Volusia Matters by Jim Cameron
Listen on:
7 days ago
7 days ago
2026 preliminary tax roll from County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett gives early totals for countywide market and taxable values for land, homes, buildings, and other improvements. For a full report/details, come to VCARD’s Real Estate Values Forum…..June 25, 9 - 10:30 AM (8:30 breakfast and check in). Co-hosted by Daytona Regional Chamber, Daytona Area Assn of Realtors and New Smyrna Beach Bd of Realtors. Open to public. There is a cost. For more details, contact Kelly at 255- 0981.
June 8 - Daytona Beach 1st Step Shelter Bd meeting. Exec Director Victoria Fahlberg to remain on the job until June 12. After that, she’ll work as a consultant to help with the search process and job transition.
HR Exec Leslie Bonner announced that the search has been narrowed down to 4 candidates. Plans are being made for Monday, June 22 to interview these candidates individually before the Bd votes that evening.
City Commission/Council meeting updates…..County Advisory Bd meetings this month…..
May 29 - Legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget which included numerous local projects requested by Volusia legislative delegation. Education. Infrastructure plus other projects pertaining to Habitat for Humanity as well as Volusia Volunteers in Medicine.
DeSantis has 15 days to approve/veto the budget after it is formally presented to him once the Legislature has adjourned.
He also has line-item veto authority to remove specific local projects without vetoing the entire budget.
NOTE – July 1 is the start of the new fiscal year
After Legislature voted June 2 to put a homestead property tax measure on the November ballot……Gov Desantis posted on X……. that the Legislature’s version was different from his original proposal….it doesn’t provide for the elimination of all taxes on homesteads (they exempted school taxes) and it doesn’t create a fund to provide state grants to local governments to assist with core services as homestead taxes are phased out. If the amendment is approved…. will funding to make up local government shortfalls, come before the legislative session in March?
Gov DeSantis appointed 4 new members to Daytona State College District Board of Trustees
This week in Congress…
Congress is voting on several bills that could tighten oversight of billions of federal grant, disaster‑recovery, and infrastructure dollars. Florida’s economy and Volusia County could feel the impact of the federal fraud‑prevention and spending‑oversight bills.
A separate House bill pertaining to supply‑chain/energy‑security could benefit this area’s logistics/manufacturing sectors by strengthening US access to critical minerals that support aerospace, EV components, and advanced manufacturing
State Rep Chase Tramont comments on
$114.5 billion state budget
Volusia delegation special requests
Homestead Property Tax Special Session
Friday Jun 05, 2026
Friday Jun 05, 2026
May 29 - legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget…
Major allocations include K-12 Education ($21 B), Higher Education ($9.9 B), Healthcare spending ($49.2 B), environmental projects ($2.5 B), and Budget Reserves ($17 B).
June 1-2 Special Session….Legislature adoptes measure for property tax relief Constitutional amendment….provides incremental increases of homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 then $500,000
County CFO Ryan Ossowski told Council that Legislature’s property‑tax changes — including a lower the non‑homestead assessment cap and adding new supermajority voting rules for certain millage increases — could significantly reduce County revenue starting in 2027 if voters approve the amendment…..warned the cuts could create a $92.8 million shortfall by 2028
City Meetings Update…..
June 3 - DB City Commission
(as CRA) had a frank conversation regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district…
approved a measure to expedite affordable housing applications and let accessory dwelling units qualify as affordable housing.
June 1 - Deltona City Commission appointed Davison Heriot as the City’s representative to Team Volusia’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors
June 1 - Deland City Commission addressed several grant applications related to infrastructure at the Deland Airport
June 1 - Edgewater City Council
created a new sign code.
applied for a $44,000 State grant to fund a Building/Planning Efficiency Fee Study to modernize its permitting process.
heard public comments regarding proposed City Charter amendments. Council will address at a later meeting.
June 3 – DeBary City Council hired a consulting firm to prepare Non-Ad Valorem Fire Assessment Rate Study for the City
June 9 – Orange City Council will conduct a workshop regarding concept a Fire Assessment Fee….
June 2 - County Council….
hosted a 2nd public hearing/presentation on amendments to the County Charter (see pg 5 VM newsletter)
addressed how impact fees are charged for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
heard a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process.
appointed James Jones to their Contractor Licensing/Construction Appeals (CLCA) Bd
This week in Congress…
US Senate is debating a Republican-backed plan to spend about $70–72 billion on immigration enforcement and border security.
US House to take up 2 major funding bills…..1 funds agriculture, rural development, and FDA ……AND a bill that sets 2027 funding for FEMA, environmental and coastal projects, transportation and housing grants
New Chair of Federal Reserve Bd Kevin Warsh’s first policy meeting will be June 16–17…… fed funds rate is currently 3.50%–3.75% Will they raise or pause or lower interest rates?
