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Town news

Voter Guide graphic with red, blue and gray raised hands marked VOTE against a concrete wall.

October 28, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Next Week: Ormond Beach's Zone 2 and Zone 4 Races and What to Know Before You Vote

Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 3, and early voting ends this Saturday, Oct. 31. Here is what Ormond Beach voters should know about the two City Commission races before they cast a ballot.

Early voting ends Saturday, Oct. 31. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., including at the Ormond Beach Regional Library.
Zone 2: incumbent Travis Sargent faces Jennifer Bright. Zone 4: incumbent Harold Briley faces Amber Bobak.
Mail ballots must reach the Supervisor of Elections in DeLand by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Election Day polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bring a photo ID with a signature.

Read the full story

Reporting by Staff report for the Ormond Beach Buzz.

Voter Guide graphic, stock artwork

River Bend Petition Tops 3,000 Signatures as Ormond Beach Plans Workshop on Golf Course Future

More than 3,000 Ormond Beach residents have signed a petition asking the city to reopen the River Bend Golf Course, and commissioners say they plan a workshop on the idle property's future. The petition was presented to the City Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

River Bend Golf Course. File photo

Orange and white striped road barricades with a Road Closed sign and an orange Detour arrow blocking a road.

October 28, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Heads Up, Drivers: U.S. 1 Ramp to Southbound I-95 in Ormond Beach Closing Overnight Nov. 1 to 5

The ramp from U.S. 1 to southbound Interstate 95 in Ormond Beach will close overnight for bridge repairs from Sunday, Nov. 1, through Thursday, Nov. 5, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Road closure barricades. Stock photo

Vote Early graphic with a red check mark inside a clock face.

October 21, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Your Vote, Your Commission: Everything Ormond Beach Voters Need Before Nov. 3

Two Ormond Beach City Commission races, five county charter amendments and three statewide amendments are on your ballot this year, and you have several ways to vote. Here is what you need to know, whether you plan to vote early, by mail or on Election Day.

Vote Early graphic, stock artwork

Aerial view of the Ormond Beach coastline, with condos, neighborhoods and the Halifax River beside the Atlantic Ocean.

October 21, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

What Florida's Amendment 3 Could Mean for Ormond Beach's Budget

A statewide property tax measure on the Nov. 3 ballot could reshape how Ormond Beach pays for police, parks and other city services. City finance staff have said it could cost Ormond Beach millions of dollars a year.

Aerial view of Ormond Beach. Stock photo

The River Bend Golf Club entrance sign framed by Spanish moss and green shrubs.

October 21, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

River Bend Residents Return to the Fence: Three Groups Want the Idle Golf Course Site

Roughly 20 Ormond Beach residents gathered at the fenced entrance of the former River Bend Golf Course on Oct. 16 to press the city for action on a property that has been idle for nearly six years.

River Bend Golf Club entrance sign. File photo

Ormond Beach City Hall framed by palm trees, with an American flag flying out front.

October 13, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

On the Ballot in Ormond Beach: Your Nov. 3 Guide to Races, Dates and How to Vote

Ormond Beach voters have two City Commission races to decide on Nov. 3, along with county, state and federal contests. This guide pulls everything in one place, with links to our full coverage.

Ormond Beach City Hall. Photo by Brian McMillan

"Your Vote Counts" graphic with a red, white and blue stars-and-stripes design and a ballot checkbox.

October 9, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Early Voting Starts Oct. 19: Where Ormond Beach Voters Can Cast a Ballot

Ormond Beach voters will not have to wait until Nov. 3 to weigh in on the City Commission races. Early voting in Volusia County runs Oct. 19 through Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Graphic by Ormond Beach Buzz

Green and white "Household Waste Only" sign with a recycling symbol and downward arrows.

October 9, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Today: Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off at Ormond Beach Public Works

Ormond Beach residents with old paint, pool chemicals or a dead car battery have a free way to get rid of them this week. Volusia County is holding a household hazardous waste collection from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 9, at Ormond Beach Public Works, 501 N. Orchard St.

