Volusia Matters Podcast

Podcast News Topics
Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour……
Local entities are hosting budget hearing through the end of the month on proposed budgets and tax rates for FY 2026-27.  Check out pages 1-4 of VM newsletter to see what numbers are being considered.
 
Sept 14 - Edgewater City Council…..
·   unanimously approved a permanent moratorium to block development of data centers, hyperscale facilities, and other high-energy data-processing facilities. Edgewater voters are also scheduled to consider a November charter amendment that could make the prohibition part of the city charter.
·   approved fire services assessments for FY 2026-27 to fund fire protection services, facilities, and programs, distributing costs among properties…
·   will attend a joint public meeting with New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill, and the Volusia County Council to address shared economic development priorities affecting SE Volusia on October 14 at the Brannon Center.
·   looked into adjusting their Fire Rescue Law Enforcement General Govt, Parks & Recreation, Multi-Model transportation impact fees.
 
Sept 14 - Elected Officials Roundtable met to discuss current issues of common interest……
Public Works Director Ben Bartlett discussed the County’s Stormwater Resilience Dashboard which shows ongoing projects to reduce flood risks, improve drainage, and strengthen infrastructure throughout all 16 cities.
DB Shores Mayor Nancy Miller and County Councilman Jake Johansson provided an update on cities’ efforts regarding stormwater management and flood control
Coastal Director Jessica Fentress discussed beach feasibility/Army Corp of Engineers’ Coastal Storm Risk study
Sept 14 - First Step Shelter Bd met to update on current activities……it was first official meeting for their new exec Susan Clark……shelter had 60 intakes in August…plus 96 individuals in the Rose Ann Tornatore safe zone…
 
Sept 15 - PO City Council approved their FY 2027 stormwater utility assessment roll and kept existing fee rates unchanged. The assessment roll lists properties subject to the fee, which will be collected through annual property tax bills.
 
Sept 22 - County Council will take up a joint project agreement with City of Daytona Beach on Harvey Ave Beach Approach Improvements. City Daytona Beach and the County will combine Boardwalk and Harvey Ave beach ramp improvements into one project.
 
County’s Emergency Management Dept recently hosted a Healthcare Summit to connect healthcare providers, fire depts to share experiences, discuss how they can better collaborate during hurricanes, etc
 
Sept 18 - Team Volusia Bd meets tomorrow and will report on business prospects there seeking to locate in the county. VM will report on that meeting in next week’s podcast.
 
Sept 16 - US Federal Reserve raised its interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point moving the federal funds target range from 3.50%–3.75% to 3.75%–4.00%……the Fed’s first rate increase since July 2023.
 
The interest rate on the 10-year Treasury note has climbed to just over 5%....its highest level in almost 20 years. It’s due to concerns about inflation, higher oil prices and expectations of this week’s Federal Reserve Bd meeting.
 
Estimated Tax Schedule. Last estimated quarterly tax payment was due Sept 15…..and the fourth estimated quarterly payment for 2026 is January 15, 2027. See October VM newsletter for a complete schedule…..
 
Interview with Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky
Ponce Inlet has implemented a townwide stormwater utility — what does that actually change for the town?
Ponce Inlet has a septic-to-sewer project with about $10 million secured for infrastructure, but still needs roughly $1.95 million to connect additional homes. Details?
Ponce Inlet is considering a fire non-ad valorem assessment — how does that fit into the same revenue strategy?
Residents' Coalition's Home Rule forum — why did the group feel this forum was necessary, and what came out of it?

