PM
600 S Nova Rd,600 S Nova Rd, Ormond Beach
Bring your kids for an evening full of treats, games, and costumes! The event features a Trunk or Treat, Haunted House, an inflatable game area, arts & crafts, a hayride, and delicious food & drinks.Mon Oct 27
Event: 🗓️Housing Authority, 3:00 PM
Housing Authority,100 New Britain Ave, Ormond Beach
Regular meeting of the Ormond Beach Housing Authority.
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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