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- ⭐ Supt. Balgobin Honored, Holiday Closures, Abandoned Boats, Greg Biffle Remembered
⭐ Supt. Balgobin Honored, Holiday Closures, Abandoned Boats, Greg Biffle Remembered
Issue #779
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🏆 Volusia Superintendent Named 2026 Woman of the Year
Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent of Volusia County Schools, has been named the 2026 National Woman of the Year by the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI). The award, presented on Dec. 17 at a summit in Palm Beach, celebrates female leaders who drive transformative outcomes in education—and Balgobin has certainly delivered.
Under her guidance, Volusia's graduation rate soared from 84.5% to 93.7%, Career and Technical Education programs expanded significantly, and the district earned its first “A” rating in 16 years. Innovative initiatives like dual-language immersion programs and mobile STEM labs have also taken root.
Balgobin humbly shared the recognition with the broader community, crediting educators, families, business partners, and local leaders for building a system “defined by promise, not circumstance.”
Adding to the accolades, Rep. Randy Fine recently lauded her on the House floor for her forward-thinking leadership and commitment to student success.
Source: Ormond Observer
🎄 Volusia County’s Holiday Closures and Service Changes
'Tis the season… for adjusted hours and a few scheduling curveballs. Volusia County has released its list of holiday closures across various departments, running through Christmas and New Year’s.
All county administrative offices will be closed Dec. 25–26 and again Jan. 1–2. Public libraries will shut down early on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, and stay closed the following two days each time. They’ll resume normal hours the Saturday after each holiday.
Trash pickup in unincorporated areas will shift by one day for both holiday weeks—Thursday pickups move to Friday, and Friday’s to Saturday. (No changes for Monday–Wednesday routes.)
Public transit is scaling back, too. On Christmas Day, only select VoTran routes will operate on a Sunday schedule, while all transit services will pause entirely on New Year’s Day.
If you're heading to the landfill or planning a visit to environmental centers or museums, best double-check—most will be closed on the holiday and the day after.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
🧑⚖️ This Is Infuriating! State Asks Judge to Dismiss SB 180 Lawsuits
Florida state attorneys have filed motions asking Leon County Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey to dismiss the legal challenges to Senate Bill 180 (SB 180) that were brought by 25 cities and counties, the advocacy group 1000 Friends of Florida, and an individual Orange County resident. These motions argue that the plaintiffs lack legal standing to bring their claims. Judge Dempsey is scheduled to hear those arguments — including the state’s motions to dismiss and the plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction requests — on Friday, December 19, 2025. facebook.com
🌴 Background: What SB 180 Does
SB 180, passed in the 2025 legislative session, was originally promoted as a way to help communities recover from hurricane damage by easing certain building requirements. However, a late amendment to the bill barred local governments from adopting development rules that are “more restrictive or burdensome,” effectively freezing many local planning and zoning changes across much of Florida. Critics have asserted that this provision strips cities and counties of their traditional home-rule authority and undermines local efforts to manage growth, environmental protection, flood control, and resilience planning. Click Orlando
📣 The Lawsuits & Legal Claims
Local governments — including Orange County, Windermere, Deltona, Edgewater, and others — argue that SB 180 unlawfully limits their power to govern land use and local development, challenging its constitutionality. Separate litigation by 1000 Friends of Florida and a private resident targets both the substantive restrictions and the vagueness of key language in the law. 1000 Friends of Fairness
🔍 Key Issues at Stake
Standing: The state is arguing that the plaintiffs do not have the right to bring their claims at all — a threshold legal question that could end the cases before they are fully heard.
Preliminary Injunctions: Plaintiffs want Judge Dempsey to pause enforcement of parts of SB 180 while the lawsuits proceed; this is part of what will be argued on December 19. facebook.com
⚓️ Abandoned Boats Crowd Florida Waters as Cleanup Lags Behind
Florida’s waterways are becoming cluttered with more than just kayaks and jet skis. State officials say derelict and abandoned boats are now a growing hazard—environmentally and navigationally—and the rate of abandonment is outpacing cleanup.
There are more than 1,000 such vessels statewide, with only about half removed so far in 2025. The issue is partly driven by storm damage and the high cost of repairs. Some boat owners walk away from fixer-uppers they bought online, only to realize they’re financially underwater.
Local marine salvagers like Shonda Kennedy see the dangers firsthand. From Daytona to Titusville, she’s hauled in submerged sailboats and storm-stranded vessels that become barely visible threats to other boaters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is pushing its free Vessel Turn-In Program, allowing owners to legally offload unwanted boats before they become hazards. Leaving a boat behind isn’t just bad form—it’s a misdemeanor, or worse for repeat offenders.
This is more than an eyesore issue; it's about safety, accountability, and protecting our waterways.
Source: MyNews13
🕊 Remembering Greg Biffle..Champion Racer, Heroic Humanitarian
NASCAR fans are mourning the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, who died in a plane crash alongside his family and three others while landing at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. But while Biffle’s legacy includes 54 wins across NASCAR’s top circuits, it’s his off-track heroism that many will never forget.
