(386) Area Community Blog

Welcome To The (386) Area Blog!

Welcome to the (386) Area Blog! This Community Blog was created in order to give the people in the greater Daytona Beach area within the (386) area a free, interactive and comprehensive communication site that serves as a one-stop source for community news and information. This community blog offers constantly updated, pertinent news provided by Community bloggers represented by local organizations active in our community including civic organizations, schools, charities, general business, and many more. Best of all, anyone can join in on the conversation! Our Community Calendar provides information on upcoming events and activities important to our community. Comments are welcome, so let us know what you think!

Recreation and Parks Month - Free Admission to State Parks

This Sunday you can enjoy free admission to Florida State Parks to celebrate Recreation and Parks Month.  Don't miss the opportunity to take advantage of the spectacular parks our great state has to offer.  Volusia and Flagler Counties have several great parks to choose from.  Check out some of these great parks:

Tomoka State Park - located at    2099 North Beach Street off "The Loop" in Ormond Beach

North Peninsula State Park - located on 40 Highbridge Road in Ormond By The Sea

Bulow Creek State Park - located on Old Dixie Highway in Ormond Beach

DeLeon Springs State Park - located at    601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd in DeLeon Springs

Gamble Rogers Memorial Recreation Area - located at    3100 South A1A in Flagler Beach

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park - located north   at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd in Palm Coast

With so many things to do at our state parks the whole family can find something to do.  Where do I begin....boating, canoing, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, walking and hiking trails, biking trails, beaches.  Maybe you'll get a glimpse of some of the rare birds we have.  I have actually spotted two black panthers once while cycling near the North Penisula State Park.  Absorb what mother nature has given us to enjoy.  Visit one of our wonderful State Parks for free this Sunday.

DAYTONA BEACH TOP FIVE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

Still don't know how you will be celebrating the nation's birthday?  Well, dig out that cheesy star-studded, red, white and blue t-shirt from your drawer, because I've put together a list of the top five places to be in Daytona Beach.  You're sure to find something from this list to make your 4th sparkle!

FOUR CORNERS - ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA
Looking for a great way to celebrate with friends & family this July 4th? Look no further than Ormond's historic "Four Corners". Festivities are planned by both the Ormond Historical Trust (at the Anderson Price Building on Beach Street, 1 ½ blocks north of Granada) and by The City of Ormond Beach on all four corners of the Granada bridge. The Trust's event kicks off at 4 pm with a magician and clown, family activities and a Dixieland band as an "Old Fashioned Lawn Party". The City will continue the celebration beginning at 6 pm, and will feature a "Patriotic Kids Corner" with games and inflatables, as well as live music. The evening will culminate with the City's Fireworks display, scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm. For more information call The Ormond Beach Historical Trust at 386-677-7005 or the City's Leisure Services Department at 386-676-3241.

CINEMATIQUE UNDER THE STARS
Downtown Daytona Beach features The Wizard of Oz in their retro film series.  Bring a picnic and lawn chairs (or get really old-fashioned and bring a blanket), and enjoy this American classic at City Island Park, 115 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach.  No charge!  For more information, call 386-871-7873.  Movie starts at dusk.

MAIN STREET JULY 4TH BLOCK PARTY & BARBEQUE
To compliment the Boardwalk fireworks, Main Street  is hosting an 8-block July 4th block party with a summer barbeque theme. In addition to traditional BBQ food vendors, an amateur BBQ competition will take place with prizes and trophies.  The event begins at 6pm and ends at midnight.   For more information, call 386-255-9300 or visit www.whog.fm.

RED, WHITE & BOOM at the FAMOUS DAYTONA BEACH BANDSHELL
This event has it all...live music, children's games, simulator rides, and show car all in Oceanfront Park, beginning at 5pm.    The evening's live entertainment  will begin at 7:30pm and include opening act Last Call, a sponsor recognition and prize giveaways by WHOG's Frank Scott,  a welcoming of the crowds by Mayor Ritchey, an introduction of Jeff Gordon with Q&A session, and a performance by POCO. Bring a lawn chair for seating but please leave the coolers at home because they are not allowed in the Bandshell.  This is a FREE event, but donations are accepted.

CELEBRATE WITH FRIENDS
This is actually my favorite thing to do on the 4th.  Find a great friend's party to crash, and don't forget to bring a fabulous side dish to share.  There's nothing like celebrating the great country we live in with the people who make your life happy.

