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  • ⭐Sea Turtles Go Home, OB Candidates Share, Biketoberfest Brings $$

⭐Sea Turtles Go Home, OB Candidates Share, Biketoberfest Brings $$

Issue #1077

Author

.George Sloane
16 Oct

NOTE: Your can always» READ ONLINE

🐢 Six Sea Turtles Return Home

Six juvenile green sea turtles returned to the Atlantic Oct. 14 after rehabilitation at Volusia County’s Marine Science Center.

The public release at Ponce Inlet’s Beach Street Ramp followed specialized treatment to prepare the turtles for life in the wild. Staff also released a rehabilitated juvenile brown pelican.

Since January, the center has received 243 sea turtles, 250 hatchlings and washbacks, and 215 other reptiles. Visitors can learn about its rehabilitation and conservation work at 100 Lighthouse Drive in Ponce Inlet.

🗳️ Ormond Candidates Share Their Priorities

Meanwhile, Ormond Beach’s four commission candidates discussed growth, taxes and business development at the Chamber of Commerce’s Oct. 14 forum.

In Zone 2, incumbent Travis Sargent emphasized public safety, flooding infrastructure and technology upgrades. Challenger Jennifer Bright stressed fiscal stewardship, resident needs and government transparency. She proposed beachside revitalization and easier business permitting.

In Zone 4, incumbent Harold Briley prioritized public protection, tax reform and aging infrastructure. Challenger Amber Bobak focused on water protection, preserving Ormond’s small-town character and ensuring residents are heard.

On growth, Briley and Sargent highlighted pressures from neighboring developments. Bobak called for close scrutiny of development permits, while Bright favored revitalizing existing areas over outward expansion.

Tax proposals drew differing views. Bright supported Amendment 3 as homeowner relief; Bobak raised concerns about lost services. Sargent called it a possible starting point, while Briley favored further review.

Candidates broadly supported helping local businesses, with suggestions including streamlined processes, city-sponsored promotion and redevelopment of older commercial areas.

🏍️ Biketoberfest Brings Business—and Patrols

As Biketoberfest fills local roads, law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols targeting speeding, reckless driving and impaired motorists.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood urged riders planning to drink to arrange a sober driver, use rideshare or leave their motorcycles parked.

The rally also provides a welcome lift during a typically slower tourism period. Hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions benefit as visitors explore the area.

Researchers have estimated Biketoberfest’s economic impact at more than $15 million—a substantial boost for local businesses, with responsible riding essential to a successful weekend.

Source: MyNews13

Recent Arrests

Daytona Beach Police Department

  • Shane Michael Sydow, 43, Ormond Beach— arrested Oct. 8; burglary with assault/battery; battery on person 65+. Bail: not set.

Ormond Beach Police Department

  • Daniel James Bon Fleur, 28, Ormond Beach— arrested Oct. 2; battery by strangulation. Bail: $5,000.

  • Alexander Kadell Wieler, 39, Ormond Beach— arrested Oct. 6; DUI property damage/injury; leaving crash scene with injury; refusal to submit to DUI testing; cannabis possession. Bail: $3,000.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

  • Lucas Jason Hill, 47, Ormond Beach— arrested Oct. 6; DUI property damage/injury; leaving crash scene with injury. Bail: not set.

  • Nikole Jean Burkett, 35, Ormond Beach— arrested Oct. 6; child abuse. Bail: not set.

  • Kristy Ann Monahan, 34, Ormond Beach— arrested Oct. 8; drug equipment possession/use; controlled substance without prescription. Bail: not set.

NOTE: This report lists arrests only, not convictions, from publicly available information, All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

🌟🌟 Winner of Best Coffee Shop!! 🌟🌟

Happy Co Surf & Coffee..
A Dream Built on Love, Served by the Cup

Some businesses start with a business plan. Happy Co Surf & Coffee started with an espresso machine, a shared dream, and a love that still shapes every cup.

Owner Kila Wenkart grew up in Volusia County, spending her childhood between Port Orange, DeLand, and New Smyrna Beach. At UCF, she earned a molecular biology degree while working in hospitals and the service industry. Then she met Sean.

Before graduation, the couple renovated an RV and spent six months traveling the country. On their first anniversary, Sean gave Kila her first espresso machine. Thirteen years later, she still has it.

That gift sparked more than a passion for coffee: the joy of making something exactly the way another person likes it. Years working at Grand Cafe in Fort Lauderdale helped nurture their dream of opening a shop together. Sean passed away five years after giving Kila that machine. Happy Co is her tribute to him—and the happiness a cup of coffee can bring.

