- Ormond Local Pulse
- Posts
- ⭐Senior Housing Milestone, Burn Bans, ICE Debate, and Artemis II Delay
⭐Senior Housing Milestone, Burn Bans, ICE Debate, and Artemis II Delay
Issue #842
Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE
Table of Contents
+
Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
Swipe image left for more daily forecasts
Courtesy Photo
🏗️ Lakewood Senior Housing Breaks Ground in Daytona Beach
Volusia County leaders gathered on Feb. 18 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Lakewood Senior Housing, a key project under the county’s Transform386 recovery program. Located at 1300 Jimmy Ann Drive in Daytona Beach, the development will bring 56 affordable housing units to income-qualified seniors—an important step forward in meeting post-hurricane housing needs.
The project marks the first of four Transform386 multi-family initiatives to move into construction. Backed by federal disaster recovery funding following Hurricanes Ian and Milton, Transform386 aims to address unmet housing challenges across the county. Construction on Lakewood Senior Housing is expected to wrap up by the end of next year.
County officials were joined by representatives from the City of Daytona Beach and project partner Acruva at the ceremony, signaling a collaborative push toward long-term recovery.
Lakewood is just one piece of a broader affordable housing effort. Additional approved projects include developments in DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and Orange City, collectively adding hundreds of new units to the pipeline. As construction begins in Daytona Beach, more Transform386 initiatives are expected to gain momentum later this year.
Source: Ormond Observer
🔥 Burn Bans Issued as Drought Raises Wildfire Risk
Meanwhile, across Central Florida, dry conditions are prompting urgent action. Burn bans are now in effect in parts of the region as drought and wildfire risks climb.
In Volusia County, Fire Chief Joe King announced that outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas and several cities, including Oak Hill, Lake Helen, and Pierson. While residents can still use gas and charcoal grills, officials stress that they must be attended and fully extinguished after use.
The decision comes after weeks of limited rainfall and a recent hard freeze, which dried out vegetation and created prime wildfire conditions. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index—a key measure of soil dryness—reflects the growing risk.
Neighboring Osceola County has already seen the consequences. Recent wind-driven fires burned as much as 80 acres in Poinciana and 50 acres near Intercession City. Fire officials are urging residents to avoid tossing cigarettes from vehicles, parking hot cars on dry grass, or leaving debris near homes.
Violators of burn bans could face fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. Officials say the bans will remain in place until conditions improve, with updates posted on county websites.
Source: MyNews13
📧 Sheriff Says ICE Cooperation Tied to His Job
In other county news, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood is facing scrutiny after an email exchange revealed he believes he could lose his job if he does not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
According to reporting by the Daytona News-Journal, Chitwood told a resident that a directive from Gov. Ron DeSantis requires Florida law enforcement agencies to assist federal authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or risk removal from office and a $5,000 fine.
The exchange followed public criticism of the sheriff’s involvement in immigration enforcement efforts. Earlier this month, Chitwood appeared alongside Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, noting that his office had detained 220 undocumented immigrants over the past year. Reports indicate the sheriff’s office received $334,262 for its immigration-related efforts.
The situation marks a shift from Chitwood’s previous stance. In a 2018 PBS interview, he emphasized that local deputies would not act as immigration officers. However, his office now appears to be participating in ICE’s 287(g) program, which deputizes local officers to enforce certain federal immigration laws.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between state directives, federal immigration policy, and community expectations—an issue likely to remain in the spotlight.
Ed. Note: The article does not indicate what the receipts covered (e.g., expenses incurred), nor what the immigration efforts the deputies involved in were. Nor does it indicate what “certain” laws the 287(g) program authorizes. Further information is needed for a balanced report on this matter.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🚀 Artemis II May Miss March Launch Window
And finally, looking skyward: NASA may need to delay the highly anticipated Artemis II mission after detecting an issue with helium flow in the Space Launch System’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage.
The agency is preparing for a potential rollback of the rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. The interruption in helium flow—critical for engine purging and tank pressurization—occurred during routine operations. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged the setback, noting that similar issues were observed during Artemis I.
If rollback proceeds, the March launch window would be off the table. Engineers are currently reviewing data and assessing next steps, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority.
Artemis II is set to carry four astronauts around the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years. Though the spacecraft will not land, the test flight represents a major step in NASA’s broader goal of establishing a sustained lunar presence.
Setbacks are not new to space exploration. As Isaacman pointed out, early missions during the Apollo era faced technical hurdles as well. For now, NASA teams continue troubleshooting, with further updates expected soon.
Source: Fox35
This Day In Florida History
1512 — Juan Ponce de León received a royal contract from King Ferdinand of Spain to explore and govern the island of “Bimini.”
1839 — The Episcopal congregation of St. John’s in Jacksonville was incorporated by the Florida Territorial Legislative Council.
1844 — The Town of Milton (Santa Rosa County) was incorporated by the Florida territorial legislature.
1888 — President Grover Cleveland visited Winter Park and was received at the Seminole Hotel.
1900 — The Miami Board of Trade was organized to promote the young City of Miami.
1914 — Haines City (Polk County) was incorporated as a town.
1928 — Drew Field (the early airport that later evolved into Tampa’s main aviation hub) opened in Tampa.
1950 — Cocoa Beach purchased a fire truck for municipal firefighting use.
1965 — A tornado outbreak affected South Florida.
