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February 2024 Blog Archive

Volusia Beach Safety Lifeguard Tryouts Wed, Feb 28, 2024 The 2023 Beach Patrol of the Year will host tryouts for part-time lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 2, at the Ormond Beach YMCA, 500 Sterthaus Drive. Prospective candidates must be at least 16 years old on or before June 1. Additi... Read More

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Hurricane Preparedness Wed, Feb 28, 2024 With fewer than 100 days until the start of Hurricane season, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages all Floridians to be aware of the hazards that may impact their area and begin home preparations now for any potential st... Read More

AMA Arenacross Comes to Bike Week in Daytona Wed, Feb 28, 2024 Bike Week just got more exciting with the addition of the AMA Arenacross Championship. Prepare for two weekends of adrenaline-pumping racing as the highly anticipated event takes over the Ocean Center on March 1, 8 and 9 as part of the 2023-2024 seas... Read More

Florida WildQuest 2024 Wed, Feb 28, 2024 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Florida WildQuest 2024 will begin on April 27 and run through May 5. Florida residents and visitors will use the free and easy-to-use GooseChase app to join a wild adventure to complete sc... Read More

Two Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities Wed, Feb 28, 2024 Plan now to enjoy great spring weather while volunteering. Green Volusia Volunteers and Be Floridian Now have organized two outdoor volunteer initiatives for residents and visitors. Epiphyte Walk at DeBary Hall Historic Site with Be Floridian Now 9... Read More

Hearing on Lake Harney Property - Volusia Residents’ Input Sought Wed, Feb 28, 2024 The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Acquisition Council (ARC) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. to gather community comments about the nomination for the 5,578-acre Lake Harney property in Osteen ... Read More

Volusia Students Earn Prestigious Cambridge Awards Tue, Feb 27, 2024 Eighty-five students from Volusia County Schools have received prestigious awards from Cambridge International Education, part of the University of Cambridge, to acknowledge their outstanding performance on the June 2023 Cambridge examinations. As a ... Read More

March Over to DeBary Hall for a Month Full of Activities Mon, Feb 26, 2024 DeBary Hall has something for every taste during the month of March. A magnificent 19th century hunting estate overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, the site is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and includes DeBary Hall, the old... Read More

Deltona Wildlife Festival: A Day of Adventure for All Ages Mon, Feb 26, 2024 The Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona announced the return of its highly regarded annual Wildlife Festival to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 9. At this year's Wildlife Festival, there will be fun and adventure to be had for all ag... Read More

"Other Birds" - Volusia Reads Together Program Mon, Feb 26, 2024 The Volusia County Public Library will celebrate this year’s Volusia Reads Together program with “Other Birds” by Sarah Addison Allen from March 8 to April 13. This community reading celebration, which includes a range of related ev... Read More

OrmondBeachConnection.com Weekly Email Blast for 02/16/24 Fri, Feb 23, 2024 Read this week's Top News Stories in Ormond Beach Read More

Who Was Brownie? Fri, Feb 23, 2024 If you're a local, you've no doubt seen the statue and monuments to "Brownie." According to the official Daytona Beach website, Brownie was the City's dog; a friendly stray who became a goodwill ambassador for Daytona Beach in the 1940s and early 50s... Read More

NEW 2024 Corvette Stingray Convertible to be Raffled at Strawberry Festival Fri, Feb 23, 2024 Stingray Chevrolet has donated a brand-new 2024 Corvette Stingray Convertible to be raffled off at the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City taking place February 29 - March 10. A 2024 Corvette Stingray Convertible, 3LT will be given away o... Read More

Changes Coming to Medicare Thu, Feb 22, 2024 Starting in 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will allow people to pay Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs over the course of the year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the sec... Read More

Leap Day is Coming - Finding Our Calendar in the Stars Thu, Feb 22, 2024 On Tuesday, February 27, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lohman Planetarium at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach join Curator of Astronomy, Seth Mayo in the Planetarium as he steps on his soapbox. When was the modern calendar created... Read More

Bike Week 2024, Win a Harley-Davidson® Thu, Feb 22, 2024 The 83rd Annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach, sponsored by the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, is set to roll into Volusia County March 1 through March 10, with an estimated 400,000 bikers and enthusiasts coming to Central Florida. Main Street, Dayt... Read More

