|
Good morning, New Smyrna! In today’s edition: Grass clippings fueling lagoon algae, a silent piano concert, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
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.
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.
Federal oversight shapes rebuild: Temporary stairs are in place at Ponce Inlet North Jetty after high tide damage, with replacement expected in spring 2026 while the county seeks permits to extend the concrete deck — see restrictions and next steps.
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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*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
Policy shift implications ahead: Volusia County Council meets today for a goal-setting workshop at the Thomas C. C. to discuss proposed state property tax changes. Florida is considering eliminating some of its own property taxes in the future, and officials will review possible local impacts. See potential local impacts.
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.
Touch the lagoon, literally: Whether you’re after a quiet paddle, a dolphin-spotting boat ride, or a hands-on class that proves science shines outdoors, Marine Discovery Center connects New Smyrna Beach to the Indian River Lagoon with guided eco-tours, “hands-on, feet-wet” programs, and easy ways to pitch in.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
|
📆 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.
🍷 Trinchero Family Estates Wine Dinner @ Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar | Friday (1/9) at 7:00 PM – Whether you know Trinchero Family Estates from Napa weekends or just trust a good pour, this wine dinner brings five courses paired with six beautiful wines. Yes, six, because restraint is overrated. Expect thoughtful pairings, grown-up conversation, and the kind of evening you actually remember.
🎷 Digna Ojito and more @ Live Oak Cultural Center | Friday (1/9) at 7:30 PM – Latin jazz meets classic standards as vocalist Digna Ojito joins the James Hall Quartet at Live Oak Center. Vibraphone sparkle, steady swing, and favorites like Como Fue, Besame Mucho, I Remember You, and Unforgettable. Free admission, which pairs nicely with our local specialty, lingering.
🏃 No Longer Fatherless 5K Run/Walk @ Riverside Park | Saturday (1/10) at 8:30 AM – This chip-timed 5K run or walk at Riverside Park is resolution-friendly cardio with views, and an excuse for pancakes. Get a bib, shirt, medal, and swag, plus age-group awards to chase. Stick around for free kids races, Rocket Race and the Big Lap Challenge.
🎨 2-day Master Watercolor Workshop @ Artists’ Workshop NSB | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – A two-day watercolor workshop at Studio B offers a four-step plan to finally finish a painting, with decades of know-how, an overhead mirror, and all the paper and paints included. Show up, learn light, color, and mood for landscapes, then leave smugly productive. Members save.
🔬 Girls in Indian River Lagoon Sciences @ Marine Discovery Center | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – Got a curious kid who thinks mud is a lab? Marine Discovery Center and MOAS host a free, girls-only day, ages 8-15, with mangrove data, plankton hunts, shoreline fixes, stargazing with MOAS, and real IRL scientists. Register online, then enjoy your coffee, guilt-free.
🛍 25th Annual Dollhouse & Flea Market @ Volusia County Fairgrounds | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – If your inner kid still rearranges tiny furniture, the 25th Annual Dollhouse and Miniature Flea Market at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand is your jam. Loads of vendors, door prizes, and dangerously cute décor, all in Talton Hall. Bring patience, curiosity, and readers.
🎧 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.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📣 Own or manage a local business?
Meet BaseLocal Business — a free and easy way to get your business happenings in front of our readers.
How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
- We’ll manually verify your business is legit
- Once verified, you’ll be able to share events, news, and special deals with us any time
Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of New Smyrna locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.
Click here to get started (it’s free) →
|
📻 New Smyrna report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 76°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 1%
Patchy fog before 9am. Mostly sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. North northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 80°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 4%
Patchy fog before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
Location is everything with this charming Old Florida home sitting directly on Turnbull Bay. With 250 feet of waterfront with direct water access, your ticket to fun is right in your backyard.
It’s got three bedrooms and one bath, mature surroundings, and a quiet tucked away vibe that’s hard to find under seven figures. The 50’s bungalow is cute, but it also offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to remodel or build new right on the water.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
