ECHO committee to review grant applications
Volusia County’s Environmental, Cultural, Historical and Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, in the County Council Chambers of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
•African American Museum of the Arts Expansion Project, $498,060
•Daytona Playhouse Renaissance Phase II, $600,000
For more information, contact Kendra Hively at khively@volusia.org.
The Ormond Beach Historical Society will host a book signing and author discussion at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach.
Robert Redd will share his book “Hidden History of Civil War in Florida.”
For more information, call (386) 677-7005 or email office@ormondhistory.org.
The Palmetto Club’s Bingo Party will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at 1000 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach.
Reservations are required. Admission is $30 per person, which includes a chicken parmigiana lunch plus three bingo cards and prizes worth $25 and more.
For more information or a reservation, call (386) 767- 6334 or visit thepalmettoclubdaytona.org.
Daytona-Ormond Sons of the American Revolution
The Daytona-Ormond SAR will host a luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb.18, at the Louie’s Pizza House 1347 Beville Road, Daytona Beach.
A special program will be presented by Harry L. Rinker of the Central Florida SAR on “We Wouldn’t Have a United States if it Wasn’t for George Washington”.
Anyone with an interest in the Revolutionary War, may join.
Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Bill Elder at helder@cfl.rr.com or (386) 956-7558.
Classical guitarist to perform at library
Peter Fletcher, an American classical guitarist based in Detroit and New York City, will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway.
He performs more than 100 concerts a year and his recordings on the Centaur Records and Towerhill Recordings labels have been critically acclaimed.
For more information, call (386) 424-2910, option 3.
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Ormond Beach Chapter 2247 will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at Houligan’s, 1643 U.S. 1, Ormond Beach.
The program will provide information on federal income taxes and answer questions/concerns. For more information email billdenny105@gmail.com.
The Sugar Mill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will meet Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Alex Nette will speak on Food Brings Hope.
For more information and meeting location, contact Regent Cecilia Nunnelley at (386) 212-8709.
The Florida Women's Sailing Association and local sailors will meet for an informational and networking presentation about women's sailing on the Florida East Coast from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb, 22, at the Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St.
For more information, visit fwsa.net.
Seniors vs. Crime will host a presentation at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway.
Learn how to avoid being a victim of scams, fraud and identify theft.
For more information, call (386) 257-6036.
Town of Ponce Inlet events
The Town of Ponce Inlet will host Painting at the Museum-Vintage Racing, acrylic canvas class for ages 7 and older, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, outside on the lawn at the Historical Museum, 143 Beach St.
No experience necessary. The cost is $10, all supplies included. Pre-payment required at Town Hall.
Lecture Series: “Birds of Florida” will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 4300 S. Atlantic Ave. Inlet. The free presentation by David Hartgrove will have participants naming birds like a pro. Reservations are required.
Program in the Park: Plant Walk will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Timucuan Oaks Park
4550 S. Peninsula Drive. The plant identification walk will be led by members of the Pawpaw Chapter of the Florida National Plant Society. Reservations are required by Feb. 17.
A free Lecture Series-Florida Heritage Extravaganza will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 4300 S. Atlantic Ave. The presentation is a potpourri of Florida history stories from Spanish Florida to the 1970s. Zach Zacharias, the senior curator of history at the Museum of Arts & Sciences, will create his own Florida Heritage Trail. Reservations are required by Feb. 23.
For reservations, email Jlagreca@ponce-inlet.org or call (386) 761-2408.
Port Orange library host genealogy series
The Port Orange Regional Library will offer a genealogy video and discussion series at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, at 1005 City Center Circle.
Learn about free services. Space is limited, so registration is required.
For more information, call (386) 322-5152, option 4.
Vendors and volunteers needed for Earth Day event
A group of volunteers working with the City of Edgewater are planning an Earth Day event Saturday, April 22.
All local non-profits, conservation groups and schools are welcome to help plan the events.
The next planning meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the the Edgewater Public Library meeting room, 103 W. Indian River Blvd.
So far, the group is planning to start off the day with the Edgefest Earth and Arbor Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Whistlestop Park, 651 Roberts Road. A Rainbow Potluck and drum circle will be from 4:20 to 7 p.m. at Maynard May Park, 413 S. Riverside Drive. Eco Movies Under the Stars will me from 8-10 p.m. at Hawks Park, 1109 S. Ridgewood Ave.
For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/491791299786976/?ref=share/.
