Podcast News Topics

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour……

Local entities are hosting budget hearing through the end of the month on proposed budgets and tax rates for FY 2026-27.  Check out pages 1-4 of VM newsletter to see what numbers are being considered.

WSBB and Volusia Matters broadcast regarding Volusia Charter Adm 5 pertaining to conservation lands registry will be Tuesday, Sept 29, 8:30 to 9:00 AM with Environmental Commentator Catherine Pante speaking against Amendment 5 with Attorney/Charter Review Chair Mark Watts speaking in support. Tune In to 12:30 AM or 106.7 FM. Our host will be WSBB general manager Ammie Ryan.

TEAM Volusia Board of Directors met September 18

Central Florida Commuter Rail Customer Advisory Committee (CAC) will meet Thursday, October 1, 5 PM at the Lynx Admin Bldg in downtown Orlando…… Details will be reported in the October VM newsletter.

Volusia voters can request vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3 election via online, phone, email, mail, or in person. Requests need personal details and signature. Request deadline is October 22 at 5:00 PM.. Officials suggest mailing ballots by October 26 so completed ballots arrive by November 3 at 7:00 PM…Drop boxes are available at designated locations.

Volusia’s July Bed tax collections on short-term rentals were up 1.37% countywide ($1.50 M for 2025 to $1.52 M for 2026)

NASCAR moving its summer Daytona International Speedway races from July to the end of August has paid off. While July remains one of the year’s top tourism months, the area now sees a lot more visitors in August despite schools starting back.

Daytona Beach Area CVB will host Tourism Partner Day on Thursday, October 8…at the PMR Daytona Beach Club at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Bryan Griffin, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA will be the keynote speaker. No cost to attend but you MUST RSVP by calling 255-0415.

This week in Washington……..Congress is focusing on spending, trade, transportation, regulation, and the economy. Now that Congress has approved a temporary continuing “band aid” resolution, Congress must decide whether to approve the FY 2027 spending bills before the next government shutdown deadline…Dec 11. Senate is considering legislation about college sports and NIL payments. Congress is preparing for a funding debate.

US House recently passed National Fraud Enforcement Division Act and Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act

Both bills now move to the Senate.

Comments by FBH Communities’ Exec Director Mica Lill…

Daytona Regional Chamber’s 2026 Annual Awards ceremony will be Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4 to 6 PM at the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel.

Longtime State legislator and County Council member Pat Patterson passed away earlier this week.

Gov DeSantis awarded over $10 million in bonuses to 1,500 new law enforcement officers.

Interview with Lake Helen Mayor Roger Eckert discussed…

Podcast News Topics

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour……

Local entities are hosting budget hearing through the end of the month on proposed budgets and tax rates for FY 2026-27.  Check out pages 1-4 of VM newsletter to see what numbers are being considered.

Sept 14 - Edgewater City Council…..

Sept 14 - Elected Officials Roundtable met to discuss current issues of common interest……

Sept 14 - First Step Shelter Bd met to update on current activities……it was first official meeting for their new exec Susan Clark……shelter had 60 intakes in August…plus 96 individuals in the Rose Ann Tornatore safe zone…

Sept 15 - PO City Council approved their FY 2027 stormwater utility assessment roll and kept existing fee rates unchanged. The assessment roll lists properties subject to the fee, which will be collected through annual property tax bills.

Sept 22 - County Council will take up a joint project agreement with City of Daytona Beach on Harvey Ave Beach Approach Improvements. City Daytona Beach and the County will combine Boardwalk and Harvey Ave beach ramp improvements into one project.

County’s Emergency Management Dept recently hosted a Healthcare Summit to connect healthcare providers, fire depts to share experiences, discuss how they can better collaborate during hurricanes, etc

Sept 18 - Team Volusia Bd meets tomorrow and will report on business prospects there seeking to locate in the county. VM will report on that meeting in next week’s podcast.