Daytona Aquarium Opens Today Wed, Feb 21, 2024 The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure opened to the public at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 21. Daytona Beach's newest attraction offers an interactive animal and educational experience, showcasing a great variety of both land and marine anim... Read More

Lou Paris Named Economic Development Director Wed, Feb 21, 2024 The Volusia County Council gave seven thumbs up to Lou Paris during its February 20 meeting, approving him as the county’s new director of economic development. “I’m deeply impressed with Lou’s professional experience and acc... Read More

FTC Says Fraud On The Rise Wed, Feb 21, 2024 According to an article written by Senior Attorney Larissa Bungo and released by the Federal Trade Commission on their annual fraud Data Book, scams are on the rise. 'The Data Book tells us that people lost $10 billion to scams in 2023. That’s... Read More

Martians Wanted - NASA Opens Call for Simulated Mars Mission Wed, Feb 21, 2024 NASA is seeking applicants to participate in its next simulated one-year Mars surface mission to help inform the agency’s plans for human exploration of the Red Planet. The second of three planned ground-based missions called CHAPEA (... Read More

Carnival Voted Best Ocean Cruise Line in USA Today's 10BEST Awards for Second Year Tue, Feb 20, 2024 Carnival Cruise Line was once again a big winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, taking home the top honor of Best Ocean Cruise Line for the second consecutive year. Carnival Celebration, one of the cruise line’s most ... Read More

An Afternoon with Florida History: Conflict Comes to the Halifax Tue, Feb 20, 2024 On February 24, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Root Family Museum of the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach, a presentation on Florida history will take attendees on a journey, guided by the expertise of Zach Zacharias, the Senior Cu... Read More

Volusia County Launches Social Services App Tue, Feb 20, 2024 Do you need help finding social service agencies in Volusia County? There’s now an app for that! Volusia County has created Volusia Helps, a free app that provides up-to-date information in the palm of your hand. The app can help residents, so... Read More

OrmondBeachConnection Weekly Email Blast for 02/16/24 Mon, Feb 19, 2024 Read this week's Top News Stories in Ormond Beach Read More

Why is Today Presidents' Day? Mon, Feb 19, 2024 According to History.com, Presidents' Day was originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington. The holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, a... Read More

JLo is Coming to Central Florida - Tickets Go on Sale February 22 Mon, Feb 19, 2024 Jennifer Lopez is bringing her This Is Me...Now The Tour to Orlando this summer after the release of her ninth studio album, "This is Me...Now." Orlando will be the first stop on her 30 city tour in North America, as she lights up the Kia Center on J... Read More

NASCAR - Daytona 500 and United Rentals 300 Moved to Monday Sun, Feb 18, 2024 NASCAR announced the Daytona 500 and the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway has been postponed until Monday, February 19, due to rain and wind conditions in Daytona Beach. The Daytona 500 will now begin at 4 p.m.... Read More

Miss America Comes to Daytona to Drive Race Cars and Shatter Stereotypes Fri, Feb 16, 2024 By Cathy Padilla Madison Marsh, crowned Miss America for 2024 and previously crowned Miss Colorado in 2023, visited Daytona Beach's David C. Hinson Middle School on Friday, February 16 while in town for her official duties at the Daytona 500. Madiso... Read More

NASCAR Driver Erik Jones to Visit Local Children Fri, Feb 16, 2024 Just days before competing in the DAYTONA 500, Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, visited Blue Lake Elementary School in DeLand. After reading a short story to the students, Erik Jones and The Erik ... Read More

The Great American Race is Sunday Fri, Feb 16, 2024 The epicenter of motorsports racing, the Daytona International Speedway, roars to life this weekend culminating with the 66th running of the Daytona 500, starting at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 18. If you’re not going to the races, it is reco... Read More

Humanity Headed Back to the Moon for the First Time in More than 50 Years Fri, Feb 16, 2024 At 1:05 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At approximately 1:53 a.m., the lander deployed... Read More

New NASA Mission will Study Ultraviolet Sky, Stars & Stellar Explosions Thu, Feb 15, 2024 A future mission for NASA will survey ultraviolet light across the entire sky will provide the agency with more insight into how galaxies and stars evolve. The space telescope, called UVEX (UltraViolet EXplorer), is targeted to launch in 2030 as NASA... Read More