1992 — A Delta II rocket launched the GPS IIA-3 mission from Cape Canaveral.
1997 — A Titan IV rocket launched the DSP F18 mission from Cape Canaveral.
1998 — Deadly tornadoes struck Central Florida as part of the February 22–23 outbreak (including the Longwood/Sanford area and the Kissimmee corridor).
2017 — A dedication ceremony was held for the Tallahassee VA Health Care Center.
2021 — Buc-ee’s opened its St. Augustine, Florida location.
2023 — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for NASA’s Crew-6 mission was raised to vertical at Kennedy Space Center during launch preparations.
GET YOUR ORMOND PULSE VIP PASS
Receive Special News Notifications, Special Community Events, etc. Between Publications
Click Image
BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Get your on VIP pass for your group.
Click here for more information
⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!
Get hands-on, no-fluff AI training built for local businesses—not tech geeks. Whether you run a salon, law firm, restaurant, or repair shop, or individual, we’ll show you how to use AI to save time, cut costs, and grow fast.
A community for everyone…local businesses, professionals, individuals.
Check out these proven AI prompts for Local Businesses
Looking for a Great Place To Eat?
Click Image
⭐ Today's Meme ⭐
 |
Great Voucher Dealz
Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.
Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam
Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam
Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam
Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam
Currently Unavailable
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
🌿 Conventions & Environment
2026 Public Lands Alliance Convention & Trade Show
Day two of this major national event continues at the Ocean Center. Hundreds of nonprofits, land management agencies, and conservationists gather to discuss the preservation, funding, and public use of America's parks and forests.
Time: All Day
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🏛️ Civic & City Business
Ormond Beach Special Magistrate Hearing
Local code enforcement and city ordinance matters are reviewed and ruled upon in this public hearing.
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Ormond Beach City Hall (Commission Chambers)
Ormond Beach Aviation Advisory Board
The board meets to discuss ongoing operations, noise mitigation, and developments at the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach City Hall (Room 103)
Volusia County Cultural Council Meeting
The council gathers to review local grant applications and discuss strategies for promoting arts, history, and culture throughout the county.
Time: Morning (Check county agenda for exact hour)
Location: Check Volusia County website for specific meeting room
🧘 Wellness & Leisure
AumShanti Yoga: Living on the Breath
Start your week completely centered. This alignment-based yoga class focuses on breathwork and posture, held right on the oceanfront.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Take advantage of the "calm before the storm." With the race crowds gone and the Bike Week crowds still a few days away, today is the absolute best time to rent a kayak and enjoy the quiet, pristine waters of the Tomoka River.
Time: 8:00 AM – Sundown
Location: North Beach St, Ormond Beach
🍽️ Dining & Nightlife
Grind Gastropub: Locals' Night
A Monday night tradition. Enjoy all-day Happy Hour pricing and a relaxed atmosphere as the locals reclaim their favorite spots for a few days.
Time: 11:30 AM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach
A high-energy, music-based spin on the classic game. Listen to song clips, mark your card, and win prizes on the outdoor terrace.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Sessions Terrace)
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
💼 Business & Professional
BOSS Program: Safeguard Your Business From Fraud!
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its "Business Owners Sharing Solutions" (BOSS) seminar. This session is an excellent networking opportunity for local entrepreneurs looking to learn best practices for protecting their assets and data.
Time: Check local Chamber schedule for exact timing
Location: Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce
🤝 Community & Support
A welcoming, educational, and confidential space for individuals and families dealing with Parkinson's to connect and share resources.
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: The Blake at LPGA (Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach border)
🧘 Wellness & Fitness
AumShanti Yoga: Let It Be Flow
Enjoy the ocean breeze during this Vin/Yin yoga flow designed to stretch and relax your body. A gentle "Dream On" stretching variation is also offered concurrently.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Keep up your daily routine at the Daytona Beach Shores Community Center with a variety of active classes:
Zumba Gold: 8:45 AM
SilverSneakers: 9:30 AM
Chair Yoga: 4:30 PM
Location: Shores Community Center
🍽️ Dining & Leisure
Enjoy an upscale take on Taco Tuesday on the patio. It’s a great spot to grab a bite before the beachside restaurants get swamped with the incoming weekend crowds.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🏍️ Bike Week Alert: Load-In Begins
Main Street & US-1 Corridors
While the massive scheduled parties haven't started yet, if you drive down Main Street in Daytona or North US-1 in Ormond Beach (near the Iron Horse Saloon and Destination Daytona), you will see the vendor tents going up and early-bird bikers rolling into town. Traffic profiles will begin shifting heavily toward motorcycles today.
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
Scan for event form
Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.
You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.
We Want To Spotlight Your Business!
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!
⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐
❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.
We could use your help!
We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?
Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE
 | Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇 |
😊😊😊😊😊 Have A Great Day
TECH NOTE: Some readers using the Edge browser have reported getting warning messages that they are attempting to access an unsafe site. This is a glitch in the Edge browser. If you switch to Chrome, Firefox or Safari you should have no problems. Rest assured our site IS SAFE
OUR NEWS POLICY: Our goal is to provide synopses of locally relevant news and articles for Ormond residents. This may include local issues, county and state news affecting Ormond Beach, and other matters such as health, technology, pets, etc.. We hope to provide something of interest to all readers. We welcome your feedback here
1
Reply