• Ormond Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • ⭐Volusia Deputy Arrested, New Principal At Tomoka Elementary, Back-to-School Planning, Python Barbeque?, Keep Your Phone Cool

⭐Volusia Deputy Arrested, New Principal At Tomoka Elementary, Back-to-School Planning, Python Barbeque?, Keep Your Phone Cool

Issue #977

08 Jul

Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE

+

Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update

Swipe image left for more daily forecasts

Jason Stckels - Volusia County Sheriff

🚔 Off-Duty Volusia Sheriff's Sergeant Arrested After Bar Altercation

An off-duty Volusia Sheriff's Office sergeant is facing criminal charges following an alleged altercation at a New Smyrna Beach restaurant. Sgt. Jason Stickels, a 22-year veteran of the agency, was arrested Monday after authorities say he approached and made unwanted contact with a 77-year-old man and his 71-year-old wife at Merk's Bar & Grill. Surveillance video reportedly shows Stickels pushing the man before another patron intervened and restrained him. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Stickels appeared to be heavily intoxicated and publicly apologized to the couple, calling the incident an example of "how to throw away your law enforcement career in two minutes." Stickels has been charged with two counts of battery on a person 65 years of age or older, placed on administrative leave, and faces discipline up to and including termination.

🎓 Tomoka Elementary Welcomes a New Principal

Tomoka Elementary will begin the new school year with familiar momentum and fresh leadership as Kelly Moore steps into the role of principal. A longtime Volusia County educator and most recently assistant principal at Chisholm Elementary, Moore says her focus is on building upon the school's recent academic success while ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The A-rated school also prepares to become a gifted magnet school for the 2026-2027 school year, adding an enhanced emphasis on critical thinking and hands-on learning. Moore, a firm believer in both physical and mental wellness, says she plans to be a highly visible leader—often wearing sneakers—as she supports students, teachers and families throughout campus.

🛍️ Back-to-School Countdown Begins Across Florida

The countdown to the new school year is officially underway. Most Florida school districts—including Volusia County and Flagler County—will welcome students back on Monday, Aug. 10, while Hamilton County starts earliest on Aug. 5. To help families prepare, Florida's annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs from Monday, July 20, through Thursday, Aug. 20. During the month-long tax holiday, shoppers can save on qualifying purchases including clothing, footwear and accessories priced at $100 or less, school supplies costing $50 or less per item, learning aids and puzzles up to $30, wallets and bags up to $100, and personal computers and qualifying accessories priced at $1,500 or less. It's a good opportunity for families to check school supply lists before heading to the stores.

🐍 Florida Health Officials Say: Don't Put Python on the Menu

Florida continues its battle against invasive Burmese pythons, but state health officials say one proposed solution—eating them—isn't recommended. Although it's legal to consume python meat, the Florida Department of Health has issued a "Do Not Consume" advisory after testing found mercury levels that could pose health risks. The warning comes just as the annual Florida Python Challenge prepares to begin July 10, an event designed to remove invasive snakes while educating the public about their environmental impact. Hunters and chefs have experimented with recipes ranging from curry to barbecue, but officials emphasize that reducing the python population will rely on continued removal efforts rather than adding snake meat to restaurant menus.

TECHNOLOGY

📱 Five Ways to Keep Your Phone Cool During Florida's Heat Wave

With triple-digit heat indexes becoming common this summer, protecting your smartphone is almost as important as protecting yourself. Experts recommend five simple ways to prevent overheating:
1. Keep your phone out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
2. Never leave it inside a hot vehicle.
3. Remove the protective case if the device becomes excessively warm to help release heat.
4. Reduce battery-intensive activities by lowering screen brightness, closing unused apps and enabling power-saving mode.
5. Cool the phone gradually by moving it into shade or air conditioning—never place it in a refrigerator or freezer. 

These simple habits can help prevent unexpected shutdowns and extend your phone's lifespan during Florida's hottest days.

Recent Deaths

NEW!!

Check out Ormond Pulse TV!! Stream movies, documentaries, TV Series. Buy or rent from Amazon.

Fire and EMS Calls

  • 7/7/2026, 9:50 AM — Person reporting abdominal pain in Ormond Beach unit
    Medical Emergency — S Ridgewood Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
  • 7/7/2026, 7:50 AM — Person found unconscious with altered mental status
    Medical Emergency — W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
  • 7/7/2026, 6:50 AM — Fire alarm near South Atlantic Avenue
    Fire — S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32176.
  • 7/7/2026, 5:50 AM — Medical call dispatched for person in Ormond Beach
    Medical Emergency — Baldwin Rd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
  • 7/6/2026, 11:50 PM — Fire alarm at Home Depot on Speedway Boulevard
    Fire — W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
  • 7/6/2026, 6:50 PM — Emergency medical response near Ormond Beach
    Medical Emergency — Fred Gamble Way, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
  • 7/6/2026, 6:14 PM — Medical dispatch near Hall Lane, possible second location
    Medical Emergency — Hall Dr, Ormond Beach, FL 32176.

