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- ⭐Washington's Birthday, I-95 Reopens, Publix Hours Today, Reddick Wins 500
⭐Washington's Birthday, I-95 Reopens, Publix Hours Today, Reddick Wins 500
Issue #834
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🎂 Washington’s Birthday, Renamed: The Origins of Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is one of those American holidays whose meaning has shifted over time—partly by design, partly by accident, and partly by modern marketing.
The story begins with George Washington, whose birthday was celebrated informally soon after his death in 1799. By the late 1800s, Washington’s Birthday had become a widely recognized civic holiday, and in 1879 Congress made it a federal holiday for Washington, D.C. It expanded to all federal offices in 1885, placing Washington alongside Independence Day and other major national observances as a symbol of shared identity and constitutional government.
The name “Presidents’ Day,” however, came much later. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends. Washington’s Birthday was shifted from February 22 to the third Monday in February, which can never actually fall on the 22nd. The change took effect in 1971. While the federal holiday remained officially “Washington’s Birthday,” the new date helped blur the original purpose and encouraged a broader interpretation.
That broader interpretation also leaned on the popularity of Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12 and is honored as a state holiday in some places. Over time, many states and businesses began using “Presidents’ Day” as a convenient label for celebrations (and, famously, sales) that referenced multiple presidents rather than Washington alone.
So what are we celebrating today? Officially, the federal government still recognizes Washington’s Birthday. Culturally, many Americans treat the day as a moment to reflect on presidential leadership—its ideals, its failures, and the ongoing experiment of self-government that presidents both shape and inherit.
🔥 I-95 Reopens After Brush Fires Snarl Traffic
A stretch of Interstate 95 near Port Orange and Daytona Beach is back open after a tense Sunday afternoon that saw four brush fires temporarily shut down all lanes.
According to officials, one of the fires spread to the Crazy Horse Campground near the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market on Tomoka Farms Road, burning 20 vehicles. Fire crews from Volusia County Fire Rescue, the Port Orange Fire Department, Florida Forest Service, and several neighboring agencies quickly responded to contain the flames. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol also assisted in managing the scene and traffic disruptions.
While firefighters closely monitored nearby neighborhoods, no evacuations were necessary. By early evening, authorities confirmed that all lanes of I-95 had reopened in both directions, easing travel concerns for motorists heading through Volusia County.
The cause of the fires remains under investigation. For now, drivers can breathe a little easier knowing the busy corridor is fully operational once again.
Source: MyNews13
🛒 Publix Hours on Presidents’ Day: Here’s the Scoop
With Presidents’ Day landing on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, many Floridians are checking store hours before heading out. The good news? Publix will be open.
In fact, Publix only closes its doors three days a year: Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Even on major federal holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day, stores remain open, sometimes with adjusted hours.
Liquor stores are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and pharmacies usually operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., though shoppers are encouraged to check their specific location online for exact times.
So whether you're stocking up for a backyard barbecue or just grabbing a gallon of milk, Presidents’ Day won’t interrupt your grocery run.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🏁 Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500 in Dramatic Finish
It was a photo finish worthy of Daytona lore.
Tyler Reddick captured his first Daytona 500 victory Sunday, delivering a major win for 23XI Racing—the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin.
Reddick, driving a Toyota, led just one lap all race—the one that mattered most. In a chaotic final stretch at Daytona International Speedway, a late caution reset the field with four laps to go. After Carson Hocevar was spun off the track and Chase Elliott appeared poised for his first Daytona 500 win, Reddick surged forward on the final lap.
In a dramatic move, Reddick made contact with Elliott, sending Elliott crashing and clearing the way for Reddick to race to the checkered flag. The win sends 23XI Racing to Victory Lane in one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events.
The victory also comes on the heels of a significant legal chapter for the sport, as NASCAR recently settled a federal antitrust lawsuit that had been closely watched throughout the racing world.
Source: WESH-AP
This Day In Florida History
1833 – The First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee was incorporated by act of Florida’s Territorial Council.
1834 – The recorded journal period of Florida’s Territorial Legislative Council concluded for the session ending on this date.
1864 – “General Orders No. 4” was issued from Headquarters, District of Florida (Department of the South) in Jacksonville.
1903 – Jackson Larry Brooks died in Fernandina (Nassau County).
