Latest news with #PortOrange
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Georgia Tech Gets Big News by Landing 2026 DL Commit
Georgia Tech Gets Big News by Landing 2026 DL Commit originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On a holiday weekend filled with fireworks, Georgia Tech lit its own spark by landing one of Florida's rising defensive stars. Freddie Wilson, a three-star defensive lineman out of Spruce Creek High School (Port Orange, Fla.), announced his commitment to the Yellow Jackets on July 6, choosing Tech over Miami and Minnesota. Advertisement Wilson becomes the third defensive line commit and the first true interior lineman in Georgia Tech's 2026 class. A class that is quietly shaping up to be one of the more promising groups in Brent Key's tenure. At 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, Wilson brings size, power, and versatility to the Jackets' front. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Wilson is the No. 60 defensive lineman nationally, No. 72 overall player in Florida, and sits just outside the national top 500. But rankings only tell part of the story. Wilson racked up 70 tackles, six sacks, and multiple tackles for loss in a breakout junior campaign after transferring from Mainland to Spruce Creek. His high-motor style and ability to shed blocks make him a consistent backfield threat, and a nightmare for offensive lines. One of his standout performances came in the Florida playoffs, where he notched 10 tackles in a narrow 36–35 win over Flagler Palm Coast. Advertisement 'I could potentially be that guy,' Wilson told The Daytona Beach News-Journal, referring to his belief in Georgia Tech's development pipeline under defensive line coach Jess Simpson. 'They're working on the facilities and the stadium for the Class of 2026, and I know it will look good when it's done.' Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key on the sideline against the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports The Yellow Jackets are building more than just facilities, they're building a pipeline. Wilson now joins former teammate and fellow Spruce Creek defensive lineman Derry 'Chuck' Norris, a 2025 signee who enrolled early in January. The duo will reunite in Atlanta, anchoring a defensive front that Georgia Tech hopes can return to the physical, dominant identity of years past. Wilson is the Jackets' 20th overall commit for the 2026 cycle and the eighth defensive commit, joining edge rushers Chris Carbin and Alex Willis on the defensive line. Advertisement And don't expect Tech to slow down. With momentum on their side and strategic needs up front, look for the Jackets to target at least one more defensive lineman before the class is finalized. As Brent Key continues to mold his vision for Georgia Tech football, securing versatile, high-upside prospects like Freddie Wilson signals a commitment to winning the battle in the trenches, where games are truly won. Related: Georgia Tech Baseball Reloads Through Transfer Portal Surge This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
July 4th is more than fireworks in the Daytona Beach area. Concerts, contests and more.
Sure, fireworks are the star of the show on July 4th — and Volusia and Flagler's got them covered with pyrotechnic displays in nearly every community But what about stepping out to try something a little different this year? In Orange City, there's an old-fashioned pie-baking contest. Port Orange is hosting a Coney Island-style eating competition to see who can scarf the most watermelon the fastest. Live music will fill the air, from brass band sounds in Orange City to Eagles' classic hits in Daytona Beach, and much more. Check out all the events taking place in the area during the annual summer celebration of patriotism, family and barbecues: Pie-baking contest in Orange City; pies (in a red, white and blue theme) must be entered by 5:30 p.m. at the red and white tent, with judging at 5:45 p.m. Watermelon-eating contest follows at 7 p.m., with different age groups competing every 30 minutes. Valentine Park, 1511 W. French Ave. Visit for details. Pie-baking, watermelon-eating contest and