- April 24, 2024
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The city of Ormond Beach's former information technology director was recognized with a key to the city and a proclamation to thank him for his 17 years of service to the city at the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 17.
Ned Huhta retired on Aug. 2. He started working for the city's IT department in June 2004, according to the mayor's proclamation. Prior to arriving at the city, he
worked for companies including Brown and Brown, Cobb Cole and Halifax Health. Huhta, an Ormond Beach resident, is a Mainland High School alumnus and graduated from the University of Central Florida with both his bachelor's and master's degrees.
Additionally, Huhta was actively engaged in the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association since 2006, and served as president in the 2014-2016 and 2016-2018 terms. He also volunteered with the Kiwanis Club of the Trails from 2004 to 2008.
Now that he's retired, the mayor's proclamation stated Huhta looks forward to spending time with family, going skiing, tinkering with mechanics and traveling on his motorcycle with friends.
Cadets with the Ormond Beach Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron were selected to attend a high-altitude balloon launch event held in Altamonte Springs on Saturday, Aug. 21, where they got the chance to spend time with Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Joe Kittinger, who participated in the Project Manhigh and Project Excelsior high-altitude balloon flight projects from 1956-1960.
According to a press release, the pilot set a world record by completing a high-altitude parachute jump from over 102,000 feet. Kittinger was also the first man to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo in a gas balloon.
City Airport Manager and CAP Commander Steven Lichliter said in an email that Cadet Lt. Col. Emily Kraft, of Ormond Beach, got the chance to interview Kittinger on behalf of the Florida Wing about his achievements.
Two high-altitude balloons were sent to the edge of space by CAP, in partnership with Indiana-based StratoStar, on Aug. 21, out of Anderson, Indiana, according to a press release. The balloons carry experimentss from 187 participating CAP squadrons from around the U.S. as part of the first national CAP Cadet Aerospace Education High Altitude Balloon Challenge.
Volusia County's Purchasing and Contracts Division has received a 2021 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award rom the National Procurement Institute, an award the division has won 14 times, and for the last eight years in a row.
The award, according to a county press release, recognizes innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership and e-procurement. Volusia County is one of 182 agencies in the U.S. and Canada and one of 42 counties to receive this award.
The Purchasing and Contracts Division is led by Pam Wilsky, and is tasked with maximizing the purchasing value of public funds and providing safeguards for maintaining a procurement system of quality and integrity.On Sunday, Aug. 22, the NASCAR Foundation and Ford Performance unveiled a custom electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E donated by Ford Performance as the grand prize for the foundation's second-annual car giveaway fundraiser.
“We’re very grateful to have the support from Ford because without them, this wouldn’t be possible,” said Nichole Krieger, the NASCAR Foundation executive director. “The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an incredible car and we’re confident it will help us raise funds that will allow the foundation to continue its mission of helping kids across our local racing communities.”
Until Nov. 7, NASCAR fans can enter to win a car for a $25 donation at NASCARfoundation.org/cargiveaway. Four fans will be selected as finalists, and will win a VIP trip to Phoenix for NASCAR Championship Weekend where one of them will get to take home a new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E.
According to a press release, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E , which was recognized as the 2021 Utility Vehicle of the Year, is the manufacturer's first all-electric crossover.
"We're proud to support The NASCAR Foundation with our all-electric 2021 Mustang Mach-E," said Jeannee Kirkaldy, Motorsport Marketing Manager, Ford Performance. "We've had the chance to introduce the Mach-E to the NASCAR community by allowing our drivers to experience it in their everyday driving, and it had a chance to be the official pace car at the NASCAR Cup Series races at Talladega and Nashville, so we're excited that one lucky consumer will get to experience this great new car, while benefiting the good works The NASCAR Foundation does."
Since 2006, The NASCAR Foundation has raised nearly $40 million and helped over 1.4 million children in need. The fundraiser's proceeds will benefit the foundation's initiatives, aimed at improving the health and wellness off children in race markets across the U.S, the press release states.