Sept 16 - US Federal Reserve raised its interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point moving the federal funds target range from 3.50%–3.75% to 3.75%–4.00%……the Fed’s first rate increase since July 2023.

The interest rate on the 10-year Treasury note has climbed to just over 5%....its highest level in almost 20 years. It’s due to concerns about inflation, higher oil prices and expectations of this week’s Federal Reserve Bd meeting.

Estimated Tax Schedule. Last estimated quarterly tax payment was due Sept 15…..and the fourth estimated quarterly payment for 2026 is January 15, 2027. See October VM newsletter for a complete schedule…..

Interview with Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour……

Sept 1 budget hearing, County Council’s proposed 2026–27 budget would increase Fire Rescue funding by nearly 3%, from ~ $81.8 million to ~$84 million...Council is moving forward with a net budget is ~$1.06 billion. Property taxes provide $455.5 million (42.8% of net revenue). Final budget hearing is September 22.

DB City Commission plans to change retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters retiring after October 1.

Sept 9 - With NSB Sports Complex use/expenses increasing, NSB City Commission looking to increase fees to raise revenue by $10,000 to cover expenses tied to inflation rates.

Deltona City Commission took up Fla Dept of Environmental Protection and St Johns River WMD supporting Deltona’s aquifer recharge project via a 50/50 grant to build a recharge well and two monitoring wells

Sept 9 - DB Shores City Commission adopted a 2026 Vulnerability Assessment created by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and by Fla’s Resilient Florida Program

Sept 9 - Deland City Commission addressed an ordinance to change water, sewer, and reclaimed-water rates by resolution and remove account maintenance fees and include those costs in monthly base charges

Sept 9 - DeBary City Council discussed FY 2027-28 budget requirements pursuant to HB 1329 Local Government Financial Transparency/Accountability Act

On September 30…

2026 US midterm elections choose all 435 members of the House and about 35 members of the Senate…Biggest fight for control of the US House. Current make Up of US House is 218 Republicans—214 Democrats  - 1 Independent—2 Vacancies

Fla’s gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe is still active….2021 compact gives the Seminoles exclusive control over certain types of gambling, including online sports betting. Hard Rock Bet remains the only traditional online sportsbook operating statewide.

The newest challenge comes from prediction-market companies such as Kalshi

Interview with Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour……

County Council has first public hearing TODAY on tentative budget and millage rates for FY 2026-27. Other local entities will begin hosting their public budget hearings next week.

Sept 1 - PO City Council ratified contract agreements with 2 of their Police Unions…..

DB Mayor Derrick Henry wants residents to have access to the state’s audit report. Fla’s Auditor General’s report is still being reviewed by state officials and is expected to arrive soon

Recap of Aug 26 TPO meeting by Exec Colleen Nicoulin

Aug 10 - FDOT’s press conference announced a partnership with ERAU to train students for careers in Advanced Air Mobility

Volusia Elected Officials Roundtable to meet Monday Sept 14, 9 AM Daytona Intl Airport……to discuss local issues that affect the entire county…

US House just returned from its August recess with legislative business and votes scheduled throughout the week…major issue to watch is federal government funding…US Senate to resume work Sept 14…..

US economy is still growing, but losing strength….Second-quarter growth was 1.5%, lower than the first quarter’s 2.1%

Florida’s economy remains strong compared with many states, but its rapid growth has slowed

Interview with Sheriff Mike Chitwood

Here are the latest Volusia County updates covering economic development, election results, local government decisions, public projects, schools, taxes and community services.

Fountainhead Innovation Center Expands

Volusia County Economic Outlook

Volusia County Primary Election Results

Volusia County Bans Large AI Data Centers

New Smyrna Beach Reviews Building-Permit Changes

Volusia ECHO Projects Move Through Review

Daytona Beach City Commission Update

Appointed William Robinson to the Housing Authority Commission.

Approved relocating Volusia EMS to a new site on West Mason Avenue.

Adjusted building-permit fees to reflect processing and service costs.

