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- ⭐Shopping Cart Questions, Annexation Amendment Shelved, Spring Break Surge
⭐Shopping Cart Questions, Annexation Amendment Shelved, Spring Break Surge
Issue #855
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🛒 The Shopping Cart Question: Crime or Courtesy?
A debate that’s less about policy and more about parking lot principles: Is it illegal in Florida to leave your grocery cart adrift?
The short answer is no — generally, it’s not a crime to leave a cart in the parking lot. However, Florida Statute 506.513 does make it illegal to remove a shopping cart from store premises with intent to deprive the owner of it, alter identifying marks, or take it without authorization. Possession of a cart bearing a registered mark can even trigger a presumption of stolen property — a first-degree misdemeanor.
The issue recently resurfaced in reporting by the Daytona News-Journal, which also highlighted the popular (though unofficial) “Shopping Cart Theory.” The social media-fueled concept argues that returning a cart is a small but telling act of civic responsibility — done without reward or punishment.
Of course, it’s not a peer-reviewed scientific standard, and real-life circumstances vary. But in the court of public opinion, cart courtesy carries weight.
Legal penalty? Usually no. Moral judgment from fellow shoppers? That may depend on who’s watching.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🏛️ Volusia Council Shelves Annexation Amendment Plan
The Volusia County Council has decided not to move forward with a proposed charter amendment that would have reshaped how voluntary annexations are handled.
At a March 3 meeting, Council Chair Jeff Brower introduced the idea of letting voters decide whether the county should have authority to approve when unincorporated land is annexed into a municipality. The motion, however, failed to receive a second — effectively halting the proposal before it could gain traction. A charter amendment would have required a two-thirds majority vote.
The discussion stems in part from last year’s passage of Florida Senate Bill 180, which limits certain local land-use charter amendments but leaves open the possibility of regulating voluntary annexation methods. Brower framed the issue as one of fairness, arguing that residents in unincorporated areas deserve a voice when nearby land shifts to city control and potentially higher-density development.
Opponents countered that restricting annexations could infringe on property owners’ rights to choose their preferred jurisdiction. Meanwhile, growth remains steady: the county’s population rose 1.78% from 2024 to 2025 and has grown 18% over the past decade. Roughly 80% of residents now live within one of the county’s 16 municipalities.
With nearly 500,000 acres still unincorporated, the broader debate over growth and governance is far from settled — even if this amendment is.
Source: Ormond Observer
🌊 Spring Break Surge Set to Energize Daytona Beach Area
Tourism leaders are preparing for a surge of spring break visitors, and local businesses are ready to make the most of it. Jeremy Craig, owner of Copper Bottom Craft Distillery, says preparation starts well before the first beach towel hits the sand. Everything at the distillery is made and bottled in-house, so stocking up ahead of peak season is essential.
Beyond the bustling boardwalks and packed restaurants, spring break also fuels a major revenue stream. Volusia County levies a 6% bed tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals. According to the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, that tax generated about $1.5 million last March and more than $1.1 million in April. Half funds tourism marketing; the other portion supports the Ocean Center Convention Center.
Officials note that the tax is paid by visitors, not residents — and it plays a crucial role in keeping the Daytona Beach Area competitive year-round. From seasonal events to repeat travelers who return two or three times annually, tourism leaders say consistency is key.
As spring breakers arrive, the economic ripple effect will be felt well beyond the shoreline.
Source: MyNews13
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Saturday, Mar 7, 2026
🏍️ THE ROAR: 85th Annual Bike Week Events
🏁 The Great American Motorcycle Race
The 84th Annual DAYTONA 200 (MotoAmerica)
The absolute crown jewel of motorcycle road racing. Watch the world’s best riders tackle the high banks of the "World Center of Racing" in a grueling 57-lap test of endurance, speed, and pit-stop strategy. The day also features the heavy-hitting Mission King of the Baggers and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship races.
Time: Track activity starts early; the Daytona 200 green flag drops at 1:10 PM EST.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏆 Historic Bike Shows & Gatherings
One of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious custom motorcycle shows in the world. Builders from across the globe bring their wildest creations to compete for the famous Rat trophies. Expect massive crowds and incredible rolling works of art.
