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- ⭐Shovels This Month on I-95, Daytona's Fire Probe Widens, Library Employees Earn Scholarships, and Two First-Year Teachers Get Their Due
⭐Shovels This Month on I-95, Daytona's Fire Probe Widens, Library Employees Earn Scholarships, and Two First-Year Teachers Get Their Due
Issue #910
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Spectrum News
Construction on the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange in Ormond Beach is set to begin this month — a project that, until recently, wasn't expected to break ground until sometime in the next decade. Governor DeSantis joined state and local leaders Thursday at Destination Daytona to make the announcement official. The original 1960s-era interchange will be rebuilt with three new bridges, redesigned loop ramps, extended on and off-ramps, and expanded lanes — all targeted at reducing the congestion that makes the corridor a daily frustration for Volusia County commuters. The state moved the project forward using a new overlapping design-and-construction method that compresses timelines while cutting costs. Completion is expected in 2029. For drivers who have spent years navigating that interchange, the only question worth asking is: what took so long?
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The financial investigation into the City of Daytona Beach is expanding well beyond its origins in the fire department audit. Fire Chief Dru Driscoll and Deputy Chief Jessica Matthews both appeared before state prosecutors Wednesday in closed-door testimony, fulfilling the subpoenas reported here last week. No charges have been filed and no findings have been made public. But the scope of the inquiry widened the same day: City Clerk Letitia LaMagna was subpoenaed for financial documents, with communications sought from City Manager Deric Feacher, Deputy City Manager Jim Morris, Business Enterprise Management Director Michael Stallworth, and three elected commissioners — Mayor Derrick Henry and commissioners Dannette Henry and Paula Reed. Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Richard Mantei, working under Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, is seeking records spanning from October 2025 through late April 2026. The investigation is being conducted from Tallahassee, and it is clearly no longer a story about purchasing cards and food tabs.
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On a warmer note: the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library awarded $1,000 scholarships to two library employees this month — Samantha LaPointe and Isabelle Wurtz, both students at Daytona State College. LaPointe is pursuing psychology with a goal of becoming a school counselor and has worked at the library for three years. Wurtz is studying early childhood development with an eye toward pre-law and eventually NYU School of Law — and has been with the library for just a year. Both plan to keep working there while they study. It's a tidy loop: the library invests in readers, and two of its own are investing right back into their communities.
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Finally, the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools recognized its First Year Teacher award winners this week at a ceremony at Mainland High School. Emily Eaton, a second grade teacher at Tomoka Elementary, received the Elementary award; her school described her enthusiasm as something that genuinely brightens the campus. John Renfro, a chemistry teacher at Spruce Creek High School, took the Secondary award — recognized specifically for his ability to identify where students are struggling and adjust his instruction on the fly, a skill that takes most teachers years to develop. Both are in their first year. The Principal of the Year award, with eight nominees from across the county, will be announced next month.
Sources
"DeSantis visits Ormond Beach to announce I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange project" — Ormond Observer, May 1, 2026
"Daytona Fire Chief, Deputy Chief Appear Before State Prosecutors" — News Daytona Beach, April 2026
"Friends of the Ormond Beach Library award scholarships" — Ormond Observer, May 1, 2026
"Tomoka Elementary, Spruce Creek High teachers are FUTURES Foundation's First Year Teacher Award winners" — Ormond Observer, April 30, 2026
Fire and EMS Calls
5/1/2026, 05:14 PM, Structure emergency at Shadow Lake Apartments
As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units were dispatched to a possible structure emergency at an apartment complex on Shadow Lakes Boulevard in Ormond Beach. Crews reported the incident near Memorial Circle.5/1/2026, 04:45 PM, Medical emergency reported at Walmart in Ormond Beach
As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency appears to have occurred near Walmart on West Granada Boulevard close to Williamson Boulevard and the I-95 on-ramp.5/1/2026, 04:04 PM, Person having breathing problems at Ormond Beach address
As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving breathing problems was reported near Sunnybrook Circle in Ormond Beach.5/1/2026, 09:39 AM, Person fell near Arroyo Parkway in Ormond Beach
As discussed during the dispatch call, a fall incident was reported near Arroyo Parkway in Ormond Beach. Emergency units Engine 96 and BLS 129 are responding.5/1/2026, 09:39 AM, Person reported sick at apartment in Ormond in the Pines
As discussed during the dispatch call, units respond to a sick person near Clive Morris Boulevard, apartment number withheld, in Ormond Beach.5/1/2026, 06:22 AM, Person having possible allergic reaction at nursing facility
As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible allergic reaction was reported at a nursing facility near Brookwood and Saucis Lane in Ormond Beach.4/30/2026, 07:49 PM, Police assist for suspect reported with a gun
As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units were dispatched to Ormond Green Boulevard near Cassie Court in Ormond Beach to assist with a report of a person who may be armed. The situation involved coordination between responding units, with details still being verified.
