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Volusia Matters Podcast episodes
- EP 157 TPO Eric Sander / Colleen Nicoulin
May 8 - Team Volusia Bd met to hear an update on business prospects from CEO Keith Norden. Team Volusia will provide another update to County Council on May 19.
May 11 - Volusia Elected officials roundtable heard a report by consultant Dr James Houston regarding the impact of the beach as it relates to Volusia's economy
May 12 - NSB City Commission took up several measures to additional parking in the City.
May 12 - Orange City Council finalized amendments to their State Evaluation and Appraisal Report
May 12 - School Bd
- held a workshop whereby Sheriff's Office Capt Todd Smith reported on school building safety/security measures.
- dealt with numerous construction rehab and repair projects for multiple school buildings throughout the district.
May 14 - Lake Helen City Commission is taking up an ordinance to set regulated hours for sale, service, and consumption of alcohol for licensed premises.
May 19 - Volusia School District's Joint Planning/Coordination Virtual MS Team Meeting. It’s a biannual session designed to align school facility planning with local municipal growth.
Volusia HS graduations are Tuesday, May 26 - Saturday, May 30….calendar is on page 34 of the May VM newsletter….along with Ocean Center parking details.
Volusia Charter Review Commission is proposing 5 amendments to the County’s Charter for the Nov 3 ballot. County Council will host 3 public hearings on these proposed amendments….June 2, 16, July 7. Council does not have authority to revise the proposed amendments or to decline to place the proposals on the ballot. Podcast includes summaries of each amendment…
Interview - TPO Chair Eric Sander and Exec Director Colleen Nicoulin discuss…….
- What is TPO? And what does it do?
- How do you determine your priority transportation projects in Volusia?
- What are the five top transportation priorities for the next 2 to 3 years in Volusia?
- What about the little Tomoka River Bridge and LPGA interchange?
41 min - EP 156 Dr Victoria Fahlberg
May 6 - DB City Commission…
voted 4-3 to renew City Manager Deric Feacher’s contract for another 3 years.
heard a discouraging report from US Army Corps of Engineers about flooding problems in MidTown and Nova Rd Canal
Gov DeSantis launched a fast-tracked reconstruction of the I-95 x US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach. Plans call for 3 new bridges, widening US 1 to six lanes, redesigned loop ramps, and modernized exits to improve safety and reduce congestion as traffic at the interchange is expected to double over 20 years. Ghyabi & Associates will design and oversee the development, with completion targeted for 2029. The initiative is projected to create about $1.2 billion in economic impact for Volusia.
May 4 – Deltona City Commission approved an ordinance on 1st reading to update their land development rules to address small wireless facilities, such as small cell towers, in compliance with state/federal law
May 5 - County Council heard a presentation regarding advisory boards…current board vacancies, term durations/imposing term limits, and reviews practices of other Fla local governments
May 4 Edgewater City Council approved a Potable Reuse Charter Amendment (Limitation on Reclaimed Blackwater Use)
May 5 – Port Orange City Council made an appointment to their Environmental Advisory Bd
May 5 – Ormond Beach City Commission
held a workshop meeting related to supply, storage, and treated reuse water.
took up measures regarding Ormond Crossing Redevelopment District and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Guardian Angel program is part of a new school safety initiative being piloted by Volusia County Schools to enhance campus emergency response. It was demonstrated at Deltona HS
Drake Wyman is the Advocacy Director for Daytona Regional Chamber. He previously was Legislative Aide to State Representative Webster Barnaby
MacKenzie Cunningtham … It's taking over Drake Wyman's position as legislative aide to Rep Webster Barnaby.
Brightline trains is facing financial troubles despite more revenue and riders….. some hiccups including higher ticket prices during major events, and safety concerns.
SunRail ridership is growing with more people using the new expanded late-night service that began in late 2025. After hour trains have been popular during special events in Orlando, thus adding momentum to calls for future weekend service
1st Step Exec Director Dr Victoria Fahlberg discusses her tenure and how the facility has evolved since 2019.