Sign graphic from ComplianceSigns.com

Promotional poster for "Sinatra the Musical" starring Tony Sands at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

October 1, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Sinatra Comes to the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center Oct. 16

Fans of the Great American Songbook have a date to mark: "Sinatra the Musical," starring tribute performer Tony Sands, is listed for the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 16.

Graphic courtesy of the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center

The Art & Gardens sign reading "Honoring Our Veterans" in front of the pink Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens building, framed by palm trees.

September 30, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

A Permanent Tribute to Gulf War Veterans Could Come to Ormond Memorial Art Museum

A new public art piece honoring the men and women who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm is moving through Ormond Beach's approval process, with a public hearing set for Monday, Oct. 5.

Photo courtesy of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens

Portrait of Zone 3 City Commissioner Kristin Deaton smiling in a black top against a soft blue studio backdrop.

September 29, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Candidate Spotlight, Zone 3: Deaton Reelected After Rhodes Withdraws

The Zone 3 City Commission race will not be on the Nov. 3 ballot as a contest. Incumbent Kristin Deaton was automatically reelected to a second term after challenger Ted Rhodes withdrew from the race on Monday, Sept. 14.

Photo courtesy of Commissioner Kristin Deaton

Safety graphic titled "Caught in a Rip Current? Here's How to Survive," listing: stay calm and float, don't swim against the current, swim parallel to shore, and call or wave for help.

September 29, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Calm Skies, Dangerous Surf: Why Rip Currents Are a Risk at Ormond Beach This Week

Central Florida opened the week with quiet, comfortable weather, but the water tells a different story. Forecasters say a high risk of life-threatening rip currents continues at all area beaches, including Ormond Beach.

Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service

Official graphic for the 42nd Annual Ormond Beach Senior Games, showing opening ceremonies on October 23, 2026, at 351 Andrews Street, with medal-wearing senior athletes holding a trophy.

September 24, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Registration Open for Ormond Beach's 42nd Annual Senior Games

Ormond Beach's longest-running celebration of active aging is back this fall, and registration is open now for anyone 50 and older looking to compete — or just have some fun — across a full week of sporting events.

Graphic courtesy of the Ormond Beach Senior Games

Children and families fishing from the pier at Bailey Riverbridge Gardens in Ormond Beach during a past Reel in the Fun kids fishing tournament.

September 24, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Get Your Kid's Fishing Rod Ready: 'Reel in the Fun' Returns to Bailey Riverbridge Gardens

Ormond Beach's Parks and Recreation Department is once again inviting young anglers to try their luck at Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, with the city's free "Reel in the Fun" kids fishing tournament set for Saturday, Oct. 3.

Photo courtesy of the City of Ormond Beach

The former Osceola Elementary School campus on Osceola Avenue in Ormond Beach, with palm trees in front of the red school buildings.

September 17, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Ormond Beach Moves to Buy Former Osceola Elementary Site for $2.5 Million

A piece of beachside Ormond Beach that's served the community for more than 70 years is on track to become city property. The Volusia County School Board voted unanimously to negotiate the sale of the former Osceola Elementary site to the city.

Photo by Ormond Beach Buzz

Ormond Beach Police Community Outreach Officer Marc Pedevillano standing in front of an Ormond Beach Police Department backdrop.

September 16, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

'I Just Saw So Much Humanity': A Local Officer's Memories of 9/11, 25 Years Later

Sept. 11, 2001, was supposed to be Marc Pedevillano's day off. Twenty-five years later, the Ormond Beach police officer is still telling the story of what he saw at Ground Zero — and the generosity that surrounded it.

Photo courtesy of the Ormond Beach Police Department

September 14, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Save the Date: Riverfest Returns With a New Name, Plus Live Painting Battles This Fall

Ormond Beach's fall calendar is filling up fast. Riverfest returns Nov. 21–22 with a fresh rebrand, and Art Battle Ormond Beach brings live painting competition to Ormond Brewing Company on Sept. 19.

