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- ⭐VoRide Expands, Volusia Schools Get "A", Right Whale Rollback
⭐VoRide Expands, Volusia Schools Get "A", Right Whale Rollback
Issue #853
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Today’s Forecast
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Courtesy Volusia County
🚐 VoRide Expands in Daytona and Ormond Beach
Getting around just became easier for residents in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach.
Volusia County’s on-demand rideshare transit service, VoRide, has officially expanded eastward, bringing new service zones to the mainland Daytona Beach area and North Ormond. Even better, nighttime service is now available in Daytona Beach, offering added flexibility for workers, students and anyone who prefers—or needs—to travel after hours.
Fares remain budget-friendly, starting at $2 for trips up to five miles, with $1 per additional mile up to 10 miles. Reduced fares are also available for youth and riders with disabilities, keeping accessibility front and center.
VoRide is part of Volusia County’s broader push to modernize public transportation. After launching in DeLand in late 2023 and later expanding westward, the service is now strengthening connectivity on the county’s east side—where beachside communities and mainland neighborhoods alike stand to benefit.
Booking is simple. Riders can use the VoTran On Demand app to create a profile, add payment information and schedule trips directly from their smartphone. Prefer to call? Reservations can also be made by phone at 386-761-7700.
For Daytona and Ormond Beach residents, this expansion isn’t just about convenience—it’s about widening access to work, school and community resources.
Source: Volusia County-VoRide
🎓 Volusia Schools Celebrate an “A” Comeback
There was a celebratory tone at the recent State of Our Schools address hosted by Volusia County Schools—and with good reason.
After 16 years, the district has regained its coveted “A” rating, with 100% of schools now graded A, B or C. Superintendent Carmen Balgobin centered her remarks on one theme: “Students are the future,” reinforcing the district’s mission to deliver high levels of learning every day.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Graduation rates have climbed to 95.6%, with traditional schools reaching 98.6%. Career and Technical Education programs have expanded by 70% in just three years, and industry certification offerings have nearly doubled. More than 3,100 high school students participate in dual enrollment annually, and over 2,800 engage in work-based learning.
Middle schoolers will soon see expanded academic options as well. Six campuses—including Ormond Beach Middle School—will begin offering Cambridge AICE courses for sixth and seventh graders, with countywide expansion planned for 2026-2027.
The district has also reduced classroom vacancies from 149 to 47 in two years and lowered chronic absenteeism from its pandemic peak, signaling steady recovery.
From new magnet elementary programs to increased scholarship earnings—$32 million for the Class of 2025—the district’s message was clear: momentum is building.
Source: Ormond Observer
🐋 Right Whale Protections Face Possible Rollback
Federal protections for the North Atlantic right whale may soon change—and conservationists are watching closely.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed deregulating seasonal vessel speed limits that were originally implemented to reduce fatal ship strikes. Currently, vessels in designated areas must slow to 10 knots during peak whale activity, a measure shown to reduce deadly collisions by as much as 80% to 90%.
The stakes are high. According to NOAA data, only about 380 North Atlantic right whales remain, with roughly 70 breeding females left. Vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement continue to threaten the species’ survival.
NOAA says the proposed changes aim to balance conservation with economic demands tied to marine shipping. The agency is exploring alternative management zones and new detection technology designed to alert vessels when whales are nearby.
Still, some marine scientists argue that existing speed restrictions should be expanded—not scaled back—particularly in high-traffic areas along Florida’s coast.
Public comments on the proposal are open through June 2, 2026, giving residents an opportunity to weigh in on a species many consider a wintertime treasure along the Atlantic shoreline.
Source: NewsDaytonaBeach
Recent Arrests
Ormond Beach Police Department
Dakota Creed North (23) – Arrested on 2024-02-21. Charge(s): Possession of paraphernalia; possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail: $3,000.
Jasmyn Marie Peterson (31) – Arrested on 2024-02-22. Charge(s): Battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Bail: Not set.
Bryce A. Dolph (38) – Arrested on 2024-02-24. Charge(s): Video voyeurism (24+ years old victim under 16); possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Bail: Not set.
Jasmyn Marie Peterson (31) – Arrested on 2024-02-26. Charge(s): Battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Bail: Not set.
Holly Hill Police Department
Christopher Allen Beeghly (41) – Arrested on 2024-02-20. Charge(s): Aggravated battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Bail: Not set.
Marvin D. Jaquish (36) – Arrested on 2024-02-21. Charge(s): Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription; petit theft. Bail: $7,500.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Damon Mark Moser (51) – Arrested on 2024-02-20. Charge(s): Fleeing or attempting to elude; petit theft. Bail: $3,000.
Edward Anthony Chorella (44) – Arrested on 2024-02-22. Charge(s): Battery – second/subsequent offense. Bail: Not set.
Corey Bleu Harris (36) – Arrested on 2024-02-24. Charge(s): Criminal mischief (subsequent offenses); battery on a person 65 years of age or older. Bail: $2,500.
Steffani Kathryn Corchado (44) – Arrested on 2024-02-25. Charge(s): Organized scheme to defraud; grand theft; fraudulent use of personal identification information; uttering a forgery (checks); fraudulent use of a credit card (two times in six months). Bail: $235,000.
