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  • ⭐Vol. Schools Seek Suit Dismissal, Tomoka Christian Expands Care, Auditor Resigns, New AI Rules In Schools

⭐Vol. Schools Seek Suit Dismissal, Tomoka Christian Expands Care, Auditor Resigns, New AI Rules In Schools

Issue #1048

Author

.George Sloane
17 Sep

NOTE: Your can always» READ ONLINE

⚖️ School Board Seeks Dismissal of Pathways Lawsuit

Volusia County Schools is asking a court to dismiss an amended lawsuit involving allegations that a 5-year-old Pathways Elementary student was sexually assaulted by an 11-year-old student during an after-school program in 2024.

The child’s parents allege the district failed to act on prior information concerning the older student and are seeking damages for emotional distress and other expenses. The School Board disputes the negligence claims and argues the incident occurred during a privately operated program renting district space, meaning the child was not under the district’s duty of care at the time.

The district also argues federal student privacy law prevented it from sharing certain educational records with the outside program. The allegations and the district’s defenses remain matters before the court, and the parents have requested a jury trial.

🛍️ Tomoka Christian Expands Community Care

Tomoka Christian Church has opened a new $6 million facility designed to significantly expand its food pantry and thrift store operations in Ormond Beach.

The two-story, 20,000-square-foot Tomoka Care Facility sits on the church’s Hand Avenue campus and houses Tomoka Thrift, the food pantry and administrative space. The project was completed several months ahead of schedule and $100,000 under budget, according to lead pastor Joe Putting, and was funded through church-member donations.

The expansion gives the food pantry considerably more room. Its previous 900-square-foot facility served about 400 families monthly, and the church anticipates that number could double. Tomoka Thrift, formerly A Second Blessing, has also relocated from South Nova Road, with proceeds helping support the church’s mission work.

🏛️ Daytona Beach City Auditor Resigns

Daytona Beach City Auditor Abinet Belachew has submitted his resignation after a little more than a year in the position. His departure takes effect Oct. 15, and his resignation letter did not provide a reason.

During his tenure, Belachew’s office produced reports examining areas including city travel, purchasing cards and vehicle allowances. His resignation comes as the Florida Attorney General’s Office continues an investigation involving city spending records, including subpoenas concerning COVID relief expenditures and other financial records. Belachew did not link his departure to that investigation.

In his resignation letter, he thanked city officials and residents and emphasized the importance of maintaining an independent auditing function. Mayor Derrick Henry praised Belachew’s work establishing the city’s internal audit division and improving procedures and policies.

🤖 Florida Sets New Rules for AI in Schools

Florida is establishing new guardrails for artificial intelligence in public schools and state colleges, including parental consent requirements for K-12 students.

Under rules adopted by the State Board of Education on Sept. 16, districts must notify parents about approved AI instructional tools and provide a comparable non-AI alternative when parents don’t consent. Tools for younger students face additional review, while AI designed to simulate emotional relationships or companionship with students is prohibited. Districts must also address student-data protections and staff training.

Florida College System institutions must establish their own AI policies as well. Among other provisions, student use of AI on graded work or assessments is restricted unless an instructor permits it. The new framework is intended to allow instructional uses of AI while establishing limits around academic integrity, privacy and student interactions.

Source: ClickOrlando

Ormond Beach has no shortage of great places to eat, drink, snack, sip, and celebrate, and now it's time to recognize the local favorites that make our community delicious.

We're kicking off Best Of Ormond Beach Food & Drink 2026, and we want to hear from you. Vote for your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, bars, bakeries, brunch places, pizza joints, breweries, sweet treats, and more.

Whether it's the place you recommend to a friend, the order you crave all week, or the neighborhood spot that always gets it right, this is your chance to give them some love.

Nominate your favorites today and help spotlight the best food and drink in Ormond Beach!

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Events for Thursday, September 17, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🖼️ Third Thursday Docent Tour, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Guided tour exploring selections from the Malcolm Fraser Permanent Collection, the John Wilton installation, veterans tributes, Emmons Cottage and the museum gardens, concluding with complimentary tea on the terrace.

  • Event: 🎨 Art of Healing Workshop: Looking Closely at Color & Shape, 2:00–3:30 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Reflective art workshop focused on self-expression, relaxation and creativity for ages 16 and older. Advance registration is required and seating is limited.

  • Event: ❤️ Salty Family Services 11th Annual Celebration, 5:00–7:30 PM
    Salty Church, 221 Vining Ct., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Annual benefit celebration featuring a 5 PM reception, a 6 PM program, local family stories and guest speaker Demi-Leigh Tebow, with proceeds supporting Salty Family Services.

  • Event: 💃 NY Salsa 101, 6:00–6:50 PM
    Dance-ology Studios, 533 N. Nova Rd., Suite 105, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Beginner-friendly New York-style salsa class covering timing, foundational footwork, partner connection, musicality and movement. Singles are welcome and no partner is required.

