Volusia Matters Podcast

Podcast News Topics

City of Daytona Beach is seeking proposals to renovate the historic Fire Station One into a sit-down restaurant/lounge that preserves the 100-year-old bldg’s architectural features/ historical significance.

Jan 21 - DB Commissioners will hear….

Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie outlines plans for the new Ormond Crossings

County Council Members Jake Johansson (At-Large) and Danny Robins (District 3) will host a Town Hall Thursday, Jan 29, 6 to 7 PM

..Edgewater/New Smyrna Beach Elks Lodge, 820 W Park Ave NSB

VCARD hosted their 38th Annual installation event…2025 Chair Jessica Gow passed the gavel to 2026 Chair Kris Rowley for 2026. They presented awards and introduced new Board members

Deltona City Commission approved an agreement with Tax Collector Will Roberts regarding collection of the Non-Ad Valorem Assessments…..approved amendments to their Land Development Code….and made appointments/reappointments to their Affordable Housing Committee

County Aviation/Economic Resources Director Cyrus Callum has exciting news regarding Daytona Intl Airport

Citizens Property Insurance policy holders should soon see premium reductions based on 2023 insurance/tort reform legislation

Gov DeSantis appointed Charlie Lydecker to the State University System’s Board of Governors

President Trump released a broad healthcare framework aiming to lower prescription drug prices

Interview with School Bd Member Krista Goodrich

Erika Kazma, a physical education teacher at Longstreet Elementary School, has been named Volusia’s Teacher of the Year. Chosen out of 70 teachers, she moves on to compete for Fla Teacher of the Year.

The legislature began this week and runs until March 13. There will be several bills of interest to the business community. See list of bills below…..

The County has a new online permit guide with project zoning and permitting info in one location to assist residents, business owners and developers with the permitting process.

The County will host a beach cleanup 8 to 10 AM Tuesday, Jan 20, at Winterhaven Park in Ponce Inlet. For more info….call Lynne Walter at 943-7889.

And for a complete beach cleanup schedule, see my VM newsletter.

City of Deltona is actively considering a fire-related assessment on property owners. Deltona’s fire dept faces facility/service cost challenges, so the City is considering fire assessment fee to cover these costs

Lake Helen City Commission recently appointed S Daytona Fire Chief John Brant as their administrator.  

County has a new online permit guide with project zoning and permitting info in one location to assist residents, business owners and developers with the permitting process.

Fla Annual Business Reports Due….see details below….

Fla Annual Business Reports Due…….

Every corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership and LLCs registered to do business here must file an annual report with Fla Dept of State. These reports are due between January 1 and May 1.

Updating your info with Fla’s Secretary of State ensures that your business is active and authorized to do business in the State.

Jan 7 - DB City Commission will

DB Shores City Commission confirmed Interim City Mgr Mike Fowler as Permanent City Manager.

Volusia TOTY will be announced Jan 10…..5 finalists are….

Jan 8 - County Council meeting and 2026 goals workshop

City New Smyrna Beach hired Ralph “Tony” Miller as their first natural resources manager.

Florida Legislature runs January 13 - March 13

New 2026 Chairs for local Chambers of Commerce……

Interview with Volusia Tax Collector Will Roberts

Podcast News Topics

The DB City Commission will

Check out DB Police Dept Scam School on FaceBook….

Deltona City Commission

Gov DeSantis announced his FY 2026-27 budget totaling $117.4 billion which emphasizes fiscal discipline, tax relief, education, economic growth, environmental conservation, support for law enforcement and vulnerable populations.

Final Legislative Interim Committee week in Tallahassee….House Speaker Daniel Perez calling it “Artificial Intelligence Week”… committees/subcommittees focus will include discussions, presentations, and briefings covering opportunities/risks that AI presents for Fla’s economy, education system, workforce, and public safety.

Last week, US Senate Democrats blocked a Republican bill to create new federal subsidies to help Americans fund health insurance savings accounts. It would send up to $1,500 to individuals earning less than 700% of the federal poverty level (about $110,000 for individuals or $225,000 for a family of 4…. funds would require verification of beneficiaries' immigration/citizenship status (provisions Democrats reject).

In turn, Senate Republicans voted down a Democratic proposal to extend for 3 years Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire on December 31.

House Republicans introduced the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act, aiming to address rising health insurance premiums by expanding access to association health plans and increasing transparency in the pharmacy benefit manager industry

November unemployment rate was 4.6%…..highest level in 4 years…64,000 jobs added to the workforce….reflects a slowdown in labor market momentum with employers adding jobs at a weaker pace. November Inflation Rate was 2.9%.

Gov DeSantis appointed Fidelia Roster to the Fla Bd of Nursing….she’s Vice President/Chief Care Continuum Officer at Halifax Health

Volusia School District to host a Submittals Meeting Thursday, December 18, 9:00 AM…Facilities Services Building, Olson Drive, Daytona Beach.

