Good morning, Daytona Beach.

Motivational speaker John O'Leary, whose life story is shown in the movie Soul on Fire, will share his journey of overcoming childhood injuries at the Daytona Chamber's 106th annual dinner on February 2 at Daytona State College—where the chamber will also present its two top awards and install a new board chair. The event will feature the transition to a new president and CEO as the longtime executive retires later this year.

Volusia County Schools have been selected to join a pilot program that will use drones to protect students during active shooter events—a project funded by a $557,000 allocation from the Florida Legislature.

The program, developed by a Texas-based firm, will run for a full year while details on participating schools and deployment remain under final review.

Embry-Riddle seniors Amanda Wills and Kailea Danielson got competitive summer internships in Hawaii at the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility — Wills worked as a cybersecurity analyst and Danielson gained hands-on engineering experience to help with their plans for spring graduation.

State Sen. Danny Burgess filed Senate Bill 420 that would require every classroom used for social studies and K-5 to display portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln (the state will choose the images) and the rule, if approved, will take effect on July 1 (schools must follow the new mandate).

JR Motorsports announced it will enter the 2026 Daytona 500 with Justin Allgaier driving the No. 40 Chevrolet — Traveller Whiskey will sponsor the car for the second straight year.

The team plans to race next February with Allgaier making his 84th Cup start while building on last year's strong performance.

Legends Classic Basketball Showdown

7-8:30 p.m. — Ocean Center — Tickets available — Witness the UCF Knights take on the Pittsburgh Panthers in this exciting college basketball clash.

Jeff White Music Performance

4-8 p.m. — Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar — Free entry — Experience an acoustic blend of Funk, Jazz, and Blue-eyed Soul by a local artist.

Francesca Tarantino: Sunset Songwriter Cruise

4:30-8:30 p.m. — World Famous Boat Tours — Enjoy a scenic cruise while Francesca Tarantino performs a mix of rock and country rock hits.

Austin Miller Live Performance

3-7 p.m. — Crimson House NSB — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music inspired by classic rock legends with Austin Miller.

Nextmile Run Club

6-8 p.m. — Riverfront Esplanade — Free entry — Experience Daytona Beach's vibrant community run with fitness and fun.

Daytona Beach Turkey Trot 5k

7:30-11:30 a.m. — LandShark Bar & Grill — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive 5k run followed by a feast full of island flavor.

Daniel Jüde Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of rock music with American singer-songwriter Daniel Jüde.

Light Up Main Street Festival

2-9 p.m. — Daytona Beach Main Street — Free entry — Kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer along Main Street.

Nextmile Run Club

6-8 p.m. — Riverfront Esplanade — Free entry — Experience Daytona Beach’s most energizing community run that merges fitness and fun.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Peabody Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling holiday spectacle with stunning circus arts and captivating performances for the whole family.