⭐Tiki Bar Refresh, Life-Saving Blood Drives

Issue #924

16 May

Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE

+

Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops

Swipe image left for more daily forecasts

Photo: YouTUbe

🍹 Kona Tiki Bar Steps Into the Spotlight

The Grind at Kona Tiki Bar, a staple at 49 W. Granada Blvd. since 2013, has quietly undergone a thoughtful reinvention. Owner Kevin Wakefield and his team recently completed interior renovations designed to better complement the venue’s tropical aesthetic, rebuilt the tiki bar roof, refreshed the logo, and overhauled the menu — all while keeping the core dishes that loyal customers rely on.

The rebrand, announced in February leans fully into the Kona Tiki Bar identity. Rather than sharing billing with “The Grind,” the tiki bar now anchors the venue’s personality and presentation. It’s less of a dramatic makeover and more of a strategic polish — the kind that makes sense after more than a decade in business.

Regulars will still recognize their go-to favorites, but they’ll notice an updated vibe that feels cohesive and intentional. For a downtown destination that has weathered changing tastes and seasons, this refresh signals both confidence and staying power.

Curious what’s new? The updated menu and details are available at grindatkona.com.

🩸 EMS Week Blood Drives Offer Perks and Purpose

Volusia County EMS is marking National EMS Week (May 17–23) with two community blood drives in partnership with OneBlood and the Volusia Ambulance Association. For residents in the eastern part of the county, the most convenient option is Monday’s drive in Holly Hill.

Taking place May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 112 Carswell Ave., the event offers more than just good karma. Every donor will receive a $20 eGift card, a sunshade, and a complimentary wellness screening that includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol checks. Donors can also track when their blood reaches a hospital through OneBlood’s digital platform — a small but meaningful reminder of the real-world impact.

Eligibility requirements are straightforward: donors must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent for 16-year-olds), weigh at least 110 pounds, and bring a photo ID. Organizers recommend drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy meal, and avoiding fatty foods beforehand.

A second drive will take place May 20 in DeLand for those farther west.

For full details or to register, visit oneblood.org.

Recent Listings

Recent Sales

Fire and EMS Calls

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

GET YOUR VIP PASS

Receive Special News Notifications, Special Community Events, etc.

BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Get your on VIP pass for your group.
 Click here for more information

⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

Check out these proven AI prompts for Local Businesses

Looking for a Great Place To Eat?

Click Image

⭐ Today's Meme ⭐

Great Voucher Dealz

Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.

Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam

Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam

Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam

.Events for Saturday, May 16, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🖼️Tradewinds: Seabreeze High Student Exhibition, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Support local youth art in the main galleries. This exhibition features a wide array of mediums from the talented students at Seabreeze High School.

  • Event: 🎨Quiet Light: The Art of Sara Pedigo, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach Located in the reception gallery, this exhibition explores light and domesticity through Pedigo's evocative paintings. It's a great companion to a stroll through the museum's gardens.

  • Event: 🎶Mary Kate Brennan Live, 7:00 PM The OB Bev House + Scratch Kitchen, 118 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach An evening of live music in a cozy, local setting. Perfect for dinner and drinks while enjoying a performance by this touring artist.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Saturday is prime time for open play at Pictona. With 49 courts available, it's the ideal spot for social matches and seeing why Holly Hill has become a national pickleball hub.

  • Event: ✨Sparkles and Spurs: The Links, Inc., 4:00 PM Forever Ranch (Nearby/Holly Hill Area), 3600 Sipes Ln, Ormond Beach/Holly Hill Area A community fundraiser hosted by the Daytona Beach (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. This "Sparkles and Spurs" themed event typically includes dinner, music, and networking for a cause.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🌎Daytona Beach International Festival, 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Manatee Island / Riverfront Shops, S Beach St, Daytona Beach Celebrate global cultures with live music, dance performances, and international food vendors. This free festival is a vibrant community staple held along the Halifax River.

  • Event: 🕺The Magic of Motown, 7:30 PM Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd, Daytona Beach A high-energy musical journey through the hits of Motown. Expect incredible vocals and choreography celebrating the music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations.

  • Event: ⚾Daytona Tortugas vs. Clearwater Threshers, 7:05 PM Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach Minor league baseball at the historic "Jack." Saturday nights often feature special fan giveaways or themed nights, making it a great outdoor option for families.

Events for Sunday, May 17, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🧘Meditation Sound Bath with Crystal Bowls, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    Art Attack Florida, Ormond Beach Area
    Unwind with a therapeutic sound therapy session. Featuring crystal bowls and chimes, this experience is designed to calm the nervous system, lower stress, and leave you feeling refreshed for the week ahead.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🧺Holly Hill Riverside Market, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Sunrise Park, 1135 Riverside Dr, Holly Hill
    Spend your Sunday morning by the water. Browse a great selection of fresh local produce, artisan crafts, baked goods, and unique handmade items from community vendors.

  • Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill
    Enjoy a relaxed Sunday of open play after a heavy run of early-month tournaments. All skill levels are welcome to drop in and play across the expansive 49-court campus.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🌎Daytona Beach International Festival (Final Day), 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Manatee Island, 357 N Beach St, Daytona Beach
    Immerse yourself in global cultures at this free, family-friendly celebration along the Halifax River. The final day features live music, folkloric dance performances, global food trucks, and interactive activities like a Cultural Passport.

  • Event: 🎸Rob Benton Live, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Main Street Station Historic Garage Bar, 316 Main St, Daytona Beach
    Catch a high-energy live performance by guitarist Rob Benton. Known for his unique style and dynamic covers, it’s a perfect way to close out the weekend on historic Main Street.

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.

Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here. OR scan the QR Code below

Scan for event form

Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.

You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

We ❤️ Local Businesses!


Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!

⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐

❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.

We could use your help!

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?

Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE

Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇

😊😊😊😊😊 Have A Great Day

TECH NOTE: Some readers using the Edge browser have reported getting warning messages that they are attempting to access an unsafe site. This is a glitch in the Edge browser. If you switch to Chrome, Firefox or Safari you should have no problems. Rest assured our site IS SAFE
OUR NEWS POLICY: Our goal is to provide synopses of locally relevant news and articles for Ormond residents. This may include local issues, county and state news affecting Ormond Beach, and other matters such as health, technology, pets, etc.. We hope to provide something of interest to all readers. We welcome your feedback here

1 

Reply

or to participate.