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⭐School Board Rights, Peace Garden Dedicated, Dempsey Pushes Back

Issue #866

19 Mar

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Let's begin in Tallahassee, where something remarkable happened: a bill passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature without a single dissenting vote. The District School Board Member's Bill of Rights — Senate Bill 1620, filed by Sen. Tom Leek of Ormond Beach — cleared the House 37-0 on March 9 and the Senate 108-0 on March 12. In a political climate not exactly renowned for consensus, that's the kind of vote that makes you do a double-take.

The bill was sparked by Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer, who found herself being charged for public records requests by the very district she was elected to oversee — and in some cases having those requests ignored entirely. If that strikes you as somewhat backwards, you are not alone. The new legislation, once signed by the governor, will guarantee school board members free and timely access to all district documents necessary to do their jobs, along with reasonable access to budget line items and the right to speak publicly on matters related to their elected duties. It also bans school districts from requiring employees to sign non-disclosure agreements — a practice that caused its own controversy in Volusia County Schools last year, when roughly 110 employees were asked to sign NDAs that quietly expired in December.

"Had they already been doing what was in the bill, the bill would never have been necessary." — School Board member Donna Brosemer

Volusia County Schools, for its part, issued a statement calling the bill's policies "largely practices already in place." Brosemer's response to that framing was concise and pointed. The bill now awaits Gov. DeSantis's signature, which Brosemer expects to come later this year. "The governor likes Bills of Rights," she noted, with the quiet satisfaction of someone who just won.

On a considerably more tranquil note: Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ormond Beach opened its new Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15, with a dedication ceremony officiated by Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan. The garden — 6,000 square feet, anchored by a six-foot marble statue of the Virgin Mary atop a five-foot base, framed by a 170-foot plaza lined with Stations of the Cross — is, by any measure, a labor of love. It broke ground in August 2025, funded by a parishioner bequest, community donations, and support from the parish's Vietnamese Catholic community. The ceremony also marked the parish's 60th anniversary and included a Rite of Confirmation. With approximately 1,800 registered member households, Prince of Peace has come a long way from its original church, dedicated in 1969. The garden is open to all — "where all are welcome to encounter peace, pray, and reflect." Ormond Beach could use a few more spots like that.

And finally, we check back in on Councilman Don Dempsey, who — as covered in these pages yesterday — found himself outvoted 5-1 when the County Council removed a Volusia Forever discussion from its March 17 agenda. In case you missed his argument in the room, here it is in his own words, delivered with the energy of a man who has been sitting on this for eleven months:

"We've contractually gotten into bed with the very people that are trying to take control of our water. And we're giving it to them, one easement at a time. And you don't even want to talk about it?" — Councilman Don Dempsey

The council did agree to a future workshop on conservation easements — so Dempsey will, eventually, get his intelligent discussion. Whether it will be as dramatic as the preview remains to be seen. Either way, the water conversation discussion in Volusia County is far from over. It may, in fact, be forever.

Sources
"School Board member's Bill of Rights passes in the House and Senate" — Ormond Observer, March 17, 2026
"Prince of Peace celebrates dedication of Mary's Peace Garden, 60th anniversary" — Ormond Observer, March 16, 2026
"Volusia Council nixes Volusia Forever item, but Dempsey pushes back" — Daytona News-Journal, March 18, 2026

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📅Wednesday, March 18, 2026

🎭 Live Theater & Music

  • 'The Rat Pack Together Again' Starring Tony Sands

    • Transport yourself back to the golden era of music! This thrilling tribute brings the magic of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. back to the stage with a wonderful mix of song, brilliant musical arrangements, comedy, and sketches.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)

    • Tickets: Starting at $40

📚 Library & Community Education

  • Chair Yoga In-Person

    • Led by a certified instructor, this relaxed morning session gives participants an opportunity to move their bodies and clear their minds without the strain of a traditional yoga mat class.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (Sea Turtle Room)

  • Crafty Cards: Book Lovers Club

    • Have fun with a special edition of Crafty Cards! This adult workshop focuses on creating beautiful, custom greeting cards centered around reading and books. All materials are provided.

    • Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (LaunchPad)

🛼 Family Fun

  • Astro Skate: Alien Green Out!

    • Keep the St. Patrick's Day energy going! Kids and families are invited to wear their most creative green outfits for this themed skating night. Guests who wear green get free pizza, punch, and cotton candy during the first hour.

    • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    • Location: Astro Skate Center (250 N. US-1)

    • Cost: $8 admission (plus skate rental)

🛡️ Community & Safety

  • Ormond By The Sea Lions Club Meeting, 6:30 PM,
    (New Location) Grace Life Beachside Church Hall, 6 Sandra Drive, Ormond Beach
    All Are Welcome!  More info at (386) 441-4421

  • Stay Alert & Defend Yourself (SADY) Class

    • Hosted by the City of Holly Hill, this free community course focuses on situational awareness and basic self-defense strategies. It is a highly practical and empowering class for local residents looking to boost their confidence and safety skills.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    • Location: Check the Holly Hill city calendar for the exact community room.

Here is your hyper-local event list exclusively for Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, and Ormond-by-the-Sea on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Thursday is a fantastic day in the neighborhood, featuring a massive local pickleball tournament kickoff, our favorite weekly farmers market, and some great charity and cultural events!

📅 Local Events: Thursday, March 19, 2026

🥦 Fresh & Local

  • Ormond Beach Farmers Market

    • A beloved Thursday morning tradition! Stroll through the City Hall Plaza to shop for fresh regional produce, baked goods, local honey, plants, and handcrafted items. Located right next to the library and across from the beautiful Halifax River, it is a great way to start your day.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • Location: City Hall Plaza (22 S. Beach St)

🤝 Networking & Charity

  • Fueling Futures 2026: Driven by Purpose

    • Join the Volusia Young Professionals Group for a purpose-driven networking event supporting VCan's mission to eradicate youth hunger and homelessness. Enjoy an evening of inspiration, connection, and great local beer for a fantastic cause.

    • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

    • Location: Lydecker Warehouse / Ormond Brewing Company (301 Division Ave)

    • Cost: $25 for VYPG Members / $60 Regular Tickets

🎨 Arts & Culture

  • Third Thursday Docent Tour at OMAM

    • Join the Ormond Memorial Art Museum's amazing docents for a guided, one-hour tour. You will explore pieces from the permanent collection, take a walk through the gardens to see the veterans tributes, and tour inside the historic Emmons Cottage. The tour concludes with complimentary tea on the terrace!

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (78 E Granada Blvd)

📚 Community Education

  • Recipes and Reads Culinary Lab: Foods That Built America

    • Head to the Ormond Beach Regional Library for a fun, free cooking demonstration presented by the library staff. Today's focus is on the fascinating history of supermarkets!

    • Time: 2:00 PM

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

🏓 Major Sports Event

  • Pictona Challenge 2026 (Day 1)

    • Today marks the official kickoff of the 5th annual Pictona Challenge! This is a massive, four-day pickleball tournament featuring hundreds of players competing across various skill and age brackets. Even if you aren't playing, the facility will be buzzing with energy and it's a great day to spectate and grab a bite at The Kitchen.

    • Time: Matches begin at 8:00 AM and run through the afternoon

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

🎸 Live Music & Nightlife

  • Jasmine Cain Live at Rowsey's

    • Looking for some evening entertainment? Award-winning rock artist Jasmine Cain is bringing her high-energy show to Holly Hill's favorite local pub.

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Location: Rowsey's Pub (1065 Ridgewood Ave)

Friday, March 20, 2026

🎸 Headline Concert

  • FJ - A Tribute to Foreigner and Journey

    • The music and energy of two legendary stadium rock bands come together in one electrifying show! Featuring vocalist Rudy Cardenas from American Idol, this time-machine tribute is guaranteed to get you out of your seat singing along to hits like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "I Want to Know What Love Is."

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)

    • Tickets: Starting at $40

🏛️ Civic & Community

  • City of Ormond Beach Pension Board Meetings

    • Local government business continues at City Hall. Residents are welcome to attend the morning board meetings:

      • General Employees' Pension Board: 8:30 AM (Training Room)

      • Municipal Police Officers' Pension Trust Fund Board: 10:00 AM (Training Room)

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

🏓 Major Sports Event

  • Pictona Challenge 2026 (Day 2)

    • Day two of the massive 5th annual Pictona Challenge! Hundreds of local and regional players are competing across the 49-court facility. It is a fantastic day to head to the courts, spectate some high-level pickleball, browse "Exhibitor's Row," and grab a bite at The Kitchen.

    • Time: Matches begin at 8:00 AM and run throughout the day

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

🍿 Family & Kids

  • Movie With A Cop: Zootopia 2

    • Celebrate the last official night of the Volusia County schools' Spring Holiday! The Holly Hill Police Department is hosting a fun, free community movie night for local families.

    • Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Check the Holly Hill city calendar for the exact viewing location

  • See More Recurring Events Here

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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