Source: CrimeRadar-Ormond Beach .

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 ⭐

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

Local Events: Wednesday, July 8, 2026

📍 Ormond Beach

📚 Youth & Education

  • Wednesday Family Movie Matinee

    • Escape the summer sun and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie screening! The library is showing a great kid-approved film as part of their summer programming. Bring your own snacks and get comfortable.

    • Time: 2:00 PM

    • Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library, Auditorium (30 S Beach St)

🧘 Health & Wellness

  • Sunset Yoga by the River

    • Find your mid-week zen. Join local yogis for a relaxing, all-levels sunset yoga session along the beautiful Halifax River. Bring your own mat and a water bottle.

    • Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

    • Location: Rockefeller Gardens Park (26 Riverside Dr)

📍 Holly Hill

🏓 Active & Leisure

  • Wednesday on the Courts @ Pictona

    • Keep the momentum going! Pictona is open for standard open play across its 49 pickleball courts. If you need a break from the heat, the indoor courts are running, and the "Club Hub" in the Osprey Room is open for cards and socializing.

    • Time: Open daily (typically 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM)

    • Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)

📖 Family & Community

  • Summer Reading Hour

    • Keep the kids engaged with their summer reading goals! The Holly Hill library branch is hosting a special mid-week reading hour featuring interactive stories and crafts for elementary-aged children.

    • Time: 11:00 AM

    • Location: Holly Hill Public Library (8423 Old State Rd)

📍 Daytona Beach

⚾ Sports & Family Fun

  • Daytona Tortugas (Home Series Continues)

    • The Tortugas' home stand rolls on! Head down to the ballpark for game two of the series. Wednesday nights often feature great mid-week concession specials, so it's a perfect excuse to skip cooking dinner and enjoy a night of minor league baseball.

    • Time: First pitch at 6:35 PM

    • Location: Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 E Orange Ave)

🎸 Live Music & Dining

  • Acoustic Wednesday at ONE DAYTONA

    • Break up the work week with some live music! Enjoy a relaxed evening strolling around the shops and restaurants at ONE DAYTONA while a local acoustic artist performs live in the central circle.

    • Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Location: Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA (1 Daytona Blvd)

🤸 Community & Fitness

  • Active Classes at the Shores Community Center

    • The Daytona Beach Shores Community Center has a packed schedule today to keep residents moving and socializing:

      • Sittercise: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

      • Zumba Gold: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

      • Mah Jong: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

      • Line Dancing: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

    • Location: Shores Community Center (3000 Bellemead Dr)

Local Events: Thursday, July 9, 2026

📍 Ormond Beach

🥦 Fresh & Local

Ormond Beach Farmers Market

It's Thursday, which means it is time for the weekly farmers market! Stroll through the City Hall Plaza to shop for fresh regional produce, baked goods, local honey, plants, and handcrafted items.

Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Location: City Hall Plaza (22 S. Beach St)

📚 Youth & Education

Toddler Time In-Person

An interactive literacy program designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Kids and caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, and the basic building blocks of literacy.

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Location: Ormond Beach Regional Library (30 S Beach St)

📍 Holly Hill

🏓 Active & Leisure

Thursday on the Courts @ Pictona

Head over to the 49-court facility for a great day of open-play pickleball. If you prefer indoor games to beat the summer heat, the "Club Hub" in the Osprey Room is open for cards, Mahjong, and socializing. Don't forget to grab lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Kitchen.

Time: Open daily (typically 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM) | Location: Pictona at Holly Hill (1060 Ridgewood Ave)

📍 Daytona Beach

⚾ Sports & Family Fun

Daytona Tortugas (Thirsty Thursday)

The home stand continues! Head down to the ballpark for game three of the series. Thursday nights are "Thirsty Thursdays" featuring great drink specials, making it a perfect night out at the Jack.

Time: First pitch at 6:35 PM | Location: Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 E Orange Ave)

🤸 Community & Fitness

Active Classes at the Shores Community Center

The Daytona Beach Shores Community Center has a packed schedule today to keep residents moving and socializing:

  • Sittercise: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
  • Silver Sneakers: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
  • Chair Yoga: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Gentle Yoga: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Shores Community Center (3000 Bellemead Dr)

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.

#VolusiaCounty #TomokaElementary #BackToSchool #FloridaSchools #SalesTaxHoliday #Education #FloridaHeat #PhoneTips #PythonChallenge #InvasiveSpecies #CommunityNews #FloridaLiving

Reply

or to participate.