Volusia Matters by Jim Cameron
Listen on:
13 hours ago
13 hours ago
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.
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
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
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
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
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.