40 min - EP 156 Dr Victoria Fahlberg
May 6 - DB City Commission…
voted 4-3 to renew City Manager Deric Feacher’s contract for another 3 years.
heard a discouraging report from US Army Corps of Engineers about flooding problems in MidTown and Nova Rd Canal
Gov DeSantis launched a fast-tracked reconstruction of the I-95 x US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach. Plans call for 3 new bridges, widening US 1 to six lanes, redesigned loop ramps, and modernized exits to improve safety and reduce congestion as traffic at the interchange is expected to double over 20 years. Ghyabi & Associates will design and oversee the development, with completion targeted for 2029. The initiative is projected to create about $1.2 billion in economic impact for Volusia.
May 4 – Deltona City Commission approved an ordinance on 1st reading to update their land development rules to address small wireless facilities, such as small cell towers, in compliance with state/federal law
May 5 - County Council heard a presentation regarding advisory boards…current board vacancies, term durations/imposing term limits, and reviews practices of other Fla local governments
May 4 Edgewater City Council approved a Potable Reuse Charter Amendment (Limitation on Reclaimed Blackwater Use)
May 5 – Port Orange City Council made an appointment to their Environmental Advisory Bd
May 5 – Ormond Beach City Commission
held a workshop meeting related to supply, storage, and treated reuse water.
took up measures regarding Ormond Crossing Redevelopment District and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Guardian Angel program is part of a new school safety initiative being piloted by Volusia County Schools to enhance campus emergency response. It was demonstrated at Deltona HS
Drake Wyman is the Advocacy Director for Daytona Regional Chamber. He previously was Legislative Aide to State Representative Webster Barnaby
MacKenzie Cunningtham … It's taking over Drake Wyman's position as legislative aide to Rep Webster Barnaby.
Brightline trains is facing financial troubles despite more revenue and riders….. some hiccups including higher ticket prices during major events, and safety concerns.
SunRail ridership is growing with more people using the new expanded late-night service that began in late 2025. After hour trains have been popular during special events in Orlando, thus adding momentum to calls for future weekend service
1st Step Exec Director Dr Victoria Fahlberg discusses her tenure and how the facility has evolved since 2019.
40 min - EP 156 Dr Victoria Fahlberg
May 6 - DB City Commission…
- voted 4-3 to renew City Manager Deric Feacher’s contract for another 3 years.
- heard a discouraging report from US Army Corps of Engineers about flooding problems in MidTown and Nova Rd Canal
Gov DeSantis launched a fast-tracked reconstruction of the I-95 x US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach. Plans call for 3 new bridges, widening US 1 to six lanes, redesigned loop ramps, and modernized exits to improve safety and reduce congestion as traffic at the interchange is expected to double over 20 years. Ghyabi & Associates will design and oversee the development, with completion targeted for 2029. The initiative is projected to create about $1.2 billion in economic impact for Volusia.
May 4 – Deltona City Commission approved an ordinance on 1st reading to update their land development rules to address small wireless facilities, such as small cell towers, in compliance with state/federal law
May 5 - County Council heard a presentation regarding advisory boards…current board vacancies, term durations/imposing term limits, and reviews practices of other Fla local governments
May 4 Edgewater City Council approved a Potable Reuse Charter Amendment (Limitation on Reclaimed Blackwater Use)
May 5 – Port Orange City Council made an appointment to their Environmental Advisory Bd
May 5 – Ormond Beach City Commission
- held a workshop meeting related to supply, storage, and treated reuse water.
- took up measures regarding Ormond Crossing Redevelopment District and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Guardian Angel program is part of a new school safety initiative being piloted by Volusia County Schools to enhance campus emergency response. It was demonstrated at Deltona HS
- Drake Wyman is the Advocacy Director for Daytona Regional Chamber. He previously was Legislative Aide to State Representative Webster Barnaby
- MacKenzie Cunningtham … It's taking over Drake Wyman's position as legislative aide to Rep Webster Barnaby.
Brightline trains is facing financial troubles despite more revenue and riders….. some hiccups including higher ticket prices during major events, and safety concerns.
SunRail ridership is growing with more people using the new expanded late-night service that began in late 2025. After hour trains have been popular during special events in Orlando, thus adding momentum to calls for future weekend service
1st Step Exec Director Dr Victoria Fahlberg discusses her tenure and how the facility has evolved since 2019.