Logo courtesy of Ormond MainStreet

September 14, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

There's Now an App for Reporting Potholes: City Launches OB Connect

Ormond Beach residents now have an easier way to flag potholes, downed signs and other non-emergency issues. The city has launched OB Connect, a free mobile app that routes requests straight to the right department.

Graphic courtesy of the City of Ormond Beach

A gloved volunteer picking up a plastic bottle from the sand while others collect litter along the shoreline.

September 12, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Two Coastal Cleanups Hit Ormond Beach This Month: Here's How to Join

Residents looking for an easy way to give back this September have two chances on the same morning. Coastal cleanups are set for Saturday, Sept. 19, at Sanchez Park and along Granada Approach.

Stock photo

Ormond MainStreet leaders on stage by the river during the organization's 30th anniversary '90s block party in downtown Ormond Beach.

September 7, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

From Skepticism to '90s Block Party: Ormond MainStreet Marks 30 Years of Downtown Progress

More than three decades ago, a small group of Ormond Beach business owners and residents looked at downtown and saw potential where others saw a lost cause. On Saturday, Aug. 29, that legacy was celebrated with a free, '90s-themed block party filling the streets it once fought to revive.

Photo by the Ormond Beach Observer (observerlocalnews.com)

Full two-panel "Public Alert" electioneering mailer warning Volusia voters to beware of suspect voter guides and do their own research.

September 4, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Fake Mailers, Hijacked Websites: Local Elections Are Seeing a New Kind of "Fraud"

Election fraud usually brings to mind illegal voting. But a different problem has been spreading through Flagler and Volusia county races: deceptive campaign materials designed to look official when they aren't.

Mailer image: paid electioneering communication received by Volusia voters

Lori Tolland smiling at a campaign table in front of an 'Elect Lori Tolland for Mayor' banner.

September 2, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

What Comes Next for Mayor-Elect Tolland, and Who's Filling Her Old Seat

Ormond Beach's history-making election is decided, but the transition is still ahead. Mayor-elect Lori Tolland is preparing to leave her Zone 1 seat for the mayor's chair, opening the door for Zone 1 winner Melissa DeVriese.

Photo courtesy of the Lori Tolland campaign

A ballot box marked VOTE with voter stickers, a ballot and a pen on a table.

September 2, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Ormond Beach's Closest Race Heads to a Runoff: Inside the Briley-Bobak Zone 4 Contest

Zone 4 was the closest race on Ormond Beach's Aug. 18 primary ballot, with incumbent Harold Briley edging challenger Amber Bobak by fewer than 70 votes. Neither reached a majority, sending the race to a Nov. 3 runoff.

Graphic by Ormond Beach Buzz

A Tractor Supply Co. storefront with mowers and outdoor equipment on display.

August 13, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Tractor Supply Clears Another Hurdle for Ormond Beach Store, But Neighbors Still Have Concerns

Ormond Beach is one step closer to landing a Tractor Supply Co. store after the city's Planning Board unanimously approved an amendment clearing the way for the retailer to join the Tomoka Commerce Park development on North U.S. 1.

Photo courtesy of Tractor Supply Co.

“Plan Your Vote” graphic with a clipboard and checkmarks, in red, navy and light blue.

August 26, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Two More Ormond Beach Races Still to Come: Zone 2 and Zone 3 Head Straight to November

Zone 2 and Zone 3 each drew only two candidates, so both skipped the August primary and will be decided outright in the Nov. 3 general election. Incumbents Travis Sargent and Kristin Deaton face challengers Jennifer Bright and Ted Rhodes.

Graphic by Ormond Beach Buzz

Lori Tolland, elected Ormond Beach's first female mayor, in a campaign portrait wearing a light blue blazer.