Reservations available for State of the County
Volusia County’s 2022 accomplishments and 2023 goals will be highlighted during the annual State of the County at noon Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the ballroom at the Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
There will be a brief video from council members and a formal address by County Chair Jeff Brower. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. The event also will be livestreamed at volusia.org.
Community sponsors underwrite the event and it is free for the public to attend.
The reservation deadline is Monday, Feb. 20. Seating is limited and reservations are required by visiting 2023StateoftheCounty.eventbrite.com.
For more information, contact Breanna Goldstrom at bgoldstrom@volusia.org or (386) 822-5062.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rescue will offer three low-cost pet shot clinics Sunday Feb. 19.
The first clinic will be from 9 to11 a.m. at Big Lots Plaza, 122 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach.
The second clinic will be 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at John's Appliance, 943 Beville Road, South Daytona.
The third clinic will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Big Lots, 1998 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach.
Rabies shots will cost $5 for one year and $15 for three years. Heartworm prevention and flea control products will be available to buy.
The clinics are open to everyone, no appointment needed. Proceeds benefit abused animals. SPCA is a non- profit rescue serving Volusia and area since 1977. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information, visit spcavolusia.org or call or text (386) 748-8993.
The Volusia County Emergency Management Division will host two meetings with representatives of the Florida Division of Emergency Management to provide information regarding the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
The meetings will be at 2 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Emergency Operations Center, 3825 Tiger Bay Road, Daytona Beach.
NSB library plans adult programs
The New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway, offers a variety of programs to help adults learn new skills and make new friends.
•Ann Minoff, a Certified Qigong Instructor, will present Qigong for Health and Well Being at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22.
•Library volunteer Carolyn Carlisle will offer genealogy assistance from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 20 and 27. She will explain how to use the library’s free databases, which include Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest, America’s Historical Newspapers and Fold 3.
For more information, call (386) 424-2910, option 3.
Volusia County has launched an online dashboard that provides updates on the county’s affordable housing projects.
The dashboard, which will be updated each quarter at volusia.org/ahi, displays the individual projects’ status, including expenditures and funding sources, as well as consolidated data, such as the total number of units created.
The County Council approved the affordable housing plan, “The Path Forward – Strategies for Success,” at July 19 meeting.
County Council members to attend public meetings
Two or more members of the Volusia County Council plan to attend the following public meetings:
•Economic Development Quarterly meeting: 7:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Drive
•River to Sea TPO Board of Directors: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 2570 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
For more information, call (386) 736-5920.
County plans Explore Volusia programs
Learn about Volusia County’s conservation lands and land management practices during free Explore Volusia programs in February. Environmental specialists will lead a variety of outdoor adventures and volunteer and learn programs.
Registration is required; call (386) 736-5927.
•Great Backyard Bird Count: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Environmental Management staff will lead a bird count at Lyonia Preserve. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.
•Tomoka State Park eco-buggy ride: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Explore natural communities and the history of the 2,000-acre state park. Meet at 2099 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach.
•Explore Volusia challenge: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. A guide will help participants navigate the iNaturalist app. Meet at Lyonia Preserve, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.
•Landfill tour and road cleanup: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27. Volunteer and learn about the importance of proper trash disposal. Meet at Tomoka Landfill, 1990 Tomoka Farms Road, Port Orange. Park at the office building on the right.
•Blue Spring paddle: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. Learn about local wildlife and the area’s history. Bring a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, along with a life preserver and whistle. Meet at the end of West French Avenue, about one mile past the park entrance in Orange City.
The AARP Tax Aide Foundation will offer free income tax preparation to April 15 in Southeast Volusia County.
Open to any age with free E-file. Walk-ins welcome while site is open.
•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays: First Presbyterian Church, 509 Magnolia, New Smyrna Beach
•9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays: SNPJ Lodge, 421 N. Samsula Drive, Samsula
•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays: Florida Shores Clubhouse, 2932 Lime Tree, Edgewater
•8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays: Mary DeWees Park, 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill
•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays: United Church of Christ, 208 Washington St., New Smyrna Beach
•9 am. to 1 p.m. Saturdays: A Family Church, 200 Faulkner St., New Smyrna Beach
Vendors are needed for the annual New Smyrna Beach Senior Summit and Health Fair scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29.
The city will provide one rectangular table, six or eight feet, to the first 45 vendors. There is no charge to participate in the event, but the requests special organizations or businesses to donate door prizes.
The city is also seeking a $500 sponsorship for this event.
For more information, call Irma Terry, Community Resource Coordinator, at (386) 314-4849 or email iterry@cityofnsb.com.