40 min - EP 156 Dr Victoria Fahlberg
May 6 - DB City Commission…
- voted 4-3 to renew City Manager Deric Feacher’s contract for another 3 years.
- heard a discouraging report from US Army Corps of Engineers about flooding problems in MidTown and Nova Rd Canal
Gov DeSantis launched a fast-tracked reconstruction of the I-95 x US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach. Plans call for 3 new bridges, widening US 1 to six lanes, redesigned loop ramps, and modernized exits to improve safety and reduce congestion as traffic at the interchange is expected to double over 20 years. Ghyabi & Associates will design and oversee the development, with completion targeted for 2029. The initiative is projected to create about $1.2 billion in economic impact for Volusia.
May 4 – Deltona City Commission approved an ordinance on 1st reading to update their land development rules to address small wireless facilities, such as small cell towers, in compliance with state/federal law
May 5 - County Council heard a presentation regarding advisory boards…current board vacancies, term durations/imposing term limits, and reviews practices of other Fla local governments
May 4 Edgewater City Council approved a Potable Reuse Charter Amendment (Limitation on Reclaimed Blackwater Use)
May 5 – Port Orange City Council made an appointment to their Environmental Advisory Bd
May 5 – Ormond Beach City Commission
- held a workshop meeting related to supply, storage, and treated reuse water.
- took up measures regarding Ormond Crossing Redevelopment District and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Guardian Angel program is part of a new school safety initiative being piloted by Volusia County Schools to enhance campus emergency response. It was demonstrated at Deltona HS
- Drake Wyman is the Advocacy Director for Daytona Regional Chamber. He previously was Legislative Aide to State Representative Webster Barnaby
- MacKenzie Cunningtham … It's taking over Drake Wyman's position as legislative aide to Rep Webster Barnaby.
Brightline trains is facing financial troubles despite more revenue and riders….. some hiccups including higher ticket prices during major events, and safety concerns.
SunRail ridership is growing with more people using the new expanded late-night service that began in late 2025. After hour trains have been popular during special events in Orlando, thus adding momentum to calls for future weekend service
1st Step Exec Director Dr Victoria Fahlberg discusses her tenure and how the facility has evolved since 2019.
40 min - EP 156 Dr Victoria Fahlberg
May 6 - DB City Commission…
- voted 4-3 to renew City Manager Deric Feacher’s contract for another 3 years.
- heard a discouraging report from US Army Corps of Engineers about flooding problems in MidTown and Nova Rd Canal
Gov DeSantis launched a fast-tracked reconstruction of the I-95 x US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach. Plans call for 3 new bridges, widening US 1 to six lanes, redesigned loop ramps, and modernized exits to improve safety and reduce congestion as traffic at the interchange is expected to double over 20 years. Ghyabi & Associates will design and oversee the development, with completion targeted for 2029. The initiative is projected to create about $1.2 billion in economic impact for Volusia.
May 4 – Deltona City Commission approved an ordinance on 1st reading to update their land development rules to address small wireless facilities, such as small cell towers, in compliance with state/federal law
May 5 - County Council heard a presentation regarding advisory boards…current board vacancies, term durations/imposing term limits, and reviews practices of other Fla local governments
May 4 Edgewater City Council approved a Potable Reuse Charter Amendment (Limitation on Reclaimed Blackwater Use)
May 5 – Port Orange City Council made an appointment to their Environmental Advisory Bd
May 5 – Ormond Beach City Commission
- held a workshop meeting related to supply, storage, and treated reuse water.
- took up measures regarding Ormond Crossing Redevelopment District and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Guardian Angel program is part of a new school safety initiative being piloted by Volusia County Schools to enhance campus emergency response. It was demonstrated at Deltona HS
- Drake Wyman is the Advocacy Director for Daytona Regional Chamber. He previously was Legislative Aide to State Representative Webster Barnaby
- MacKenzie Cunningtham … It's taking over Drake Wyman's position as legislative aide to Rep Webster Barnaby.
