- Ormond Local Pulse
- Posts
- ⭐Tomoka Oaks Returns, Property Tax Shortfall, Arts Funding Restored
⭐Tomoka Oaks Returns, Property Tax Shortfall, Arts Funding Restored
Issue #852
Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE
Table of Contents
+
Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
Swipe image left for more daily forecasts
Courtesy: City of Ormond Beach
🏘️ Tomoka Oaks Development Returns to the Spotlight
The long-running saga surrounding the Tomoka Oaks Golf Course is heading back to the dais.
Later this month, the Ormond Beach City Commission will hold two public hearings — at 6 p.m. on March 13 and 7 p.m. on March 24 — to review a revised development proposal for the 147-acre property at 20 Tomoka Oaks Blvd. The new application from Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach I, LLC seeks approval to build 254 single-family homes, down from the 272 homes proposed in 2023.
That earlier plan was sent back for reconsideration after commissioners called for lower density and better compatibility with the surrounding Tomoka Oaks neighborhood. Since then, the developers pursued a zoning map amendment to revert the property to its original R-2 designation. The commission unanimously denied that request in April 2024, prompting an appeal in circuit court and, later, a federal lawsuit alleging violations of development rights.
Now, with litigation still pending — and a preliminary settlement motion recently filed — the revised site plan proposes 1.72 units per acre, reduced from 1.84. It includes larger perimeter lots, a 50-foot vegetative buffer, 20-foot rear setbacks and six outdoor recreation areas.
The next chapter will unfold at City Hall, as residents once again weigh growth, density and neighborhood character.
Source: Ormond Observer
💰 Property Tax Reform Could Reshape City Finances
If Florida voters approve House Joint Resolution 203, the City of Ormond Beach could lose an estimated $11.2 million in annual revenue beginning in the 2027-2028 fiscal year. The proposal would exempt homesteaded properties from all property taxes except those supporting schools — eliminating roughly 44% of the city’s current property tax collections.
During a March 4 workshop, city leaders confronted what that shortfall could mean. Under the current millage rate, Ormond Beach collects about $25 million in property taxes annually. Finance Director Kelly McGuire noted that losing $11.2 million would require serious long-term planning, not last-minute scrambling.
Options discussed? None simple. Raising commercial or non-homesteaded tax rates could double the burden on businesses. Creating or increasing fees — for building permits, parks and recreation, even police and fire — presents legal and practical hurdles. Parks and rec, for example, is 94% funded by property taxes, with user fees covering just 6%.
The alternative: cut $11.2 million in services. That could mean scaling back parks, delaying capital projects, reducing hours at City Hall and Public Works, and navigating complex labor negotiations.
Budget discussions begin May 19, with more detailed proposals expected this summer. For now, city officials are looking at what one commissioner called a financial “moving-around game” — one that could redefine local services for years to come.
Source: Ormond Observer
🎭 Arts Funding Restored — But Only for Now
The Volusia County Council voted 5-2 this week to restore $571,926 in arts funding for the current fiscal year — reversing a 2025 decision to withhold support over concerns about certain events deemed not “family-friendly.”
The restored funding offers short-term relief to local arts organizations, including the Athens Theatre and the Shoestring Theatre, which had withdrawn their applications during the previous funding cycle. Leaders say the decision allows them to stabilize programming for now, even as the council voted to end the cultural grant program process moving forward.
During deliberations, council members acknowledged broader financial headwinds — including the same proposed property tax reforms being debated statewide. County Chair Jeff Brower warned that while property tax cuts may be politically popular, they could significantly reduce funding for core government services.
Roughly 50 residents spoke during public comment, underscoring how deeply arts funding resonates within the community.
For local cultural groups, this year’s funding is both a reprieve and a reality check. The curtain hasn’t fallen just yet — but the future remains uncertain.
Source: MyNews13
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!
Get hands-on, no-fluff AI training built for local businesses—not tech geeks. Whether you run a salon, law firm, restaurant, or repair shop, or individual, we’ll show you how to use AI to save time, cut costs, and grow fast.
A community for everyone…local businesses, professionals, individuals.
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
Ormond By The Sea North Beach Cam
Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam
Currently Unavailable
Thursday, Mar 5, 2026
🏁 Motorsports Headline: Flat Track Racing
Progressive AFT: Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I
The world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing championship kicks off its 2026 season! Watch the pros go bar-to-bar under the lights on the custom-built Daytona Flat Track outside the Speedway. It's a high-speed, sideways-sliding adrenaline rush.
Time: Gates open at 3:00 PM | Opening Ceremonies at 7:00 PM | Main Events at 9:00 PM
Location: DAYTONA Flat Track (Outside Daytona International Speedway)
84th Daytona 200 & King of the Baggers: Practice Day
If you prefer pavement, head inside the Speedway. Today marks the opening of MotoAmerica's weekend. Catch the thunderous "King of the Baggers" and the Daytona 200 superbikes running their first practice and qualifying sessions on the high banks.