Have a great 4th of July!

JAZZ AND POLITICS IN DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

Just in case you’re looking for something to do this weekend, a quick reminder from Tom Massfeller noted the Ormond Beach Historical Trust will be hosting the Ormond Jazz Band from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday night, June 27, and a play about Henry Flagler the evening of Saturday, June 28.

I’ve also attached a flyer for an upcoming Candidates’ Forum hosted by the Halifax Business & Professional Women’s Club at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8^th, in the auditorium of the UCF Daytona Beach campus (DBCC/UCF parking map also attached). Several of our local and state office candidates already have RSVPed for this event. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions! A presentation on the Equal Rights Amendment will precede the forum at 5 p.m. 

Download candidates_forum_flyer_v2.ppt

Download DBCC_directional_map.pdf

 

Happy Father's Day!!

I just wanted to wish all the Dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day.  We need to thank all of our fathers (and mothers) for bringing us to where we are today. 

Until I was a father myself, I really didn’t realize how special being a parent was.  People can tell you how it is to be a parent and tell you what you will experience when you become a father.  When my daughter was born, my life was changed forever.  I immediately melted and became a more caring and emotional person.  New life is an incredible experience.  There is a special place in my heart for Daddy’s girl. 

And then my son was born.  Dylan is a mini me.  He was riding a little Yamaha at the age of 3, with some influence of his father of course.  I think he was born with a ball in his hand because he can’t seem to stay away from anything or any sport that has a ball; football, baseball, basketball, soccer.  Playing catch with my son reminds me of when I used to play catch with my father or my grandfather.  This hopefully will continue on for generations to come.

It is up to us as parents to help mold our children to be the next leaders of the world.  It will be up to them as it is up to us now to keep our world going.  I think that people don’t pay enough attention to our children.  They don’t know what is wrong or right, we have to teach them.  They don’t know what is healthy or not, we have to teach them.  I think with technology and the open communication we have, people are more connected and working together to make our world a better place.

I want to thank my father and mother for making me who I am.  I hope that I can take what I have learned from my parents and my experiences in life and teach my children to be better and to do more.  Life is a continuous and evolving growth experience.  You never stop learning and you never (literally) stop growing. 

I am going to take the day off to spend some time with my family.  We are going out on a friend’s boat to Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet to enjoy some fun in the sun.  Have a great Fathers Day!  

It's a good life!

Ian Anderson - The Dream Homes Team

FATHER'S DAY 2008

With respect to fathers far and wide, it’s time to kick it up a notch this year and add some fun to their Father’s Day gift!  The Daytona Beach Area attractions and entertainment folk offer an eclectic mix of activities and DEALS this Father’s Day weekend.  Ties and cologne are great…but time spent with Dad scores higher with most Papas that I know!

Here is a sampling of some Father’s Day weekend possibilities for your family, and there’s something for EVERY kind of Dad to enjoy!

FOR DADS WHO LIKE IT UPBEAT:
DAYTONA BEACH HAS GOT TALENT
June 13, 2008
7 - 9pm
Bandshell behind the Ocean Walk Shoppes
250 N. Atlantic Ave.
Daytona Beach
It’s never too soon to get the Father’s Day festivities going!  Kick off your Father’s Day weekend with some free entertainment at the Bandshell!  Take advantage of the great restaurants and shops at Ocean Walk while you’re at it!  Hosted by the City of Daytona Beach Cultural Services; featuring Andre Harkness, Dena Simone, Ray Borden, Shari Farmer and the Johnny Bulford Band.
ADMISSION:  FREE!
MORE INFO:  386-671-8250

FOR DADS WHO LIKE IT HOT:
KING OF THE WING 
June 14, 2008
11am - 3pm
Manatee Island, 325 N. Beach St.
Downtown Daytona Beach
Local restaurants and businesses will be entering their BEST chicken wings for you to sample! Come and enjoy the food, fun, family and giveaways. Admission includes one free drink, wing tasting, admission to Kid Zone (face painting, Moonwalk, playground, and more), and a FREE GIFT FOR DADS (while supplies last).
ADMISSION:  $10 per person; children 10 and younger free.
MORE INFO:  386-226-1414
Presented by the Volusia Home Builders Association