August 19, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Ormond Beach Elects Its First Female Mayor: Tolland, DeVriese Win Outright; Zone 4 Headed to a Runoff

Ormond Beach voters made history Tuesday, electing Lori Tolland as the city's first female mayor and delivering outright wins in two of the city's three contested primary races. Only the Zone 4 City Commission seat remains unsettled, with incumbent Harold Briley and challenger Amber Bobak headed to a November runoff.

Photo courtesy of the Lori Tolland campaign

August 17, 2026 · Ormond Beach Buzz

Ormond Beach Voters Head to the Polls Tuesday: What to Know Before You Cast Your Ballot

Ormond Beach's Aug. 18 primary election is here. Voters will decide three contested City Commission races, including a four-way fight for mayor. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Graphic by Ormond Beach Buzz

July 31, 2026 · Ormond Beach Observer

Facing property tax uncertainty, Ormond Beach eyes budget cuts instead of a tax hike

City commissioners plan to hold the property tax rate flat for 2026-27 while trimming discretionary spending, bracing for a November constitutional amendment that could sharply reduce future property tax revenue.

Graphic by Ormond Beach Buzz

All town news →

The buzz · Aug 7–9

This weekendin Ormond

FRIAug 7 · 6:00 PM

Sunset Sounds On The Deck

Three local bands, one long golden hour. Bring a low chair.

Ormond Beachside BandshellMusic

FRIAug 7 · 7:30 PM

First Friday Art Walk

Studios stay open late and the sidewalk turns into a gallery.

Granada BoulevardArt

SATAug 8 · 7:00 AM

Dune Walk & Sea Oat Planting

Coffee at seven, gloves provided, done before it gets hot.

Andy Romano Beachfront ParkOutdoors

SATAug 8 · 8:00 AM

Farmers Market On The Loop

Peaches, sourdough, cut zinnias and about forty neighbors.

Rockefeller GardensMarket

SATAug 8 · 10:00 AM

Mangrove Paddle Clean-Up

Boards and bags supplied. Last year we pulled 214 pounds.

Tomoka Basin LaunchOutdoors

SATAug 8 · 5:00 PM

Shrimp Boil & Porch Session

Long tables, paper plates, someone always brings a banjo.

North Beach StreetFamily

SUNAug 9 · 6:30 AM

Sunrise Yoga On The Sand

Free, all levels, bring a towel instead of a mat.

Cardinal Drive AccessFamily

SUNAug 9 · 11:00 AM

Turtle Nest Watch Briefing

Learn to read a nest, then join the evening lights-out patrol.

Ormond Beach Nature CenterOutdoors

SUNAug 9 · 4:00 PM

Makers Market Under The Oaks

Twenty-two makers, all from within nine miles of the pier.

Riverbend CommonsMarket

The local guide

Eat · ShopPlay · Ormond

EAT

Sandbar Coffee Co.

Cortado, salt air, no wifi password

Open 6a–2p. The back patio catches the ocean breeze by nine.

SHOP

The Loop Provisions

Coastal goods from nine local makers

Shell-white ceramics, block-print towels, and a very good candle.

PLAY

Tomoka Paddle Club

Boards, guides and quiet water

Members paddle free at sunrise. Guided mangrove runs on weekends.

PLAY

Dune Line Preserve

Boardwalk, sea oats, bird count

Volunteer stewards walk the line every Saturday at seven.

EAT

Granada Fish House

Whatever came in that morning

Board menu only. If it's on the chalk, it was in the water.

SHOP

Beachside Book & Record

Used vinyl, local zines, cold floors

Trade-in Tuesdays. The Florida history shelf is the best in town.

Keeping the coast

The beach is aneighbor too

Every dune planted, nest watched and bag hauled off the basin comes from people who live nine minutes from the water. Here's what the town did last season.

0 lb

Trash pulled from the basin last spring

Sea oats planted along the dune line

Turtle nests watched through hatch night

Of guide listings are locally owned

Community voices

“I moved here for the water and stayed for the people who pick up trash on it.”
Marisol R./Paddle guide · Tomoka Basin

Join the buzz

One Thursday email. Weekend plans, new openings, and where the cleanup crew is meeting.