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Thursday, May 7, 2026 · Daytona Beach

Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge

Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.

Thursday, May 7, 2026
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DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties

With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Daytona Beach Updates Employee Travel Policy

Daytona Beach's new employee travel policy, effective February 2026, requires advance digital approval and replaces meal reimbursements with per diem allowances to control spending.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Daytona Beach Shores Names Mike Fowler City Manager

Mike Fowler becomes city manager of Daytona Beach Shores after 34 years with the city, most recently leading its public safety department.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Daytona Beach Marine Honored as Volusia County's First Veteran of the Year

Pierre Louis, a retired Marine Corps officer from Daytona Beach, becomes Volusia County's first Veteran of the Year. The council will recognize him on June 2.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Mark Boice Named Daytona Beach's Chief Building Official

Mark Boice takes over as Chief Building Official for Daytona Beach, bringing 17 years of building inspection experience from Flagler County.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Daytona Beach Housing Starts Drop as Building Boom Cools

New housing starts in Daytona Beach fell to 532 in 2025 as the city's construction boom cools following a 2022 peak of 1,200 starts.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Medications Can Increase Heat Illness Risk This Summer

Certain medications increase the risk of heat illness during Daytona Beach summers by suppressing sweating and dulling thirst. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and know the warning signs.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Navy Veteran Builds Support Program for Incarcerated Veterans in Massachusetts

Navy veteran Mayumi Kimura, who deployed to the Persian Gulf, now directs a support program for incarcerated veterans in Massachusetts that provides therapy, PTSD treatment, and service dogs.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Veterans Can Reduce Suicide Risk by Securing Firearms and Medications

The Department of Veterans Affairs says Daytona Beach residents can help prevent veteran suicides by securing firearms and medications at home.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami

Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Tuesday at the Tower: Stephen Crane, The Commodore and the Open Boat

Explore the dramatic true story behind Stephen Crane’s classic work The Open Boat and its connection to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse at the upcoming Tuesday at the Tower event.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

VA Chaplains Help Homeless Veterans in Daytona Beach Rebuild Purpose

VA chaplains in Daytona Beach offer spiritual care to homeless veterans, addressing isolation and lost identity alongside basic needs like shelter.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

How Daytona Beach Graduates Can Land Their First Job

New Daytona Beach graduates should emphasize skills from internships and coursework on resumes, build professional networks through career fairs and LinkedIn, and consider the Department of Veterans Affairs for entry-level clinical roles.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

VA Home Loans Help Daytona Beach Veterans Buy With No Down Payment

VA-guaranteed home loans offer Daytona Beach veterans zero down payments and no mortgage insurance. The benefit served over 500,000 borrowers in 2025 alone.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

I-95 Overnight Pacing Operations Begin Thursday at Pioneer Trail Interchange

Traffic pacing operations close I-95 lanes overnight Thursday as work continues on the Pioneer Trail Interchange project in Port Orange.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Offers Guided Tours Exploring Maritime History

Explore Florida's tallest lighthouse and its maritime history with guided tours led by expert docents at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, included with admission.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.

Thursday, May 7, 2026