Good morning, New Smyrna! In today’s edition: A coastal dune restoration, a MindTravel silent piano concert, a hidden pollution source revealed in the lagoon, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Coastal restoration effort launched: New Smyrna Beach’s dune-building project is beginning to fight erosion and reduce flooding after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, adding 500,000 cubic yards of sand along 5.5 miles, with temporary closures — get all the project details.

Winter wildlife festivities abound: Manatee Season is in full swing at select Florida State Parks, including Blue Spring and Homosassa Springs. Celebrations include a Jan. 18 festival and the 41st at Blue Spring — see parks and events.

Hidden pollution source revealed: An ORCA study found discarded grass clippings fuel harmful algae and muck in the Indian River Lagoon, potentially adding up to 10% of nutrients in some heavily residential areas — see what the study found.

Burrito craving solved: When the week calls for a foil-wrapped hug, The Taco Shack answers with the Beachin’ Burrito and a laid-back, family-run vibe that’s pure NSB. Expect fresh, hearty flavors that don’t overthink it…simple, satisfying, exactly what you wanted.

Policy shifts and park progress: New Smyrna Beach finished park upgrades, and a proposal to reduce setbacks for houses of worship, prompted by Beachside Baptist Church, will return to the city commission for approval soon — get all the details.

MindTravel Silent Piano Concert @ Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park | Sunday (1/11) at 5:00 PM – If you’re ready for music you can actually hear, MindTravel returns to New Smyrna Beach with a live piano concert delivered straight to your headphones. Slip them on, stroll the sand, and savor great keys, ocean breezes, and the sweet absence of chatty strangers — see the event listing.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🌊 Project Plankton: Volunteer Training Workshop @ Marine Discovery Center | Tuesday (1/13) at 3:00 PM – If you’ve been wanting an excuse to geek out on the Indian River Lagoon, this is it. Learn to collect plankton, prep samples, and catalog tiny locals at a volunteer training with Marine Discovery Center, no PhD needed, ages 15+. Sign up online.

🚢 Museum Program – The Union Navy Arrives In New Smyrna @ New Smyrna Museum of History | Thursday (1/15) at 5:00 PM – History is pulling into port with a look at Civil War-era New Smyrna, the Union Navy’s arrival, and the St. Augustine Blues sent to guard the inlet. Expect less cannon fire, more archival stories, and the real deal on blockade running and early standoffs.

💪 16th Annual Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Opening Ceremony @ Brannon Center | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Kick off NSB’s 8-week Mayor’s Fitness Challenge at the opening ceremony, featuring fun workouts, gym access, fitness assessments, and, yes, cash on the line. Show up, meet your neighbors, and prove that walking Flagler counts as cardio, hydration stops included.

🥾 Martin’s Dairy Hike @ Martins Dairy | Friday (1/16) at 8:30 AM – Explore Volusia is leading a three-mile hike on the Old King’s Road Loop at Martin’s Dairy with Environmental Specialist Tommy Nordmann, terrain changing as you go. Expect oak hammocks, sugar sand, and why a dairy has zero cows. Real Florida, good company, no treadmill.

🐚 Seashell Paint Class @ Victoria Meeting Center | Friday (1/16) at 5:30 PM – Craving a beach moment without the five-hour drive or the sand? This beginner-friendly class has you painting a seashell on wood, supplies included, image pre-drawn, and zero judgment. It is relaxing, oddly satisfying, and spots disappear faster than summer Fridays, so grab one here: https://square.link/u/ecB4exwA.

🎬 Art in the Form of Film: The life of Chuck @ The Hub on Canal | Friday (1/16) at 5:30 PM – Cool evenings call for a good movie, a drink, and smart talk. Catch The Life of Chuck, Stephen King by way of Mike Flanagan, with a TIFF People’s Choice win, then let Paul Marino stir the post-film chat. Ten bucks, beer and wine, easy win.

🕵 Murder Mystery Dinner Show Fundraiser @ Coronado Civic Center | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – Channel your inner Columbo at a Murder Mystery Dinner at Coronado Civic Center, where every clue and cocktail helps fund local student scholarships. Expect laughs, tasty eats, raffles, a 50/50, and a silent auction, all benefiting AAF Daytona Beach’s programs, education, and community projects.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 New Smyrna report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 79°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 8%

Areas of fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 75°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 22%

Patchy fog before 7am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Most popular house this week

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