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour……
Sept 1 budget hearing, County Council’s proposed 2026–27 budget would increase Fire Rescue funding by nearly 3%, from ~ $81.8 million to ~$84 million...Council is moving forward with a net budget is ~$1.06 billion. Property taxes provide $455.5 million (42.8% of net revenue). Final budget hearing is September 22.
DB City Commission plans to change retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters retiring after October 1.
Sept 9 - With NSB Sports Complex use/expenses increasing, NSB City Commission looking to increase fees to raise revenue by $10,000 to cover expenses tied to inflation rates.
Deltona City Commission took up Fla Dept of Environmental Protection and St Johns River WMD supporting Deltona’s aquifer recharge project via a 50/50 grant to build a recharge well and two monitoring wells
Sept 9 - DB Shores City Commission adopted a 2026 Vulnerability Assessment created by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and by Fla’s Resilient Florida Program
Sept 9 - Deland City Commission addressed an ordinance to change water, sewer, and reclaimed-water rates by resolution and remove account maintenance fees and include those costs in monthly base charges
Sept 9 - DeBary City Council discussed FY 2027-28 budget requirements pursuant to HB 1329 Local Government Financial Transparency/Accountability Act
On September 30…
Non-tipped employees: minimum wage rises from $14.00 to $15.00/hour
Tipped employees: cash wage rises from $10.98 to $11.98/hour
2026 US midterm elections choose all 435 members of the House and about 35 members of the Senate…Biggest fight for control of the US House. Current make Up of US House is 218 Republicans—214 Democrats  - 1 Independent—2 Vacancies
Fla’s gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe is still active….2021 compact gives the Seminoles exclusive control over certain types of gambling, including online sports betting. Hard Rock Bet remains the only traditional online sportsbook operating statewide.
The newest challenge comes from prediction-market companies such as Kalshi
Interview with Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew
New Aerospace Related Activity in the City?
Deering Park Activity ?
Adm 3 Homestead Exemption?
Proactive Measure on Flood Control?

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour……
County Council has first public hearing TODAY on tentative budget and millage rates for FY 2026-27. Other local entities will begin hosting their public budget hearings next week.
 
Sept 1 - PO City Council ratified contract agreements with 2 of their Police Unions…..
 
DB Mayor Derrick Henry wants residents to have access to the state’s audit report. Fla’s Auditor General’s report is still being reviewed by state officials and is expected to arrive soon
Recap of Aug 26 TPO meeting by Exec Colleen Nicoulin
Aug 10 - FDOT’s press conference announced a partnership with ERAU to train students for careers in Advanced Air Mobility
Volusia Elected Officials Roundtable to meet Monday Sept 14, 9 AM Daytona Intl Airport……to discuss local issues that affect the entire county…
US House just returned from its August recess with legislative business and votes scheduled throughout the week…major issue to watch is federal government funding…US Senate to resume work Sept 14…..
US economy is still growing, but losing strength….Second-quarter growth was 1.5%, lower than the first quarter’s 2.1%
Florida’s economy remains strong compared with many states, but its rapid growth has slowed
Interview with Sheriff Mike Chitwood
Status of Volusia Criminal Activity
E-Bikes on the Road
Take Over Events?
License Plate Reader Cameras