FOR DADS WHO LIKE IT FAST:
STAR MAKER – THE STORY OF THE DAYTONA 500
June 14, 2008
11am – 4pm
Halifax Historical Museum
252 South Beach Street
Downtown Daytona Beach
Marvette Panch Bagwell has loaned a portion of her father's immense racing collection to this exhibit, which will run through July 5. The exhibit outlines the evolution of the race beginning with the beach/road course and the construction of Daytona International Speedway.
ADMISSION: $4.00 for adults; children under 12 are free on Saturday (normally $1)

FOR DADS WHO LIKE IT WET:
DAYTONA LAGOON
Father's Day:  Dads Get In Free!
June 15, 2008
10am - 7pm
601 Earl St.
Daytona Beach
Twisty, turvey turns, over 1 million gallons of rushing water, exciting speed slides and attentive guards.  The basic ingredients for a fun and safe day await you at Daytona  Lagoon!
ADMISSION:  Dads are free with paid admission of kids; $19.99 (under 48"); regular $27.99; Florida residents $19.99
MORE INFORMATION:  www.daytonalagoon.com

FOR DADS WHO LIKE IT GREEN:
FATHER’S DAY 2008 at CONGO RIVER GOLF
June 15, 2008
10am – 11pm
Congo River Golf
2100 S. Atlantic Ave. (A1A)
Daytona Beach
On Father's Day, Dads will receive a FREE T-Shirt with a paid admission. Bring Dad out for a fun round of golf (maybe even consider letting him win this time)!
ADMISSION: Adults $10.45 Children under 10 $8.45
One child under 5 free with each paid admission.
MORE INFO: 386-258-6808

FOR DADS WHO LIKE IT WAVY:
"SURF’S UP” EXHIBIT
June 14, 2008
12 – 4pm
Ormond Memorial Art Museum
78 E. Granada Blvd.
Ormond Beach
"Surf's Up" is a wide-ranging display that includes paintings, prints, sculptures and other works by 12 area artists. There will be vintage beach photographs, surfing trophies, old movies of local beaches and, of course, surfboards.
ADMISSION: $2 donation
MORE INFO: 386-676-3347 or visit www.ormondartmuseum.org

These are just a few suggestions from this blogger.  Feel free to add your own ideas and information about anything I missed around town!  And, of course, Happy Father’s Day to every kind of Dad out there!  Have a great weekend!

2nd Annual Gaslight Gala November 24th, 2007

Gaslight Gala

Don't miss the second annual Gaslight Gala celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Gaslight Parade.  This great event will be held at the Anderson-Price Memorial Building at 42 N. Beach St. in Ormond Beach this Saturday, November 24th from 6p.m. until 10 p.m.  The cost is $50 to attend.  Enjoy dancing under an original gaslight chandelier to the Sal Ronci Quartet, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction gift baskets, Great Gatsby photo opportunity and food and cocktails.  Wine is provided by Ormond Wine Co. and Daytona-Ormond Real Estate.  Hors d' oeuvres offered by Hull's Seafood and Restaurant.  Buffet entree offered by Gryphon's Lark.  Dessert offered by LuLu's Restaurant.  We hope to see you there.

Local Make a Difference Day Activities

So what are you doing this Saturday?  Did you know that this Saturday, October 27th is Make a Difference Day?  What is Make a Difference Day?  USA Weekend Magazine named October 27th as a national community service day.  It is a day that you can do whatever you want to help others.  You never know how you can Make a Difference in someone’s life. 

Our local Kiwanis clubs are sponsoring a Kiwanis’ Kids Safety Fair at the local Wal Mart stores this Saturday from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.  All activities are free and include: water safety education, child ID fingerprints, home fire safety, gun locks, law enforcement demonstrations, forest fire prevention, community resource information and more.  There will also be clowns and face painting fun for the kids.   We will have the safety fairs at the following Wal Mart locations:

Palm Coast Wal Mart – 174 Cypress Point Pkwy
Ormond Beach Wal Mart – 1521 W. Granada Blvd.
Daytona Beach Wal Mart – 1101 Beville Rd.
New Smyrna Beach Wal Mart – 1998 SR 44
Deland Wal Mart – 1699 N Woodland Blvd.
Deltona Wal Mart – 101 Howland Blvd.

The City of Ormond Beach is also sponsoring a Make a Difference Day Family Festival at the Casements – 25 Riverside Dr in Ormond Beach this Saturday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.  This effort is to support Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM) in its efforts to prevent homelessness with a supply and food drive.