Source: CrimeRadar-Ormond Beach
All transcripts, headlines, and summaries are automatically generated by AI from live dispatch audio. These alerts are not an official report. Alerts are based on unconfirmed dispatch communications that may change as situations develop. Review the original audio and verify details with official sources before relying on this information
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Events for Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: 🎨Art in the Park, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
This two-day juried art festival features over 100 artists and crafters. Visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, and a wide array of handmade works ranging from fine paintings to unique jewelry in the scenic gardens of the historic Rockefeller estate.
Event: 🎭I HRT Broadway: A Broadway Review, 7:00 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N US-1, Ormond Beach
A high-energy musical production celebrating the best of Broadway. Local performers take the stage to deliver iconic showstoppers and choreography from legendary musicals in this recurring community favorite.
Holly Hill
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
Saturday open play at the world’s premier pickleball facility. Players of all levels can drop in to experience the 49 courts, including the covered courts that allow for play regardless of the weather.
Daytona Beach
Event: 🎸Daytona Jazz Weekend: Un-Plugged Concert, 12:00 PM
The DAYTONA Hotel (Victory Circle), 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach
Part of the exclusive Daytona Jazz Weekend, this intimate "unplugged" midday session features world-renowned guitarists Peter White and Vincent Ingala in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Event: 🎷Daytona Jazz Weekend Grand Finale, 7:00 PM
ONE DAYTONA (Main Stage), 1 Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach
The culminating evening of the jazz festival featuring performances by Jonathan Butler and RnR (Rick Braun & Richard Elliot). The night concludes with the "Grand Finale Jam Song" featuring many of the weekend's headliners.
Event: 🏁Silver Dollar Short Track: American Flat Track Race, 7:00 PM
Daytona International Speedway (Flat Track), 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach
A high-speed evening of professional motorcycle racing. The Progressive American Flat Track series brings the "Silver Dollar Short Track" to Daytona, featuring bar-to-bar action from the world's best flat track riders.
Events for Sunday, May 3, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: 🎨52nd Annual Art in the Park, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
The final day of this premier juried outdoor festival features over 100 fine artists and crafters along the Halifax River. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a dedicated kids' craft zone at the historic Rockefeller estate.
Event: 🎭I HRT Broadway: A Broadway Review, 2:30 PM
Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 North US-1, Ormond Beach
Catch the final matinee performance of this high-energy musical production. Local performers deliver the most iconic showstoppers and choreography from Broadway's legendary history.
Holly Hill
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
Sunday open play is available all day at this world-class facility. With 49 courts, including covered options, it's the perfect spot for social matches and family-friendly recreation.
Event: 🦅The Limit – An Eagles Tribute!, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
MetroHealth Stadium at Pictona, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
A free concert series performance featuring tight harmonies and iconic guitar solos. This Florida-based group recreates the legendary hits of The Eagles, including "Hotel California" and "Take it Easy."
Daytona Beach
Event: 🎸Big Engine: Saints & Sinners Sunday, 1:00 PM
Saints & Sinners Pub, 1635 N. US Hwy 1, Daytona Beach Area
A local favorite for high-octane rock and roll. This Sunday session features the band Big Engine in a high-energy atmosphere popular with motorcycle enthusiasts.
Event: ⚾Daytona Tortugas vs. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, 1:05 PM
Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach
Enjoy family-friendly minor league baseball at the historic "Jack." Sunday games often feature "Bark in the Park" or "Kids Run the Bases" promotions.
Event: 🍹Roadhouse Raiders Live at Margaritaville, 4:00 PM
Latitude Margaritaville, 2400 LPGA Blvd, Daytona Beach
Unwind with live music at the Latitude Margaritaville Town Square. The Roadhouse Raiders provide an upbeat soundtrack for an afternoon of social dancing and relaxation.
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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