- May 19, 2026
Mimi's Original Art in Ormond Beach hosted a “Sip, Shop and Support” fundraiser benefiting the Pregnancy Crisis Center on Thursday, May 14.
Maggie Evans, curator for the local art gallery, said her passion is giving back. The gallery, founded by Michele Connors, has about 15 nonprofits they support and showcases the works of local artists.
"When they walk in here, I want them to find joy," Evans said. "Life is hard enough. I want you to find beauty, just find calmness."
The Pregnancy Crisis Center, located at 416 N. Ridgewood Ave., helps expecting mothers by providing resources to support their pregnancy, including clothing and helping them obtain health insurance for prenatal care.
Joanne Roberts, director of pregnancy crisis center, said Evans reached out to them for the fundraiser. She emphasized their mission to lead with love.
"We just try every day to answer the age old question 'What would Jesus do?' And the reality is that he would love first."
Mimi's Original Art is located at 1385 N. U.S. 1.
Tomoka Outpost at Tomoka State Park was recently voted as the runner-up for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau's 2026 Visitors' Choice Awards for "Best Water Excursions."
According to a press release, the fifth annual Visitors' Choice Awards recognizes businesses and attractions that vacationers enjoyed the most, determined through a survey.
Among the other honorees in 2026 were Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Daytona Beach Bike Week, the Riverfest Seafood Festival in Ormond Beach and the Daytona Beach Bandshell.
Ormond Brewing Company also won in the "Best Locally Crafted category."
“We’re proud to recognize the events, attractions and businesses that make the Daytona Beach area such a memorable destination for visitors,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director for the CVB. “What makes the Visitors’ Choice Awards meaningful is that they’re driven by the people who experience our destination firsthand. These winners represent the passion, creativity and dedication that define our community and play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors while also generating significant economic impact for the community.”
Winners and honorable mentions attended the recent Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week breakfast at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach.
ARTique Local Arts & Accents in Ormond Beach celebrated its fifth anniversary on April 30.
The gallery, located at 600 S. Yonge St., Unit 10, is owned by a mother-daughter team — Carrie Jepsen and her mom Renata Holder.
"The past five years have been such a fun ride, and we super appreciate the Ormond Beach community for the support of our boutique and 30 local artisans we proudly feature," Jepsen said in a statement to the Observer. "One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching our artists feel inspired to keep creating after someone falls in love with a piece they poured their heart into."
The art gallery combines the words "art" and "unique" in its name.
"We're always filling our relaxed little gallery with original contemporary and ocean-inspired art, hand-painted upcycled furniture and unexpected gifts like handmade jewelry, candles, purses, pottery and more," Jepsens said. "We are so excited for what's ahead and thankful to continue sharing this adventure with the community!"
Visit artiqueormondbeach.com.
White Castle broke ground on its upcoming Daytona Beach restaurant at 1944 LPGA Blvd. on May 12.
To be designed in the chain's modern "neighborhood" prototype style, the restaurant will have indoor seating, outdoor seating, and two drive-thru lanes, according to a press release. It will add over 70 jobs.
Joining White Castle leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony were elected officials, development partners, brand ambassadors and a “sprinkling of the onions” on the spot where a future grill will be placed.
"We’re excited to welcome White Castle to Daytona Beach as its first location in our area," said Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher. "This iconic brand has a loyal following, and its arrival adds to the variety of dining options that make our community such a diverse place to live, work, learn, play and visit.”
White Castle is expected to open its new Daytona Beach restaurant in late fall 2026.