Registration Now Open for the Children’s Business Fair Thu, Feb 15, 2024 Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business at the 4th Children’s Business Fair on March 23 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. featuring up to 90 booths. Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing ... Read More

Donate Blood on February 22 - Blood Donations at a 20-Year Low Thu, Feb 15, 2024 With the number of people giving blood at a 20-year low, blood and platelet donations are needed help alleviate shortages and ensure lifesaving medical procedures. OneBlood is bringing its Big Red Bus to New Smyrna Beach from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursd... Read More

Do You Know the History of Valentine's Day? Or How Much is Spent Each Year? Wed, Feb 14, 2024 It's anticipated that consumers will spend at least $25 billion on Valentine's Day this year...that's billion with a B! According to the annual survey by NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics, that comes out to an average of $186 per person! Valen... Read More

Volusia County Rallies Volunteers for a Coastal Cleanup this Weekend Wed, Feb 14, 2024 Volusia County is mobilizing a beach cleanup initiative this Saturday, February 17, in response to the debris that last week's weather events have unearthed along the county's coastline. Residents, visitors, and organizations passionate about preserv... Read More

Ponce Inlet Boat Ramp Closed Wed, Feb 14, 2024 Due to construction, the Ponce Inlet boat ramp will be closed Wednesday, February 14th from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Read More

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, New Attraction Coming to Walt Disney World Wed, Feb 14, 2024 Just in time for Mardi Gras, Disney announced that soon it will be Mardi Gras every day when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Walt Disney World Resort this summer in Orlando. Following the events of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios 200... Read More

Carnival Vista Returning to Port Canaveral Tue, Feb 13, 2024 Carnival Vista is returning to her homeport of Port Canaveral following a 30-day dry dock where she received several enhancements including Carnival’s signature red, white, and blue hull livery, a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, retail sto... Read More

Volusia County Council Greenlights Beach Feasibility Study Amid Erosion Challenges Caused by Hurricanes Tue, Feb 13, 2024 In a strategic response to the challenges posed by coastal erosion caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Volusia County Council approved a Beach Feasibility Assessment during its February 6 meeting. The assessment will be conducted by the County's... Read More

Book Signing & Cooking Demonstration with Celebrity Chef George Motz Tue, Feb 13, 2024 Local Port Orange brewery, Dunes Brewing, will welcome celebrity chef, author, filmmaker, and restaurateur George Motz, for Books & Brews, a meet and greet event. The ticketed event will occur on Leap Day, Thursday, February 29 at 4 p.m. This wi... Read More

Mike Martin Pro/Am Surf Festival - Registration Now Open Tue, Feb 13, 2024 You can surf, sponsor the event, or be a spectator at the 2024 Mike Martin Pro/Am Surf Festival in collaboration with the Smyrna Surfari Club and the Volusia County Chamber of Commerce April 12 - 14. Registration is now open to register a team or to ... Read More

Votran Implements Route Modifications for Speedweek in Daytona Beach Area Tue, Feb 13, 2024 Due to the anticipated traffic increases around the Speedweek festivities, Votran will enact route modifications from Thursday, February 15, through Sunday, February 18, in Daytona Beach and surrounding areas. Passengers traveling in these areas are ... Read More

Listeria Outbreak Prompts Food Safety Recall Mon, Feb 12, 2024 By Cathy Padilla A recall that started with dairy products linked to a listeria outbreak is expanding to other foods sold at major retailers including Walmart, Costco, and several others. At least 26 people in 11 states, including Florida, have... Read More

Teacher of the Year Handed Keys to a New Car Fri, Feb 09, 2024 By Cathy Padilla The sound of cheering was explosive, like attending the largest, most exuberant parade. Today, Friday, February 9, at Champion Elementary School in Daytona Beach, the Volusia County Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year Emily Fag... Read More

Boil Water Notice - Misty Falls Drive Fri, Feb 09, 2024 Water Distribution crews repaired a 2” main break on Misty Falls Drive this morning. Affected area is highlighted on the map. Read More

NASA Sets Coverage for SpaceX, Intuitive Machines' First Moon Mission Fri, Feb 09, 2024 As part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, SpaceX is targeting no earlier than 12:57 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, for a Falcon 9 launch of Intuitive Machines’ first lunar lander to the Moon&... Read More

