ORMOND BEACH
Observer
HONOR THE FALLEN PAGE 3A
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 13, NO. 40
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
Ormond grads go back to the beginning Prior to crossing the Ocean Center stage, high school seniors say farewell to their elementary schools. PAGE 12A
City to add native plants to medians JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The city of Ormond Beach will be replacing missing, damaged or sick trees in its medians, and adding native plants. The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved a $221,000 work authorization to A.M. Weigel Construction, Inc., at its meeting on Tuesday, May 20. According to a city staff report, the city will be replacing back the existing drought tolerant plants in the medians and enhancing it with 50% Florida native plant materials, such as Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Coontie, Blue Eyed Grass and Sea Purslane. The impacted locations include medians in the downtown (from U.S. 1 to A1A), West Granada Boulevard from Orchard Street to Rima Ridge Road, North Nova Road and North U.S. 1. While the city plans to remove all plant material to resolve the buildup of soil and overflowing mulch, the existing Medjool palms will remain. The city staff report states that shrubs and ground cover plants will be taken out to allow the excess soil to be removed, and then pant materials will be placed back. The city is paying for this project using its tree fund and Community Redevelopment Agency Tax Increment Financing dollars.
Class of 2025
The next generation An Observer tradition: Your senior class, on display. PAGE 1B
INSIDE HONORING LEARY
New bait shop building at Ormond’s Cassen Park to carry Ike Leary’s name. PAGE 2A
Seabreeze grad Emily Powers. Courtesy photo
WINNER, WINNER
Coach: Seabreeze football jamboree result shows hard work is paying off. PAGE 9B
THIN BLUE LINE
Ormond Beach Civil Air Patrol leads Memorial Day events
Governor voices support for police during annual memorial. PAGE 4A
Sleeping Beauty
INDEX
European Arts Conservatory in Ormond Beach to present ballet.
Crossword.................. PAGE 2C Letters........................ PAGE 8A McMillan..................... PAGE 8A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate................ PAGE 11A
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In recognition of Memorial Day, officers, cadets and family of the Ormond Beach Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol led the events held at Daytona Memorial Park on Monday, May 26. The event, themed “Remember and Honor,” featured guest speaker Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Reece Griffin, a member of the Ormond Beach CAP Squadron who has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy this year. CAP Senior member Nicole Sharbono also played a key role in organizing this event. Courtesy photo
First anniversary Sea Dreams by Sara, an arts gift shop in Ormond Beach, celebrates its one-year anniversary.
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