Volusia County News: Economic Growth, Elections and Local Government
Here are the latest Volusia County updates covering economic development, election results, local government decisions, public projects, schools, taxes and community services.
Fountainhead Innovation Center ExpandsJayson Meyer announced two updates for the Fountainhead Innovation Center near the U.S. 1 and I-95 interchange, just north of Destination Daytona. A limited number of smaller office suites will support entrepreneurs and growing organizations. The center is also developing an event venue for up to 250 guests, including corporate meetings and leadership retreats.
Volusia County Economic OutlookAt the Aug. 21 Volusia Economic Q2 Breakfast, economist Sean Snaith said Florida and Volusia County continue to experience economic growth. However, rising household debt, credit-card spending, electricity costs and technological disruption could create future challenges. Lou Paris also presented updated second-quarter economic data.
Volusia County Primary Election ResultsThe Aug. 18 primary election drew 108,665 ballots from 396,818 registered Volusia County voters, producing approximately 27% voter turnout.
Volusia County Bans Large AI Data CentersOn Aug. 17, the Volusia County Council unanimously approved a permanent ban on large-scale artificial intelligence data centers in unincorporated Volusia County.
New Smyrna Beach Reviews Building-Permit ChangesOn Aug. 25, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission addressed new Florida legislation affecting building permits, inspections, private providers and the fees municipal building departments may charge.
Volusia ECHO Projects Move Through ReviewOn Aug. 26, the Volusia ECHO Advisory Committee scored proposed projects in Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater and DeBary. Proposals include parks, athletic fields, piers, museums and nature centers. Projects scoring 80 or higher will advance for additional review and final approval.
Daytona Beach City Commission UpdateOn Aug. 19, the Daytona Beach City Commission:
Appointed William Robinson to the Housing Authority Commission.
Approved relocating Volusia EMS to a new site on West Mason Avenue.
Adjusted building-permit fees to reflect processing and service costs.
Extended a temporary parking-lot permit near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk for two years.
Volusia County Targets Illegal DumpingVolusia County compliance officers continue investigating illegal dumping, coordinating waste removal and holding responsible parties accountable.
U.S. Treasury Bond BuybacksFrom Sept. 9 through Nov. 4, the U.S. Treasury plans to increase purchases of 30-year government bonds from approximately $2 billion to $4 billion. A bond buyback occurs when the government purchases securities from investors before their scheduled maturity dates.
U.S. Trade DeficitThe United States recorded an estimated $205 billion trade deficit during the second quarter of 2026.
U.S. National DebtThe national debt has reportedly reached $40 trillion. This figure should be confirmed before publication.
Volusia County School District MeetingsThe Volusia County School District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee held a virtual public meeting on Aug. 27. The district’s bargaining team and Volusia United Educators are also participating in an instructional-staff bargaining session.
Port Orange Water-System MaintenanceThe City of Port Orange has started its annual water-distribution system flushing. This routine maintenance removes sediment, cleans the system and helps protect local water quality.
Florida Amendment 3 and the Homestead ExemptionA new interview with the Volusia County Tax Collector explains Florida Constitutional Amendment 3, including what the proposed homestead-exemption changes would—and would not—do for property owners.

Daytona Regional Chamber to host a luncheon regarding Fla’s Property Tax Adm 3 on Sept 1, 11 AM - 1 PM at Halifax River Yacht Club. It’ll explore Fla's Property Tax Future…. potential effects of Adm 3. 
Panel members…. Sen Jeff Brandes (Fla Policy Project), George Recktenwald and Ryan Ossowski (Volusia County), Michael Chambliss (Daytona Beach) Government will discuss Adm 3’s projected effect on local budgets/residents and business owners. 
Advanced Registration is $35 (until August 25)…..$50 at that….
Non-member registration is $70 regardless of registration date. 
For more details, contact Chamber’s Advocacy Director Drake Wyman at 255.7174 or drake@daytonachamber.com
Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……
Jayson Meyer has exciting things happening at the NEW Fountainhead Innovation Center….located just north of Destination Daytona at the US 1 / I – 95 interchange.
The facility will have a limited number of smaller office suites available for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations to locate.
It’ll also include event space to accommodate up to 250 people….. ideal for corporate meetings, leadership retreats, training events, and other professional gatherings.
There’s lot more coming, so call me 566-2140 for a tour of the facility
Congressional District 7 Candidates Forum was held Aug 5 at Brannon Center, NSB…hosted by Volusia Republican Executive Committee…..Click here to see VM summary of Candidates’ comments regarding issues….
EARLY VOTING RUNs to Saturday August 15….8 am - 6 pm  Click here to see early Voting Sites i.e. libraries/ community centers throughout the County. You CAN VOTE ANYWERE! Live in NSB but work in Ormond? Vote on your lunch hour. 
Primary ballot and candidates in VM newsletter……
City of Daytona Beach has hired Katrina Powell as their new Economic & Strategic Opportunities Director
Holly Hill City Commission - Aug 11
Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation Presentation by CEO Keith Norden
Holly Hill staff secured EPA hurricane grant funds for ~$19 M and $2.8 M to make utility repairs….another step regarding stormwater management.
adopted a proclamation regarding Joe Forte's retirement after 36 Years of service to the City
Aug 11 - NSB City Commission addressed Fla legislation regarding building permits/inspections
Aug 18 - Ormond Beach City Commission will have 2nd reading pertaining to a complete ban of data centers
Aug 13 - County’s ECHO Advisory Committee has full-day of site visits/project presentations in Ormond, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, Pt Orange, NSB, Edgewater, DeBary….proposals include ballfields, parks, piers, museums, nature centers followed by a meeting to ponder each project’s request for funding.
School District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee to meet virtually Thursday, August 27, 4:00 PM…meeting is open to public via Teams HERE
School District’s Bargaining Team and Volusia United Educators (VUE) have an Instructional Staff Bargaining Session
Update on US federal budget for this FY 2026 which ends September 30
Interview - State Rep Bill Partington
If Adm 3 (homestead exemption) passes…..cities and county budgets?
Fla is attracting data centers, but they use lots of electricity/water. Should the state impose additional requirements on new data centers?
Fla continues to invest in K-12 education. What should be state's top education priority over the next 5 years—teacher pay, school choice, classroom performance, something else?
Fla's increasing population growth is putting pressure on water supplies. What should the State do to sustain a stable water supply?