Brightline trains is facing financial troubles despite more revenue and riders….. some hiccups including higher ticket prices during major events, and safety concerns.
SunRail ridership is growing with more people using the new expanded late-night service that began in late 2025. After hour trains have been popular during special events in Orlando, thus adding momentum to calls for future weekend service
1st Step Exec Director Dr Victoria Fahlberg discusses her tenure and how the facility has evolved since 2019.
40 min - EP 155 Lori Campbell-Baker
News from Tallahassee……
Special Legislative session has narrowed to a 1 issue: congressional redistricting….lawmakers set aside DeSantis’ proposed AI Bill of Rights and Medical Freedom legislation.
Redistricting plan could shift Fla’s congressional delegation from current 20 Rs and 8Ds to 24 Rs and 4 Ds.
County Charter Review Commission (CRC) has completed their meetings and is proposing several new amendments to the County’s charter/constitution upon which voters will decide In November.
April 28 - Holly Hill City Commission agreed to realign certain CRA and budget carryover funds to acquire new equipment for public works dept. Commission also passed a new set of rules to better manage sober homes (certified recovery residences).
Sheriff Chitwood has filed lawsuits against promoters of online "pop-up or takeover events" in Daytona Beach including the organizers of "Daytona Spring Break 2k26" events and other specific social media promoters……individual suits are seeking $50,000 to $100,000.
April 25 - Daytona Beach Police Dept hosted a DEA national prescription drug take back collection day
April 28 - New Smyrna Beach City Commission approved updates to their development rules to make them easier to understand and more effective. Commission also appointed reps to their Historic Preservation Bd and Planning Bd
To prepare for the 2026 hurricane season starting June 1, City of Port Orange is upgrading their Cambridge pump station with upgrades
April 29 - US Federal Reserve Bd announced voted to leave interest rates unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%, marking the 3rd consecutive meeting without a rate adjustment despite unusually sharp disagreement among policymakers….
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell chaired his final meeting but plans to remain on the Board for an undetermined period after his term as chair expires May 15…… his current Bd-member term ends in 2028…..his likely successor, Kevin Warsh, was confirmed by the Senate Banking Committee, setting up a full Senate vote soon.
March US international trade report shows goods/services deficit was $57.2 billion — essentially unchanged from February’s $57.3 billion deficit but up from January’s $54.7 billion.….exports were about $316.0 billion and imports about $373.2 billion…
Interview - CVB Executive Director Lori Campbell-Baker discusses……
- Volusia’s bed taxes - Tourist Development and Convention Development…….
- Status of Daytona Beach Area Tourism to date this season
- Daytona Beach’s Primary Tourist Markets….
- May 12 Listening Session, 12 noon at Casements in Ormond Beach
39 min - EP 154 County Councilman David Santiago
Final reminder Synergy Billing’s 20th Anniversary celebration tonight, 5:00–9:00 PM at the former Wyotech site, 470 Destination Daytona Lane. As I’ve said before, it’s being redeveloped as the Fountainhead Innovation Center under Jayson Meyer, with plans for modern office space for local businesses and builders.
If you have any questions, call or text 566-2140.
News from Tallahassee……
Special Session has been moved/expanded: it now runs April 28 - May 1 with a focus on 3 items…..
- Congressional Redistricting
- AI Bill of Rights
- Medical Freedom Act
First Step Shelter’s Exec Victoria Fahlberg announced her resignation with a May 10 departure date…SO the Board is seeking to find her replacement. At a special meeting April 20, the board asked her to stay on through the search process and re-enlisted HR recruiter Leslie Bonner at no cost.
April 21 - Ormond Beach City Commission had a workshop regarding the Neighborhood Improvement Division, in order to consider property maintenance code enhancements, improve internal efficiencies and expand enforcement to better uphold community standards
April 20 - Deland City Commission
- approved an Ordinance stating that e-bikes and micromobility devices are prohibited on downtown sidewalks and requires helmets for riders under 18 years of age….
- purchased 1.45 acres at 1201 East NY Ave from Mountain of Faith Ministries for $145,000 to build a new fire station serving the growing east side near SR 44.
