Daily
Daytona
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Daytona Beach. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ East Volusia community events offer varied activities this week and mid-January. Project Linus hosts quilt sessions in New Smyrna, DeLand and Ormond Beaches, a free gardening clinic meets 10 a.m. Wednesday at Ormond Environmental Discovery Center, and guided hikes, eco tours, and art exhibits take place across local venues. Hometown News
- ➤ Debra Groover moved into a new mobile home Friday, Dec. 19, after her previous one was hit by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton. The Transform386 Homeowner Recovery Program helped her secure a safe home (assisting those with storm damage) in time for the holidays. Hometown News
- ➤ On Saturday mornings at Ormond Lanes, members of the Daytona Beach Blind Bowlers Association gather to bowl and support each other in a friendly league for people with different sight. The season runs from early September to late April and new members can join as substitute bowlers or pacers. Hometown News
- ➤ After a Dec. 20 ceremony, Army Sgt. Eric Trinidad, a post-9/11 veteran injured in Iraq, and his family moved into a new mortgage-free home in Port Orange donated by Homes For Our Troops. The 2,800 sqft residence includes accessible features for safety and independence. Hometown News
- ➤ The New Smyrna Beach Garden Club honored Port Orange resident John Zehalka with the January Garden of the Month award for his vibrant yard featuring hibiscus, crotons, and a water fountain. Zehalka has lived at Spruce Creek Fly-In for 14 years (his garden mix impresses neighbors). Hometown News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ ALDI began service at its Port Orange store at 4025 S. Nova Road on Dec. 18 — the official grand opening is set for Jan. 8 with a ribbon cutting at 8:45 a.m. and prizes for the first 100 customers. Hometown News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Volusia County Schools superintendent, was named the 2026 National Woman of the Year by the District Administration Leadership Institute on Dec. 17 at The Breakers in Palm Beach. The award honors her leadership and impact on student success. Hometown News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Daytona State College cleared wooded land at Deltona’s Lyonia Preserve to improve Florida scrub-jay habitat. County and city environmental officials met on Dec. 23 to plan public notice before upcoming work. Hometown News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Volusia County restored public access to Ponce Inlet’s North Jetty with temporary wooden stairs after a storm damaged the previous connector — construction for a permanent wooden rebuild is planned for spring pending Army Corps guidelines. Hometown News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Daytona Beach sees varied fitness events this week with Sit & Be Fit at Hope Place Public Library at 11 a.m. Monday, the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge beginning Jan. 8, and sessions in Ormond Beach and Port Orange; specialized classes like tennis and Qigong (reducing stress) add more options. Hometown News
- ➤ Volusia Health Notes highlights free health programs this week. Halifax Health holds an exercise session Monday, Jan. 5 at Ormond Beach Regional Library and Daytona Beach hosts a MLK Community Health Resource Fair Saturday, Jan. 10 with vendors and activities for families (call for details). Hometown News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ New experiences await visitors in Daytona Beach in 2026 with several developments including two Marriott hotels opening this spring and summer + Billy's Tap Room set to reopen with live entertainment. Upgrades at Ocean Center and Jackie Robinson Ballpark will add to the area's rich heritage. Hometown News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Local developers Scott and Todd Vanacore plan to begin work on the Tomoka Commerce Park in Ormond Beach in 2026 — the 12.5-acre site at 890 N. US Highway 1 will offer retail, office, and warehouse space that may include a specialty grocer. The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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Introduction to Wet Felting
10:30 a.m. — Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens — $120 Members, $150 Non-Members — Discover the art of wet felting and unleash your creativity with all materials provided.
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Trivia Tuesdays
6-8:30 p.m. — Dunes Brewing — Enjoy delicious beer and food while testing your knowledge in a fun trivia competition.
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Books & Brews
5-9 p.m. — Dunes Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy craft beer and storytelling with author Sara Dahmen as she presents her novel The Tinsmith 1865.
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Drive-In Movie Night at Tiki Cove
6:30-8 p.m. — Tiki Cove at Venetian Bay — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a delightful drive-in movie experience under the stars.
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IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - Roar Before The Rolex 24
6:59-10:59 p.m. — Daytona International Speedway — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with meet and greet options available.
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Dwight Icenhower - Elvis Tribute
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Peabody Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the King of Rock and Roll's legendary sound and style with renowned tribute artist Dwight Icenhower.
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Disney's Alice In Wonderland, Jr.
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Athens Theatre — $ — Experience a whimsical adventure with colorful characters in a madcap world where nonsense reigns.
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Commotion: A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Peabody Auditorium — Ticket Info Unavailable — Experience a faithful musical revival of CCR's iconic sound with talented tribute artists.
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A Taste of Ireland
4-6 PM — Peabody Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience the Irish music and dance sensation that has captivated audiences worldwide.
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Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals
4-11 p.m. — Volusia Speedway Park — $12K+ to win — Kick off the racing season with thrilling weeks of racing at the world's fastest half-mile track.
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