Community Commentator John Nicholson discusses……
DB City Commissioners’ discussion regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district and surrounding neighborhoods
County CFO Ryan Ossowski’s presentation to Council regarding potential impact of proposed homestead property tax relief amendment on the Nov 3 ballot
proposed County Charter Adm 1 (selection of County Chair) and Adm 5 (creates a conservation lands registry whereby Council can "lock" specific properties to protect them from being sold or transferred)
Wednesday May 27, 2026
Wednesday May 27, 2026
On Monday, legislative leaders agreed on a $114.5 billion state budget….major topics include education funding, healthcare spending, environmental projects, and tax policy. Legislators will take a final vote tomorrow on a FY 2026–27 state budget after their required 72-hour waiting period.
Gov Desantis is calling legislators back for another Special Session June 1-3 to address property tax relief. But there are several issues yet to be addressed….and they must have ballot language by August 5.
Volusia County and New Smyrna Beach began ~$7 million project to improve stormwater drainage around Corbin Park and help reduce flooding during heavy rain
May 26 - NSB City Commission
updated their parking rules to allow paying by mobile app and no more paper receipts on dashboard….also added a new paid parking area
made appointment to Historic Preservation Bd and Planning/Zoning Bd
May 26 - Orange City Council adopted…..
a resolution related to a water facility plan with needed improvements
a resolution for Reclaimed Water Master Plan…..
a Wastewater Master Plan and Septic-to-Sewer Update
June 2 - County Council will…..
host a 2nd public hearing and presentation on amendments to the Volusia County Charter (see a summary of each amendment in June 4 VM newsletter)
address how impact fees are charged for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
hear a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process.
make an appointment to their Contractor Licensing/Construction Appeals (CLCA) Bd
June 1 - Deltona City Commission will…..
update the City’s Land Development Code regarding details related to barndominiums, metal buildings, and storage containers
update rules for small wireless facilities in public rights-of-way
appoint a City representative to Team Volusia’s Exec Committee and Bd of Directors
Recently, Gov DeSantis announced Blue Origin will invest $600 million to expand its Rocket Park at Cape Canaveral, building an 830,000 sq ft facility to make rocket stages and boost Fla’s launch capacity.
Volusia Flagler TPO met yesterday and began consideration of 8 updated priority road projects
Kevin Captain, Chief, Volusia Emergency Medical Services discusses……
the basics of Volusia EMS and what type AMBULANCE services are provided….
the different type positions make up EMS
how EMS works with the community and other public safety agencies during emergencies and daily operations
the biggest challenges currently facing Volusia EMS, and how EMS is working to address them
Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
Update on new Fountainhead Innovation Center by Synergy CEO Jayson Meyer….we’re moving to the old WyoTech Bldg at Destination Daytona…
May 20 – DB City Commission
rezoned/annexed parcels into Avalon Park development, which is planned for 8,818 homes and about 1 million square feet of commercial space
approved a resolution to send City’s 2026–2029 housing plan to the Fla Housing Finance Corporation to apply for State grant money for affordable housing
awarded a Contract to replace Lift Station 53 (constructed in 1976) which should increase stormwater pumping capacity to control flooding
Update on new 400 N Beach apartment complex with Framework Group CEO Phillip Smith….
Volusia Forever Advisory Committee meets Friday, May 22, County Admin Bldg, DeLand to determine if properties are eligible for the 2026 Cycle 2
May 18 - Deland City Commission considered matching grant requests up to $7,500 from businesses owners located within DeLand’s gateway districts
May 19 - Ormond Beach City Commission addressed capital improvements as well as stormwater management….
approved an ordinance to allow the sale/consumption of low proof alcoholic beverages
County Council voted unanimously to purchase ~1,300 acres in SW Volusia for conservation purposes through Volusia Forever program for $20.1 million
May 14 - the 4th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Service was held at Living Faith Ministries Church in Daytona Beach to honor those police officers, correction officers, representative from State Attorney’s office
Interview - County Economic Director Lou Paris
What is Volusia's top 5 employment sectors and how have wages ranged with them?
What were Volusia's recent unemployment rates for Q1?
How are Commercial and Residential Building permits faring for Q1?
Lou reflected on Stetson Professor Kevin Taylor’s presentation Volusia's InfoTech sector and why this is important to our local economy...
NEXT Q breakfast…August 21….
Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
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?
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
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.
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
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.
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
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.
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
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.
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
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.
Broadcasting from the Fountainhead…the home of Synergy Billing in Holly Hill…..a program that delves into the latest in Volusia’s governmental and political issues.
Interviews with city and county as well as school board officials, members of our legislative and congressional delegations and other leaders in the political community on a variety of topics.
Everything will focus on matters that impact Volusia County… directly or indirectly.