Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

From harm to healing: A gopher tortoise in Volusia County was found covered in spray insulation, rehabilitated at the Marine Science Center, and released. Case remains under investigation and no charges have been filed -- get the full recovery story.

Leadership transition taking shape: With Victoria Fahlberg preparing to leave, Daytona Beach's First Step Shelter is starting a search for new executive director. Board meets today to discuss keeping her through mid-June and pay -- get details on the transition.

Local tastes now within reach: A new family-owned farm-to-table market has opened in South Daytona, bringing fresh meats, produce, and baked goods for Volusia County neighbors, including those in New Smyrna -- read the full story.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Pho that hits home: Whether you crave it herby and bright or rich and cozy, AA Garden Fusion pours from-scratch broth that upgrades any weeknight. It’s the beach-town comfort you can taste, no fuss required... just soothing steam, springy noodles, and that slurp-and-smile vibe you want without leaving your groove.

Lush garden brunch: Treat yourself to a slow morning at Riverpark Terrace, where modern American plates lean local, the wine and spirits list is dialed-in, and a leafy courtyard practically insists you linger. Sun-dappled tables, easy conversation, and one-more-bite energy make brunch feel like a mini escape.

Sea-breeze sips, anyone? This week, trade the couch for Rogue Wave Wine Bar, the low-key move for a relaxed glass, shareable bites, and good neighbor energy. Slide in with a friend, try something new, then wander home feeling smugly local.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🎨 Resin Painting @ The Hub on Canal (New Smyrna Beach) | Monday (4/27) at 10:00 AM – Ready to channel your inner mad scientist without blowing up the garage? Becki Shiles leads a hands-on resin painting class, from pigment reactions to crafting an 8"x12" piece with mica, shells, glitter, or that pebble you swear is special. No experience, plenty of shine.

🏛 History Walking Tour: The Turnbull Settlement and Old Fort Park Mystery @ New Smyrna Museum of History (New Smyrna Beach) | Tuesday (4/28) at 10:30 AM – Nothing beats a mystery walk with a side of colonial drama. Tour Turnbull’s Smyrnea Settlement and the still-argued Old Fort Park ruins, chew on theories and 1768 gossip, then sign up online and pay at the tour, $15 with museum entry, $10, members $5.

🦪 BESE Oyster Mat Workshops @ Marine Discovery Center (New Smyrna Beach) | Wednesday (4/29) at 2:00 PM – Time to do good and get a little grubby. Swing by Wednesday afternoons at Marine Discovery Center for a workshop threading recycled oyster shells into biodegradable mats for the lagoon, no experience needed, gloves provided, bring sun protection, and a reusable bottle. It beats doomscrolling.

🌕 Climb to the Moon @ Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (Ponce Inlet) | Friday (5/1) at 7:15 PM – Full moon at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse means stairs, salty breezes, and views your knees will forgive you for. Wear real shoes, bring a light layer, bug spray beats perfume, and cruise up from NSB for beach time, a slow moonrise, and some well-earned quiet.

🎣 Special Needs Fishing Tournament @ Bushman Park (Port Orange) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Grab a lawn chair and your best fish tales for a free fishing tournament made especially for anglers with special needs. Expect friendly volunteers, easy access, and plenty of bites, or at least excellent excuses. Patience counts as cardio, bragging rights included.

✨ Fairy Hair Fun @ Lakeside Community Center (Port Orange) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Port Orange is getting extra sparkle, and no, it's not the humidity. Pop into Lakeside Community Center for Fairy Hair, a browse through 35+ vendors, and a chance to get your shine on. It's first come, first served, so channel your inner early bird.

💃 Zumba Bash: Spring Into Giving @ Port Orange Family YMCA | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – Trade your morning power walk for a Zumba bash that boosts your heart rate and helps local families. Twenty bucks gets you in, spring colors encouraged, multiple instructors, raffle baskets, and the smug satisfaction that your questionable dance moves are actually charitable.

This ocean-view two-residence property in New Smyrna Beach totals over 4,400 square feet with 7 beds and 5.5 baths. The main home features a rooftop deck with panoramic Atlantic views and an elevator. Modern coastal finishes, open layouts, and water views pair with a private pool and prime short-term rental zoning near beaches, dining, and shopping, plus multiple entertaining areas.