ORMOND BEACH
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 14, NO. 36
TRADEWINDS SHOW PAGE 1B
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
School Board halts push for teacher pay referendum With more families struggling financially, board members say it’s not the right time to add a new tax. PAGE 4A
Andy Romano projects underway
GOLFERS UNITED Ormond Beach residents advocate for reopening of River Bend. PAGE 3A
New seawall, ramp will be complete in August. PAGE 3A INSIDE DEVELOPMENTS
Tomoka Reserve, Dutch Bros, Makai Beach Lodge and a RaceTrac expansion. PAGE 4A
NEW LEGISLATION
City Commissioners to explore restricting data center developments. PAGE 6A
PROMOTIONS
Seabreeze Principal Tucker Harris, Beachside Principal Dr. Leigh Prokop appointed to district positions. PAGE 2B
INDEX
Calendar.................... PAGE 11A Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 2C Letters.......................PAGE 12A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Schools....................... PAGE 3B Sports..........................PAGE 7B Tributes ...................... PAGE 4C Real Estate................. PAGE 4B
FREE
ON NEWSSTANDS.
$1/WEEK
ON YOUR DRIVEWAY.
Jeff and Sheila Lind, and Paul Smith. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
BIZ BUZZ
Grace on stage
Takeya Japanese Steak House closes Takeya Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar at 220 N. Williamson Blvd. in Ormond Beach has closed. The restaurant announced its closure on its Facebook page on Monday, May 11: “After more than 40 years in the restaurant business, we have decided that it is time to step back and allow other entrepreneurs to begin a new chapter for the iconic Takeya building. ... We are deeply grateful for your support, loyalty, and the many memories we’ve shared over the years. It has been an honor to serve you and be part of this community.”
Ormond Ballet to present Spring Gala 2026. 7B Summer Euson and Luke Keeley as Nikiya and Solor in the Kingdom of the Shades scene from “La Bayadère.” Photo courtesy of Ormond Ballet
Honoring Life's Journey with Grace Cremation & Traditional Funeral Services
Families Deserve Options That Ease Both Emotional and Financial Burdens. When it comes to cremation services, the costs in our community vary greatly. Direct Cremation Starting At:
Lotus Funeral Home
$1,100*
Lohman Funeral Home
$2,099
Clymer Funeral Home
$2,300
Craig Flagler Funeral Home
$3,195
Prices include: Basic Services of the funeral director and staff, transfer of deceased into our care and to the crematory, refrigeration, obtaining necessary authorizations, and the cremation fee, without alternative container.
NINA GUIGLOTTO
NINA GUIGLOTTO
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
nina@lotusfuneral.com nina @ lotusfuneral .com
386-217-0875 386-217-0875
LOTUS FUNERAL FUNERAL SERVICES SERVICES LOTUS
460 Palm Palm Coast Coast Parkway Parkway SW, SW Ste. Ste 3, 3 Palm Palm Coast, Coast FL ,
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www.lotusfuneralservices.com www.lotusfuneralservices.com