Opening took persistence. After eight years of planning, Kila endured a 16-month wait for county construction approval and significant financial strain. The doors finally opened December 30, 2024, turning a long-held dream into a neighborhood gathering place. Curiously, Kila looked at many locations over 3 years and at the current location, the key box code was 7326. Which spells Sean and was also the password on her phone. She knew it was the right place!

Today, Happy Co pairs Jacksonville’s Bold Bean coffee with New York bagels, organic milk and eggs, and fresh local produce. Think healthy yet indulgent food, without seed oils or preservatives. Local art, locally shaped surfboards, vendor markets, and original live music give neighbors more reasons to connect. And for you GL:UTEN FREE folks Kila offers many options for you as well.

Kila plans to keep that momentum going with paint-and-sip events, plant bingo, networking socials, and more. Follow @Happyco.obc on Instagram for upcoming happenings.

Come meet Kila at 1210 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach.

Mention Ormond Local Pulse and get FREE drip coffee with purchase of a NY Bagel.

happycompanyobc.com | (386) 281-7374

Fire & EMS Calls

Source: CrimeRadar–Ormond Beach. Listings reflect dispatch alerts and are not verified official reports.

dec

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Events for Friday, October 16, 2026

Ormond Beach

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🏍️ Boardwalk Bike Show, 8 AM–5 PM — Daytona Beach Boardwalk, 12 North Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach. See custom motorcycles competing across 20 classes at the 37th annual show. Free for spectators; motorcycle entry fees apply. Daytona Beach, FL 32118

  • Event: 🏍️ Indian Motorcycle Demo Rides, 9 AM–5 PM — Indian Motorcycle Daytona Beach, 290 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach. Free test rides on the latest models. Riders must be 25 or older with a motorcycle endorsement and proper safety gear. www.daytonabeach.com

  • Event: 🎸 Biketoberfest at Main Street Station, noon–1:15 AM Saturday — Main Street Station, 316 Main Street, Daytona Beach. Enjoy live music, food vendors, motorcycle merchandise, and rally festivities at the historic garage bar. mainstreetlive.com

  • Event: 🛍️ Riverfront Market, 5–9 PM — Riverfront Esplanade, 179 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach. Shop up to 45 local vendors and enjoy live music by Aaron Esposito along the waterfront.

Events for Saturday, October 17, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 44th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair, 8 AM - 4PM
    Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 600 South Nova Road Ormond Beach
    Over 40 Vendors Original Works of Art Handcrafted Items Fresh Baked Goods Raffles from local Merchants Food and Beverages

  • Event: 🏍️ Biketoberfest at Destination Daytona, 8 AM–10 PM — Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, 1637 North US Highway 1, Ormond Beach. Breakfast festivities, demo rides, vendors, dyno demonstrations, and live music. Free admission. Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2539

  • Event: 🙏 Blessing of the Bikes, 11 AM–2 PM — Grace Lutheran Church, 338 Ocean Shore Boulevard, Ormond Beach. Bring your motorcycle for the church’s bike-blessing gathering. www.observerlocalnews.com

  • Event: 🧚 Fairy House Maker Day, noon–3 PM — Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 East Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach. Enjoy a creative afternoon centered on making fairy houses. ormondartmuseum.org

  • Event: 🎃 Grace Lutheran Pumpkin Patch, 1–6:30 PM — Grace Lutheran Church, 338 Ocean Shore Boulevard, Ormond Beach. Browse pumpkins at the annual fall patch. www.observerlocalnews.com

  • Event: 🎨 ArtWave Youth Workshop, 2–3:30 PM — Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 East Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach. Ages 10–14 explore artists and art techniques. Supplies included; $15 members/$20 nonmembers. Advance registration encouraged. OMAM

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🚗 Tony’s Cruisin’ the Hill Car Show, 9 AM–1 PM — Holly Hill City Hall, 1065 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill. The 10th anniversary show features cars, a bicycle showcase, live music, food vendors, and awards. Free for spectators; proceeds support Holly Hill School. FLA Car Shows

  • Event: 🍺 Ducktoberfest, noon–11 PM — Drunken Duck Brewing Company, 101 2nd Street, Unit 401, Holly Hill. Celebrate with German food, specialty beers, and live music, including This Just In from 1–4 PM. Traditional Oktoberfest attire encouraged. Untappd

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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