Issue No. 19/ September 2024

Successful Clean Up on the Coast

It was a beautiful day and a successful clean up as OSLT volunteers took to the coastline around the High Bridge area to participate alongside others in Volusia County during the International Coastal CleanUp on Saturday, September 21st.

More than 30 volunteers collected over 750 pounds of trash and recyclables including 400 pounds along the east/west side of High Bridge and Old Dixie Hwy AND an additional 350 pounds captured by the kayak brigade along the river and spoil island! There were snacks and giveaways provided to the tireless crew and everyone left feeling a great sense of accomplishment.

Thank you to OSLT Board Members Nancy Galdo and Karen Pillar who headed up the clean up efforts in the High Bridge area and Laura Ureta and Bryce Merritt who led the kayakers.

There is still a lot of work to be done so we are developing a recurring clean-up program for interested volunteers. See more in the "Clean Up Crew" section below.

In-Kind Support

Thank you to Love Whole Foods for donating snacks/drinks and Walmart for snacks, candy, bug repellant and sunscreen in support of the International Coastal Clean-Up. Thanks also to Ormond Beach T-Shirt Company for the "clean our oceans" stickers and OSLT magnets.

Ormond Beach Kiwanis Make

Major Donation

We are so excited - and appreciative - to announce that the Kiwanis Club of Ormond Beach recently awarded $5,000 to the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail in support of our education and research activities. Harvey Alan Burton (center) of the Kiwanis presented the grant award to OSLT Chair, Joe Jaynes (right), and Vice Chair, Nancy Galdo (left) during our August, 2024 meeting at the Ormond Beach Library.

Mr. Burton has been a force for good in our community and was instrumental in helping to establish the ReGrow the Loop program. Words cannot express how grateful we are for this generous contribution that will help support the OSLT's mission and bring important improvements to our Scenic Highway.

National

Night Out

Representatives from the OSLT will be attending the National Night Out sponsored by the Ormond Beach Police Department on Tuesday, October 1st from 5-8 pm at the Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive in Ormond Beach. Stop by our table and say hello!

Florida State Parks Update

We are happy to report that due to the large public outcry and the concerted efforts of many non-profit organizations, the drastic changes slated for eleven Florida State Parks has been tabled for now. These proposed changes included building large lodges and golf courses on fragile ecosystems within our State Parks and we learned that even our North Peninsula State Park was being considered for "recreational development." The Department of Environmental Protection is reworking their plans for 2025 which will allow for more citizen involvement and public meetings. We're hoping that the protection of our native wild spaces and species within Florida's State Parks will be held in the highest regard when considering any future changes.

The Florida Audubon website has helpful and in-depth information about the status of the State Park system: CLICK HERE

Inspired by the success of the Coastal Clean Up, we recently created an OSLT "Clean Up Crew!" We're planning our first "Clean Up" event for after Octoberfest and already have interested volunteers. To sign up and get updates about how you can get involved, please email ormondscenicloopandtrail@gmail.com and provide your name, email address and telephone number (we will only call you if your email address doesn't work). We're hoping to schedule periodic land and kayak cleanups, focusing on the areas needing it the most.. Thanks!

Coming November 16th and 17th!

Look for the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail in the Children's activity section during Ormond Beach's popular Riverfest Seafood Festival being held on November 16-17 at the Rockefeller Gardens/Casements in Ormond Beach. We'll have fun crafts for kids and OSLT goodies like t-shirts and mugs for sale so mark your calendars now for this fun family event!

To find out more visit: RIVERFEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We're proud to to recognize and provide links to the local businesses that have contributed to the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail:

Anytime Mobile Notary

Beachside Resale

Casey Wealth Advisors/Raymond James

Lagerheads Bar and Grill

Melody Lopez, Aloha Realty

If you or your business are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail please CLICK HERE

Our September Meetings -You're Invited!

Wednesday, September 25th

Community Outreach: 4 pm*

General Meeting: 5:30 pm

Ormond Beach Public Library

Sandpiper Room
30 South Beach Street
Ormond Beach, FL

*Doors open at 4 pm.

IIf weather conditions deteriorate locally, please call the Ormond Beach Library, ‭(386) 676-4191‬, to make sure they are open.

Join Us Remotely:

For those attendlng remotely, please sign on 15 minutes early. We have had some audio difficulty getting everyone online so our Team will be working out any technical problems before the 5:30 meeting starts.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting
Passcode: ZhewPz

Download Teams | Join on the web

Join with a video conferencing device

130865883@t.plcm.vc

Video Conference ID: 125 998 255 3

Alternate VTC instructions

Or call in (audio only)

+1 321-430-1064,,437455412# United States, Orlando

(844) 603-6058,,437455412# United States (Toll-free)

Phone Conference ID: 437 455 412#

The Mission of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail Byway organization is to protect and enhance the Loop by serving as a focused source of education, community outreach and enhancements projects consistent with our volunteer resources and guidelines of the Florida Scenic Highway and National Scenic Byway programs.