|
Subscribe | Get featured
Hi Daytona Beach, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Florida beach towns on a budget, a deputy’s daring rescue, NASCAR’s new VIP experiences, and more.
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Coastal living on a budget: A recent roundup names 10 Florida beach towns where $1,800 a month covers rent, groceries, and utilities, and Daytona Beach makes the cut alongside spots like Pensacola and Fort Pierce — see the full list.
New technology leadership move: Daytona Beach-based Brown & Brown appointed Dori Henderson as Chief Information Technology Officer, leading strategy and improving digital support for teammates and customers after heading digital at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield — read the full story.
Heroism under pressure: Earlier this month, Volusia Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Graham pulled a woman from a burning home in Volusia County, and another deputy performed CPR. She is expected to recover — read the full story.
Growing blazes disrupt communities: Wildfires burned across Central Florida this month, prompting Osceola evacuations and shutting I-95 in Volusia as burn bans followed and more than 21,000 acres burned statewide, with no injuries reported — get details on evacuations and bans.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
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.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
New trackside VIP destinations: Earlier this month, NASCAR launched NASCAR Signature Experiences, a premium hospitality platform for race weekends. It features 1948, an all inclusive refined access option, and Rev House, a high energy entertainment space. The program brings elevated, immersive experiences for fans and partners across the NASCAR season. Explore 1948 and Rev House.
Affordable housing momentum grows: On February 19, Volusia County broke ground on Lakewood Senior Housing in Daytona. The first phase will add 56 affordable units for income qualified seniors through the Transform386 program. Local officials and partners attended. It is one of four approved Transform386 multifamily projects. Learn more about the project.
Locally grown goodness: Wild Rabbit Bistro keeps it honest with a seasonal, chef-driven scratch menu for conscientious omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. An in-house bakery handles cravings, and the vibe stays feel-good farm-to-table without the fuss. Fresh, regional sourcing keeps plates bright and satisfying.
Upgrade your tools: From sturdy smallwares and cookware to bar gadgets and larger equipment when projects grow, Angela’s Restaurant Supplies is the local, open-to-the-public source for a fast kitchen upgrade. No fluff… just durable tools you’ll actually use, priced right and ready to go.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
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.
🎨 Starry Night Theme Paint & Sip @ Starry Night Gallery | Friday (2/27) at 6:00 PM – Over at Starry Night Gallery, it’s all swirls and sips. Channel your inner Van Gogh while you paint Starry Night, drink in hand, with BOGO drinks that make your brush braver. Expect easy laughs, decent masterpieces, and stories that look better in lamplight.
🌌 Night Sky Festival @ Museum of Arts & Sciences | Friday (2/27) at 6:30 PM – Trade porch stargazing for the real deal at The Brown, formerly MOAS, with outdoor telescopes, a bar, and Seth Mayo pointing out Orion, Jupiter, and friends. Then swing by ERAU’s Astronomy Open House for demos and a peek through a giant telescope, parking is tight.
🍎 Healthy Port Orange Kick-Off @ Port Orange Gymnasium Rec Center | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – If your sneakers need a purpose, the Healthy Port Orange Kick-Off delivers. Meet sponsors and fellow challengers, get the skinny on the 10-week, work-friendly program, and register before it fills for the right shirt. Day-of works too, if you like to live dangerously.
⚙ ERAU Engineering Day @ Museum of Arts & Sciences | Saturday (2/28) at 11:00 AM – At The Brown, yes, formerly MOAS, curious locals can poke at the future without wearing a lab coat. ERAU students showcase real research, from aviation to environmental science, with poster chats and friendly demos. Members get in free, everyone else with museum admission.
🔨 Build Day – February 2026 @ USA Gundam Store | Saturday (2/28) at 11:00 AM – Whether you’re dusting off your nippers or just here for the snacks, swing by the shop to build kits with fellow hobbyists. Free food, drinks, and a free raffle for Kotobukiya model kit giveaways, because grown-up prizes beat office swag every time.
💃 Girl Scout Dance Fun Patch Workshop @ Attitudes Dance Academy | Saturday (2/28) at 2:30 PM – Got a Girl Scout with pent-up pirouettes? This scouts-only workshop knocks out the dance patch in an hour, hands them the badge before sneakers cool, and even tosses 50% off fall registration their way. $10, drop-off only, space is limited, pre-registration required.
🏍 Daytona Supercross @ Daytona International Speedway | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Trade your Saturday errands for throttle therapy at Daytona Supercross, the longest running, most storied stop in American Supercross. Expect stadium roost, big air, and that glorious fuel-and-sunscreen perfume, then brag you saw it live while your group chat pretends not to be jealous.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Daytona Beach report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 76°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 76. South southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 27%
A chance of rain showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
This house is wild
Upgraded Breeze Bay in Latitude Margaritaville Phase 7 on a quiet cul-de-sac with private pond and preserve views. Stylish finishes include crown molding, quartz throughout, 42-inch cabinetry, and laminate flooring with a 20-year warranty. An extended lanai with an Elite roof and panoramic mega-screen surrounds an ionized, gas-heated pool with auto cover. Epoxy garage, overhead storage, and free Orlando channels.
Take a peek inside →
|
🔥 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.
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