New Smyrna Beach and the County both run paid parking programs on coastal parking areas they control.  County uses Park Volusia and vehicle registration databases and license plate reader technology while the City has its own system and database for annual pass holders, plus daily parking fees. They’re forming an interlocal agreement would let annual City OR County pass holders park in the other place’s lots interchangeably.
DB City Commission ……
addressed an ordinance regarding E-bikes ie operation of and speed limits within the city. It bans motorized pedicabs. Allows them only if they are specifically approved through a franchise agreement that the City Commission approves.
heard proposed changes to the Bike Week Master Plan Guidelines
 
Port Orange City Council …..
Heard update on state matters from Sen Tom Wright and Rep Chase Tramont
Addressed 1-2 items regarding lift station and waste water…….in other words, stormwater management
3 Appointments to their Environmental Advisory Board
 
Ormond Beach City Commission……
Updated their Capital Improvements Schedule as part of their Comprehensive Plan in order to match it with their Capital Improvement Plan as required by Florida state law…
Discussed Data Centers and Landscape Regulations
 
Deltona City Commission…..
updated their Local Housing Assistance Plan by adding Mobile Homes into the mix which provides assistance for eligible manufactured housing relocation, temporary lot rent assistance, and rehabilitation or emergency repairs.
 
Edgewater City Council….took up proposed charter amendments to expand number of city council members, ban data center, require referendum on toilet to tap…

Podcast News Topics
Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……Jayson Meyer wants to turn this building into a place for entrepreneurs, students, and the community. It will also include a restaurant, café, and wine bar where people can meet, work, and build new ideas. This could be a good chance for the right person to run a food business with less upfront money than starting from scratch. Interested? Call 566-2140 to discuss……
School Bd had 1st hearing on their proposed Property Tax Millage Rate and Schools' Operating Budget for FY 2026-27
NSB City Commission -
adopted their TRIM rate for FY 2026-27
took up that fire assessment that the Benesch Consultants outlined earlier this month.
appointed members to Airport Advisory Bd, Building Trades Bd Housing Authority
Gov DeSantis signed an agreement between Space Florida and UK’s Space Agency to work together on space projects…….Fla and UK already have strong trade and business ties…this new partnership will grow innovation and opportunities
Recent polls show Fla Adm 3 regarding homestead property taxes report 61% to 64% in favor at this time….
87% of Republicans and 62% NPAs support it
65% Democrats oppose it.
65% Homeowners and 64% renters support it
……polls also show respondents like the idea of lower property taxes but become more divided when presented with possible consequences…..
County Council to consider a six-month moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers
Democrats Socialists of America…..what’s in their party platform?
What is the current US tariff rates on imports from foreign trade partners?
Volusia County School District’s leadership program.
Interview Kristin Weiss, President/CEO Daytona Regional Chamber discusses………
Chamber HobNob/Meet the Candidates
Workforce Development
Elevate event - August 6
Leadership Daytona…