This will be for firms interested in providing consultant services

NSB crews have begun repairs to the 27th Ave Beachfront Park’s promenade, seawall and access ramp.

Comments from Charles Guarra, free-lance reporter with HomeTown News… on his YouTube/Podcast “The Opinion Guy”

Interview with retiring Daytona Region Chamber President/ Nancy Keefer

Podcast News Topics

The Federal Reserve voted 9–3 to lower the benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, the lowest level in three years. The move was intended to guard against a more-than-expected slowdown in hiring.

Gov DeSantis announced a $112 million water-quality package for projects throughout the State….including $50 million for “Springs Restoration Grant Program”.

Holly Hill City Commission takes further action on 3 Charter ballot questions for the November 2026 election

DB Shores City Commission updated their city code regarding appointed boards

South Daytona Public Works Dept is continuing multiple stormwater and drainage enhancement projects

New Smyrna Beach….

Legislature is currently in its 5th “interim committee week”…the Session set to begin January 13, legislative strategies….

Daytona State College ATC campus will offer a new associate of science degree in aerospace technology in Spring 2026

Volusia Forever Advisory Committee meets Friday, Dec. 12, 9 AM County Admin Bldg..DeLand

Recap of Volusia Charter Review Commission Dec 8 meeting

This Week’s Congressional Agenda will include:

REMEMBER

Federal Reserve Board meets December 9-10….will they reduce benchmark rate? Look for announcement at TODAY…2 PM

Dec 1 - Deland City Commission

Dec 1 – Edgewater City Council eliminated their Business Receipts Tax and addressed several LDC matters pertaining to Deering Park project.

Dec 2 - County Council agenda

Dec 2 - Ormond Beach City Commission rejected Daytona Beach’s $2.3 million offer regarding water/wastewater rights per Avalon Park Daytona Beach development….

Dec 3 - DB City Commission heard a Travel Audit Review by the City Auditor – Abinet Belachew AND a presentation by City Manager Deric Feacher regarding draft Management Policies for use of P-cards

Sen Rick Scott is leading a Republican effort to propose an alternative to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) called the More Affordable Care Act.

Central Fla Commuter Rail Commission (SunRail’s advisory board of elected leaders) from the 5 Local Funding Partners meets Thursday, December 4.

Federal Reserve Board meets December 9-10….will they reduce benchmark rate? Odds are high the Fed will cut rates

Opening in October 1985, the DB Ocean Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary

The County will host a Winter Beach Cleanup Saturday, Dec 6, 8 -10 AM at Winterhaven Park in Ponce Inlet.

FDOT will convert SR 44 and Kepler Rd intersection (east portion of DeLand) into a new, single-lane roundabout, as a means to improve traffic flow/safety. Once this new roundabout is place….NO MORE TRAFFIC SIGNAL!!! Later, it’ll convert into a 2-lane roundabout

Nov 12….US House voted 222-209 on a funding bill to end the government shutdown (Congs Cory Mills and Randy Fine voted YES). It funds most federal government operations through January 30, 2026, and includes 3 full-year appropriations bills for select agencies

Oct 28 - Central Fla Commuter Rail Commission met/discussed expanding service to Saturdays and possibly Sundays with estimated costs of $23M to $26M. strong public demand for weekend service…BUT also concerns about affordability and cost per rider….there was also talk of extending to Orlando Intl Airport

Deland City Commission made appointments to the Historic Preservation Board AND Beresford Reserve Brownfield Advisory Committee

DB City Commission to make appointments to their Historic Preservation, Beachside Redevelopment and Nuisance Abatement Boards..PLUS Jackie Robinson Ballpark work…

County Council makes appointments to HAAA and Code Enforcement Bds

Nov 14 - Team Volusia Bd….Keith Norden gave an update on business prospects…announced changes in staff….heard details regarding Deering Park in NSB and Edgewater…..more details in Dec VM newsletter.

DON’T FORGET…..Property taxes are due….pay at any county tax collectors offices…no long line to pay property taxes vs car tag renewals..best days to go are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday…4% discount in November

INTERVIEW - Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher….

Volusia Economic Development “Q” Breakfast will be Friday, Nov 21, 7:30 am Daytona Intl Airport with a panel discussion on “Make It Here. Positioning Volusia to Attract Industry.”

Flood Control/Stormwater Management Subcommittee Co-Chairs Nancy Miller and Jake Johansson report at Nov 10 Elected Officials Roundtable

Charter Review Commission Mark Watts provides recap of Nov 10 meeting

Holly Hill City Commission moves on 3 separate Charter Review

ballot questions for 2026 ballot

NSB City Commission approved a $1 million contract with Fla Dept of Environmental Protection for the Historic Westside Stormwater Improvement Project

Edgewater City Council appoint Teresa Pope to Volusia Growth Management Commission… adopt Proportionate Fair Share agreement and Wastewater agreement with Deering Park

Property taxes are due….pay at any county tax collectors offices…no long line to pay property taxes vs car tag renewals..best days to go are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday…4% discount in November

SunRail will extend weekday service beginning Dec 1 whereby two more trains will be run during the evening to accommodate passenger riders

After 43 days of the Federal Government shutdown….the Senate advances a legislative package to re-open the government….House COULD vote later today or tomorrow……

INTERVIEW - Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila….