They are going to have all sorts of games and activities including a bounce house, balloons, tattoos, goody bags, story time and craft and food and drinks. 

Admission to the family is a donation of non-perishable foods or personal hygiene items.  Cash donations will be accepted and used to purchase additional food and personal hygiene items to support HUM.

Bring your kids out to enjoy the fun and Make a Difference!

We hope to see you there.

It's a good life,

Ian Anderson

Cobb’s Corner Classic 10K & 5K Race/Walk

Come out and join us for the inaugural Cobb’s Corner Classic 10K & 5K Race/Walk Saturday November 10^th at 8:00 am.  You can run or walk and enjoy the beautiful views along the river as you wind along the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop.  The run will begin at High Bridge Park at 8:00 am and wind through The Loop in Ormond Beach.  This event is presented by the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class IV.  Proceeds from the event will benefit PACE Center for Girls and the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program.  To register for this event call the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce at 386-677-6362, or at Spike’s Footwear on US1 in Holly Hill or you can register online at http://www.altavistasports.com/events.html.

Join us on the MS 150 Bike Ride from St. Augustine to Daytona Beach and back

A friend of mine had asked me if I was interested in joining them on a 150 mile bike ride from St. Augustine Florida to Daytona Beach and back.  It sounds like a challenge to me... raise money for charity and ride 150 miles in two days, I am in!

I started talking to people and beginning my fund raising efforts and I can't believe how many people I came across that have a friend or family member with MS.  I was working the Tech Fair for our local realtor association with Midori Miller who I just met recently and is responsible for inviting me into AR .  Her father has MS and her brother has ridden MS 150 rides in the past.  I mentioned that we could ride in honor of someone and she asked if I could ride for her father.  That is the least I could do.

On a side note, I have to say that Midori has been such a resource and driving force to get me on Active Rain (I just think she wants me to come to Century 21).  I have to return the favor.  She really does believe in "Pay it Forward"   This seems to be consistent with most of the people I have met since becoming a part of AR.

Another friend, Luanne Triolo had said that her sister has been diagnosed with MS and sent a picture.  She asked that I could ride for her sister as well.  It really makes such a difference when you are riding for a person.  It makes it so much more personal.

Join the crusade today.  Join us on the ride or volunteer for the event.  You can do one leg(75 miles) or the two day 150 mile ride.  You can make donations to MS here.

To learn more about MS go to their website.  It is a great cause and I am glad to be a part of the MS 150.

It's a good life,

Ian Anderson - Ormond Beach Real Estate

http://livinbythebeach.com/

Call Your Realtor Today Before Prices Go Any Higher. Median Home Prices Fall Slightly, Jump On It!

People are still on the fence waiting to see if prices will fall any more.  The market has seen a correction over the last year or so.  The median home price in Florida according to an article put out by the Florida Association of Realtors states that Florida's median sales price for existing single-family homes last month was $237,000; a year ago, it was $250,100 for a 5 percent decrease. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

In May 2002, the statewide median sales price for single-family homes was $137,100, for an increase of 72.9 percent over the five-year-period, according to FAR records.  So if I read this correctly, the median price has INCREASED by 72.9% over the last five years.  Is that so bad? 

Every market and every investment is cyclical in nature.  You cannot expect anything to grow upward continuously and indefinitely.  We are seeing a minor correction in our market and it will again pick up and continue to grow.  It is amazing how many people are still holding strong on their prices.  Our local market of the Greater Daytona Beach Area is relatively undervalued compared to the overall market in Florida.   

In April 2007, the national median sales price for existing single-family homes was $220,500, down 0.9 percent from the previous year, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). In California, the statewide median resales price was $597,640 in April; in Massachusetts, it was $345,000; in Maryland, it was $311,075; and in New York, it was $252,500.  Our median of $237,000 is a small price to pay to live in paradise. 

Florida real estate offers great opportunities for investors and home buyers right now.  The smart people realize that they need to buy now before the market picks back and interest rates go up.  Some people truly must sell their homes due to job transfers and such.  Some people are getting desperate to sell.  Desperation equals opportunity.  There are some great deals out there right now.  Jump before things take off again.

It's a good life,

Ian Anderson - Ormond Beach Area Real Estate

http://LivinByTheBeach.com