  • Event: 💃 Bachata Group Dance Class, 7:00–7:50 PM
    Dance-ology Studios, 533 N. Nova Rd., Suite 105, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    All-level Bachata class covering rhythm, footwork, lead-and-follow technique, musicality and combinations. No partner is required; admission is $20 per class.

  • Event: 🧠 Trivia Night at Kava Kula, 8:00–10:00 PM
    Kava Kula at Fountain Square, 142 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Thursday trivia night featuring friendly competition, prizes and an evening of games and socializing.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🏛️ Board of Adjustment Meeting, 2:30 PM
    Daytona Beach City Hall, Commission Chambers, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Public meeting of Daytona Beach's Board of Adjustment, which considers zoning-related appeals and variance requests.

  • Event: ⚖️ Cocktails & Conversations: Better Balance Seminar, 3:30–4:30 PM
    HarborChase of Daytona Beach, 551 N. Williamson Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Educational seminar on fall prevention and improving balance, featuring Tina Carlyle, MSN, RN, BC-DEd.

  • Event: 🎓 B-CU Homecoming Legacy & Leadership Reception, 5:30–8:30 PM
    ONE DAYTONA, 1 Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Bethune-Cookman University Homecoming reception bringing alumni and university leaders together to celebrate the university's legacy, leadership and Wildcat community.

  • Event: 🎸 Thursday Night Unplugged: Are Friends Electric – 90s Night, 6:00–8:30 PM
    Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA, 1 Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Jeremy and Andrea of Are Friends Electric perform acoustic interpretations of '90s favorites, joined by friends and familiar local musicians.

  • Event: 🌳 Derbyshire Park Master Plan Community Meeting, 6:00 PM
    Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural & Educational Center, 1000 Vine St., Daytona Beach, FL 32117
    Public community meeting inviting residents and park users to share ideas and priorities for the long-term redevelopment and improvement of Derbyshire Park.

  • Event: 🗣️ Speak & Snack: Spanish + English Night, 6:00–8:00 PM
    The Red Bud Cafe, 317 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Casual bilingual conversation night featuring Spanish and English practice, games and snacks. All language levels are welcome.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏫 Holly Hill School Open House, 6:00 PM
    Holly Hill School, Holly Hill, FL
    Volusia County Schools' scheduled September open house for Holly Hill School families

Events for Friday, September 18, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🎨 Wellness Paint Party with Gina Bickish, 10:45 AM–1:15 PM
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Relaxing guided painting class for beginners and experienced painters. Supplies are included; advance registration is required.

  • Event: 💎 Artisan Jewelry Workshop for Beginners with Susan Durbec, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
    Beginner-friendly workshop using genuine gemstones to create bracelets, anklets or a necklace while learning basic stringing and finishing techniques. Materials are included.

  • Event: 🎸 Steeln' Peaches: Celebrating the Allman Brothers Band, 7:00 PM
    Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Florida's Steeln' Peaches celebrates the music of the Allman Brothers Band with a seven-piece Southern-rock tribute featuring favorites from the band's catalog.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🚤 Daytona Boat Show, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
    Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Opening day of the three-day marine show featuring more than 15 regional dealers, over 70 manufacturers, boats, personal watercraft, marine electronics and accessories. Admission is $5; active military and veterans are free.

  • Event: 🛍️ Riverfront Market, 5:00–9:00 PM
    Riverfront Esplanade, 355 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Friday-night waterfront market featuring up to 45 local vendors plus live music by Aaron Esposito.

  • Event: 🍽️ Taste of Volusia, 5:30–8:30 PM
    Riverfront Esplanade, 355 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    ReNew Recovery Café's annual culinary fundraiser brings together area restaurants, chefs and community partners for an evening of food and fundraising.

  • Event: 🎶 Friday Night Live: Felipe Pavani Band, 6:00–8:30 PM
    Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA, 1 Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Free Friday-night concert featuring Felipe Pavani's energetic mix of rock classics and international pop favorites.

  • Event: 🎉 Rally Mode: B-CU Homecoming Pep Rally featuring Rick Ross & Lloyd, 7:00 PM
    Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Bethune-Cookman University's Homecoming pep rally and concert features Rick Ross and Lloyd as part of the Wildcats' Homecoming festivities.

  • Event: 💃 The Women Next Door – Female Revue, 7:00–9:00 PM
    Cristy B's Comedy Club, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Ticketed two-hour female revue featuring choreographed dance and stage entertainment.

  • Event: 🎸 Crashrocket Live, 8:00 PM–12:00 AM
    Main Street Station, 316 Main St., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
    Friday-night live performance by Crashrocket at the historic Main Street garage bar and music venue.

  • Event: 😂 Comedian Carmen Vallone, 9:30–11:00 PM
    Cristy B's Comedy Club, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
    Late-night stand-up comedy performance by comedian Carmen Vallone.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🎬 Movie with a Cop: Lilo & Stitch, 8:00–9:30 PM
    Holly Hill City Hall, 1065 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117
    Free family movie night under the stars with the Holly Hill Police Department. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; complimentary popcorn and water will be available while supplies last.

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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