When floodwaters rose across Texas this summer, devastation was swift. Families lost homes, communities were submerged, and lives were upended overnight. For many in Florida, where hurricanes and flooding are familiar threats, the news struck a personal chord. Out of that resonance came Tunes for Texas, a grassroots fundraiser held August 17 at Teddy Morse’s Destination Daytona Pavilion. At the helm was photographer, musician, and philanthropist Jonny Magill, who turned a simple idea into a full-scale benefit that raised nearly $15,000 for flood relief.
Magill admits his inspiration began with a guitar and conviction. “I knew I could sing and play, and maybe that could turn into something meaningful,” he recalled. What followed was an outpouring of support from every corner of Volusia County. Artists signed on almost immediately, many reaching out unprompted.
One of those voices was 15-year-old prodigy Declan Killeen Toomey of New Smyrna Beach, who performed on his custom electric violin. Already recognized nationally, Declan joined the lineup out of his own connection to Texas Hill Country, where he spent time on a ranch. His performance was personal and powerful, underscoring the heart behind the event.
The fundraiser’s success was made possible through key partnerships. Jeep Beach, a 501(c)(3), handled donations, credit card processing, and auctions. “That event could not have happened without Jeep Beach,” Magill emphasized. Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson provided the pavilion—a gift of space that kept attendees shaded and comfortable. “There’s no other venue that would have worked as well,” Magill noted. The technical foundation came from musician and sound engineer Brian Bartleson, who donated a full PA system and worked tirelessly from morning until midnight. “He gave everything he had yesterday,” Magill said.
From noon to 8 p.m., the pavilion came alive with music, food, and fellowship. Live and silent auctions featured everything from art to Magill’s own photography books, which nearly sold out. Local food trucks added flavor, with contributions from partners like Bill Partington of AHC Locks, who purchased and donated all supplies for the hot dog stand—turning $550 in sales into relief funds.
The day also featured a special appearance by Daytona Beach native Daniel Dye, now a driver in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series. Beyond racing, Dye is widely known for the Race to Stop Suicide campaign, and his presence underscored the event’s broader message of resilience and mental health awareness. As Magill put it, “Sometimes people in the middle of catastrophe need to know they’re not alone—that someone cares enough to ask, ‘Are you okay?’” He reminded attendees of the national crisis line, 988, as a lifeline of hope.
For Magill, the fundraiser also reflected the kinship between Texas and Florida. “When we face hurricanes here, Texas is one of the first places to send people—linemen, trucks, chainsaws, everything. They’ve always shown up for us. Now it was our turn.”
The parallels run deeper for him personally. “The people here reminded me of Texas,” Magill said. “Resilient, community-focused, and always willing to help a neighbor. That’s the kind of place I want to live.”
Known professionally as Jonny Nomad, Magill is more than a familiar face in Daytona—he is a philanthropist, musician, photographer, and entrepreneur whose work often puts him at the center of community efforts. Through his company, Jonny Nomad Media, he helps businesses grow their brands while capturing striking imagery from Florida to the Caribbean and beyond.
At home, Magill and wife Amanda share three “fur babies” and a deep love for Volusia County. If not behind a camera, he can be found with a guitar or hockey stick in hand. His philosophy is simple—life is too short, don’t forget to live it.
Friends and colleagues know him for generosity. Each year, he donates time and resources to nonprofits, contributing over $50,000 to causes in Volusia County. Those years of giving made Tunes for Texas possible, as Magill called on relationships built through service. The result was a benefit reflecting not one man’s effort, but the collective heart of an entire community.
While the fundraising total was three times the original goal—it was the spirit of the day that left Magill most proud. “It wasn’t about me, or about Jeep Beach, or even about a single organization,” he reflected. “This was Daytona Beach sending love to Texas Hill Country. It was our community showing what’s possible when people come together.”
From volunteers who donated baskets to artists who gave their time, every contribution added to the harmony of the day. As Magill put it, “This wasn’t my event. Our community did it. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
Tunes for Texas: By the Numbers
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$15,000 raised for Texas flood relief, tripling the original goal and surpassing all expectations from organizers
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8 hours of nonstop live music, fellowship, generosity, and shared community spirit under one roof
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12+ artists donating their voices, instruments, and passion to entertain and inspire the crowd
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1 pavilion generously provided by Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, keeping guests cool, comfortable, and protected from summer storms
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$550 collected from a single hot dog stand, with every dollar directly supporting relief efforts
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50+ auction items fueling spirited bidding, generous giving, and friendly competition throughout the day
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2 special guests: NASCAR driver Daniel Dye & 15-year-old violin prodigy Declan Killeen Toomey, both lending star power and heart
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Countless volunteers giving their time, energy, and heart to make the day possible
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1 community united across Florida and Texas, proving the lasting power of neighbors helping neighbors in times of need and hope
“We came together as a community, and the generosity I witnessed left me humbled and proud to call Volusia County home.”