“The First Ladies” Book Signing, February 23 in Daytona Beach Fri, Feb 09, 2024 In celebration of Black History Month, the Halifax Historical Museum in Daytona Beach is hosting a book signing with New York Times bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray at 1 p.m. Friday, February 23. Murray will discuss her novel “The... Read More

Michael Waltrip and His Signature Beers at Daytona Beach International Airport Fri, Feb 09, 2024 Race fans know Michael Waltrip as the two-time Daytona 500 winner, former NASCAR Cup Series driver, and team owner who serves as an analyst for FOX NASCAR. They may not know he launched Michael Waltrip Brewing Company in 2021. On Monday, February 12... Read More

Volusia Ranks #1 in Shark Bites...Again Fri, Feb 09, 2024 By Cathy Padilla "You're gonna need a bigger boat," the famous line said by Roy Scheider in the movie "Jaws" brings a fictional town in New York to life and a giant, great white terrorizing the ocean there. Luckily, the shark bites in Volusia County... Read More

Feel Good Story of the Week - Daytona Fire Fighter Adopts Abandoned Puppy Thu, Feb 08, 2024 What started as a tragic story of abandonment and lack of caring, ended with a little puppy named Stella finding a new forever home with a Daytona Beach Firefighter. According to the Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD) Facebook page, Engine 1 cleare... Read More

Safety Improvements at West Granada and Water Oak Lane Thu, Feb 08, 2024 The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intends to move forward with the safety improvements proposed at the intersection of West Granada Boulevard (State Road (S.R.) 40) and Water Oak Lane in Ormond Beach. The planned improvements consist of... Read More

NASA Launches New Climate Mission to Study the Ocean and Atmosphere Thu, Feb 08, 2024 NASA’s satellite mission to study ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate launched successfully into orbit at 1:33 a.m. EST Thursday, February 8. Known as PACE, the Plankton, Aerosol, Climate, ocean Ecosystem satellite... Read More

Three Days until Superbowl LVIII - Predictions, Where to Watch, and the Central Florida Connection Thu, Feb 08, 2024 By Cathy Padilla The biggest night in football is just three days away with two teams meeting on the gridiron who have a combined 10 conference championship appearances in the last six years. On Sunday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. the Kansas City Chie... Read More

Renovated Performing Arts Center Open House Wed, Feb 07, 2024 Get your first look at the newly renovated Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 18. After over a year of closure, the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center will reopen soon! Take a tour of the newly renovated facility, see performan... Read More

2024 Seatrade Cruise Global Conference Announces Theme Wed, Feb 07, 2024 "The Evolution of Cruise" is the theme for the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Global Conference being held April 8 - 11 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. An event for both students and industry professionals it provides a backdrop for the cruise industry t... Read More

Inaugural Business Summit in Daytona Beach Wed, Feb 07, 2024 To give aspiring business owners the knowledge and tools to be successful, a comprehensive business summit is planned for Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center, 1000 Vine Street, in Daytona Beach. Mayor Henry... Read More

Governor DeSantis Speaks from Blue Spring State Park; 7 Manatees to be Released Back into the Wild Tue, Feb 06, 2024 By Cathy Padilla Governor Ron DeSantis spoke from Blue Spring State Park Tuesday, February 6, highlighting the successful efforts the State has made to protect and restore the environment, especially the manatees that call Blue Spring State Park hom... Read More

UPDATE: Fuel Farm Fight in Ormond Beach Tue, Feb 06, 2024 On Tuesday, February 6, the Volusia County Council voted 5-2 against a formal moratorium that would have paused development in all heavy industrial zones within the county. Residents asked for the moratorium until August to allow time for the town an... Read More

Water Boil Notice - Park Crossing Circle Tue, Feb 06, 2024 Water Distribution crews repaired a 2” main break at 4 Park Crossing Circle late yesterday afternoon. Affected area is highlighted on the map. Read More

"Explore the Cosmos" at the Marine Discovery Center on February 15 Tue, Feb 06, 2024 The Marine Discovery Center’s Public Lecture Series will explore the heavens with its February presentation on astronomy. Derek Demeter, director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, will present “Explore the Cosmos&... Read More

West Volusia Historical Society Honors Black History Month and Offers Walking Tours Tue, Feb 06, 2024 By Cathy Padilla The DeLand House is temporarily closed for restoration, refurbishing, and re-interpretation, but the West Volusia Historical Society still has much going on for visitors to enjoy. For the month of February, there are several events ... Read More