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……Synergy CEO Jayson Mayer is offering a limited number of smaller office suites for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. There’ll also be event space for meetings, retreats, and training. Call 566-2140 if your organization would like a tour.
County Council, School Board, and the county's 16 cities are developing budgets/setting property tax rates for FY 2026-27. All must have their final budget/millage rates approved before the new fiscal year begins on October 1.
Look for Volusia Matters’ local government tax rate/budget chart coming to you next week
Preview of 3 Fla Constitutional Amendments……
The County launched a new interactive dashboard to show the work underway to reduce flood risks, improve drainage, and strengthen stormwater infrastructure throughout the county.
July 20 - Deltona City Commission
voted down a proposed fire assessment proposal 7-0. It was based on recent Benesch Financial Consultants study….
set a 6.49 mills TRIM rate despite staff recommending a 6.7 mills rate.
addressed regulations including sidewalks and speed limits for scooters/e-bikes….
approved a resolution to protect environmentally sensitive land and open space
July 21 - Port Orange City Council
approved a Charter Adm to require proof of residency for at least 12 months for City Council candidates
addressed Firefighters’ pensions to clarify 300 overtime hours being pensionable.
announced they received $2 million in state funding for 2 infrastructure projects from the State budget.
July 21 - County Council
approved FY 2026-27 Tourism Advertising Budgets
addressed limits on how long people can serve on advisory boards/committees…
took up amending regulated public participation during meetings
Team Volusia Economic Development Bd met on July 10
to review efforts to attract new businesses/support the expansion of existing employers updates on several active economic development projects, including confidential business recruitment prospects in the aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology industries.
Issues before Congress this week…..
Regarding  the economy…inflation rate was 4.1% in May, 3.7% in June, 3.7% in mid-July and still above Fed’s 2% goal
Also regarding the economy, consumers owed about $1.25 trillion in credit card debt during the first 3 months of 2026, about $70 billion more than last year.  
REMINDER -
Daytona Regional Chamber’s HobNob on July 28, 4-7 PM at ERAU…it’ll include Congressional, legislative, County Council, School Bd and numerous City commission/council seats AND it’ll include a straw vote
 
NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in July’s VM newsletter….pg 21
Interview - John Nicholson, Community Commentator discusses………
Local Government Budgets
Proposed Homestead Exemption Referendum (Const Adm)
Status of local housing
First Step Shelter