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Indian Motorcycle (290 N Beach St), Daytona Beach
Victory Motorcycle Owners Group Event
A massive gathering of Victory motorcycle enthusiasts converging right in the heart of the action.
Time: Afternoon
Location: Main Street Station Authentic Garage Bar & Music Venue
🎪 Swap Meets & Stunts
48th Annual Daytona Jam Swap Meet & Stunt Shows
Head to the main showgrounds on Tomoka Farms Road. While you hunt for vintage parts and gear, catch the extreme motorcycle stunt shows flying high throughout the day.
Time: Stunt Shows at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Location: 1471 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach
🌿 THE ESCAPE: Non-Bike Week Events
🏖️ Environment & Community
Volusia County Community Beach Cleanup
Start your morning giving back to the community before the traffic gets heavy! Volusia County is hosting a public beach cleanup down in Ponce Inlet. It's a fantastic, family-friendly way to enjoy the coast and protect the local environment.
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Winterhaven Park (4589 S Atlantic Ave), Ponce Inlet
🌺 Day Trips & Festivals
The Florida Azalea Festival (Palatka)
If you want to completely escape the exhaust fumes and loud pipes, take the beautiful one-hour drive west to Palatka. Steeped in tradition, this is one of the oldest festivals in the state. Enjoy stunning azaleas in bloom at Ravine Gardens State Park, alongside live entertainment, arts and crafts, an antique car show, and a vibrant parade. It is the perfect anti-Bike Week day trip.
Time: All Day
Location: Ravine Gardens State Park & Downtown Palatka
🎨 Arts & Culture
First Saturday Ormond Art Walk
A perfect, peaceful afternoon activity. Stroll the Ormond Beach Arts District where local galleries, museums, and shops open their doors to showcase regional artists. There is a complimentary shuttle between stops, making it a stress-free way to enjoy local culture.
Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Granada Blvd (Ormond Memorial Art Museum & surrounding galleries), Ormond Beach
Sunday, Mar 8, 2026
🏍️ THE ROAR: Bike Week Wrap-Up
🛣️ The Last Ride & Mass Exodus
Official Bike Week Closing Day
The thunder finally rolls out of town. Today is characterized by the massive exodus of RVs, trailers, and motorcycles heading to the highways. Main Street and Destination Daytona will still be active in the morning as riders grab their last-minute official 2026 t-shirts, but vendors will begin breaking down their tents by the afternoon.
Location: County-wide (Heavy outbound traffic on I-95 and I-4)
🎸 Final Concerts & Send-Offs
Hairball Live @ The Broken Spoke Saloon
Close out the rally with a bang! The bombastic arena rock tribute band takes the stage for their final Bike Week set. Expect pyro, wild costumes, and the biggest hits of the 80s rock era.
Time: 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Location: Broken Spoke Saloon (1151 N US-1), Ormond Beach
🎪 The Final Swap
48th Annual Daytona Jam Swap Meet
Your absolute last chance to hunt for vintage motorcycle parts, leather goods, and unique gear before the massive vendor village on Tomoka Farms Road packs it up until next year.
Time: Morning until early afternoon
Location: 1471 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach
🌿 THE ESCAPE: Non-Bike Week Day Trips
🌺 Spring Festivals
The Florida Strawberry Festival (Plant City)
If you are up for a road trip down I-4, today is the grand finale of this massive 11-day state tradition. Enjoy big-name country concerts, midway rides, agricultural exhibits, and endless amounts of world-famous strawberry shortcake.
Time: Gates open at 10:00 AM
Location: Plant City, FL (Near Lakeland)
🏖️ Quiet Coastlines
Brunch & Beachside Recovery
With the motorcycles leaving, the locals slowly begin to reclaim the coast. Head to the quiet, no-drive beaches of Ormond-by-the-Sea or Ponce Inlet for a peaceful Sunday morning walk. Afterward, treat yourself to a quiet brunch at a historic, insulated spot like The Rose Villa in downtown Ormond 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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