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- ⭐Wildfires, Weather Woes, a Wayward Dolphin, and a Record Year at DAB
⭐Wildfires, Weather Woes, a Wayward Dolphin, and a Record Year at DAB
Issue #843
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Table of Contents
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Today’s Forecast
Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops
Swipe image left for more daily forecasts
🔥 Brush Fires Spark Near Daytona Schools
Fire crews were busy Monday as two brush fires broke out near Daytona Beach schools, prompting a swift response from the Florida Forest Service and local firefighters.
The larger blaze, dubbed the Bennett Field Fire, had burned between 20 and 25 acres west of Champion Elementary School as of noon and was reported to be about 25% contained. Officials said the fire is roughly two miles northwest of Father Lopez High School and one mile southwest of Champion Elementary. Fortunately, no structures have been threatened.
A second fire, called the Avalanche Fire, ignited near LPGA and Williamson boulevards. That blaze has since been fully contained.
The flare-ups come as east Central Florida remains under a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Wind gusts up to 35 mph, paired with dry vegetation, have created prime wildfire conditions. Officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, keep vehicles off dry grass, properly extinguish cigarettes, and report smoke immediately.
With drought conditions lingering, crews remain on high alert.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
🥬 Farmer Faces Freeze and Drought Double Hit
In Pierson, Pauline Copello of Pauline’s Lucky Market Garden says historic freezes and ongoing drought are creating a perfect storm for growers. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, cold temperatures alone could cause up to $1 billion in agricultural damage statewide this year.
Copello has already felt the sting. A red oak leaf lettuce variety failed to germinate properly, and damaged greens meant she couldn’t harvest salad mixes for two weeks—resulting in roughly $2,000 in lost revenue. Her English pea crop, she said, died twice.
On average, her farm produces about 700 pounds of vegetables annually, but this season’s freeze halted growth and created a production gap. Adding to the challenge is persistent drought, which she’s addressing with supplemental drip irrigation and micro sprinklers.
Meanwhile, state officials have suspended certain best management practice site visits, calling them impractical amid freezes, wildfires, and dry conditions.
For now, Copello is hoping the remainder of the growing season brings milder weather—and steadier yields.
Source: MyNews13
🐬 Dolphin Statue Takes Brief Detour
In Ormond Beach, a homeowner was startled when her doorbell camera captured a woman removing a concrete dolphin statue from her front porch. According to a police report, the resident quickly tracked down the woman nearby.
The explanation? The woman allegedly said she planned to “paint it” for the homeowner.
The statue was returned, and the resident chose not to pursue charges. The unusual encounter appears to have ended as quickly—and peacefully—as it began.
In a week filled with burn bans and drought concerns, the dolphin’s short-lived adventure offered a lighter, if slightly puzzling, moment in local news.
Source: Ormond Observer
✈️ Daytona Beach Airport Soars to 20-Year High
Closing on a high note, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) just recorded its strongest passenger numbers in nearly two decades.
In 2025, 772,170 passengers traveled through the airport—an 11% increase over 2024 and the highest annual total since 1997. Contributing factors include the return of JetBlue Airways in December, offering daily nonstop service to New York City and Boston after a seven-year absence. Those flights alone accounted for more than 10,600 passengers in one month.
Meanwhile, Breeze Airways added four new nonstop routes, and total seat capacity rose 20% year-over-year.
Of course, Speedweek’s traffic remains a major driver. Following the Daytona 500, the airport recorded its busiest single day ever, with 3,534 passengers screened by TSA. The peak hour? A brisk 10–11 a.m., when nearly 500 travelers passed through security.
Airport officials say the growth strengthens the region’s economy—and positions DAB as an increasingly important gateway for both business and tourism.
Source: Daytona News-Journal
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Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026
💼 Business & Professional
BOSS Program: Safeguard Your Business From Fraud!
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its "Business Owners Sharing Solutions" (BOSS) seminar. This session is an excellent networking opportunity for local entrepreneurs looking to learn best practices for protecting their assets and data.
Time: Check local Chamber schedule for exact timing
Location: Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce
🤝 Community & Support
A welcoming, educational, and confidential space for individuals and families dealing with Parkinson's to connect and share resources.
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: The Blake at LPGA (Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach border)
🧘 Wellness & Fitness
AumShanti Yoga: Let It Be Flow
Enjoy the ocean breeze during this Vin/Yin yoga flow designed to stretch and relax your body. A gentle "Dream On" stretching variation is also offered concurrently.
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach (Rock Royalty Terrace)
Keep up your daily routine at the Daytona Beach Shores Community Center with a variety of active classes:
Zumba Gold: 8:45 AM
SilverSneakers: 9:30 AM
Chair Yoga: 4:30 PM
Location: Shores Community Center
🍽️ Dining & Leisure
Enjoy an upscale take on Taco Tuesday on the patio. It’s a great spot to grab a bite before the beachside restaurants get swamped with the incoming weekend crowds.
Time: Evening
Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach
🏍️ Bike Week Alert: Load-In Begins
Main Street & US-1 Corridors
While the massive scheduled parties haven't started yet, if you drive down Main Street in Daytona or North US-1 in Ormond Beach (near the Iron Horse Saloon and Destination Daytona), you will see the vendor tents going up and early-bird bikers rolling into town. Traffic profiles will begin shifting heavily toward motorcycles today.
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
🏍️ Bike Week Pre-Parties
Big Engine @ Saints and Sinners Pub
The thunder is building! Destination Daytona is officially waking up for the massive crowds. Head to the Saints and Sinners Pub to catch local southern rock legends Big Engine as they kick off their grueling Bike Week performance schedule.
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Saints and Sinners Pub (Destination Daytona, Ormond Beach)
🎷 Headline Concert
If you want to escape the incoming motorcycle roar, enjoy an evening of world-class contemporary jazz. This legendary, Grammy-nominated group brings their massive catalog of hits to the intimate Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (US-1)
🌲 Film & Environment
A completely free community event hosted in conjunction with the national Public Lands Alliance Convention. Enjoy a curated screening of five inspiring short films celebrating America's forests, trails, and outdoor spaces.
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach
🏃 Fitness & Community
The Running Elements: Wednesday Run Club
Lace up your sneakers! Join this free, community-driven run/walk around the ONE DAYTONA complex. Tonight features a special New Balance shoe and HYDRX hydration demo.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: ONE DAYTONA (across from the Speedway)
🎸 Relaxed Nightlife
Stealing Vanity Duo @ Hard Rock
Enjoy a versatile acoustic set blending stripped-down originals and covers on the oceanfront Sessions Terrace. It's a great spot for a laid-back drink before the weekend chaos ensues.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
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