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……
Jayson Meyer CEO of Synergy Billing wants everyone to know about exciting updates at the Fountainhead Innovation Center near Destination Daytona. They’re offering a limited number of smaller office suites for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. They’re also building an event space that can hold up to 250 people for meetings, retreats, and training.
July 15 - Daytona Beach City Commission
agreed to accept a $27k federal grant to help buy bulletproof vests for new/current police officers.
authorized a Rebate Cost Share Agreement with SJRWMD to receive up to 50% reimbursement for issuing water conservation rebates
moved forward for new regulations for bicycles/electric bicycles while establishing a general prohibition on motorized pedicabs
approved the 2026 Biketoberfest Master Plan for Private Property, scheduled for October 15 to 18
July 14 - Holly Hill City Commission increased their current $96 residential stormwater fee to $99 ($8.25 per month) which would generate $37 K for stormwater upkeep, rules, and repairs.
July 14 - NSB City Commission
Held a workshop to consider Benesch Consultants’ study of a possible a non-property tax fire assessment to fund fire services and how costs could be proportioned and what rates different property types might pay.
Addressed a new agreement regarding City/County reciprocal parking passes, so permits work in each other’s lots, and new passes will be issued through the Park Volusia system
Updated its Land Development Regulations to allow parking lots as a permitted use and letting property owners build parking lots in areas that need more parking.
updated the city’s parking ordinances so visitors can pay parking fees through a mobile app instead of using kiosks
Fla's minimum wage will increase on Sept 30 from $14 to $15 per hour
August 18 Primary is coming soon….
Deadline to Register to Vote for Primary Election is July 20
Deadline to Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot for Primary Election is Aug 6
Congress recently passed the 21st Century ROAD to 
Housing Act, housing bill which aims to help increase the 
supply of homes and make housing more affordable.
First Step Shelter Board of Directors ratifies contract for Susan Clark to be the new Exec.
Congress returned to Washington this week with a full agenda, although the unexpected death of Sen Lindsey Graham and the continuing absence of Sen Mitch McConnell have created uncertainty about the timing of some Senate business.
July 1, IRS increased standard mileage rate for business use from 72 to 76 cents per mile…… medical/moving mileage rates also increased to 23.5 cents per mile.
For 2026, the next quarterly IRS estimated tax due date (after July 13) is September 15.
Port Orange/S Daytona Chamber hosted a Candidates HobNob…. had a good turnout and numerous candidates…. Democrat and Republican and non-partisan including Congressional, Legislative House/Senate seats, County Council, School Bd, Daytona Beach and S Daytona City Council and 7th Circuit Judge races.
Daytona Regional Chamber’s HobNob on July 28 at ERAU…it’ll include Congressional, legislative, County Council, School Bd and numerous City commission/council seats AND it’ll include a straw vote
REMINDER -
Daytona Regional Chamber's 2026 Candidate Hobnob is July 28, 4 - 7:00 PM at ERAU (Henderson Welcome Ctr)  
NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in July’s VM newsletter….pg 21
Interview - News Journal Reporter Mark Harper discusses
Gov Desantis’ proposal to reduce property tax…..
August 18 Primary election…..
Volusia School District’s 2nd A rating
City of DB’s 150th birthday celebration…

Fountainhead Innovation Center….(just north of Destination Daytona at the US 1 / I – 95 interchange) Is now making a limited number of smaller office suites available for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations looking for a great place to call home. FIC is also putting together a beautiful event space that will accommodate up to 250 people……ideal for corporate meetings, leadership retreats, training events, and other professional gatherings.
Gov DeSantis recently signed a $117.5 billion FY 2026–27 state budget (new fiscal year begins July 1)
Local government finance staff members are drafting proposed budgets and mileage rates for the coming fiscal year. Budget workshops take place this month…
At VCARDs Real Estate Values Forum, County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett reported that the county's estimated taxable property value increased about 8.6% for 2026
Fla Dept of Education announced Volusia County Schools has earned its second consecutive “A” district grade for the 2025-2026 school year.
Volusia Ready Response Corps (VRRC) is training volunteers to help people during hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies.
August 18 primary is around the corner…..the ballot will include
First Step Shelter Board of Directors selected Susan Clark as the  organization's new Executive. She succeeds Victoria Fahlberg, who was the  shelter's executive when the facility opened in December 2019.
11th Circuit US Court of Appeals ruled that key parts of Daytona Beach's panhandling ordinance violate the 1st Amendment right to free speech.  
Florida and Volusia economy update…..
DB CVB seeks to bring National Folk Festival here
REMINDERs -
Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber’s Candidate HobNob is July 8, 5-7 PM at Riverside Pavillion.
Daytona Regional Chamber's 2026 Candidate Hobnob is July 28, 4 - 7:00 PM at ERAU (Henderson Welcome Ctr)  
NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in today’s VM newsletter….pg 21
Interview - Dr Pam Carbiener comments on the challange of providing prenatal care in low income communities and need for Baby Steps Daytona