classic car show in Port Orange, 5:30 - 9 p.m., City Center Municipal Complex, 1000 City Center Circle. Visit for details. Patriotic costume contest and hula-hoop contest from 7 - 8 p.m. in Edgewater, Menard May Park, 413 S. Riverside Drive. Visit for details. Skydive DeLand has an all-day event with discounted skydives, a slip-n-slide for D-license holders, smoke jumps, flag displays and tandem discounts. Cool off in kiddie pools, grab an Independence Day T-shirt and get into the Swoop & Chug challenge. Also, music, barbecued foods and cold drinks (including beer). Cap off the day at 6 p.m. with a DJ, bonfire and specialty holiday drinks at The Perfect Spot. Skydive DeLand, 1600 Flightline Blvd. Visit for details. Our Friends Electric, playing in Port Orange, 5:30 - 9 p.m., City Center Municipal Complex, 1000 City Center Circle. Visit for details. Groove Slayers, playing in Orange City; 5:30 - 9 p.m., Valentine Park, 1511 W. French Ave. Visit for details. Music featuring DJ Tom in New Smyrna Beach, 6 - 9:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 299 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach. Visit for details. Eagles tribute band Alter Egos at the Star-Spangled Summer Concert Series in Daytona Beach, 7:15 p.m. concert, Daytona Beach Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk. Visit for details. Hayfire on the main stage and Brad Kriebel on the stage at DeBary's 4th of July Freedom Fest, 6:30 - 9 p.m., Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary. Visit for details. Watch the Daytona Tortugas, the minor-league team of the Cincinnati Reds, face off against division rival, the St. Lucie Mets at 6:35 p.m., with gates opening one hour before, at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 Orange Ave. General admission is $8-$10; $11-$13 for reserved tickets; $20+ for VIP. Visit Daytona Tortugas for details. Looking to get out of the heat, at least for a little while, on the Fourth? Enjoy air-conditioned comfort when you buy tickets to the 6:30 p.m. stand-up comedy show featuring Tony Black and Scott Orbany at the Brannon Center, 105 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach. Here's the full list of Fourth of July fireworks in the Daytona Beach and Palm Coast areas: Daytona Beach, 9:45 p.m. on the beach near the Daytona Beach Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk. DeBary, no time listed, at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive. DeLand, dusk, at Earl Brown Park, 751 S. Alabama Ave. Pierson, 9 p.m. at Chipper Jones Park, 128 W. Washington Ave. Deltona, 9:15 p.m. at Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex, 1200 Saxon Blvd. Edgewater, dusk, Menard May Park and Kennedy Park, S. Riverside Dr. and E. Ocean Ave. Lake Helen, 9 p.m. at Blake Park, 493 S. Lakeview Drive. New Smyrna Beach, 9 p.m. at Riverside Park, 299 S. Riverside Drive. Orange City, 9:10 p.m. at Valentine Park, 1511 W. French Ave. Ormond Beach, 9 p.m. at Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive. Port Orange, 9 p.m. at City Center Municipal Complex, 1000 City Center Circle. Palm Coast, 9 p.m. at Flagler Executive Airport, off of Fin Way at South Belle Terre Blvd. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Things to do on 4th of July in the Daytona Beach area
Globe and Mail
23-06-2025
- Globe and Mail
Port Orange: A Hidden Outdoor Escape in Central Florida
Visitors to the New Smyrna Beach Area who are seeking a place to explore that's close to everything, yet away from the hubbub, should look no further than Port Orange. Just minutes from the area's big attractions, the town is also home to many natural spaces, dining options, and family-friendly activities that are sure to keep everyone happy. A Home Away from Home Visitors to Port Orange will find a variety of lodging options. The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson features an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. And for guests traveling with their four-footed companions, pets are welcome at this hotel. The complimentary breakfast includes the hotel chain's famous waffles. Also in Port Orange is the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, with