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- ⭐The "King" Returns, Daytona International Festival May 15, Boaters Beware on Lake George,
⭐The "King" Returns, Daytona International Festival May 15, Boaters Beware on Lake George,
Issue #912

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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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🎸If your Saturday night on May 9 doesn't have plans yet, consider this: Elvis, "The Show!" starring Ted Torres Martin comes to the Athens Theatre in DeLand for two performances — 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Torres Martin is no ordinary tribute act. Endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and named the 2016 "Images of the King" Global Champion, he has built an international reputation for the kind of vocal and physical accuracy that makes skeptics reconsider what a tribute show can be. The production focuses on the peak concert years — jumpsuits, full band, the works — moving through the full sweep of the catalog from "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog" to "Suspicious Minds" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." Tickets start at $35 for general reserved and $40 for preferred reserved seating, plus a $5 per ticket processing fee. The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in DeLand.
✦
🌍The Daytona Beach International Festival returns on May 15–16 at Manatee Island Park, 357 N. Beach St., presented by the Ormond Beach-based Cultural Awareness Fund. This year's theme — "American Exceptionalism and the Spirit of '76" — frames the United States not as a singular culture but as a product of global influences, using the festival itself as living proof. Twenty-seven nations are expected to be represented, up from 18 at last year's inaugural event in Ormond Beach, which drew over 1,000 attendees. The weekend includes more than 60 vendors, 150-plus performers and cultural participants, and a community unity mural led by local artist Natasha Aziri. New this year is a Student Global Passport Program for elementary students, who receive a physical passport to stamp at each country's booth — with the winning classroom taking home a $100 prize and a pizza party. The festival is free and family-friendly.
✦
🐟A heads-up for anyone boating or fishing on Lake George this season: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been working since 2020 to restore native eelgrass to the lake's shoreline, and the project is entering another major planting phase in 2026. A million new plants are going in this year, following a million planted in 2025 — the majority of which survived and are now thriving. To protect the plantings from grazing, 41 fenced enclosures line the shoreline, covering over 155 acres. The enclosures are marked with reflective tape for nighttime navigation and signed at each site, but boaters should consult the FWC's fence location map before heading out. Lake George lost virtually all of its native submerged vegetation after Hurricane Irma and has been slow to recover naturally. The restoration matters: established eelgrass beds improve water quality, support manatees and native fish, and enhance fishing for anglers. For maps and more, visit myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats.
Sources
"The King Returns in Elvis, 'The Show!'" — HomeTown News, May 2026
"Daytona Beach International Festival coming to Manatee Island Park May 15-16" — Ormond Observer, May 1, 2026
"FWC continues Lake George revegetation project, encourages boater caution" — HomeTown News, May 2026

This Day In Florida History
1863 — Governor John Milton entered a letterbook record dealing with blockade conditions, coastal defense, and escaped enslaved people during the Civil War.
1865 — The remnant of the Florida Brigade of the West laid down its arms with General Johnston’s army at Greensboro, North Carolina, marking the end of service for one of Florida’s best-known Confederate units.
1868 — Florida voters ratified the state constitution of 1868, a major Reconstruction-era milestone that helped pave the way for readmission to the Union.
1901 — By the morning of May 4, Jacksonville’s Great Fire had devastated downtown, destroying 2,368 buildings, leaving 10,000 people homeless, and killing seven people.
1901 — The ruined city market in Jacksonville was documented in the aftermath of the Great Fire.
1901 — The burned St. James Hotel in Jacksonville was also documented after the fire; the site was later rebuilt and became one of downtown’s landmark buildings.
1917 — One of Florida’s early brick highways was photographed in Orange County, capturing the state’s early road-building era.
1918 — A view of the Wakulla River from the upper bridge was documented, preserving a snapshot of one of North Florida’s best-known natural waterways.
1955 — Former governor John W. Martin was photographed speaking at a Mahan party in Monticello, reflecting his continued public presence in Florida politics.
1959 — Howard Van Smith of the Miami News won the Pulitzer Prize for national reporting for coverage that exposed conditions in a migrant labor camp and helped bring aid to workers in Immokalee.
1960 — During the Tallahassee civil-rights movement, Bertha E. Davis sent a message of support to jailed activist Patricia Stephens.
1960 — On the same day, J. D. Cooper wrote to Barbara Broxton, Patricia and Priscilla Stephens, John Broxton, and William Larkins, enclosing money for lunch and expressing support for the jail-in participants.
1961 — The Baker County Centennial Celebration began, running from May 4 to May 7 in Macclenny.
1962 — The 10th Annual Florida Folk Festival opened in White Springs.
1968 — Johnny Carson, Governor Claude Kirk, and Dick Pope appeared together at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven.