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📅 Friday, Mar 6, 2026
🔥 The Main Event: Burning Bike
The 2026 Burning Bike Festival
A deeply rooted Bike Week tradition. Head over to the Fastlane Campground for the ceremonial burning of a massive, 75-foot handmade wooden motorcycle. All week, riders write messages on the bike to loved ones who have passed, culminating in this spectacular burn night featuring fire dancers, the Globe of Death, high-wire acts, live bands, and the Miss Burning Bike bikini contest.
Time: Burn Party starts at 5:00 PM (Flames cast high into the night)
Location: Fastlane Campground (Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand)
🏁 Motorsports Headlines: Pavement & Dirt
MotoAmerica: King of the Baggers & Super Hooligan (Race 1)
The action heats up inside the Speedway! Today features the heavy-hitting Mission King of the Baggers and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship. Watch these massive, modified V-twin touring bikes drag their floorboards around the high banks.
Time: Track activity and qualifying all morning; Race 1 typically late afternoon.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
Progressive AFT: Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II
Night two of the premier dirt track motorcycle racing championship. The pros return to the Daytona Flat Track to slide sideways and go bar-to-bar under the lights.
Time: Gates open at 3:00 PM | Main Events at 9:00 PM
Location: DAYTONA Flat Track (Outside DIS)
🏆 Bike Shows & Parades
Take a ride to the coast. The historic Daytona Beach Boardwalk hosts one of the premier custom bike shows of the rally, set right against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Time: Morning into Afternoon
Location: Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Feel the ground shake! Watch (and hear) the world's largest fleet of V8-powered motorcycles take over the streets of Daytona Beach.
Time: Afternoon
Location: Daytona Beach (Check local welcome centers for the exact route)
A dedicated showcase for motorcycles boasting massive, custom-built audio systems that will rattle your ribs.
Location: Grandview Live (640 N Grandview Ave), Daytona Beach
🎸 Headline Concerts & Nightlife
Rock out at one of the most iconic biker bars on the planet. Gunshine brings their high-energy rock set to the legendary Boot Hill Saloon right on Main Street.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Boot Hill Saloon (310 Main St, Daytona Beach)
Black Bike Week / Spring Break Kickoff
An epic Friday night party with great music and a fantastic crowd kicking off the Spring Break season.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Diamond Dolls, Daytona Beach
🎨 Non-Bike Week Escape: Downtown
Downtown Daytona Nights: First Friday ArtWalk
Need a break from the exhaust? Head to the Riverfront Shops area for a vibrant evening of local art, food trucks, and community spirit. It is a fantastic, family-friendly way to spend a Friday evening away from the loudest parts of the rally.
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Magnolia Avenue (Downtown Daytona Beach)
Saturday, Mar 7, 2026
🏍️ THE ROAR: 85th Annual Bike Week Events
🏁 The Great American Motorcycle Race
The 84th Annual DAYTONA 200 (MotoAmerica)
The absolute crown jewel of motorcycle road racing. Watch the world’s best riders tackle the high banks of the "World Center of Racing" in a grueling 57-lap test of endurance, speed, and pit-stop strategy. The day also features the heavy-hitting Mission King of the Baggers and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship races.
Time: Track activity starts early; the Daytona 200 green flag drops at 1:10 PM EST.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
🏆 Historic Bike Shows & Gatherings
One of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious custom motorcycle shows in the world. Builders from across the globe bring their wildest creations to compete for the famous Rat trophies. Expect massive crowds and incredible rolling works of art.
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Indian Motorcycle (290 N Beach St), Daytona Beach
Victory Motorcycle Owners Group Event
A massive gathering of Victory motorcycle enthusiasts converging right in the heart of the action.
Time: Afternoon
Location: Main Street Station Authentic Garage Bar & Music Venue
🎪 Swap Meets & Stunts
48th Annual Daytona Jam Swap Meet & Stunt Shows
Head to the main showgrounds on Tomoka Farms Road. While you hunt for vintage parts and gear, catch the extreme motorcycle stunt shows flying high throughout the day.
Time: Stunt Shows at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Location: 1471 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach
🌿 THE ESCAPE: Non-Bike Week Events
🏖️ Environment & Community
Volusia County Community Beach Cleanup
Start your morning giving back to the community before the traffic gets heavy! Volusia County is hosting a public beach cleanup down in Ponce Inlet. It's a fantastic, family-friendly way to enjoy the coast and protect the local environment.
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Winterhaven Park (4589 S Atlantic Ave), Ponce Inlet
🌺 Day Trips & Festivals
The Florida Azalea Festival (Palatka)
If you want to completely escape the exhaust fumes and loud pipes, take the beautiful one-hour drive west to Palatka. Steeped in tradition, this is one of the oldest festivals in the state. Enjoy stunning azaleas in bloom at Ravine Gardens State Park, alongside live entertainment, arts and crafts, an antique car show, and a vibrant parade. It is the perfect anti-Bike Week day trip.
Time: All Day
Location: Ravine Gardens State Park & Downtown Palatka
🎨 Arts & Culture
First Saturday Ormond Art Walk
A perfect, peaceful afternoon activity. Stroll the Ormond Beach Arts District where local galleries, museums, and shops open their doors to showcase regional artists. There is a complimentary shuttle between stops, making it a stress-free way to enjoy local culture.
Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Granada Blvd (Ormond Memorial Art Museum & surrounding galleries), Ormond Beach
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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