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- ⭐Viet Wall Unveiling, School Employees Overpaid, Sailboat Removal Underway
⭐Viet Wall Unveiling, School Employees Overpaid, Sailboat Removal Underway
Issue #859
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Photo: Volusia County
🇺🇸 Volusia County to Unveil Vietnam Memorial Wall
A new tribute to Vietnam veterans is set to become a permanent fixture in Daytona Beach later this month. Volusia County Government will unveil a Vietnam Memorial Wall at 10 a.m. Friday, March 27, at Veterans Memorial Plaza, 125 W. Orange Ave.
The gray granite monument stands 5 feet high and 8.5 feet wide, positioned against the scenic backdrop of the Halifax River. A black granite panel etched with imagery inspired by Washington, D.C.’s Vietnam memorials documents the war, those who served, those lost, and those who returned home.
Inscribed on the panel are the words: “To All the Vietnam Veterans / Thank You and Welcome Home.” The message serves as a powerful reminder to offer recognition that many veterans did not receive when they first returned from service.
The project was spearheaded by U.S. Army veteran Robert “Bob” Adkins and supported by a $35,000 donation from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1048. Local and state leaders, including retired Gen. James Hartsell, are expected to speak at the ceremony, with an honor guard and traditional music marking the occasion.
County officials say the memorial will not only honor veterans but also educate future generations about duty, sacrifice, and resilience.
Source: Volusia County
💻 Payroll Glitch Overpays 9,000 School Employees
More than 9,000 employees with Volusia County Schools received more retroactive pay than expected in February, thanks to a technical hiccup tied to the district’s newly implemented FOCUS payroll system.
According to district staff, the retroactive raises were entered into the system Feb. 24 as a separate payment. Instead of receiving the correct amount, many employees saw nearly double — and in some cases triple — the intended sum land in their bank accounts. The district quickly notified employees and reversed most of the payments that same morning.
However, officials reported that funds from 152 employees could not be immediately recovered, largely due to depleted or overdrawn bank accounts. In certain cases, the overpayments exceeded $1,000. The district says it is now working individually with those employees on repayment plans. All staff members did receive their correct retroactive pay later that day.
Still, union leaders say the issue reflects broader concerns about the FOCUS rollout. Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert described repeated payroll problems as destabilizing for employees who rely on accurate, timely paychecks. Superintendent Carmen Balgobin acknowledged the strain and said additional safeguards and support systems are being implemented as the district continues transitioning to FOCUS through July 1.
Source: Ormond Observer
⛵ Stranded Sailboat Set for Removal in Flagler Beach
After weeks as an unlikely photo backdrop, a 45-foot sailboat stranded on Flagler Beach is scheduled for removal beginning March 11.
The vessel ran aground in rough surf near North 21st Street on Jan. 24, prompting the Flagler Beach Fire Department to rescue a couple and a child from the boat. Since then, the sailboat has remained firmly embedded in the sand, drawing curious beachgoers eager for a selfie with the grounded craft.
City officials declared the situation an emergency on Feb. 26, allowing City Manager Dale Martin to award a $42,750 removal contract to Isla Maritime. Earlier estimates suggested costs could reach as high as $80,000, depending on the method used.
The removal process will involve positioning heavy equipment, securing environmentally sensitive materials, and dismantling the mast and hull before transporting the remains off the beach. Brief traffic impacts are expected during the operation.
While the boat owner was formally notified to remove the vessel, insurance coverage fell short. The city now plans to seek state grants and may pursue reimbursement. For now, officials thank residents for their patience as they work to restore the shoreline’s natural beauty.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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Thursday, March 12, 2026
🥦 Fresh & Local
A beloved Thursday morning tradition! Stroll through the City Hall Plaza to shop for fresh regional produce, baked goods, local honey, plants, and handcrafted items. Located right next to the library and across from the beautiful Halifax River, it is a great way to start your day.
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: City Hall Plaza (22 S. Beach St)
🎸 Live Entertainment
TOBY - The Experience (Toby Keith Tribute)
Get ready for a wild ride through the heart and soul of country music! Hollywood Yates takes the stage to deliver a high-energy tribute to the bad boy of country music, Toby Keith, performing anthems like "Should've Been a Cowboy" and "I Love This Bar."
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)
🏛️ Civic & Community
Halifax Genealogical Society - Using Technology to Organize Your Research
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library,30 S Beach Street, Ormond Beach
Website for More Info https://www.halifaxgensociety.org/City of Ormond Beach Public Meetings
Local government business continues at City Hall. Residents are welcome to attend the following scheduled board meetings:
Evaluation Meeting (Employee Benefits RFP): 2:00 PM (Training Room)
Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board: 6:00 PM (Room 103)
🏓 Active & Leisure
Pickleball at Pictona
While there are no major civic festivals scheduled in Holly Hill today, it is the perfect Thursday to hit the courts at Pictona, one of the premier pickleball facilities in the United States. With 49 courts, it is a bustling hub of daily local activity. You can drop in for a few games and then grab lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Kitchen.
Time: Open daily (typically 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
📚 Education & Youth
After-School Tutoring / Study Time
The Holly Hill Public Library acts as a quiet afternoon hub for local students and homeschool groups utilizing the space for study and tutoring.
Time: Late afternoon (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Location: Holly Hill Library (8423 Old State Rd)
🌊 Scenic & Relaxed
A Quiet Coastal Thursday
Ormond-by-the-Sea remains entirely residential and peaceful, making it a true escape from the bustling Spring Break crowds starting to gather further south in Daytona. Spend your Thursday hunting for sea glass on the pristine, no-drive sands of North Peninsula State Park, or take a scenic drive up A1A to grab a relaxed, ocean-view meal at a local staple like Lagerheads Bar & Grill.
Friday, March 13, 2026
🛼 Family Fun
Volusia County students have a day off! Keep the kids entertained at Astro Skate Center's special extended daytime skate session. The first hour even includes free all-you-can-eat pizza.
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Astro Skate Center (250 N. US Highway 1)
Cost: $8 admission (plus skate rental)
🎸 Headline Concert
Classic rock legends Wishbone Ash hit the stage in Ormond Beach! Known for inventing and perfecting the twin lead guitar sound of the 1970s, this is a rare chance to see the touring legends in an intimate, 600-seat theater.
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (399 N. US-1)
🦅 Free Outdoor Concert
The Limit: A Tribute to the Eagles!
Presented by the City of Holly Hill, head to the brand-new MetroHealth Stadium at Pictona for a completely free Friday night concert. "The Limit" delivers tight harmonies and stunning guitars, playing every massive hit from "Hotel California" to "Life in the Fast Lane."
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: MetroHealth Stadium at Pictona (1060 Ridgewood Ave)
Cost: Free General Admission (Bleacher seating)
🌊 Friday Night Coastal Escape
A Quiet Evening on A1A
Ormond-by-the-Sea doesn't host big concerts, and that is exactly why locals love it! With the Spring Break crowds flooding Daytona to the south, tonight is the perfect night to enjoy a quiet, ocean-breeze dinner. Grab a table at Lagerheads Bar & Grill for some local seafood and acoustic patio tunes, or take a sunset walk along the no-drive sand at Tom Renick Park.
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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