Volusia Matters Podcast

EP 149 REP Richard Gentry

Podcast News Topics
Synergy Billing is celebrating 20 years and expanding their headquarters into the former WyoTech building at Destination Daytona. That facility is 93,000 square feet — and Jayson Meyer is looking for good neighbors! Interested? Call us!
March 13 - Legislature adjourned its Regular Session without passing the FY 2026-27 state budget……
SO they’ll need a special session to fulfill this constitutional requirement.
SO House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton will call back members will in the coming weeks to finalize a budget.
A new budget must be resolved before the new FY begins July 1. Remember, DeSantis is calling special session on April 20 redraw congressional district….SO any other special session must be scheduled around that date.
Beyond the budget, upcoming session may also address stalled affordability measures and constitutional amendments intended for the November general election ballot.
March 17 - County Council -
Volusia Forever
approved a contract with consultant Alfred Benesch & Company for new 2026 Impact Fee Study.
heard a mini-budget Workshop regarding Votran/Transit Services.
3 appointments to Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
7 appointments from specified categories for Contractor Licensing and Construction Appeals board.
The County has launched a Beach Management Feasibility Study to create a long-term strategy for protecting its coastline.
March 18 - Daytona Beach’s City Commission
advanced a proposed City Charter amendment that would ban the use of reclaimed “blackwater” as a direct source for drinking‑water production
adopted resolution to establish a Building Permit Fee Rebate and Reduction Program designed to manage "excess fees" in compliance with Florida law…whereby they will waive City fees related the Florida Building Code until Sept 10.
March 17 - Port Orange City Council….
adopted Volusia’s Multi‑Jurisdictional Program for Public Information, a coordinated effort that helps communities earn lower flood‑insurance premiums by strengthening public outreach, education, and mitigation
purchased three residential properties that appeared to be in flood zones in an effort to make room for stormwater retention ponds and lift stations
Deland City Commission approved an Ordinance regarding e-bikes, micromobility devices and bicycle operation on downtown sidewalks and use of helmets by riders 16-17 years of age
 
Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie hosts meeting with Cong Randy Fine to discuss local business problems with ADA lawsuits
 
Gov DeSantis said that Fla has surpassed 10,000 bonuses awarded through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program since it launched in 2022.

EP 148 School Board Chair Ruben Colon

Podcast News Topics
Synergy Billing is celebrating 20 years and expanding their headquarters into the former WyoTech building at Destination Daytona. That facility is 93,000 square feet — and Jayson Meyer is looking for good neighbors! Interested? Call us!
March 11 - Legislature will not adjourn its regular 60-day session on time this Friday…lack of agreement on a new FY 2026-27 that starts July 1. $1.4 B gap to whittle down…..when they agree on a final budget, there’s a constitutionally-required 72-hour cooling off period before they can take a final vote.
SB 840 Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters intends to scale back and clarify 2025 Hurricane-Recovery Law Restrictions On Local Planning Authority (SB 180) yet maintains limits meant to speed rebuilding after storms. Passed Senate…on House calendar
SB 482 by Sen Tom Leek establishes an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” lets users know when they’re interacting with an AI system vs a human; sets privacy protections for personal data. Passed Senate…sent to House….
HJR 203 a property‑tax elimination constitutional amendment passed the House...currently before Senate.  House had several other property tax measures but they’re not moving.
SB 7046 part of a Senate’s tax package includes certain property tax revisions to exemptions/millage rules but it’s not a sweeping property tax elimination bill. On Senate calendar.
Gov DeSantis called a special legislative session for April 20 to draw new congressional districts.
He also wants a mid-summer special session to consider property tax relief…
County Council meets March 17…on the agenda….
contract with consultant Alfred Benesch & Company for new 2026 Impact Fee Study.
a comprehensive review of the Volusia Forever program.
mini-budget Workshop regarding Votran/Transit Services.
3 appointments to Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
7 appointments from specified categories for Contractor Licensing and Construction Appeals board.
Recap of Volusia Elected Officials Roundtable
Recap of Volusia Charter Review Commission
Volusia Sheriff's Office seized 225 illegal gambling machines and $97,000 in cash as part of 'Operation Reel of Fortune' ….an illegal gambling operations investigation that covered were Volusia, Flagler, Brevard, and Duval.
Fla Citizen Initiatives for 2026 Constitutional amendment…
Dept of State announced that no of active constitutional amendment citizen‑initiative met requirements to appear on the 2026 general election ballot — no initiative secured the required 880,00 verified signatures by the February 1 legal deadline.
Federal Reserve Bd meets next week March 17–18..most economists expect it’ll be a “wait-and-see” meeting and no change to the current 3.5%–3.75% federal funds rate.
Congress has NOT reached agreement to fund DHS….it is STILL in a partial shutdown mode with many divisions operating without appropriations — including Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Coast Guard, and FEMA — although many of these entities remain working without pay.
In the Senate, Democrats blocked the House funding measure, preventing it from reaching the 60‑vote threshold needed to advance a funding package…want ICE policy reforms
NSB City Commission appointed 5 members to their Economic Development Advisory Board
South Daytona took up an agreement with LTG to design a Traffic Camera Network with funding from FDOT