Quentin Beckton was recently appointed as the Police Chief of Lake Helen following a unanimous selection by the City Commission.
April 23 - SunRail Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission Board meets today, 1:30 PM LYNX Central Station Admin Bldg in Orlando.
SunRail’s advisory board is 5 Local Funding Partners (Orlando, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia). CC Chair Jeff Brower is Volusia’s representative on this Board.
Volusia’s ECHO Grants-In-Aid program is starting its 2026 grant cycle. ECHO grants are competitive and pay for buying, restoring, building, or improving projects for public use that protect the environment, preserve culture or history, or provide outdoor recreation.
City of Daytona Beach Shores’ Public Safety Dept recently completed its 2026 accreditation review by the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and retained its coveted “Excelsior Status.”
April 21 - County Council appointed
- John Reid and Julie Rand to the Daytona Beach Racing
- and Recreational Facilities Authority
- Dana McCool as District 5 rep on the Volusia Forever
- Advisory Board
- Emma Santiago to the Tourist Development Council (TDC)
In Congress this week….
- Senate Republicans introduced "Protecting American Taxpayers Act" to get back projected $200 billion in federal fraud losses….could impact any business that operates on federal grants or contracts i.e. healthcare providers and nonprofits
- House is revisiting Housing legislation to target institutional investors buying up single-family homes in an effort to ease affordability pressures and it could change alter the inventory landscape in high-growth areas like Volusia.
- Energy & Commerce deregulation bills with the intent to speed up project approvals for broadband expansion and energy production.
- US currently has 3.3% inflation and rising energy costs due to global instability. Congress is feeling heat from the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance on interest rates, which is why there’s an urgent focus on "cost of living" legislation and anti-fraud measures.
County Councilman expressesd his views regarding…..
- County’s $368 general fund budget and items that might impact the FY 2026-27 budget….
- Volusia Forever program
- Stormwater Management/Flood Control
- Development in UNincorporated County
36 min - EP 153 John Nicholson
Podcast News Topics
Former Wyotech property at Destination Daytona being transformed into Fountainhead Innovation Center under direction of Jayson Meyer. Though full details are still being finalized, the site is being redeveloped as an innovation hub with plans for modern office space for local businesses and builders.
You’re invited to an exclusive first look during Synergy Billing’s 20th Anniversary celebration on-site.. April 23, 5:00–9:00 PM RSVP - call or text 386-566-2140.
News from Tallahassee……
- Gov DeSantis WAS set to call a special legislative session for April 20–24 to redraw Fla’s congressional districts…. part of a broader mid-decade redistricting push tied to control of Congress…..current House is 218 Rs vs 214 Ds with 3 vacancies
- NOW it appears that DeSantis MIGHT delay next week's Special Session to redraw congressional districts…apparently, they’re still working on maps AND everyone wants to see the outcome of Virginia's redistricting referendum next Tuesday.
- Regular session ended March 13 without a FY 2026-27 budget…. lawmakers HAD been expected to return in April, but apparently negotiations to close that $1.4 billion budget gap are stalled.
- Property tax relief (a priority for DeSantis) WAS often discussed during the regular Session and it’s …AND it MAY be brought up when they decide upon a budget. IF they want to propose a property tax constitutional amendment, it must be approved by August 5. With the State budget set to begin July 1, the clock is ticking….
Recap of April 13 First Step Shelter Bd Mtg by Vice Chair Rose Ann Tornatore
- Exec Victoria Fahlberg resignation
Recap of April 13 Charter Review Commission – Chair Mark Watts……
- CRC’s final meeting and summary of proposed amendments (which go straight to Nov ballot) and Council recommendations
April 21 - County Council meeting……
- Volusia Forever Advisory Committee to deliver 2025 annual report and new 2026 goals
- take up Volusia Forever Advisory Committee’s land project recommendations
- hear a Mini-Budget Workshop Presentation about Community Services which helps low-income families (47% - ALICE population)
- appointments to the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities Authority
- District 5 appointment to the Volusia Forever Advisory Board.
