PORT ORANGE
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
IS IT SAFE? PAGE 3 FREE • JULY 2020
VOLUME 3, NO. 11
Volusia school graduations in Ocean Center
The virtue of masks Masks aren’t mandatory in Volusia, but you’re encouraged to wear them. PAGE 3
Tickets will be limited to two per graduate. JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
‘PURE MAGIC’ Caley Hayes and Shauna Altes are excited to welcome brides to the Grand Ol’ Barn starting later this June.
Ormond Beach resident opens wedding barn in New Smyrna Beach
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The Volusia County School district is moving forward with graduation rehearsals and ceremonies at the Ocean Center, to be held July 6-11, a press release announced. The district said the decision was made after “considerable discussion and reflection on comments made by parents, graduating seniors, teachers, staff, and community members,” though plans could change based on COVID-19 conditions. Flagler Palm Coast High School held its graduation on May 31 at the Daytona International Speedway, an option some Volusia parents asked to be considered. “With more than 4,000 graduates and their families, there is no way to meet every person’s desires and expectations for how graduation ceremonies should be conducted,” the press release stated. “What we know is the pandemic upended traditions for the Class of 2020, and we want to honor their request for a traditional graduation. It will not be the same, but under the circumstances, we believe it to be the best option.” Tickets will be limited to two per graduate to abide by social distancing and the capacity outlined by the Ocean Center. The graduations will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. The Ocean Center will be cleaned in between ceremonies; more information will be released as the dates approach. Visit www. vcsedu.org. Admission will be $3 per person, plus $5 for parking. Tickets won’t be sold at the door.
JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
F
or Ormond Beach resident Shauna Altes, there is a lot to love about weddings. Dancing, young love, the uniting of two families — all things she hopes to see at the Grand Ol’ Barn, originally a citrus packing facility and the first built in New Smyrna Beach, in 1914. Altes — who has 15 years of experience in
DOH: Wear masks in all public settings where social distancing is not possible The Florida Department of Health on June 20 issued an additional Public Health Advisory in response to COVID-19, providing recommendations to protect Floridians and visitors from this virus. This advisory is in addition to steps that the Department has taken to increase mitigation measures, including the purchase of 20 million cloth masks, which are actively being distributed statewide. Today, Governor DeSantis also directed the Florida
the wedding industry, including eight years of owning her own floral company — first came on board about 10 months ago after meeting with the barn owners, the McHenrys. They had expressed a desire to turn the barn into a ballroom. She swiftly took over the barn’s renovations, and, a $5 million project later, the Grand Ol’ Barn, located at 721 Palmetto St., has over 100 weddings already booked starting
Department of Business and Professional Regulation to increase inspections to ensure that businesses are adhering to applicable Phase 1 and Phase 2 guidance. The Public Health Advisory provides the following recommendations: 1. All individuals in Florida should wear masks in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless any of the following apply: A child is under 2 years of age; An individual has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering; An individual is obtaining a service involving the nose
Photo courtesy of the Locke Agency
late June. “It’s going to be surreal watching the families dancing and laughing and just loving their time in here,” Altes said. “This barn, when you turn down the lights and the music is going and the lights are twinkling, it’s just pure magic.” Before coming onto the Grand Ol’ Barn project, Altes’ own proposal to build a wedding barn off SEE BARN PAGE 4
or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service; An individual works in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession; or An individual is engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing in place. 2. All individuals over the age of 65 and all individuals of any age with high-risk health conditions should limit personal interactions outside of the home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. 3. All individuals should
refrain from participation in social or recreational gatherings of more than 50 people. For all gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from each other and wearing a face covering. This is a reinforcement of the previously issued advisory as well as direction that has been provided in the task force report for a Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Currently, 64 counties are in Phase 2, which also dictate that restaurants and bars may operate at 50% of the indoor capacity.