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The Charge •

UCFPD hosts Coffee with a Cop to shine light on Campus Safety Awareness Month

An array of colorful donuts and freshly brewed coffee filled the lobby Thursday as the UCF Police Department hosted a Coffee with a Cop event at the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons building.Events like Coffee with a Cop foster a safe and welcoming environment for students, said Amanda Sellers, UCF public safety communications manager. They also allow the police to meet the community and inform them about the programs they offer, she said.
"We can answer any questions people might have who...
The Charge •

First Day Program saves students thousands of dollars on textbooks

UCF partners with Barnes & Noble College to help students save money on textbooks, and other course materials, with discounted prices each semester through the First Day Complete program.This is an inclusive access program that provides students digital course material at a discounted price through web courses. According to Pegasus Innovation Lab, UCF students have saved $21.48 million since 2019 with the First Day Complete program.
"Students who are interested in joining the First Day p...
The Charge •

UCF students learn self-defense against sexual violence

The number of reported rapes on UCF's main campus decreased in 2023, while fondling crimes significantly increased, according to UCF's annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report, published Sept. 30, showed 25 reported rapes in 2022, compared to 18 in 2023.
Fondling, which is defined as touching private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification without their consent, was reported 23 times on campus in 2023, with eight reports made in 2022."Over 80% of at...
Observer Local News •

Flagler Broadcasting to host Million Dollar Food-A-Thon on July 8 | Observer Local News

With about 3,500 families visiting the Grace Community Food Pantry each month, Charles Silano knows that if he’s shocked at the gas prices, they are too. 
“It cost me $79 to fill my car up today, and it used to be $38 not too long ago,” Silano, chairman and founder of the food pantry, said June 3 on Flagler Broadcasting’s “Free For All Friday” radio show.
On the show, Flagler Broadcasting President and CEO David Ayres announced that his company is partnering with the Grace Community Food Pantry...
Observer Local News •

Hull's Seafood Kitchen's next baby step: a remodeled kitchen | Observer Local News

The original dining room at one of Ormond Beach’s most popular restaurants, Hull’s Seafood Kitchen, was remodeled last month, with new windows, an expanded kitchen, new artwork and handicap accessibility. 
The remodeled dining room, 111 W. Granada Blvd., opened on Feb. 5. 
“Look at it: It’s modernized, easier to clean, refreshing to look at and way more comfortable,” owner Jimmy Hull said. “And the floors are even now, too, which makes it safer.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Jimm...
Observer Local News •

Surfin’ Scoops offers ice cream and family fun in Ormond-by-the-Sea | Observer Local News

Surrounded by picnic tables in Ormond-by-the-Sea, as cars drive by the ocean and neighbors take late-morning strolls, you will find a man dedicated to serving his country, and scooping ice cream.
Josh Scammell and his family opened Surfin’ Scoops on Oct. 1, 2021, in a little yellow building at 1760 Ocean Shore Blvd. He thought it would be a process to gain popularity. 
“I thought I would ease into it,” Scammell said. “I never expected it to be so crazy.” 
Prior to opening Surfin’ Scoops, the fam...
Observer Local News •

Cheers! Bill Fletcher's annual Shave for the Brave is Dec. 12 | Observer Local News

Due to the pandemic, most of the world can agree that 2020 was a rough year. But for Fletcher’s Irish Pub owner Bill Fletcher, it was way better than 2019.
After a routine scan, in the summer of 2019, Fletcher received the news that he had tumors lining his abdomen, just two weeks before he was planning to leave on a family trip to Ireland. Maybe he could wait until after the trip to start cancer treatment?
The doctor said no. The trip was canceled.
Fletcher began aggressive chemotherapy treatme...
Observer Local News •

New hope: Seabreeze volleyball begins season with new opponents, new school camaraderie | Observer Local News

The Seabreeze Sandcrabs headed back to the courts this month to kick off the 2021 volleyball season. Head coach Sara Swayze and assistant coach Erika Binford will be leading the girls in a newly reclassified district, which changes every two years. Class 5A District 4, including Mainland, Matanzas, and Menendez. 
The new district will allow the Sandcrabs, who won 5 and lost 11 games last season against tough competition, to be more competitive and confident, according to Swayze, who is in her th...
Observer Local News •

Halifax Health partners with Mended Hearts to help heart patients feel less alone | Observer Local News

Will I be OK?
That’s the first thing a patient who has just woken up from surgery wants to know, and volunteers with Mended Hearts make it their mission to bring reassurance and comfort to those who need it most.
“It’s great to be alive and help others,” is the Mended Hearts motto.
Halifax Health has recently partnered with Mended Hearts, gathering a team of 12-14 people for a local chapter of the largest cardiovascular peer-to-peer support network in the world. Volunteers, such as Ormond Beach...