Fire and EMS Calls
5/3/2026, 01:04 PM, Law enforcement requested near North Beach Street in Ormond Beach
As discussed during the dispatch call, law enforcement was requested to assist a person near North Beach Street.5/3/2026, 02:23 AM, Non-emergency medical call at 317 Townsend Loop
As discussed during the dispatch call, units dispatched to a non-emergency medical call near Townsend Loop and Serenity Circle in Ormond Beach.5/2/2026, 09:21 PM, Person found unconscious at San Marco Apartments
As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units were dispatched to San Marco Apartments near San Marco Drive in Ormond for a report of an unconscious person.5/2/2026, 09:15 PM, Assist call at Ormond in the Pines complex
As discussed during the dispatch call, units responded to assist crews at a senior living facility near Clybourn Boulevard and South 40 Trail in Ormond Beach.
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 Monday, May 4, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: 🖼️Quiet Light: The Art of Sara Pedigo, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ormond Memorial Art Museum (OMAM), 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach This solo exhibition features the works of artist Sara Pedigo, whose paintings capture the beauty of fleeting light and the intimacy of everyday domestic spaces. The museum gardens are also open for a peaceful morning stroll.
Event: 🦆Nature Walk at Central Park, 8:00 AM – Sunset Central Park, 601 Hammock Ln, Ormond Beach Take advantage of the cooler morning hours to explore the winding trails and scenic lakes of Central Park. It is an ideal time for birding and wildlife photography in the heart of Ormond Beach.
Holly Hill
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Monday open play kicks off the week at this world-class facility. With 49 courts available, players of all skill levels can drop in for recreational matches and social play.
Event: 🕯️Here Comes the Sun: Candle Making, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM AdventHealth Well 65+ Daytona Beach (Holly Hill Area), 2209 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach/Holly Hill Line A creative workshop where participants can learn the art of candle making. This guided session focuses on creating summer-inspired scents to brighten up your home.
Daytona Beach
Event: 🌊Florida Water Resources Conference, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Ocean Center, 101 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach The region’s premier technical conference for water and wastewater professionals continues. The event features educational workshops and an extensive exhibit hall focused on water conservation and infrastructure.
Event: 🎸Monday Night Jam Session, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Unwind from the workday with live music and panoramic ocean views. The Hard Rock’s Monday sessions offer a relaxed rock-and-roll atmosphere and specialized drink menu.
Events for Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Ormond Beach
Event: 🖼️Quiet Light: The Art of Sara Pedigo, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ormond Memorial Art Museum (OMAM), 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Visit the museum to view this solo exhibition featuring the evocative works of Sara Pedigo. Her paintings explore the beauty found in everyday domestic life and the interplay of light within interior spaces.
Event: 🌮CINCO DE MAYO @ Ceviche 28, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Ceviche 28 by Pedro's, 195 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Celebrate with a live DJ, drink specials, and prize giveaways. This local favorite offers a high-energy atmosphere with plenty of margaritas to celebrate Mexico's heritage.
Holly Hill
Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Tuesday open play is available all day at Pictona. With 49 courts, it is the premier spot in the area for a morning or evening match with the local pickleball community.
Event: 📊City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM City Hall, 1065 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill The regularly scheduled bi-monthly meeting where local leaders discuss city business, community initiatives, and resident concerns.
Daytona Beach
Event: 🍹Do The Crawl de Mayo, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Seabreeze District, N Atlantic Ave/Seabreeze Blvd, Daytona Beach A festive pub crawl through the Seabreeze entertainment district. Grab your fiesta gear for a self-guided tour featuring social media contests, a "best dressed" competition, and various stops along the beachside.
Event: 💃Cinco de Mayo Street Party, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Beach Street (Bay St to 3rd Ave), S Beach St, Daytona Beach A massive free block party in Downtown Daytona Beach. Beach Street will be closed to traffic for live music from Ragady Lapsey (5:30 PM) and The Love Band (7:00 PM), along with food trucks and outdoor dining at local favorites like Tia Cori’s Tacos.
Event: 🎤Kickstart Karaoke, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Take the stage at the Hard Rock for a high-energy karaoke night. Whether you're singing a ballad or a rock anthem, the oceanfront backdrop and professional sound system make for a memorable evening.
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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