During the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Biffle led aerial relief missions using his personal helicopter. His efforts through Operation Helidrop helped deliver food, medicine, and supplies to isolated mountain communities in western North Carolina. One flight famously included a dramatic landing after spotting a stranded man signaling with a mirror.
In 2024, his humanitarian work earned him the prestigious Myers Brothers Award for service to the NASCAR community and beyond.
Biffle, affectionately known as “The Biff,” was celebrated not just for his fierce competitiveness but also his deep compassion. As Rep. Richard Hudson said, “He lived his life focused on helping others.” His passion for racing may have fueled his fame, but his generosity gave it depth.
Source: Fox35News
Resent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Nadine Greene (62) – Arrested on 2025-12-06. Charge(s): Petit theft, resisting an officer without violence. Bail: $7,000.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Chase Noll Smith (35) – Arrested on 2025-12-10. Charge(s): Aggravated assault, child abuse. Bail: $5,000.
Jan Marie Watson (51) – Arrested on 2025-12-11. Charge(s): Petit theft. Bail: $2,500.
Kyle R. Warren (35) – Arrested on 2025-12-11. Charge(s): Possession of cocaine, cannabis, paraphernalia, and a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail: $4,000.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Eric Ronald Kaiser (35) – Arrested on 2025-12-07. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, paraphernalia. Bail: $3,500.
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NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info:
Friday, Dec 19, 2025
🎭 Major Concerts & Theater
Three Dog Night @ Peabody Auditorium
Legendary rock band Three Dog Night brings their chart-topping hits like "Joy to the World" and "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" to Daytona Beach for a nostalgic evening.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
Halifax Repertory Theatre: Jingles & Jammies
A fun and festive holiday revue featuring local talent. The audience is encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas!
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
A magical evening of holiday classics performed by a string quartet under the gentle glow of thousands of candles. A truly unique and romantic experience.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Brannon Center, New Smyrna Beach (Short drive south)
🎄 Holiday Fun for Families
Holiday Movie Night: "The Santa Clause"
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to the Rose Garden for a free outdoor screening of the holiday classic The Santa Clause. Popcorn and refreshments available.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Esplanade, Daytona Beach (Rose Garden)
Holiday Bazaar & Santa Sightings
Before the movie, stroll the riverfront to shop for unique gifts at the Holiday Bazaar and snap a photo with Santa. Live holiday music fills the air.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Esplanade, Daytona Beach
🎸 Nightlife & Live Music
Mary Kate Brennan: OB Beverage House Grand Opening
Celebrate the grand opening of Ormond Beach's newest spot, OB Beverage House, with a live performance by local favorite Mary Kate Brennan.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: OB Beverage House, Ormond Beach
Rock out to high-energy covers on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Dana & Sharon: Live at 31 Supper Club
Grammy-nominated entertainers Dana & Sharon perform a mix of holiday favorites and classic hits in the elegant speakeasy dining room.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🏆 Sports
The pro pickleball action heats up with Men's & Women's Pro Doubles matches all day. A great chance to see the world's best players in fast-paced doubles action.
Time: 8:00 AM – Evening
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025
🛥️ Signature Holiday Events
Halifax River Yacht Club Boat Parade
A spectacular floating parade of lights! Boats decorated in dazzling holiday themes travel south along the Halifax River. The parade begins at the Granada Bridge in Ormond Beach and ends near the Yacht Club in Daytona.
Time: Starts at Sunset (approx. 6:00 PM)
Location: Viewing along the Halifax River (Ormond Beach to Daytona Beach)
Holiday Night of Lights on the Tomoka
Join the Tomoka Boat Club for a magical evening on the river. The event features decorated docks/boats, an "Ugly Sweater" contest, holiday bingo, and food/drinks at the Tiki Bar.
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Tomoka Boat Club (Ormond Beach)
🏆 Sports & Spectating
PPA Tour: Daytona Beach Open (Semifinals)
Championship Saturday! Catch the intense semifinal matches for all Pro Draws. This is often the most exciting day of the tournament for spectators.
Time: 8:00 AM – Evening
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill
🎭 Theater & Arts
Halifax Repertory Theatre: Jingles & Jammies
Put on your favorite holiday pajamas and head to the theater for this festive revue. It’s a fun, family-friendly show featuring local performers singing holiday favorites.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
Sip & Sculpt: Clay Gingerbread House
A creative holiday workshop where you can build and glaze your own ceramic gingerbread house while enjoying refreshments.
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: The Art House, Ormond Beach
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
Jackalope Band @ Hard Rock Hotel
Dance the night away to 90s covers and "Big Banger" hits on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Catch this high-octane rock band at one of the area's most legendary venues.
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach (Main St.)
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Rock Your Flow
An energetic morning flow to start your weekend right.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
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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