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  • ⭐Volusia Deputy Escapes Death, Cold Claims Manatees, Volusia Forever Amendment

⭐Volusia Deputy Escapes Death, Cold Claims Manatees, Volusia Forever Amendment

Issue #851

04 Mar

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Voluisia County Sheriff

🎥 Bodycam Shields Deputy in Deltona Shootout

A routine investigation turned into a life-or-death moment this week in Deltona — and a body camera made all the difference.

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jose Rivera is expected to recover after being shot twice during a confrontation on Candler Drive, according to Sheriff Mike Chitwood. One bullet struck Rivera “dead center” in his body camera, likely preventing a fatal injury. The round ricocheted into his shoulder, and a second shot hit his leg.

Rivera and a newly graduated academy partner were following up on a vandalism or assault case from earlier in the day when they approached a residence tied to the suspect. Authorities say 31-year-old Luis Diaz Polanco initially answered the door holding a box, then retreated inside. Moments later, investigators say he emerged with a firearm and opened fire.

Despite his injuries, Rivera reportedly remained in good spirits at the hospital, even joking with medical staff. Additional deputies quickly responded and took Diaz Polanco into custody. He now faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reviewing the deputy’s use of force, while the Sheriff’s Office investigates the charges. Meanwhile, officials are working to recover footage from the damaged camera — the very device credited with saving Rivera’s life.

Source: MyNews13

🐋 Cold Snap Claims Dozens of Florida Manatees

Florida’s beloved manatees sought warm refuge during February’s unusually harsh cold spell. For at least 30 of them, it wasn’t enough.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, cold stress deaths in southwest Florida this winter nearly tripled the five-year average through mid-February. Temperatures in Fort Myers plunged well below normal, creating dangerous conditions for a species that relies on water temperatures of at least 68 degrees.

More than half of Florida’s manatees depend on warm-water discharges from power plants when natural springs aren’t accessible. Many recent deaths occurred near the Orange River, close to Florida Power & Light’s Fort Myers plant. While the utility company met its license requirements — including deploying emergency heaters during disruptions — advocates argue that current standards may not go far enough.

Patrick Rose of the Save the Manatee Club says minimum temperature thresholds should be higher to prevent future losses. State officials, however, confirmed there is no investigation underway into FPL’s compliance.

The broader concern stretches beyond this winter. As power plants modernize and shift toward cleaner energy, the volume of warm-water discharge — and thus winter refuge — may shrink. A long-term warm-water management plan is underway, but experts warn time is short.

🌿 Volusia Forever Debate: A Charter Amendment in Focus

At this week’s Volusia County Council meeting, a new proposal aimed to strengthen protections for the county’s Volusia Forever land conservation program.

Catherine Pante urged council members to pursue a charter amendment modeled after what supporters call the “Alachua Model.” The key distinction? Rather than banning the sale or repurposing of conservation land outright — an approach that failed in Sarasota County after clashing with state law — the Alachua approach requires voter approval via referendum before any protected land can be sold or repurposed.

Supporters say that procedural safeguard has remained legally sound for two decades in Alachua County. By contrast, the Sarasota model attempted a prohibitive ban and was struck down in court.

Pante argued the council has the authority to place such an amendment on the ballot, empowering voters as the final decision-makers over conservation lands. Advocates emphasize they are not seeking to restrict government authority entirely, but rather to ensure public oversight aligns with residents’ long-term environmental investment.

The proposal now rests with council members, as discussions continue about how best to secure the future of Volusia Forever.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

  • Event: UF/IFAS Volusia Master Gardener Free Plant Clinic & Educational Program;
    Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12n
    Location: Ormond Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave Ormond Beach
    Note: Bring photos or examples to identify and correct plant problems, and learn Florida gardening tips. March is “General discussions requested by attendees month.

  • Event: 🚲Urban Rides Magazine All Cycle Showdown, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Riders' Zone at Destination Daytona, 1637 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach

    Part of the 2026 Daytona Bike Week, this showdown features a massive display of custom motorcycles, vendors, and food trucks. Expect high-energy bike culture and various cycles competing for top honors.

  • Event: 🔊Soundwarz, 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

    Riders' Zone at Destination Daytona, 1637 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach

    A signature Bike Week attraction focusing on the loudest and highest-quality motorcycle audio systems. The event includes a bikini bike wash, live music, and various vendor displays throughout the day.

  • Event: 🏗️Site Plan Review Committee, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    City Hall CR103, 22 S. Beach Street, Ormond Beach

    A public municipal meeting where committee members review proposed site plans for local developments to ensure compliance with city codes and standards.

  • Event: 🏫Early Release Day, All Day

    Holly Hill School, 1500 Center St, Holly Hill

    A scheduled early release for students at Holly Hill School. Parents and residents should expect increased school zone traffic earlier in the afternoon than usual.

  • Event: ⚖️Board of Adjustments and Appeals, 6:00 PM

    City Commission Chambers, 22 S. Beach Street, Ormond Beach

    This city meeting addresses requests for variances and appeals regarding local zoning and land use regulations.

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

  • Indian Motorcycle Demo Rides

    • 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)

  • Acoustic Music Jam

    • 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)

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