April 15 - DB City Commission
- ratified Scott Lee as Planning Board Representative to Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
- reappointed Kelvin Daniels and Sandy Murphy to Housing Authority Commission
- appointed Jazmin Felix Davila to Planning Bd (Zone 2)
- discussed Employment Contract Renewal for City Manager Deric Feacher UPDATE!!!! COMMISSION VOTED 4-3 TO TABLE CITY MANAGER REVIEW UNTIL THEIR MAY 6 MEETING…..
April 14 - Holly Hill City Commission
- approved an ordinance establishing procedures/definitions for certified recovery residences and reasonable-accommodation requests, updated Land Development Regulations to include a Fair Housing–related review process
- (to address Fla Dept of Commerce concerns) restarted and
- revised its 2050 Comprehensive Plan—updating land use and transportation—received Planning & Appeals Board approval on April 6 and sent the plan to the state for final review.
April 14 NSB City Commission
- heard updates from City Manager Kevin Cowper on a March 24 SR‑44 Corridor Workshop (proposed intersection and roadway improvements),
- reviewed progress from a March 26 Strategic Planning Workshop on nine 2025 priorities,
- noted April 7 State of the City address by Mayor Cleveland on community progress and strategic priorities
Seminole Tribe–Florida gaming compact is now stable after resolving online sports betting….expected to generate ~$7.1 billion in tribal revenue to fund major environmental/resilience projects—land conservation, wastewater upgrades, sea‑level rise work—and support Volusia priorities like the Longleaf Pine easement, springshed protection, and infrastructure upgrades, while the state increases enforcement against illegal gambling.
Volusia Schools’ CTE Academies prepare students for high‑demand careers by combining academic instruction with hands‑on, industry‑aligned training—offering pathways, certifications, and internships in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, and skilled trades to ensure college- and career-readiness.
Daytona Tortugas’ Logan LeCras discusses the new Daytona Beach Club (in right field) complete with new dining facilities
City / County Commentator John Nicholson expresses his views regarding…..
- recent DB City Audit report at April 1 City Commission meeting
- DB PD’s Special Event Zone to address pop-up events
- County Council and Volusia Forever
- First Step Shelter Bd meeting
44 min - EP 152 DB City Manager Deric Feacher
The former Wyotech property at Destination Daytona is being transformed into the Fountainhead Innovation Center, spearheaded by Jayson Meyer. While full details are still unfolding, the site is envisioned as a future hub for innovation, offering modern office space for local businesses and builders.
To get a first look, you're invited to Synergy Billing’s 20th Anniversary Celebration April 23, 5–9 PM at Fountainhead Innovation Center at 470 Destination Daytona Lane, Ormond Beach. To RSVP…call/text 386-566-2140
April 7 - per Volusia Forever, County Council made a strategic move to ensure that every dollar spent on land conservation is handled with maximum financial efficiency.
Council took up a resolution making the County a 'placeholder' under federal tax regulations whereby they can use tax-exempt bond proceeds for land acquisitions made before the bonds are actually issued. It’s a 'buy now bond later' strategy that keeps the program flexible. It also designates a professional team—the bond counsel, paying agents, and financial advisors to act when necessary. It’s a technical maneuver to ensure the County’s financial machinery is in place when the right piece of conservation land becomes available.
April 6—Deland City Commission approved Use Agreement for VCEMS Equipment with County of Volusia.
April 6—Deltona City Commission ratified a resolution in Support of Volusia Forever
April 6 – Edgewater City Council heard a presentation from Volusia County Coastal Director Jessica Fentress about beach operations and other coastal properties.
Council also approved a proposed City Charter amendment to prohibit their water utility from pumping reclaimed blackwater into their potable public water system.
April 7— Port Orange City Council approved a $3 M grant from Dept of Environmental Protection for Madeline Ave/Pepperhill Stormwater Pond Pump Station
April 7—Ormond City Commission heard a status report of the City's current Volusia County's Transform 386 Program related to improving stormwater benefits.
Florida/Volusia Property Insurance Update….
Volusia County’s debt position
First Step Shelter status report (March)
US Economy Report…(inflation/unemployment stats)
Interview with DB City Manager Deric Feacher
21 min
About Volusia Matters Podcast
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Volusia Matters by Jim Cameron