Extended a temporary parking-lot permit near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk for two years.

Volusia County Targets Illegal Dumping

U.S. Treasury Bond Buybacks

U.S. Trade Deficit

U.S. National Debt

Volusia County School District Meetings

Port Orange Water-System Maintenance

Florida Amendment 3 and the Homestead Exemption

Daytona Regional Chamber to host a luncheon regarding Fla’s Property Tax Adm 3 on Sept 1, 11 AM - 1 PM at Halifax River Yacht Club. It’ll explore Fla's Property Tax Future…. potential effects of Adm 3. 

Panel members…. Sen Jeff Brandes (Fla Policy Project), George Recktenwald and Ryan Ossowski (Volusia County), Michael Chambliss (Daytona Beach) Government will discuss Adm 3’s projected effect on local budgets/residents and business owners. 

Advanced Registration is $35 (until August 25)…..$50 at that….

Non-member registration is $70 regardless of registration date. 

For more details, contact Chamber’s Advocacy Director Drake Wyman at 255.7174 or [email protected]

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……

Jayson Meyer has exciting things happening at the NEW Fountainhead Innovation Center….located just north of Destination Daytona at the US 1 / I – 95 interchange.

The facility will have a limited number of smaller office suites available for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations to locate.

It’ll also include event space to accommodate up to 250 people….. ideal for corporate meetings, leadership retreats, training events, and other professional gatherings.

There’s lot more coming, so call me 566-2140 for a tour of the facility

Congressional District 7 Candidates Forum was held Aug 5 at Brannon Center, NSB…hosted by Volusia Republican Executive Committee…..Click here to see VM summary of Candidates’ comments regarding issues….

EARLY VOTING RUNs to Saturday August 15….8 am - 6 pm  Click here to see early Voting Sites i.e. libraries/ community centers throughout the County. You CAN VOTE ANYWERE! Live in NSB but work in Ormond? Vote on your lunch hour. 

Primary ballot and candidates in VM newsletter……

City of Daytona Beach has hired Katrina Powell as their new Economic & Strategic Opportunities Director

Holly Hill City Commission - Aug 11

Aug 11 - NSB City Commission addressed Fla legislation regarding building permits/inspections

Aug 18 - Ormond Beach City Commission will have 2nd reading pertaining to a complete ban of data centers

Aug 13 - County’s ECHO Advisory Committee has full-day of site visits/project presentations in Ormond, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, Pt Orange, NSB, Edgewater, DeBary….proposals include ballfields, parks, piers, museums, nature centers followed by a meeting to ponder each project’s request for funding.

School District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee to meet virtually Thursday, August 27, 4:00 PM…meeting is open to public via Teams HERE

School District’s Bargaining Team and Volusia United Educators (VUE) have an Instructional Staff Bargaining Session

Update on US federal budget for this FY 2026 which ends September 30

Interview - State Rep Bill Partington

New Smyrna Beach and the County both run paid parking programs on coastal parking areas they control.  County uses Park Volusia and vehicle registration databases and license plate reader technology while the City has its own system and database for annual pass holders, plus daily parking fees. They’re forming an interlocal agreement would let annual City OR County pass holders park in the other place’s lots interchangeably.

DB City Commission ……

Port Orange City Council …..

Ormond Beach City Commission……

Deltona City Commission…..

Edgewater City Council….took up proposed charter amendments to expand number of city council members, ban data center, require referendum on toilet to tap…

Podcast News Topics

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……Jayson Meyer wants to turn this building into a place for entrepreneurs, students, and the community. It will also include a restaurant, café, and wine bar where people can meet, work, and build new ideas. This could be a good chance for the right person to run a food business with less upfront money than starting from scratch. Interested? Call 566-2140 to discuss……

School Bd had 1st hearing on their proposed Property Tax Millage Rate and Schools' Operating Budget for FY 2026-27

NSB City Commission -

Gov DeSantis signed an agreement between Space Florida and UK’s Space Agency to work together on space projects…….Fla and UK already have strong trade and business ties…this new partnership will grow innovation and opportunities

Recent polls show Fla Adm 3 regarding homestead property taxes report 61% to 64% in favor at this time….