Canaveral National Seashore has several activities planned at 7611 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach.
Entrance fees apply to all programs, which all meet Junior Ranger requirements. For more information, call (386) 428-3384 ext. 0, or visit nps.gov/cana.
•Plant walks will be at 9:45 a.m. Tuesdays. Each walk is led by an experienced volunteer and covers a different part of the park. The walks are Feb. 21, Hammock Trail, meet at parking lot number 9; and Feb. 28, Castle Windy, meet at parking lot number 3 (ocean side).
•Canoe Mosquito Lagoon- at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. Reservations will be accepted a week before the canoe date. Some experience is preferred. Participants must be at least 8 years old and able to paddle. Participants must wear covered shoes (no sandals or flip-flops). Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Dress to get wet. Individuals with their own kayaks or canoes are welcome. The program is free. If you need a canoe, there is a rental charge of $25. Meet at the Visitors Information Center at 8:45 a.m.
The Ormond Beach Historical Society will host a Mardi Gras Murder Mystery fundraiser, Night of the Living Dead Butante, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Rowallan on John Anderson Drive, Ormond Beach.
The custom-built mystery game was designed for more than 100 participants and involves actors, trading cards, riddles and scary challenges.
Tickets are $100 per person plus service fees.
For more information, call (386) 677-7005 or email office@ormondhistory.org.
The Inaugural Building Bridges Community Breakfast will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, in Adams Hall at Central Baptist Church, 142 Fairview Ave,, Daytona Beach.
Reservations are suggested for breakfast. The breakfast will support the ReNew Recovery Café.
Sponsors are needed. Sponsorships start at $250.
For more information or a reservation, email Linda Kemp-Baird at linda@renewrecoverycafe.com.
Modular library open in Daytona Beach
The John H. Dickerson Heritage Library in Daytona Beach sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ian and is closed until further notice.
However, a new modular unit has opened in the parking lot of the library, at 411 S. Keech St.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. It will not be open on weekends.
Limited seating and restroom access available; there are no meeting rooms.
For more information, call (386) 239-6478 or visit volusialibrary.org.
Appointments available for tax filing assistance
The Campaign for Working Families provides free income tax preparation in Volusia and Flagler Counties yearly.
IRS certified volunteers are trained to identify taxpayer’s eligibility for federal tax credits and to help families with income up to $60,000 file accurate tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties VITA locations for 2023 are by appointment only. Daytona Beach locations are:
•Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
•John H. Dickerson Center, 308 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.
•Fifth Third Bank Community Room, 1030 W. International Speedway Blvd.
In Port Orange, the site is Grace Episcopal Church, 4110 S. Ridgewood Ave.
For more information or an appointment, call 211 or visit unitedwayvfc.org/vitatax/.
Accreditation team invites public comments
A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation will arrive March 7 to examine all aspects of the Ormond Beach Police Department’.
OBPD has to comply with numerous standards in order to receive re-accreditation. Many of the standards are critical to life, health, safety issues and best practices.
Agency members and the general public are invited to comment by emailing flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us or writing CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Florida, 32302.
A copy of the standards manual is available at flaccreditation.org.
The Ormond Beach Historical Society has a new exhibit at the MacDonald House, 38 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach.
“Howard Thurman: From the Beginning … in Daytona Beach Florida 1899-1981” will be on display until May 7.
For more information, call (386) 677-7005 or email office@ormondhistory.org.
Online safety education for parents and youth
Freedom 7 On-Line Safety Education for Parents and Youth will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at the Piggotte Center, 504 Big Tree Road, South Daytona.
The free training is for parents and youth. The youth that attend the training will receive two community service hours through SED/NET.
Attendees will learn how to recognize signs of social media recruitment and how dangerous individuals will lure victims on the internet through dangerous popular social media sites, video games and apps.
Attendees will learn about known suspicious phone applications and how to spot fake individuals and websites that are suspicious.
Training will be facilitated by Sgt. Tim Ehrenkaufer, Advanced Technology and Cyber Crimes, UAS Aviation Unit, Co-Chair Freedom 7 Human Trafficking Task Force.
To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/freedom-7-on-line-safety-education-tickets-539714309027
The 34th annual Reunion of the Berkshirites will be at noon Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Golden Corral at 907 Taylor Road, Port Orange.
The Sunday Lunch Brunch is about $16 per person for senior pricing.
For a reservation, call (386) 334-5223 or (386) 212-0791 or email philtrimarchi@outlook.com or tamilee5606@msn.com.
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