Volusia Economic Development “Q” Breakfast will be Friday, Nov 21, 7:30 am Daytona Intl Airport with a panel discussion on “Make It Here. Positioning Volusia to Attract Industry.” Click the button to RSVP…..

Volusia Legislative delegation met today…..Oct 29, where Sens Tom Wright, Tom Leek and Reps Chase Tremont, Webster Barnaby, Bill Partington and Richard Gentry heard

from local govt entities, community agencies, organizations

and individuals on what they'd like to see accomplished in the upcoming legislative session which meets in Tallahassee, January 13 to March 13, 2026

Oct 21 - County Council approved 5 flood-mitigation projects designed to increase stormwater management capacity, protect vulnerable areas and support long-term resilience across the County. They reflect coordinated efforts between the county/cities under Transform386

Deltona City Commission voted to withdraw from lawsuit challenging SB 180…a reversal from their August decision to join the lawsuit. SB180 is new legislation that temporarily confines small local entities impacted by hurricanes—from enacting stricter development regulations until October, 2027.

It also nullified building moratoriums.

Fla Dept of Environmental Protection (FDEP) awarded $94,500 in grant funding to City of Holly Hill to implement their Regional Drainage/Estuary Program to address increased flood risks affecting LPGA Canal

Gov DeSantis wants to eliminate property taxes entirely for homesteaded properties while a special House committee is proposing 8 separate bills offering different forms of tax relief via constitutional amendments on the 2026 ballot

Volusia Forever Advisory Committee met Oct 24 and evaluated 2025 Cycle 5 properties for Volusia Forever criteria. The committee also ranked Cycle 3 and 4 applications

School District’s Bargaining Team and Volusia United Educators (VUE) met October 29, for a bargaining session regarding Instructional Staff for 2025. at Facilities Services Building.. 3750 Olson Dr, Daytona Beach

Volusia Schools’ Technical Coordinating Committee for School Facility Planning meets Oct 31 to exchange ideas between cities, school district, and county regarding student enrollment, development projects, and future projections for growth.

Volusia recently lost 4 fine individuals…. Dave Castagnacci, Lowell Lohman, Sandy Bishop Burke, Dick Kane.

Volusia County Schools announced 70 nominees for Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced on Jan 10 at the FUTURES TOTY banquet at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort

October 20 – as a means to expand affordable housing options, DeLand City Commission approved an ordinance allowing tiny homes to be built in designated areas of the city.

DB Shores City Mgr Kirk Swartzlander recently retired…Public Safety Director Mike Folwer is now Interim City Manager…SO Mark Swanson (formerly County Public Safety Chief) is now Acting Public Safety Director at DB Shores Dept of Public Safety

Sheriff Chitwood reported school threat arrests are down 45% from this time last year

Gov DeSantis and Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky announced improved conditions for homeowners and auto policy holders in Fla’s insurance market

Zane Ertel, former Regional Director with former State CFO Jimmy Patronis and current CFO Blaise Ingoglia, is now Development Liaison for City of Claremont in Lake County.

(FDOT) will host an open house regarding proposed improvements to Nova Rd from Flomich St to US 1 in Holly Hill/Ormond Beach…Wednesday, Nov 5, 5:30 to 7 PM

The Federal Government shutdown is in its 4th week (and counting)….no clear end-in-sight.

An estimated 750 federal employees in Volusia are either furloughed (not working) or working without pay….with a lot of talk about food assistance and early education programs (e.g., Head Start) running out of funds if the shutdown continues.

Latest CPI report showed prices rose at a slower pace than expected in Sept. Inflation increased 3% in 12 months through Sept vs 2.9% the previous month. Economists expected a 3.1% increase.

US Federal Reserve Board is met today…. Financial Markets are confident that the Board (via the will cut interest rates by 25 basis points) moving the benchmark fed funds rate to 3.75% to 4.0 %.

National debt is NOW $38 trillion. US spent $4 trillion on interest over the last decade but will spend $14 trillion in the next 10 years. Interest costs crowd out important public/private investments in our future, harming the economy for every American

INTERVIEW - John Nicholson…..Local Govt Observer/Commentator

Volusia Economic Development “Q” Breakfast will be Friday, Nov 21, 7:30 am Daytona Intl Airport with a panel discussion on “Make It Here. Positioning Volusia to Attract Industry.” Click the button to RSVP…..