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  • ⭐Seaweed Returns, Votran Route Changes,OB Remembers The Fallen, Jazz and $30,023

⭐Seaweed Returns, Votran Route Changes,OB Remembers The Fallen, Jazz and $30,023

Issue #934

26 May

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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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🌊 Sargassum Surge Could Signal Record Summer

If Central Florida’s beaches smelled a little stronger than usual over Memorial Day weekend, you’re not imagining it.

Large amounts of sargassum — a brown seaweed that floats in massive mats offshore — have been washing up across the region. Some scientists say this summer could rival or even surpass last year’s record-breaking levels.

Beachgoers described stretches of shoreline blanketed in seaweed, in some places piled high for dozens of feet. While the smell can be unpleasant as it decomposes, experts note that sargassum plays an important ecological role. It provides habitat for small marine life, which in turn supports birds and other coastal species. It can also help reduce erosion by trapping sand.

Researchers attribute the growing blooms to warmer ocean temperatures and nutrient pollution. And while it may mean more raking for families carving out a beach spot, many acknowledge the long-term environmental trade-offs.

Source: ClickOrlando

🚌 VoTran Seeks Public Input on Proposed Route Changes

Meanwhile, changes could be coming to local transit service.

VoTran is proposing adjustments to several routes beginning this summer, with additional changes under consideration for October. The updates include reduced frequency on some routes, minor schedule shifts, route splits and, in some cases, service being replaced by VoRide on-demand transportation.

Under the June proposal, Routes 3, 4, 11 and 15 would move to hourly service. Route 11 would be split, with part of the corridor redesignated as Route 9. Additional adjustments affect Routes 5, 12, 18, 30 and 70.

In October, Routes 33 and 70 could be discontinued, with alternate VoRide service provided. Sunday service on select routes may also transition to on-demand operations.

Public comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 5, with the Volusia County Council scheduled to review feedback later that month.

🇺🇸 Ormond Beach Remembers the Fallen

At Rockefeller Gardens, the community gathered for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service hosted in Ormond Beach — a ceremony centered on honoring service and sacrifice.

Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Don Felt delivered the keynote address, reminding attendees that the more than 1.3 million Americans who have died in military service represent not just names etched in stone, but families and futures forever changed.

The ceremony featured wreath presentations, a flyover, a rifle salute and musical tributes, including “Amazing Grace.” Felt shared the story of a young soldier wounded in Iraq and reflected on the courage of Lt. Phillip Neel, who was killed in combat.

“Say their name, remember their sacrifice, tell their story,” Felt urged.

It was a solemn yet powerful reminder of the freedoms observed on Memorial Day.

ENTERTAINMENT

🎷 Jazz Fest Set to Fill New Smyrna Beach with Music

From remembrance to rhythm, the 24th annual New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival is ready to turn the city into one expansive stage.

Running May 29–31, the free festival will feature performances at 24 indoor and outdoor venues throughout New Smyrna Beach, stretching from Flagler Avenue to Canal Street.

Fourteen acts will perform along Flagler Avenue alone on Saturday, with additional shows scheduled across the mainland and Canal Street Historic District throughout the weekend. Returning performers include Ben Prestage, Linda Cole and the Greg Parnell Group, among others.

Organizers encourage visitors to consider rideshare options due to limited beachside parking. New this year is VoRide Volusia, offering low-cost rides through the VoTran On Demand app.

The result? Three days of saxophones, swing and seaside atmosphere.

Source: HomeTown News

HUMAN INTEREST

💰 Lost and Found: $30,023 Returned to Grateful Owner

And finally, a story that restores a little faith in humanity.

At a Wawa in Riviera Beach, Luis Salazar discovered a forgotten fanny pack in a restroom. Inside: $30,023 in cash.

Rather than walk away with what many would consider life-changing money, Salazar searched for the owner. After days of effort and assistance from local police, the two were reunited — with every dollar accounted for.

Body camera footage captured the emotional moment the owner counted the cash and realized it was all there.

Salazar said keeping the money never crossed his mind. “It’s not my money to take,” he said.

In a news cycle often filled with hard headlines, this one stands out — a reminder that integrity still counts.

Source: WPBF.com

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Events for Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: Networking Group 1 - 7:30–8:30 a.m.
    Alison Boscovich, Agent, State Farm Insurance, 325 S. Yonge St., Suite C, Ormond Beach
    Ormond Beach Chamber members-only, industry-exclusive networking group.

  • Event: Networking Group 3 - 12–1 p.m.
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
    Ormond Beach Chamber members-only, industry-exclusive networking group.

  • Event: Quiet Light: The Art of Sara Pedigo - Museum hours
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Ormond Beach
    Exhibition featuring representational work by Sara Pedigo. Museum hours are Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 12–4 p.m.

Holly Hill

Daytona Beach

  • Event: AumShanti Yoga - Let It Be Flow (Vin/Yin) w/Lauren - 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    Rock Royalty Terrace, Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach
    Vin/Yin yoga class combining vinyasa flow with restorative yin practice. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners.

  • Event: Parkinson’s Support Group - 2–3:30 p.m.
    The Blake at LPGA, 1635 N. Williamson Blvd., Daytona Beach
    Free community support group for individuals with Parkinson’s, caregivers and loved ones.

  • Event: Daytona Tortugas vs. Tampa Tarpons - 6:35 p.m.
    Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach
    Minor league baseball game featuring the Daytona Tortugas against the Tampa Tarpons.

Events for Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: Networking Group 4 - 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
    Member-only Ormond Beach Chamber networking group.

  • Event: Veterans Creative Expressions Workshop - 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Ormond Beach
    Free workshop for U.S. veterans and current service members; registration required. Participants create a monochromatic abstract painting.

  • Event: Networking Group 2 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, 165 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
    Member-only Ormond Beach Chamber networking group.

  • Event: Quiet Light: The Art of Sara Pedigo - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum
    Art exhibition running through Aug. 2; museum hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM.

Holly Hill

  • Event: Proton Daytona Beach Open - Time not listed
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill
    Professional pickleball tournament scheduled for May 27-31.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: Hospice Demystified: What it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    AdventHealth Well 65+ Daytona Beach
    Educational event explaining hospice care and why it matters.

  • Event: Daytona Tortugas vs. Tampa Tarpons - 6:35 PM
    Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach
    Minor League Baseball game.

  • Event: Twisted Trivia w/Will Hammer - 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Sessions, Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, 918 N. Atlantic Ave.
    Signature trivia event at 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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