ORMOND BEACH
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 14, NO. 21
DOUBLEHEADER PAGE 6B
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
Volusia puts ECHO 2040 plan on hold
County Council tables vote on the program’s strategic plan over advisory committee member’s email. PAGE 5A
Toilet to tap? Officials weigh in
The last umpires
Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School hosts its final class, ending 50-year legacy. PAGE 1B
County Council seeks information in light of charter amendment effort. PAGE 4A INSIDE CONSERVATION
ReGrow the Loop 2026 to begin on Jan. 31. PAGE 6A
INCONCEIVABLE!
Bill Kowske, 78, makes three holes-in-one in 12 days at Halifax Plantation Golf Club. PAGE 8B
NEW LOCATION
Volusia Recovery Alliance celebrates grand opening. PAGE 3A
INDEX
Business..................... PAGE 5B Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Crossword.................. PAGE 2C Letters........................ PAGE 9A Public Notices............ PAGE 4C Sports......................... PAGE 6B Tributes ...................... PAGE 8C Real Estate................. PAGE 4B
FREE
Umpires grab a photo op in between calling or playing in an afternoon baseball game at the Wendelstedt Umpire School Photo by Michele Meyers
Chamber installation
celebrates 100th 100 days Ormond day of school. 3B
Jeffrey Serle to lead the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce board as the new chair for 2026. PAGE 3A
ON NEWSSTANDS.
$1/WEEK
ON YOUR DRIVEWAY.
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce 2026 Chairman Jeffrey Serle speaks. Photo courtesy of Stacy Wyborny
Pine Trail Elementary students Carson Merry, Jeremiah Edwards and Turner Jiloty. Courtesy photo