EP 147 Deland Mayor Chris Cloudman

Synergy Billing is celebrating 20 years and expanding their headquarters into the former WyoTech building at Destination Daytona. That facility is 93,000 square feet — and Jayson Meyer is looking for good neighbors! Interested? Call us!
March 3 - County Council
reallocated $571,926 for FY 2025–26 Community Cultural Grant Program funding for ONE YEAR…..Councilmembers expressed concerns about legislature proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate property tax on homestead which would severely curtail their revenue stream
approved ECHO Advisory Committee’s 2026 Work Plan and Goals which includes reviewing grant applications….also approved ECHO’s 2025 Annual Report
amended ECHO Committee’s current 2-year terms to a system where prior service would count immediately toward the 8-year cap…..approach ensures immediate turnover and mean departure of multiple experienced members.
Public Works Director Ben Bartlett and Coastal Director Jessica Fentress presented a Mini-Budget workshop regarding use of Property Taxes and/or Unrestricted Revenues for Beach Related Services….
voted down a proposal for a county charter amendment regarding elements of a rural growth boundary.
Recap…week 8 of Legislative Session…..
March 4 - DB City Commission
took first step to amend City Charter to prohibit use of reclaimed blackwater as a direct source water for either (1) injection into the aquifer or (2) introduction into the City’s potable public water system.
approved measures to secure/manage a $42 million planning, design, and construction loan from the Fla Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for a resiliency project at the Brennan Water Treatment Plant
Reminder - Volusia Elected Officials Roundtable meets Monday, March 9, 9 am at DBIA
Reminder - Volusia Charter Review Commission meets Monday, March 9, 5:30 PM at DBIA

EP 146 News and Interview with Jack Nicholson

Volusia State of the County reviews 2025 highlights, key initiatives, financial investments, and district-specific priorities
President Trump delivers State of the Union…..key issue highlights….details…..
Florida Legislative Session……Week 7 Issues….Details……
Feb 20 - Economic Development Q breakfast…..Deltona Economic Development Director John Cox highlighted investment/development activity in Volusia cities…….Volusia Economic Development Director Lou Paris reports on Volusia’s employment rates, commercial/resident building permits
Volusia Schools Career & Technical Education… CTE is a district-wide program designed to help middle/high school students build job-ready skills, earn industry certifications, and prepare for college or careers in high-wage and high-demand fields
City of New Smyrna Beach is looking to install a Parking Guidance System to help alleviate traffic congestion along Canal St and Flagler Ave. City will pay Risetek Global $462K to install a system that will show peak demand and parking space turnover rates….plus more details….
Orange City Council heard a presentation from Halifax Health/UFHealth Medical Center Exec Ben Eby….they also took up a contract for a new roundabout
Volusia/Flagler Transportation Planning Organization heard plans to upgrade Clyde Morris Blvd including…..resurfacing from Beville Rd to Mason Ave….adding multi-use paths and sidewalks..build new pedestrian tunnel at  ERAU….upgrade/improve drainage, lighting, traffic signals and landscaping
FACTOID…..Volusia Coastal Director Jessica Fentress points out that beach tourism contributes $4.3 billion annually to the County’s GDP (17% total) which generated 31% of Volusia’s annual sales tax revenue
FACTOID…..in 2025, Volusia Sheriff’s office made 10,717 arrests countywide with overall 80% case clearance rate

EP 145 OB Mayor Jason Leslie

Feb 17…..by a 4-3 vote, County Council voted down 2 proposals that would have prohibited "blackwater" or water with treated sewage from being recycled into drinking water
City of Daytona Beach continues work on Boardwalk Beach Access…adjacent to the Bandshell….project includes 4 parallel ramps and 14 sets of stairs designed to improve public beach access
Volusia Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and Volusia Emergency Management to host Hurricane Expo Saturday, April 18, 10 AM – 4 PM at Daytona Intl Speedway
Feb 16 - Deland City Commission
held a Workshop regarding subdivision regulations i.e. Streets, Parking, Side Walks, Tree Regulations, Landscaping, Lighting/Design….
discussed on short term rental rentals, which are currently prohibited in the City since 2011
Feb 17 - Port Orange Mayor Scott Stiltner presented a State of the City report AND City Council approved their list of road projects for the TPO’s Priority List
Average monthly rental rates for 1-2-3-bedroom apartments in Daytona/Volusia
January numbers for First Step Shelter
Sunrail update……Dec 31 - FDOT stopped direct funding SunRail costs after Dec  31…SO 5 Central Florida Commuter Rail entities (Orlando, Osceola, Orange, Seminole and Volusia) to start paying the bills…plus other SunRail news/ideas
Legislature focused on FY 2026-27 budgets….Senate proposes to spend $115 B while House is proposing $113 B budgets
US economy…..
Labor Market added ~130,000 jobs in January, beating many forecasts…bringing unemployment down to ~4.3% i.e. stable job market.
Inflation….Consumer prices rose 2.4% slightly below economists’ expectations
Interview with Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie
Stormwater Management
Legislative Session
Toilet to Tap Issue