its nicely appointed rooms, indoor pool, and free continental breakfast. For travelers looking for more rustic accommodations, the town is home to several campgrounds. Nova Family Campground sits on 20 acres, close to the city center, yet is worlds away from city life. Campers will find tent sites, fully serviced RV sites, and furnished cabins here. Another option is Daytona's Endless Summer Campground, which also offers full hook-ups for RVs, an outdoor pool and playground, and basic tent sites, as well as cabins and lodges for a complete glamping experience. A Taste of Port Orange: Where to Eat and Drink Dining options in Port Orange run from quick snacks to casual pub grub to fine dining. For a bit of nourishment on the go, Taqueria Juanita serves up delicious tamales, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare. Nestled in the dunes between the ocean and the Halifax River, Dunes Brewing pours house-brewed beers and offers bar snacks, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Port Orange. Diners can build their own bowls to order at Filo, depending on whether they're craving a hearty dish with rice, steak, and veggies or just a light meal of salad with falafel. Make sure to save room for one of their Mediterranean desserts! Mulligan's Grille is a family-friendly sports bar, with games for all ages and a wide-ranging food and drinks menu. Shopping, Entertainment, and Local Markets Shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts will both find plenty to do and see in Port Orange. For those seeking clothing and home goods, entertainment, and dining, the Pavilion at Port Orange is the spot. Visitors can catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters at the 14-screen Regal Cinemas, take a break with a stroll along the walking trail, or stop by the covered play area. Every Saturday, the Port Orange Farmers Market brings fresh produce, crafts, prepared foods, and live entertainment to the Pavilion. Explore the Outdoors: Parks, Gardens, and Trails Those itching to get outdoors and enjoy the area's famous sunshine will find several parks in town. The 23-acre Spruce Creek Park is crisscrossed by several miles of natural trails, which are open to walking and biking. Visitors can also stroll along the 536-foot boardwalk and the 15-foot observation tower, which provides views across the marshes. The park also features picnic facilities, a playground, and a canoe launch for those who want to explore by water. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens offers 10 acres of lush botanical gardens and historic ruins to explore. Once a 19th-century sugar plantation, the site has evolved over time—from a working mill destroyed during the Second Seminole War to an amusement park, and now a peaceful garden maintained by the Botanical Gardens of Volusia. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, including a children's garden, spot life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and discover unique features like a sundial and a Florida-shaped herb garden. Riverwalk Park is another great spot for all ages. The park is split into two sections: the north end includes a paddling launch, boardwalk, fishing piers, and paddle rentals at the concession stand. On the south side, a splash pad, playground, picnic pavilions, and event stage offer plenty of space to play and relax. A scenic quarter-mile path connects both areas, featuring a QR Fit Trail with rotating full-body exercises for every fitness level. The park is also host to numerous community events throughout the year, such as Spring Brew & Food Fest and Shop-A-Palooza Craft & Vendor show. Port Orange is the perfect location for a family getaway. It's close to all the attractions in the New Smyrna Beach Area, yet still maintains a tranquil, natural environment in which to get away from it all. For more information: Please visit Follow or @visitnewsmyrnabeach on Instagram for the latest news. Media Contact Company Name: Visit New Smyrna Beach Area Contact Person: Aline Gill Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Miller: At the the end of the day, I just want to be a great city manager.
