Volusia Matters Podcast

EP 152 DB City Manager Deric Feacher

The former Wyotech property at Destination Daytona is being transformed into the Fountainhead Innovation Center, spearheaded by Jayson Meyer. While full details are still unfolding, the site is envisioned as a future hub for innovation, offering modern office space for local businesses and builders.
To get a first look, you're invited to Synergy Billing’s 20th Anniversary Celebration April 23, 5–9 PM at Fountainhead Innovation Center at 470 Destination Daytona Lane, Ormond Beach. To RSVP…call/text 386-566-2140
April 7 - per Volusia Forever, County Council made a strategic move to ensure that every dollar spent on land conservation is handled with maximum financial efficiency.
Council took up a resolution making the County a 'placeholder' under federal tax regulations whereby they can use tax-exempt bond proceeds for land acquisitions made before the bonds are actually issued. It’s a 'buy now bond later' strategy that keeps the program flexible. It also designates a professional team—the bond counsel, paying agents, and financial advisors to act when necessary.  It’s a technical maneuver to ensure the County’s financial machinery is in place when the right piece of conservation land becomes available.
April 6—Deland City Commission approved Use Agreement for VCEMS Equipment with County of Volusia.
 
April 6—Deltona City Commission ratified a resolution in Support of Volusia Forever
 
April 6 – Edgewater City Council heard a presentation from Volusia County Coastal Director Jessica Fentress about beach operations and other coastal properties.
Council also approved a proposed City Charter amendment to prohibit their water utility from pumping reclaimed blackwater into their potable public water system.
 
April 7— Port Orange City Council approved a $3 M grant from Dept of Environmental Protection for Madeline Ave/Pepperhill Stormwater Pond Pump Station
 
April 7—Ormond City Commission heard a status report of the City's current Volusia County's Transform 386 Program related to improving stormwater benefits.
Florida/Volusia Property Insurance Update….
Volusia County’s debt position
First Step Shelter status report (March)
US Economy Report…(inflation/unemployment stats)
Interview with DB City Manager Deric Feacher

EP 151 DeBary Mayor Karen Chasez

Podcast News Topics
The former Wyotech property at Destination Daytona is being transformed into the Fountainhead Innovation Center, spearheaded by Jayson Meyer. While full details are still unfolding, the site is envisioned as a future hub for innovation, offering modern office space for local businesses and builders.
To get a first look, you're invited to Synergy Billing’s 20th Anniversary Celebration April 23, 5–9 PM at Fountainhead Innovation Center at 470 Destination Daytona Lane, Ormond Beach. To RSVP…call/text 386-566-2140
Legislature adjourned its regular session March 13 with unfinished business SO they’ll be back in Tallahassee this month.
Gov DeSantis has already called a special session for April 20–24 to redraw Fla’s Congressional districts as part of a mid-decade map.
With the regular session ending without passing a state budget…. Legislators will return in mid-April to finalize a budget. Possible add-ons tied to budget negotiations include…. property tax relief, education funding…other affordability measures..
Volusia Schools’ Half-Cent Sales Tax……. most recent Financial Report showed it generated ≈ $61 million in revenue.
It was originally projected to generate roughly $45 million annually when approved, but actual collections are higher due to population growth and tourism activity.  About ~35% of collections come from tourists
April 1 - DB City Commission
heard update on Main St Streetscape project by Catalyst Design Group
heard an Audit Update from City Auditor Abinet Belachew
appointed members to their Economic Development Advisory Bd, MidTown Redevelopment Bd and Historic Preservation Bd
April 7 – County Council will have a mini-budget workshop on how the County uses property taxes/other general revenues to fund Growth & Resource Management so it can plan how the community develops and grows. 
April 7 - NSB Mayor Fred Cleveland will deliver their 2026 State of the City Address, 6 PM Brannon Center…. Doors open at 5:30 PM
2nd Annual Volusia Innovation Challenge winners…
Top prize - TarpBags, a non-destructive solution for securing emergency roof tarps.
2nd place - Tracker toolbox inventory system
Best of Show - LEAF Alliance for its legal abuse support platform.
Organized by Volusia Business Resources, the event serves as a platform to provide local entrepreneurs with the funding, mentoring and networking needed to scale their businesses
Daytona State College is launching a new AS aviation maintenance management degree this Fall (upon FAA approval).
Open house…Thursday, April 9, 5:30 - 7 PM at ERAU Bldg 340
Earlier this week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s message was……don’t overreact to oil. Despite rising energy costs fueled by the Iran war, the Fed sees no immediate need to hike rates. In other words, we expect inflation to stabilize and that the Fed’s current 3.5-3.75 rate is good for now.
Gov DeSantis renewed Fla’s state of emergency over illegal immigration. Originally declared in Jan 2023, it expired last week so he extended it for another 60 days.

EP 150 County Councilman Matt Reinhart

Podcast News Topics
Jayson Meyer and his group have been working on the Fountainhead Innovation Center…April 23….Synergy Billing is celebrating 20 years, and they’re doing it out there at the NEW building (formerly Wyotech)… 5 to 9 PM….it’ll be one of the first chances to get a real look at what’s going on.
If you’d like to attend… just text me at 566-2140 and I’ll add you on the list.
March 13 - Legislature adjourned its Regular Session without passing the FY 2026-27 state budget……SO in April, they’ll meet in special session to fulfill this constitutional requirement.
A new budget must be resolved before the new FY begins July 1.
DeSantis is calling special session on April 20 redraw congressional district….
House and Senate will be called to address the elimination or reduction of homestead property taxes
Of 2000 bills filed this Session…..237 sent to the Governor….
Orange City Council adopted the Fla Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code to set procedures to address dangerous or dilapidated structures.
Holly Hill City Commission updated their building permit, land development and zoning and other fees in order to maintain a sustainable financial plan.   
New Smyrna Beach City Commission had Workshop regarding improvements to intersections and portions of SR 44 from Canal St to I-95.
The Commission also hosted a Strategic Plan meeting to review their 9 strategic priority themes from 2025 and will discuss new strategic initiatives for 2026. Their 2026 State of the City presentation to be held April 7 at the Brannon Center.
Preview of upcoming Jeep Beach Event by Charlene Greer
Volusia School District Bargaining Team and  Volusia United Educators (VUE) had a TSP Bargaining Session
SBA is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to Volusia small businesses/nonprofits impacted by the frost/freeze earlier this year
Congress remains deadlocked as a partial shutdown of DHS has stretched over a month, with the Senate repeatedly failing—multiple times—to pass a funding bill due to disputes over immigration enforcement reforms.
Volusia County Schools’ School Way Cafe (it’s the food service operation) is one of the district’s largest operations providing more than 60,000 students breakfast and lunch at no cost.
Southeast Volusia Manufacturing & Technology Coalition seeking
to locate aerospace industry (NSB Economic Development Director Samantha Bergeron comments)
Fla Financial Snapshot……2025 debt report shows debt reduced to ~$14.6 billion based on Governor/Legislature’s limit new bond issuances and increased pay‑downs.
This week’s Volusia data point… Property tax is based on a property’s assessed value, which is appraised for market value as of January 1 of each year.

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