EP 144 Chase Tramont

Feb 9 - Charter Review Commission Meeting Update – Pat Northey
Volusia’s 4th Quarter 2025 Economic Statistics
Fla Senate/House budget subcommittees are completing their work as leadership begins preparing draft budgets
Volusia Values Veterans Program launched Honor a Veteran initiative to recognize local veterans who continue to serve their community
Orange City has appointed Jerome Miller as their Police Chief of the Police Department
S Daytona City Mgr Les Gillis reports on the City's efforts to address storm water management
Holly Hill Historic Society has been coordinating plans with the City Commission for the City’s 125th Anniversary
 
School Board accepted grants to provide bonuses for computer science teachers and to harden school buildings against harsh weather
Gov DeSantis reappointed Audrey Butler, Harold Goodemote, Andrew Lupoli, and Thomas McCall to the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners
Regarding the State compact with the Seminole Tribe…. Fla is receiving $4.4 billion through FY 2028–29
With recent Congressional vote, 11 of 12 federal government
departments/agencies are funded thru September 30….per a $1.2 trillion appropriations bill.
BUT…Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) is only funded through today...if Congress doesn’t reache a deal today to resolve the DHS standoff —agency funding could lapse leading to a partial shutdown of DHS functions.
Interview with Rep Chase Tramont
Property tax bills
FY 2026 Budget talks
Education

EP 143 Bill Partington

Feb 3 – Per their recent 2026 Goal Setting Session……County Council scheduled several Mini-Budget Workshops
Feb 3 – County Council accepted a long-range ECHO Vision Strategic Plan and directed staff to maintain current procedures, continue implementing it.
Feb 4 - DB City Commission approved a resolution Bike Week 2026 Master Plan for Public Property (Bike Week runs Thursday, February 27 to Sunday, March 8)
Deltona’s Economic Development Department has engaged Retail Strategies (a national retail recruitment/consulting firm).
Feb 2 - City of DeBary is offering a Business Façade Grant to help local commercial properties improve the exterior of their buildings
Feb 1 - Edgewater City Council adopted a wastewater treatment master plan
Fla Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has reported 42 auto insurance companies have filed for rate decreases for 2026 — indicating price relief is broad-based across the market
US House of Representatives voted 217–214 to approve a spending package of 11 annual appropriations bills that fund government agencies and programs through Sept 30…. effectively ending a partial government shutdown
January Consumer Confidence Index fell to 84.5, a sharp drop from 94.2 in December…. the lowest since 2014, reflecting consumers are worried about inflation, job market conditions, and overall economic outlook.
Interview with Rep Bill Partington
Affordability Issues…property tax, auto insurance
FY 2026 Budget outlook
Jason Raynor Act

EP 142 Jake Johansson

Daytona Beach City Commission delayed a proposed $4.3 million purchase of the Cruisin' Café (at the corner of A1A at Main St) and two adjacent parcels. This is part of an effort to provide additional parking and rejuvenate the area.
City of Daytona Beach hosted a community meeting to discuss a proposed update to its Code of Ordinances regarding mobile food vendors.
Port Orange Riverwalk Development project update from Port Orange City Manager Wayne Clark…..
Volusia Forever Advisory Committee meet at Friday, Jan 30, 9 AM in the County Admin Bldg DeLand…..Members will rank the 2025 Cycle 6 Volusia Forever eligible applications.
County Council approved $6.8 million for stormwater improvements at Corbin Park in New Smyrna Beach…AND $1.6 million allocated for Phase II of NSB's Stormwater Master Plan (part of the Transform386 initiative)
New Smyrna Beach City Commission passed an ordinance to prohibit overnight sleeping in vehicles or outdoors on public rights-of-way and private property without permission from 11 PM - 6 AM
Tickets are STILL available for First Step Shelter Mayor’s Gala on Feb 7, 6 PM at the Daytona Beach Hilton
Jan 28 – Volusia/Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) will review for approval…..
a resolution to amend their 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
a resolution regarding their 2026 Transportation Safety Targets
a presentation regarding their TPO FY  2026 -28 Unified Planning Work Program
Florida legislature is focusing heavily on affordability….property tax relief…AI Bill of Rights….budget….during Week 3 of the 2026 legislative session
Political standoff in Washington — especially over Dept of Homeland Security (and ICE) funding — heightens the chance that Congress will not approve the funding bills by the January 30 deadline, making another shutdown more likely
Interview with County Councilman Jake Johansson
Recap of recent County Council Goal Setting Session
Update of Elected Officials” Stormwater Mgnt Task Force
Potable Water Update

EP 141 School Board Member Krista Goodrich

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….
2026 Bike Week Master Plan for private property (prepared by Daytona Regional Chamber’s Bike Week Task Force.
Presentation of Beachside Policing Strategic Plan by Police Chief Jakari Young
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

EP 140 Rep Richard Gentry (House District 27)

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.