1912 – A “tourist quoit club” group was documented in Orlando.
1912 – A public execution (hanging) took place in DeLand.
1930 – The Bay Island Hotel in Sarasota was documented.
1954 – Ann Daniel was crowned queen at the Florida Citrus Exposition in Winter Haven.
1955 – A Duval County Patrol car (1955 Ford Customline) was documented in Duval County.
1959 – Haydon Burns filed for the Florida gubernatorial candidacy in Tallahassee.
1960 – A British envoy visit with Governor and First Lady Collins was documented in Tallahassee.
1961 – Governor LeRoy Collins and Mary Call Darby Collins were documented in Tallahassee.
1968 – The Florida Legislature adjourned amid the education funding crisis, as the Florida Education Association activated 35,000 resignations.
1974 – The 4th Annual Colony Ball (benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Palm Beach unit) was documented in Palm Beach.
1984 – The Florida State University faculty art show (including Congressman Don Fuqua’s visit) was documented in Tallahassee.
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NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm in
Monday, Feb 16, 2026
🇺🇸 Holiday Observance: President's Day
Schools & Government:
Volusia County Schools: CLOSED (Student/Teacher Holiday).
Post Offices/City Halls: Most government offices and banks are closed in observance of the federal holiday.
Parking & Traffic:
The "Great Exodus": Expect heavy traffic on I-95 and I-4 westbound as tens of thousands of campers and fans leave the Speedway area. It is best to avoid International Speedway Blvd (US-92) until the afternoon.
🏎️ Motorsports Status: Quiet Track
Daytona International Speedway: Cold. No on-track activity.
Volusia Speedway Park: Cold. The DIRTcar Nationals concluded on Saturday. The dirt track is now quiet until the next scheduled event.
🧘 Recovery & Leisure
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Open 7 days a week. With the race over, a climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse offers a peaceful perspective and fresh ocean air.
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ponce Inlet (South of Daytona Beach)
Escape the traffic. State parks remain open on holidays. It is a perfect day for a quiet picnic or fishing along the Tomoka River to decompress from the noise of Speedweeks.
Time: 8:00 AM – Sundown
Location: North Beach St, Ormond Beach
🍽️ Dining
Grind Gastropub: Locals' Night
Reclaiming the town. Monday is traditionally "Locals' Night" at this Ormond Beach favorite. With the tourists leaving, it’s a good time to enjoy the patio and Happy Hour pricing.
Time: 11:30 AM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach
Monday, Feb 16, 2026
🇺🇸 Holiday Observance: Presidents' Day
Schools & Government:
Volusia County Schools: CLOSED (Student/Teacher Holiday).
Post Offices/City Halls: Most government offices and banks are closed in observance of the federal holiday.
Parking & Traffic:
The "Great Exodus": Expect heavy traffic on I-95 and I-4 westbound as tens of thousands of campers and fans leave the Speedway area. It is best to avoid International Speedway Blvd (US-92) until the afternoon.
🎨 Kids & Family
School's Out for Art: Story Quilt Workshop
Since schools are closed, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum hosts a special workshop for kids (Ages 6-12). Participants will create their own "story quilt" paper collage inspired by artist Faith Ringgold.
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Ormond Memorial Art Museum (Granada Blvd)
🏎️ Motorsports Status: Quiet Track
Daytona International Speedway: Cold. No on-track activity.
Volusia Speedway Park: Cold. The DIRTcar Nationals concluded on Saturday. The dirt track is now quiet until the next scheduled event.
🧘 Recovery & Leisure
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Open 7 days a week. With the race over, a climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse offers a peaceful perspective and fresh ocean air.
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ponce Inlet (South of Daytona Beach)
Escape the traffic. State parks remain open on holidays. It is a perfect day for a quiet picnic or fishing along the Tomoka River to decompress from the noise of Speedweeks.
Time: 8:00 AM – Sundown
Location: North Beach St, Ormond Beach
🍽️ Dining
Grind Gastropub: Locals' Night
Reclaiming the town. Monday is traditionally "Locals' Night" at this Ormond Beach favorite. With the tourists leaving, it’s a good time to enjoy the patio and Happy Hour pricing.
Time: 11:30 AM – Close
Location: Grind Gastropub, 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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