Daytona International Airport launches K-9 plush toy initiative

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VSO Sr. Deputy Brad Yackel surprises passengers with a plush toy of his K-9. Screenshot courtesy of DBIA's video
VSO Sr. Deputy Brad Yackel surprises passengers with a plush toy of his K-9. Screenshot courtesy of DBIA's video
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The Daytona Beach International Airport has partnered with the Volusia Sheriff's Office to launch a "K9s and K9s," program, where K-9 officers have the chance to distribute a plush toy dog in the likeness of their four-legged partner to passengers.

The airport has four K-9 teams, according to a press release.

“The K9 plush program fits perfectly with the other public relations programs we are continuously implementing at the airport to enhance community outreach and the customer experience,” said Joanne Magley, who leads the airport’s marketing and customer experience department, in the press release.

There are four K-9 teams at the Daytona Beach International Airport. This is a plush toy of K-9 Charlie. Screenshot courtesy of DBIA's video
There are four K-9 teams at the Daytona Beach International Airport. This is a plush toy of K-9 Charlie. Screenshot courtesy of DBIA's video

The airport K-9s are trained to detect explosives. Airport and VSO leadership launched the public outreach program to help travelers not be intimidated by law enforcement at the airport. With the new program, a deputy can accompany K-9 officers on their rounds and hand out the plush toys to passengers. 

“The deputies are here to help if anyone needs any assistance, the dogs are here to protect travelers, and this program is a way to help deputies interact with travelers a little more,” VSO Senior Deputy Joe Durney said.

OBFD's Back to School Drive

The Ormond Beach Fire Department is hosting a Back to School Drive, open until Aug. 7.

According to the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters Facebook page, the public is invited to stop by any of its four fire stations to donate school supplies for the upcoming school year. 

Ormond Beach Firefighters are hosting a back to school drive. Courtesy of the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters Facebook page
Ormond Beach Firefighters are hosting a back to school drive. Courtesy of the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters Facebook page

The stations are:

  • Station 91, 364 S. Atlantic Ave.
  • Station 92, 189 S. Nova Road
  • Station 93, 300 Wilmette Ave.
  • Station 94, 2301 Airport Road.

Summer Sounds dancers

The city of Ormond Beach's free Summer Sounds concert series wrapped up last Friday, having brought three different bands to perform at Rockefeller Gardens. 

Tom, formerly of New York City, and Mary, of Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Diane Evanac
Tom, formerly of New York City, and Mary, of Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Diane Evanac

A reader, Diane Evanac, attended the Traces of Gold concert on July 22, and photographed the first couple that got up to dance: Tom, formerly of New York City, and Mary, of Philadelphia. 

"I didn't know them, but I just had to take a picture of them because they are so much alive and having so much fun," wrote Evanac in an email to the Observer. 

 

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