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  • ⭐Shelter Offers Free Adoptions, OB Artist's Message Of Hope, Wildlife Feeding Issues

⭐Shelter Offers Free Adoptions, OB Artist's Message Of Hope, Wildlife Feeding Issues

Issue #1062

Author

.George Sloane
01 Oct

NOTE: Your can always» READ ONLINE

Volusia County Animal Services Website

🐾 Shelter Celebrates with Fee-Free Adoptions

The Volusia County Animal Shelter is celebrating its first birthday by helping more pets find a place to call home. Adoption fees will be waived Thursday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 3.

Since opening last October, the shelter has placed more than 250 animals with adoptive families and reunited another 250-plus lost pets with their owners. Nearly 200 animals went to partner rescues, while more than 70 received foster care.

Ready to meet a potential new family member? Visit the shelter at 2120 E. International Speedway Blvd. in DeLand, open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. You can preview available pets at volusia.gov/adoption.

🎨 Ormond Artist Paints a Message of Hope

Another local story of compassion comes from Ormond Beach artist Robert Shirk, who turned his cancer experience into a gift for fellow patients.

Diagnosed with stage 4 gallbladder cancer in April 2025, Shirk endured difficult chemotherapy before receiving targeted treatment. His oncologist reports that recent imaging shows no disease progression, and he has returned to painting.

On Sept. 16, he donated “Chemo” to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Palm Coast, where he receives care. Created with tiny painted dots across six plexiglass layers, the artwork depicts hands reaching toward a treatment bell, surrounded by messages of hope.

Now displayed in a patient seating area, the award-winning painting offers encouragement to others navigating cancer.

🦝 Wildlife Feeding Can Bring Trouble

While helping shelter pets is welcome, feeding wild neighbors can create problems. A Jacksonville man’s recent arrest over alleged raccoon feeding highlights how food left for stray cats can attract unintended dinner guests.

Florida’s restrictions apply to specific wildlife and circumstances—not every backyard animal. FWC prohibits feeding sandhill cranes and wild monkeys, and restricts feeding or attracting several other species, including raccoons, foxes, coyotes and bears.

The News-Journal reports that certain violations can begin with a $100 civil penalty, with repeated offenses bringing criminal charges.

FWC advises residents to supervise outdoor pet feeding, promptly remove leftovers and secure garbage. That helps prevent a bowl intended for a cat from becoming a neighborhood wildlife buffet.

Congratulations To All The Winners!

Fire and EMS Calls

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

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Local events for Thursday, October 1, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Ormond Beach Farmers Market — 8 a.m.–1 p.m. at City Hall Plaza, 22 S. Beach St. Shop fresh produce, baked goods, plants, handmade items, and local vendors.

  • Cider & Strings: Lucy Spotts — Free outdoor concert at Rockefeller Gardens, across from The Casements. Bring a chair or blanket. Confirm the time before attending: the listing shows both 5:30–7 p.m. and 6–8 p.m.; call 386-676-3241.

  • Trivia Night at Kava Kula — 8–10:30 p.m. at 142 E. Granada Blvd., suites 213/214. Team trivia, friendly competition, and prizes.

Daytona Beach

  • Widow/Widower Support Group — 3–4 p.m. at The Blake at LPGA, 1635 N. Williamson Blvd. Free community support group for people who have lost a spouse.

  • Thursday Night Unplugged: Yacht Rock — 6–8:30 p.m. at Victory Circle, ONE DAYTONA. Jeremy and Andrea of Are Friends Electric perform acoustic yacht rock favorites.

  • Rob Hazen at Hard Rock Hotel — 7–10 p.m. on Sessions Terrace, 918 N. Atlantic Ave. Live evening music.

  • Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic Night — 7:30–9:30 p.m. at Cristy B’s Comedy Club, 242 S. Beach St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free ticket reservation; two-item purchase minimum. Performer sign-ups begin at 7 p.m.

Local events for Friday, October 2, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Free Family Art Night — 5:30–7 p.m. Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd. Create a family art project with supplies and instruction provided. All ages welcome; no registration required.

  • Movies on the Halifax: E.T. — 7–9 p.m. Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive. Free outdoor movie; bring blankets or lawn chairs. The listing also mentions a community appreciation night and trunk-or-treat.

  • Karen Rontowski’s Psychic Standup Comedy — 7:30 p.m. Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1. Tickets available through the event listing.

Daytona Beach

  • Tequila and Taco Weekend — 10:30 a.m.–2 a.m. Ocean Deck, 127 S. Ocean Ave. Opening day of the weekend celebration, featuring a special taco menu and drink specials.

  • Fire Prevention Night — 5–8 p.m. Beach Street at Magnolia Avenue, downtown Daytona Beach.

  • Riverfront Market — 5–9 p.m. Riverfront Esplanade, 179 S. Beach St. Shop local vendors and enjoy live music along the waterfront.

  • First Friday Fun — 6–9 p.m. PopStroke, 1283 Cornerstone Blvd. Family evening with mini-golf, food and patio music. Superhero and princess costumes encouraged.

  • Embry-Riddle Volleyball Homecoming Block Party — 7–9 p.m. ICI Center, 601 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. Free community event with women’s volleyball, giveaways and food

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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