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Volusia County Schools Opens 2024-2025 Year with Focus on Safety and Attendance

Volusia County Schools began the 2024-2025 school year on August 12 with around 60,000 students attending classes across the district. The day featured the opening of Turie T. Small Elementary in Daytona Beach, which was celebrated by Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and district officials. This year, the district is prioritizing safety and addressing chronic absenteeism, with new initiatives to boost student attendance and tackle vaping issues. A new nine-week program will educate students on the risks of vaping, and all school doors, except visitor entrances, will be locked in compliance with recent security legislation. The district also faces a staffing challenge, starting the year with 28 unfilled teaching positions, a marked improvement from the previous year's 97 vacancies. Balgobin and her team visited multiple schools on the first day, looking forward to a secure and successful academic year.

Source: Ormond Observer $

Big Lots Expands Store Closures to 315 Locations Amid Financial Crisis

Big Lots, facing severe financial difficulties, now plans to close up to 315 stores by the end of 2024, a dramatic increase from the initially announced 40 closures. The retailer, struggling with declining sales and higher interest rates, has updated its plans to shutter 26 of its 106 Florida locations. Reports show 293 stores are listed as “closing soon,” a stark decrease from the 1,425 locations the chain had earlier this year. Financial disclosures reveal a 10.2% sales drop, equating to a $114.5 million loss. The company’s precarious financial situation has led to speculation about a potential bankruptcy filing. This development aligns with broader retail sector challenges, as other major chains also announce store closures and financial setbacks amid ongoing economic pressures. Locally, only the Daytona Beach , 2400 W. International Speedway location is slated to close at this time.

Source: See Full Story at Newsbreak

Daytona Beach Woman Charged After Road Rage Incident at Buc-ee's

Kendall McMillian, 41, of Daytona Beach, was arrested on Friday after a road rage incident at a Buc-ee's gas station led to charges of aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The altercation began at around 10:03 a.m. at the Buc-ee's on Gateway North Drive. McMillian, driving a blue Nissan, attempted to cut off a vehicle driven by a mother heading to the gas station. As the mother tried to avoid a collision, McMillian aggressively followed her. At the gas pump, McMillian brandished a loaded 9mm Glock pistol and threatened the mother and her daughter. McMillian was released from jail on $15,000 bail. The case highlights the increasing risks associated with road rage and the need for heightened driver safety.

Source: Daytona News-Journal $

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