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- ⭐ Teacher-Former Cop Arrested, New OB Chamber Leader, Rolex Renews
⭐ Teacher-Former Cop Arrested, New OB Chamber Leader, Rolex Renews
Issue #812
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Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
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Amber Williamson - Volusia County Jail
🚨 Ex-Officer Turned Suspect in Daytona Drug Bust
A former Daytona Beach Police officer and current schoolteacher has found herself on the wrong side of the law. Amber Williamson, 40, was arrested and charged with six drug-related offenses after a pre-dawn raid on Jan. 23 by the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force and Volusia SWAT. The bust took place at a Daytona Beach apartment shared by Williamson and three others, including Marcus Plowden—identified by Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood as a prolific drug dealer.
Williamson served 10 years with the Daytona Beach Police Department before transitioning to a teaching role. Both she and Plowden are being held without bond as investigations continue. The details around the nature of the offenses or substances involved have yet to be released, but the arrest has sent shockwaves through both law enforcement and education communities.
Sheriff Chitwood emphasized the seriousness of the charges, citing the troubling contrast between Williamson's roles in public service and her alleged criminal conduct.
Source: Fox35
🏛️ New Leadership, Renewed Vision for Ormond Chamber
Now, we shift focus to the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, which has installed a new chairman and unveiled ambitious goals for 2026. Jeffrey Serle, co-founder of Flush Fasteners and longtime Ormond Beach resident, officially took the reins at the chamber’s annual banquet held at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Serle succeeds Erick Palacios and inherits a chamber that’s been steadily expanding—hosting 23 ribbon cuttings last year and growing partnerships by 15%. Serle stressed the importance of strategic alignment and deeper member engagement as he outlined his priorities, including enhanced programming, educational outreach, and greater inclusion of neighboring Holly Hill businesses.
The night wasn’t all business. The chamber raised $7,000 for the Rob Ridder Scholarship Fund—up from $5,500 last year—while also honoring the late board member Don Young. Chamber CEO Debbie Cotton summed it up best: “This success didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of you.”
Source: Ormond Observer
⏱️ Rolex and Daytona Speedway Keep the Clock Running
High-performance racing and high-end timepieces remain perfectly in sync as Daytona International Speedway and Rolex announced a long-term extension of their historic partnership. The Rolex 24—one of endurance racing’s crown jewels—will continue under the iconic name for years to come, reinforcing Rolex’s deep motorsports legacy.
The timing couldn't be better. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster, the same watch worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell when he hit 272 mph on Daytona Beach in 1935. It’s a legacy the watchmaker proudly carries forward.
Track President Frank Kelleher called the Rolex 24 "one of the most celebrated races," while Rolex USA CEO Luca Bernasconi praised the race for embodying “resilience, precision and dedication.” The 64th running of the race revs up Saturday, January 24, at 1:40 p.m., ending exactly 24 hours later.
For racing fans and timepiece aficionados alike, the Rolex 24 remains a perfect blend of speed and sophistication.
Source: NewDaytonaBeach
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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:
Saturday, Jan 24, 2026
🏁 The Main Event
The clock starts now. Witness the start of North America's most prestigious endurance race. High-tech prototypes and GT cars from Ferrari, Porsche, Cadillac, and more battle for 24 continuous hours on the road course.
Key Schedule Highlights:
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Pre-Race Grid & Fan Walk (Walk on the track and see the cars/drivers).
1:40 PM: START OF THE ROLEX 24.
Evening: The race continues into the night. The "Fireworks Spectacular" typically happens around 10:00 PM.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🍽️ Culinary Fundraiser
An exclusive dining experience held during the race. Enjoy gourmet food samples from over 20 of the area's best restaurants while watching the cars speed by from the climate-controlled Midway Suites. Proceeds benefit The NASCAR Foundation.
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (VIP entry at 5:30 PM)
Location: Daytona International Speedway (Midway Suites)
🎭 Concerts & Entertainment
If racing isn't your speed, head to the Peabody for "Commotion: A Tribute to the Music of Creedence Clearwater Revival." Hear classic hits like "Bad Moon Rising" and "Fortunate Son" in a comfortable theater setting.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
The Stompdown: National Step Show
A high-energy national championship step show featuring top Greek fraternities and sororities from across the country.
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🥦 Farmers Markets
Daytona Beach Downtown Farmers Market
Start your race day calmly with a stroll along the Halifax River. A great spot to grab coffee and pastries before heading to the track.
Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Market @ Magnolia (Beach St. & Magnolia Ave)
🎸 Live Music & Nightlife
The hotel will be packed with race fans and industry insiders. Catch live music on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace for a lively atmosphere.
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Here is the curated event list for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The endurance marathon comes to an end today. The first major champion of the 2026 racing season will be crowned in the afternoon, while the rest of the city offers brunch and beach vibes for those looking to unwind.
📅 Ormond Beach & Beyond: Sunday, Jan 25, 2026
🏁 The Grand Finale
The 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona (Finish)
The final hours of the race are often the most intense as exhausted drivers fight for position. The 24-hour clock officially hits zero in the early afternoon, followed by the trophy presentations in Victory Lane. It is a bucket-list moment for sports fans.
Time: Race concludes approx. 1:40 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🎻 Arts & Culture
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Daytona Beach Symphony Society)
A world-class cultural event to contrast the morning's racing engines. The Daytona Beach Symphony Society presents the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (London) featuring pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. They will be performing works by Debussy, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff.
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach
🥂 Brunch & Leisure
Sunday Brunch @ Hard Rock Hotel
Whether you are celebrating a race win or just the weekend, enjoy the ocean breeze and a mimosa on the Sessions Terrace. Live acoustic music sets the mood.
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Ormond Beach Farmers Market (Sunday Option?)
Note: While the main Ormond market is Thursday, Sundays are great for visiting Tomoka State Park or Bulow Creek State Park to see the Fairchild Oak if you need a quiet nature escape after the loud race weekend.
🧘 Wellness
AumShanti Yoga: Dream On, Stretch Long
Recover from the excitement of the weekend with a gentle, restorative yoga class.
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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