Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
Good morning, Daytona Beach.
🚨 Crime
A DeLand man named Sebastian Tinsley, 21, was arrested on Monday when police responded to a call about a suicidal person at his home and discovered bottles with incendiary liquid resembling Molotov cocktails, and he is now held on $10,000 bail.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood warned a travel advisor on Thursday that spring breakers are not welcome in Daytona Beach after the advisor told Daily Mail the area would be their next destination — he pledged that law enforcement will enforce every law with zero tolerance to prevent chaos.
🎓 Education
Volusia County Schools faces a projected $25.8 million shortfall by June 30 as public school enrollment drops because more families choose charter and private schools; district leaders plan to consider consolidating schools to meet enrollment targets for state funding.
Volusia County Schools will offer VFlex+ during the 2025-26 school year to home and online students in grades 6 to 12, giving them free computers, tech support and up to six courses to work toward a high school diploma if they enroll in a full-time program during their senior year.
🏛️ Government
New Smyrna Beach approved a joint drainage project with Volusia County to improve stormwater in Corbin Park—adding $2,451,220 to a $6 million grant for an $8,451,220 total budget.
The city also approved a sidewalk café for Beachin’ Burritos and awarded the North Causeway Boat Ramp conversion to Construct Co, which is set to reach substantial completion in 150 days.
Daytona Beach city officials approved new linkage fees on development—effective Oct.
1—to fund affordable housing by charging reduced per-square-foot rates. Commissioners are also considering using a portion of rising property tax revenue to support more housing, and developers can avoid the fees by including affordable units in their projects.
The Volusia County Council voted to study reopening beach driving from International Speedway Boulevard to Auditorium Boulevard and said they would meet with local officials and property owners to discuss legal challenges.
In a separate action, the council approved paying $341,879 from its Risk Management fund toward a $750K settlement with former corrections director Mark Flowers—resolving claims of retaliation and abuse while helping the county move forward.
An ordinance to amend the city charter for filling a vacant commission seat was approved on April 1 and will be voted on at a special meeting Tuesday, April 22 at 11:30 a.m. Commissioners will decide whether to reappoint Commissioner Stephan Dembinsky—who resigned to serve as interim police chief but wants to return—or select a new candidate, and the city is planning an Armed Forces Day event on May 17 with a guest from the U.S. Space Force.
🎉 Daytona Beach Events
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Donut Dash 5K
8 AM – 12 PM — Trails Shopping Center — Proceeds benefit youth programs — Run for a good cause while enjoying delicious donuts.
Beach Squad Beach Cleanup
8:30-10:45 a.m. — Sun Splash Park — Free entry — Join the Beach Squad to keep Daytona Beach clean and enjoy a morning outdoors.
Daytona / Volusia Job Link 2025
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Courtyard Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport — Free entry — Discover hundreds of local job opportunities and get hired on the spot at this career fair.
Foreigners Journey
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Peabody Auditorium — Tickets Now On Sale — Celebrate the music of Foreigner and Journey featuring Rudy Cardenas from American Idol.
The Good Life Band at Beachside
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Beachside — Free entry — Enjoy a lively mix of Rock & Roll, Country, and Party Music from the 60s to 90s with The Good Life Band.
BeatleBeat - A Live Tribute to The Beatles!
7-9 p.m. — Pictona at Holly Hill — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic 60's tribute to the timeless hits of The Beatles with a full costume show.
Do The '80s Pub Crawl
4:30-9:00 p.m. — WingHouse Bar & Grill — Tickets available online — Relive the best of the '80s with contests, prizes, and colorful retro fun.
Beach Squad Beach Cleanup
8:30-10:45 a.m. — Sun Splash Park — Free participation — Help preserve the coastline while enjoying a morning at the beach.
Peach Belt Conference Outdoor Track Championship
April 28-29 — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Registration required — Cheer on collegiate athletes as they compete for track and field honors in sunny Daytona Beach.
Tom Jones Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Peabody Auditorium — Last-minute concert tickets available — Experience the legendary Tom Jones live in Daytona Beach.
🏠 Daytona Beach Real Estate
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💼 Daytona Beach Job Board
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📣 Daytona Beach Announcements
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