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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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

Circulation Verification Council 12166 Old Big Bend Rd, Suite 210, Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 966-7711 www.cvcaudit.com