Good morning, Daytona Beach.

Ormond Beach's council unanimously approved a plan to make a dog-friendly beach section along Volusia County’s coast permanent—officials said a test session drew about 13,000 dogs that enjoyed the area.

An 800-acre wildfire at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge near DeLeon Springs was 60% contained as of Wednesday morning after crews fought the blaze sparked by lightning Monday afternoon (no homes were in danger).

Firefighters from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Forest Service, and Volusia County Fire Rescue planned controlled burns to further contain the fire while the refuge remains closed.

On Tuesday, a wildfire named the East Marsh Fire ignited at Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Volusia County and spread to about 800 acres.

Crews from the Florida Forest Service, Volusia County Fire Rescue and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service battled the flames using helicopters and water drops while officials reported that no structures were threatened and nearby communities noticed smoke and ash.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said over 99% of residents already have REAL ID compliant licenses + those with expired or out-of-state IDs must bring the proper documents and schedule an appointment with their county tax collector before May 7 to board federally regulated flights. Officials urge everyone to check their status now to avoid travel delays.

During a county meeting, Council Chairman Jeff Brower apologized for not addressing a public comment where a racial slur was used on March 18 and urged respectful speech.

The Council delayed a $4.6 million vote on a motocross and conservation project and will review the fuel terminal site near Ormond Beach — staff will share more options within the next month.

City officials approved about $26,000 to remove up to 6,000 bats from Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium using netting over entry points — crews will complete the removal by April 15 before bat maternity season starts to avoid trapping young bats.

Orlando VA Healthcare System is restarting its Junior Volunteer Summer Program to give teens aged 14-17 hands-on healthcare experience at facilities in Daytona, Orlando, and Viera.

Applications open online on April 18 and acceptance begins on April 21—space is limited so interested students should register quickly.

The Rat Pack Together Again

7-11 p.m. — Ormond Beach Performing Arts — Check for ticket pricing — Experience the iconic sounds of The Rat Pack live in Ormond Beach.

St. Lucie Mets at Daytona Tortugas

7:59-11:59 p.m. — Jackie Robinson Ballpark — Cost not specified — Catch the exciting Minor League Baseball matchup between St. Lucie Mets and Daytona Tortugas.

42nd Annual Horsin’ Around Auction

11 AM – 4 PM — Atlantic Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Support the arts while enjoying unique auction items and local camaraderie.

Beginnings - A Celebration of the Music of Chicago

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Peabody Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the authentic sound of Chicago's classic hits performed live by Beginnings.

NCA College Nationals 2025

April 9-13 — Daytona Boardwalk Amusements — Check online for ticket prices — Cheer and dance teams from across the nation compete for the prestigious NCA National Title.

Cacique Ocean Deck Live Music

8-11 p.m. — Beachside at 127 S Ocean Ave — Free — Enjoy live music with Cacique accompanied by the cool sea breeze and sunshine sand.

KICK-OFF Party: River Scramble PAR-TEE

6-10 p.m. — Broken Spoke Saloon — Open entry — Enjoy a lively evening filled with raffles, auctions, entertainment, food, and drinks.

Big Engine Live at the Doghouse

6-10 p.m. — Doghouse Bar & Grill — Cover charge varies — Enjoy a night of rockin' tunes from Big Engine, directly from Jacksonville.

The 48th Annual Spring Concert

12 PM — Bethune-Cookman University — Free entry — Celebrate the arrival of spring with an uplifting musical performance by local talents.

Sierra Green Live

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Ormond Beach Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Sierra Green, inspired by New Orleans' rich musical heritage.