DAYTONA WEST
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUSIA PARTNERS WITH JAXPORT PAGE 4
VOLUME 2, NO. 8
FREE
• APRIL 2021
FAITH in the future FAITH pushes for civil citation data transparency in Volusia County JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
W
hen Barbara Cochran’s son was 7 years old, he was arrested for one felony and two misdemeanors. The crime? Entering Burns Science and Technology Charter School in Oak Hill through an open door, riding his bike with his 10-year-old cousin down the halls, and making a mess. They tore posters off the wall and colored a teddy bear. Cochran’s son was charged with burglary, trespassing and criminal mischief. “What they did was wrong, but I don’t believe it was criminal, and I don’t think they believed it to be criminal,” said Cochran to a crowd of vehicles at the FAITH Action Assembly on Monday, March 22. “They make a mess like that in their bedrooms.” Cochran found out her son, who was 3 feet, 8 inches tall at the time, was going to be arrested when police showed up at her door, a block away from the school. Her son was placed in the back of a police car and questioned without a parent present for three hours before being released. FAITH, which stands for Fighting Against Injustice Toward Harmony, is a nonprofit coalition of religious congregations, and every year, its clergy and members hold an action assembly to call upon local elected officials to make public commitments on SEE FAITH PAGE 3
LADY BUCCANEERS FEAST ON SANDCRABS FOR A FLAG FOOTBALL WIN For story and more pictures see www.ormondbeachobserver.com
Quarterback Alexa Wilson flicks the ball to her receiver before the tackle by Kylie Watson.
Q +A SHEILA JORDAN, NEW PACE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Expanding Pace’s presence JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
T Local Postal Customer
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DAYTONA BCH FL PERMIT #447
Photo by Michele Meyers
his year, the Pace Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler is celebrating 25 years of service, having transformed over 2,500 girls’ lives in the local community. For new Executive Director Sheila Jordan, it’s a milestone that celebrates these girls becoming productive contributors to society despite the challenges they faced early in life. She’s spent the last 30 years working in youth development and leadership, and Jordan brought nearly three decades of experience when she started at the local center in October 2020. “Working with Pace has allowed me to continue to fulfill my passion of working with youth and empower-
ing the next generation of girls and young women,” said Jordan, in a press release. “I’ve witnessed the influence our programs have on girls and their families and I look forward to expanding Pace’s presence in this community to reach even more girls.” Jordan previously served as the executive director of the Pace Center for Girls of Citrus County since its opening in January 2019. She assumed her new role after the retirement of past Executive Director Georgia McCurdy. The Ormond Beach Observer spoke with Jordan on Monday, March 29, regarding the future of Pace and the impact of her leadership, and here is what she had to say. SEE EXPANDING PAGE 4
Courtesy photo
Sheila Jordan said she’s always had a passion for helping local youth.