Time: Track activity runs all afternoon.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🎸 Headline Concerts
Colt Ford Live @ The Iron Horse Saloon
The country-rap pioneer brings his massive, high-energy stage show to the legendary Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach. The best part? Like most major concerts at the Iron Horse during Bike Week, entry is completely free.
Time: Evening (Opening acts start in the afternoon; headliner usually around 9:00 PM)
Location: Iron Horse Saloon (1068 N. US Highway 1), Ormond Beach
Hairball @ The Broken Spoke Saloon
A bombastic, theatrical tribute to arena rock! Hairball brings their rotating cast of spot-on vocalists, pyro, and costumes to perform the biggest hits of Van Halen, KISS, Queen, and Mötley Crüe.
Time: Evening
Location: Broken Spoke Saloon (1151 N US-1), Ormond Beach
🏆 Custom Bike & Audio Shows
Grandview Live Bike & Audio Show
Big sound, big builds, and bigger attitude. This late-night show is dedicated to custom audio baggers that can shake the pavement. Classes range from Mild Custom to "Anything Goes."
Time: Registration 8:00 PM | Awards Midnight
Location: Grandview Live (640 N Grandview Ave), Daytona Beach
Open House & Ol' School Bike Rodeo
Take a ride just south of Daytona for an old-school biker gathering hosted by the Leather and Lace MC. Expect classic motorcycle field games, food, and a relaxed, grassroots rally vibe.
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Leather and Lace MC Clubhouse (574 W. Ariel Rd), Edgewater
🏍️ Demos & Manufacturer Hubs
Take the newest 2026 Indian models for a spin! The massive factory demo fleet is running full throttle right outside the Speedway.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Daytona International Speedway (Outside Front Stretch)
🌿 Community & Leisure (Non-Bike Week)
Need to escape the exhaust fumes? Head down to Daytona Beach Shores for a relaxed, community-favorite event where local musicians gather to play acoustic sets in an air-conditioned, low-key environment.
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Location: Daytona Shores Community Center (3000 Bellemead Dr)
Here is the curated event list for Friday, March 6, 2026.
We have reached the second and final weekend of the 85th Annual Daytona Bike Week! Friday is packed with massive racing events, custom shows on the boardwalk, and the emotional, fiery spectacle of the famous "Burning Bike" festival.
📅 Friday, Mar 6, 2026
🔥 The Main Event: Burning Bike
The 2026 Burning Bike Festival
A deeply rooted Bike Week tradition. Head over to the Fastlane Campground for the ceremonial burning of a massive, 75-foot handmade wooden motorcycle. All week, riders write messages on the bike to loved ones who have passed, culminating in this spectacular burn night featuring fire dancers, the Globe of Death, high-wire acts, live bands, and the Miss Burning Bike bikini contest.
Time: Burn Party starts at 5:00 PM (Flames cast high into the night)
Location: Fastlane Campground (Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand)
🏁 Motorsports Headlines: Pavement & Dirt
MotoAmerica: King of the Baggers & Super Hooligan (Race 1)
The action heats up inside the Speedway! Today features the heavy-hitting Mission King of the Baggers and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship. Watch these massive, modified V-twin touring bikes drag their floorboards around the high banks.
Time: Track activity and qualifying all morning; Race 1 typically late afternoon.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
Progressive AFT: Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II
Night two of the premier dirt track motorcycle racing championship. The pros return to the Daytona Flat Track to slide sideways and go bar-to-bar under the lights.
Time: Gates open at 3:00 PM | Main Events at 9:00 PM
Location: DAYTONA Flat Track (Outside DIS)
🏆 Bike Shows & Parades
Take a ride to the coast. The historic Daytona Beach Boardwalk hosts one of the premier custom bike shows of the rally, set right against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Time: Morning into Afternoon
Location: Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Feel the ground shake! Watch (and hear) the world's largest fleet of V8-powered motorcycles take over the streets of Daytona Beach.
Time: Afternoon
Location: Daytona Beach (Check local welcome centers for the exact route)
A dedicated showcase for motorcycles boasting massive, custom-built audio systems that will rattle your ribs.
Location: Grandview Live (640 N Grandview Ave), Daytona Beach
🎸 Headline Concerts & Nightlife
Rock out at one of the most iconic biker bars on the planet. Gunshine brings their high-energy rock set to the legendary Boot Hill Saloon right on Main Street.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Boot Hill Saloon (310 Main St, Daytona Beach)
Black Bike Week / Spring Break Kickoff
An epic Friday night party with great music and a fantastic crowd kicking off the Spring Break season.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Diamond Dolls, Daytona Beach
🎨 Non-Bike Week Escape: Downtown
Downtown Daytona Nights: First Friday ArtWalk
Need a break from the exhaust? Head to the Riverfront Shops area for a vibrant evening of local art, food trucks, and community spirit. It is a fantastic, family-friendly way to spend a Friday evening away from the loudest parts of the rally.
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Magnolia Avenue (Downtown Daytona Beach)
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