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- ⭐Spring Break Safety, ADA Pushback, Harbor Seal Spotted, Volusia Forever Scrutinized
⭐Spring Break Safety, ADA Pushback, Harbor Seal Spotted, Volusia Forever Scrutinized
Issue #861
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🌊 Spring Break Beachgoers Urged to Plan Ahead
With spring break officially underway, Volusia County is reminding residents and visitors to think ahead before heading to the shoreline.
County officials are encouraging beachgoers to download the Volusia Beaches mobile app, which provides real-time updates on surf conditions, rip current risk, water temperature, vehicle ramp access and lifeguard tower locations. The app also includes live beach cameras and an interactive map so visitors can preview conditions before leaving home.
Beach Safety officials stress the importance of swimming near staffed lifeguard towers and paying close attention to warning flags. Rip currents can form even on seemingly calm days.
For those planning to drive on the sand, standard traffic laws apply in designated areas. The speed limit is 10 mph, headlights must remain on, and at least one front-seat window must be open. Officials also remind drivers to watch for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during busy periods.
Residents can register vehicles through ParkVolusia for free beach driving and off-beach parking access, while visitors can purchase daily or annual passes. Details are available at www.parkvolusia.org.
Arriving early and checking conditions ahead of time may be the simplest way to keep spring break stress-free.
Source: Volusia County
⚖️ Ormond Businesses Push Back on ‘Drive-By’ ADA Lawsuits
A group of Ormond Beach business owners recently met with U.S. Rep. Randy Fine to discuss what they describe as a surge of “drive-by” ADA lawsuits.
The roundtable, organized by Jason Leslie, addressed concerns over lawsuits alleging minor violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Business owners say these infractions — often involving parking spaces, restroom signage or counter heights — are frequently settled because fighting them in court would cost more than paying up.
Several recent suits have been filed in the U.S. District Court’s Middle District of Florida. While plaintiffs cannot collect damages under the ADA itself, attorney’s fees and related claims under the Florida Civil Rights Act often make settlements financially painful.
Some participants advocated for a legislative “cure period,” giving businesses time to fix violations before facing litigation. Fine acknowledged the national scope of the issue but cautioned that any solution would need careful consideration to avoid creating additional bureaucracy.
In the meantime, legal experts recommend proactive ADA compliance reviews to reduce risk.
Source: Ormond Observer
🦭 Rare Harbor Seal Spotted in Ponce Inlet
Beachgoers near Mosquito Lagoon received a surprise Monday when a harbor seal was photographed near Ponce Inlet — a highly unusual sighting for Florida waters.
Scientists with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute assessed the seal’s condition before it swam back into the ocean. Harbor seals are typically found from Canada to New York, making appearances this far south extremely rare.
Researchers are asking the public to report additional sightings by calling 1-888-404-3922. Anyone spotting the seal should remain at least 300 feet away and keep dogs leashed.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to harass or disturb marine mammals — including dolphins, manatees and seals.
Florida once had its own native seal species, the Caribbean monk seal, which was declared extinct in 1952. Occasional visits from wandering northern seals serve as a reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability — and interconnected ecosystems.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🌿 Volusia Forever Program Under Review
The Volusia County Council is scheduled to discuss the future of the Volusia Forever conservation program during its March 17 meeting in DeLand.
Funded by a 0.2 mill property tax approved by voters in 2000 and renewed in 2020, Volusia Forever finances the acquisition and stewardship of environmentally sensitive lands. The program emphasizes water resource protection, conservation and outdoor recreation.
Council members are expected to review priorities for land acquisition, bond financing and partnership policies — including relationships with state conservation programs like Florida Forever.
District 1 Councilman Don Dempsey has raised concerns about long-term conservation easements and partnerships that could limit future land-use flexibility. Meanwhile, advocates with the ECHO Volusia Forever Alliance argue voters clearly supported permanent land protection.
With taxpayer dollars and environmental priorities at stake, the upcoming discussion could shape how the county balances growth with preservation in the years ahead.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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Saturday, March 14, 2026
🏃 Community & Fitness
Halifax Genealogical Society - Find Your Family - Genealogy in the Library
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S Beach Street, Ormond BeachAnnual Grace Weite Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk
Start your Saturday morning with a wonderful community cause! This 5K honors the memory of a beloved local teacher, with proceeds raising funds for Holly Hill School. It’s a highly family-friendly event featuring a supervised "Kid Zone" so parents can run while the little ones play.
Time: Race starts at 8:00 AM
Location: Holly Hill School (1500 Center Ave)
Cost: $30 Registration
🏓 Active & Leisure
Saturday Morning Pickleball @ Pictona
Pictona is always the place to be on a Saturday morning! Head over to the 49-court facility for open play, then grab a casual lunch at the on-site restaurant, The Kitchen. (Fun local fact: The venue is hosting several private events today, so expect a lively, bustling atmosphere!)
Time: Open daily (typically 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
🎸 Live Entertainment
Ultimate Garth and Shania Tribute
Get ready for a massive dose of 90s country nostalgia! Kip Sweeny and Cristi Vale bring the magic of Garth Brooks and Shania Twain to life with a high-energy stage show. Expect to hear every massive hit from "Friends in Low Places" to "Man! I Feel Like a Woman."
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)
Tickets: Starting at $45
🌺 Nature & Arts
Weekend Stroll at OMAM Gardens
If you are looking for a completely free, peaceful afternoon activity, take a walk through the lush, tropical gardens at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. It is a beautiful, shaded oasis right off Granada Blvd.
Time: Gardens open all day from sunrise to sunset
Location: 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
Sunday, March 15, 2026
🚴 Active & Outdoors
St. Augustine / Florida Coast to Coast Bike Tour (Departure)
Today marks the official kickoff and departure day for this 6-day, fully supported cycling vacation. Riders will gather in Ormond Beach this morning before setting off on a peaceful, 42-mile journey up the "Historic Coast" toward St. Augustine. * Location: Departs from Ormond Beach (Check with Wilderness Voyageurs for specific launch point)
🌺 Leisure & Culture
Sunday Stroll at OMAM Gardens
Enjoy a completely free, peaceful Sunday afternoon walk through the lush, tropical gardens at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. The gardens are shaded, quiet, and feature beautiful water elements and hidden sculptures.
Time: Open all day from sunrise to sunset
Location: 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach
🥞 Local Dining Tradition
Sunday Brunch at The Rose Villa
Treat yourself to a fantastic local brunch at The Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar. Located in a beautifully restored historic building right downtown, it’s a beloved local staple for Sunday mornings.
Time: Brunch hours typically 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 43 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
🏓 Sports & Community
Sunday Open-Play Pickleball @ Pictona
Wrap up your weekend on the courts! Pictona is the buzzing heart of Holly Hill on Sunday mornings. With 49 courts available, it is the perfect spot for open play, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Grab a post-game lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Kitchen.
Time: Open daily (typically 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
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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