May 10—MORGANTOWN — On April 16, Morgantown City Council convened for a 90-second special meeting to announce the result of a four-month national search for its next city manager. The body voted unanimously to hire Jamie Miller. Miller, 36, is originally from the Parma Heights area near Cleveland, but has spent most of her adult life in Florida, where she first entered municipal government as a human resources specialist before rising to deputy city manager and interim city manager for Port Orange, a coastal city of 65, 000. She comes to Morgantown from Paris, Ky., where she was hired as city manager on April 26, 2022. The seat of Bourbon County, Paris has just over 10, 000 residents and a current operating budget of $12.3 million. According to media reports, Miller was a finalist for city manager jobs in Manhattan, Kan., and Davenport, Iowa, in the past year. She will take over as Morgantown's chief executive by June 23 with a starting salary of $175, 000. She recently spoke with The Dominion Post about what drew her to the University City and her expectations for the job. What interested you in the city of Morgantown ? I'm very happy in my current community and wasn't necessarily looking to leave, but Morgantown really caught my eye when I saw the opportunity. I was drawn to it. I feel it's a dynamic community. I think it has a strong sense of civic pride and the city has a real mix of natural beauty. The university presence is great and I think it's a community really filled with a lot of opportunities, and that stood out to me. As I started the process and the interviews and talking to people, I felt there was a real alignment with, you know ... I believe in providing high quality municipal services — the highest quality we can at what we can afford to do it with. I felt that those I interacted with during the interview shared that vision and shared that drive to want to do good things for Morgantown. So, I felt very connected. I see Morgantown as a place where thoughtful leadership can make a meaningful impact and I think that's extremely important. How did you get into municipal government and how would you describe your leadership style ? I didn't necessarily go through a traditional path where I sought to get into local government, but that is where my career led me. I have a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology. So, I started my career in human resources. I ended up practicing human resources for a local government in Port Orange, Fla., and as I got into local government, it really gets into your blood. Public service is something that's either for you or it isn't. It has to be for you if you're going to continue it. I had the opportunity to work under a lot of fantastic people who poured into me, who developed me and challenged me to be my best, and I loved the public service. So, great people along the way saw things in me, and I think that leads to how I value my leadership style — looking for the greatness in others and bringing that out in them. In leadership, it's very important that you're able to respond to different situations. Situational leadership is very important. You need to be able to adapt. But I would say, overall, to describe my leadership style, it's going to be people-focused and collaborative. What do you see as the benefits and challenges of leading a city that's home to a major university with priorities that don't always align with the city ? It's definitely an opportunity. I'm excited to get in and build those relationships. I know the university is also going through some leadership changes, so I think it's a great opportunity for us to pull together and really reflect and say, "How can we do things that meet the common goal of the community as a whole ? How can we build on the things that we share perspectives on and build from those strengths instead of the things that can push us apart.?" Certainly, we can't ignore those, and we have to work on them. But I'm a big believer that as we talk about those, we have to work to understand the different perspectives and make sure we're using the same language. I find a lot of concerns can come down to communication and understanding — not just what people are saying, but why they're saying it. What is driving that need, or that fear or that missing piece that they're looking for ? So, making sure at the end of the day, can we find something where we do have a common goal and push that forward because I think everybody wants Morgantown to be great. I think that's something that everybody can agree on. The interwoven topics of social services, homelessness, addiction and mental health have received a tremendous amount of attention in recent years. What role should government play in addressing those issues, or should they be left to social service providers ? I think it has to be a mix. I mentioned previously, collaboration is my style. There are definitely services and things that may not be the city's core function to provide, and bringing in partners to be able to address those issues is important because they're very complex and they don't have simple solutions. You often have to tackle those items from multiple perspectives. So, I think you have to take a combined approach to it. I am aware that there's been some concern that's come up, but I also know that there's some great things that the city does offer. I know that they employ a social worker with the police department who's focused on connecting people with resources. Certainly, the city financially assists in some of those areas and provides support for social services, which is great to see. There has to be collaboration between government and social services as well the private and public sectors of the community. It is such a complex item to address. More partners will make us more successful. You will be the first woman hired to be Morgantown's city manager. Is that something that holds significance for you ? You know, it's not. I don't think too much about it. I was the first woman in Paris, as well. At the end of the day, I just want to be a great city manager. I'm certainly proud of the things I've been able to accomplish in my career, but that's not something I pay too much attention to. Morgantown's had a recent run of city managers who have stayed in the position for four years or less. Do you see yourself here long term ? I do. I do hope to have that vision. From a personal standpoint, I have a 15-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. I would certainly love to see them all the way through WVU. That would be the ultimate goal. So, I do see a long-term future in Morgantown. What would you like the people of Morgantown to know ? What I want the community to know is pretty simple — I'm here to serve them. I take the responsibility of city management very seriously and I want to be great for the community as a public servant. I'm here for them.
