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Rise and shine, New Smyrna!

In today’s planning-your-week edition: Rip current simulator debuts, Gorillaz tour announced, and a history walk with a tomb in the street + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around New Smyrna protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Immersive water safety training: Volusia County Beach Safety introduced a rip current simulator to teach people in a pool setting how to respond, with purchase reimbursed by Florida Department of Children and Families — see how it works.

Shifting support for culture: Volusia County Council restored arts funding for this year only after 2025 cut and ended cultural grant process. Local theaters had applied as lawmakers say property tax reform could pass — learn what changed and why.

Rap acts join the bill: Virtual band Gorillaz brings its new album The Mountain to a US tour starting in nearby Orlando on September 17. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m — see dates and support acts.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Treat yourself at NSB Farmers Market
• Shop the 13th Annual Spring Art Sale
• Cruise and spot winter migratory birds
• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• A home warranty that actually pays is 50% off right now

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Craving cozy pho? AA Garden Fusion ladles from-scratch Vietnamese pho and serves handmade spring rolls, with easy crowd-pleasers for tables split between Thai, poke, and noodles. When you want something warm without overthinking dinner, this spot quietly nails weeknight comfort.

Fabric fix, sorted: If your stash needs a reboot, The Sew ‘N Quilt Co has fresh bolts, friendly pros, and a calendar packed with classes from sit-and-sew to kids club, plus quilting services when your top is finally done. Expect inspiration and tools that make your next project feel easy.

Weekend waffle fix: When the breakfast craving hits, C’s Waffles brings cozy, no-fuss diner vibes. Think golden waffles with crispy edges, syrupy stacks, and hearty breakfast-and-lunch plates that stick with you. With C’s Waffles in your regular rotation, you’ll roll into the week feeling fueled.

What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →

📆 Our favorite events this week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🚶 History Walking Tour: Old Coronado Beach and Flagler Ave @ Flagler Ave & Pine Street New Smyrna Beach Florida 32169 | Wednesday (3/11) at 10:30 AM – This history walk through Old Coronado Beach and Flagler Ave somehow includes a tomb in the street, plus a WWII watchtower site. Meet at gazebo by the shuffleboard courts at Flagler and Pine, bring exact change, and call it quality time for $5 to $15.

🍿 Family Movie Night @ The Rusty Spur (New Smyrna Beach) | Friday (3/13) at 7:30 PM – Whether Florida’s forecast is finally feeling generous or just tired of raining on plans, Boots & Brushes’ family movie night is rescheduled for Friday, March 13, under the stars. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, the good snacks, and bug spray. Low-key, high-charm.

🥕 Farmers Market @ Old Fort Park (New Smyrna Beach) | Saturday (3/14) at 7:00 AM – Nothing beats a Saturday morning lap through Old Fort Park, coffee in hand, and a tote ready for produce, baked goods, plants, and local makers. It’s friendly, unhurried, and very NSB. Go early, trade recipes, then pretend you didn’t come for the sourdough.

🏓 2nd Annual Reggie Beverly Pickleball Classic @ Babe James Community Center (New Smyrna Beach) | Saturday (3/14) at 7:30 AM – The Reggie Beverly Pickleball Classic is serving up bragging rights at Babe James, with doubles round robin for beginners and intermediates, three games guaranteed. It’s $15, just 32 spots, bring a partner or get paired, and yes, your dink counts as cardio.

🐟 Seafood Fest @ Riverwalk Park (Port Orange) | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Take a break and hit Riverwalk Park for Port Orange’s free Seafood Fest, serving lobster rolls, crab cakes, ceviche, and conch fritters, plus land-lover bites. Kid zone, splash pad, DJ, and giveaways, no booze, so dancing will be sincere. Bring chairs, shop local.

🖼 13th Annual Spring Art Sale @ The Hub on Canal (New Smyrna Beach) | Sunday (3/15) at 10:00 AM – Spring Art Sale season hits The Hub on Canal for its 13th lap, with original works from the artists you actually run into at Publix. Stroll Canal Street, hunt for that just-right piece, and feel smug knowing your walls, and your dollars, stay local.

♀ 4th Annual Health, Wellness and Women’s Day Expo @ Brannon Center (New Smyrna Beach) | Sunday (3/15) at 11:00 AM – The Brannon Center is buzzing with a one-stop Health, Wellness, and Women’s Day expo, where your doctor, your esthetician, and your favorite boutique basically moved in for the day. Browse local artisans and resources, treat yourself guilt-free, and yes, fellas, you’re invited.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/11 Qwister @ River Deck NSB (New Smyrna Beach) – 5:00 PM
• 3/12 Karaoke @ Doghouse Bar And Grill (Port Orange) – 5:00 PM
• 3/12 Thursday Night Karaoke @ The Doghouse Bar & Grill LLC (Port Orange) – 6:00 PM
• 3/13 Mark Venneri @ Venetian Bay Golf And Country Club (New Smyrna Beach) – 5:00 PM
• 3/14 Little V Poker Run @ Fred H. Reiland VFW Post 4250 (New Smyrna Beach) – 10:00 AM
• 3/15 Mud Rooster @ Tiki Docks Port Orange – 1:00 PM
• 3/15 The Rundown Duo @ Norwood’s Treehouse Bar (New Smyrna Beach) – 6:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• See if you can get a lower car insurance rate
• Protect your pet (and your wallet) with Spot

📻 New Smyrna report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 83°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 14%

Patchy fog between 8am and 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South southeast wind 0 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 83°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 12%

Patchy fog before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 83. South southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Access cash without selling your home 🏠

A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your house.

Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much tax-free cash your home equity’s worth, with no commitment required.

This house is wild

This gated 6-bed, 4.5-bath oceanfront estate spans two lots in Bethune’s non-driving beach, with Intracoastal sunsets and ocean sunrises. The 2022-renovated main house features a second-floor primary, a Thermador kitchen with pass-through bar, and a wine wall. The courtyard centers a fiberglass pool with slide, outdoor shower, and stargazing tub. The 2023 three-story guest house includes suites with efficiency kitchens.

Take a peek inside →