February 17 - Thin Man Watts Jazz Festival - A Celebration of History Tue, Feb 06, 2024 By Cathy Padilla The annual “Thin Man” Watts Jazz Festival held in downtown DeLand brings the community together over a shared heritage to celebrate jazz, blues, and gospel music. First held in May of 2004 at the African American Museum ... Read More

DeLand's Henry in Printable Valentine’s Day Cards Tue, Feb 06, 2024 By Cathy Padilla Henry, also known as Hank, is the adorable DeLand Fire Department's live-in dog and is loved by all the staff and firefighters. Do your kids, or you, love Henry too? To help celebrate love and friendship, Henry-themed Valentine&rsq... Read More

February 5 - 9 Recognized as Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week Tue, Feb 06, 2024 Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation recognizing February 5 - 9, 2024 as Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week. This week is observed each year by the National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Divis... Read More

Expect Closings and Delays this Week at the Beach Tue, Feb 06, 2024 Volusia County Beach Safety flew the red flag today. According to Logistics Captain A.J. Miller there were no water rescues. With high winds and strong surf conditions starting tomorrow through the week, expect late openings and early ... Read More

International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Former Astronaut Janet Kavandi to Speak at MOAS Mon, Feb 05, 2024 By Cathy Padilla February 11, 2024 is a day to honor and celebrate women’s significant achievements in science and place a much-needed focus on girls entering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. International Day ... Read More

Madeline Ave. Paving Project Starts Feb. 5 Mon, Feb 05, 2024 Weather permitting, Port Orange city contractors will begin paving Madeline Avenue on Monday, February 5. This will reduce Madeline Avenue to one lane in both directions between Sunset Cove Drive and Clyde Morris Boulevard. Crews will work from 7 a.m... Read More

Deadline Approaching - Help Volusia Schools Keep Title I Funding Mon, Feb 05, 2024 Attention Volusia County families! The February 9 deadline to apply for and renew state benefits is quickly approaching and your assistance is needed. Help ensure none Volusia County schools are in jeopardy of losing Title I funding by scanning the Q... Read More

New Exhibit at MOAS: Largest Shark that Ever Lived Mon, Feb 05, 2024 By Cathy Padilla A gigantic, prehistoric shark called Megalodon once commanded the world's oceans. Beginning February 3, and running through July 21, 2024, a new exhibit at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MAOS) in Daytona Beach will have visitors... Read More

Launch Date for NASA Crew-8 Mission Announced Fri, Feb 02, 2024 By Cathy Padilla On February 1, NASA announced the anticipated launch for the SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station will take place sometime after February 22. Crew-8 includes four people, NASA astronauts Commander Matthew Dominic... Read More

February 2 is National Wear Red Day for American Heart Month Fri, Feb 02, 2024 By Cathy Padilla Don’t forget to WEAR RED today! From landmarks to online communities, neighborhoods to news anchors, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke. Wear red to... Read More

Volusia County Schools Raise Graduation Rate to 91.6% Fri, Feb 02, 2024 By Cathy Padilla The Florida Department of Education released the Federal Uniform Graduation Rate for 2022-23, reporting that Volusia County Schools (VCS) had a 2022-23 graduation rate of 91.6%. This is 3.6 percentage points above the state ave... Read More

Emily Fagerstrom Named 2025 Teacher of the Year Fri, Feb 02, 2024 By Cathy Padilla Emily Fagerstrom from Champion Elementary School, Daytona Beach, is Volusia County Schools' 2025 Teacher of the Year. She was selected from 70 nominees representing schools countywide and was one of five finalists for the district a... Read More

Want to Learn How to Raise Chickens in Your Back Yard? Thu, Feb 01, 2024 By Cathy Padilla If you're looking to learn how to raise chickens in your own back yard, the Volusia County Agriculture Center in DeLand is offering a class for $15 per household. In recent years, raising chickens and enjoying fresh eggs in ... Read More

Daytona Beach International Airport Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Passenger Numbers Thu, Feb 01, 2024 By Cathy Padilla Passenger traffic at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) for 2023 has surpassed passenger traffic for 2019, the last year of commercial passenger traffic before the pandemic. In 2023, 719,775 passengers flew in or out of DAB... Read More

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