……polls also show respondents like the idea of lower property taxes but become more divided when presented with possible consequences…..

County Council to consider a six-month moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers

Democrats Socialists of America…..what’s in their party platform?

What is the current US tariff rates on imports from foreign trade partners?

Volusia County School District’s leadership program.

Interview Kristin Weiss, President/CEO Daytona Regional Chamber discusses………

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……Synergy CEO Jayson Mayer is offering a limited number of smaller office suites for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. There’ll also be event space for meetings, retreats, and training. Call 566-2140 if your organization would like a tour.

County Council, School Board, and the county's 16 cities are developing budgets/setting property tax rates for FY 2026-27. All must have their final budget/millage rates approved before the new fiscal year begins on October 1.

Look for Volusia Matters’ local government tax rate/budget chart coming to you next week

Preview of 3 Fla Constitutional Amendments……

The County launched a new interactive dashboard to show the work underway to reduce flood risks, improve drainage, and strengthen stormwater infrastructure throughout the county.

July 20 - Deltona City Commission

July 21 - Port Orange City Council

July 21 - County Council

Team Volusia Economic Development Bd met on July 10

to review efforts to attract new businesses/support the expansion of existing employers updates on several active economic development projects, including confidential business recruitment prospects in the aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology industries.

Issues before Congress this week…..

Regarding  the economy…inflation rate was 4.1% in May, 3.7% in June, 3.7% in mid-July and still above Fed’s 2% goal

Also regarding the economy, consumers owed about $1.25 trillion in credit card debt during the first 3 months of 2026, about $70 billion more than last year.  

REMINDER -

NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in July’s VM newsletter….pg 21

Interview - John Nicholson, Community Commentator discusses………

Local Government Budgets

Proposed Homestead Exemption Referendum (Const Adm)

Status of local housing

First Step Shelter

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……

Jayson Meyer CEO of Synergy Billing wants everyone to know about exciting updates at the Fountainhead Innovation Center near Destination Daytona. They’re offering a limited number of smaller office suites for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. They’re also building an event space that can hold up to 250 people for meetings, retreats, and training.

July 15 - Daytona Beach City Commission

July 14 - Holly Hill City Commission increased their current $96 residential stormwater fee to $99 ($8.25 per month) which would generate $37 K for stormwater upkeep, rules, and repairs.

July 14 - NSB City Commission

Fla's minimum wage will increase on Sept 30 from $14 to $15 per hour

August 18 Primary is coming soon….

Congress recently passed the 21st Century ROAD to 

Housing Act, housing bill which aims to help increase the 

supply of homes and make housing more affordable.

First Step Shelter Board of Directors ratifies contract for Susan Clark to be the new Exec.

Congress returned to Washington this week with a full agenda, although the unexpected death of Sen Lindsey Graham and the continuing absence of Sen Mitch McConnell have created uncertainty about the timing of some Senate business.

July 1, IRS increased standard mileage rate for business use from 72 to 76 cents per mile…… medical/moving mileage rates also increased to 23.5 cents per mile.

For 2026, the next quarterly IRS estimated tax due date (after July 13) is September 15.

Port Orange/S Daytona Chamber hosted a Candidates HobNob…. had a good turnout and numerous candidates…. Democrat and Republican and non-partisan including Congressional, Legislative House/Senate seats, County Council, School Bd, Daytona Beach and S Daytona City Council and 7th Circuit Judge races.

Daytona Regional Chamber’s HobNob on July 28 at ERAU…it’ll include Congressional, legislative, County Council, School Bd and numerous City commission/council seats AND it’ll include a straw vote

REMINDER -

NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in July’s VM newsletter….pg 21

Interview - News Journal Reporter Mark Harper discusses