Volusia Matters Podcast

Podcast News Topics
The new Fountainhead Innovation Center located just north of destination Daytona….at the I95 / US 1 interchange in Ormond…. The building is coming together….. Jayson Meyer has different types of office space available… Details regarding square footage and type a business can be discussed. If your business is looking to relocate or expand, call me at 566-2140 and I'd be glad to arrange a tour.
Oct 1 local budgets…….see all tax rates and new year budgets in Volusia Matters newsletter……
Oct 6 - County Council……
addressed the Army Corp of Engineers to complete a $3 million coastal-risk study at no cost to the County.
voted 7–0 to advance an ordinance banning large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas. This comes after new legislation took effect, preserving local authority to regulate large data centers through land-use rules.  
voted 6-0 to implement a 12-month moratorium on license-plate readers on county rights-of-way….as opposed to an outright ban. Sheriff Mike Chitwood told council members all cameras have been turned off and will be removed within 30 days.
voted to support the ECHO Advisory Committee recommendations to fund10 projects totaling $12.7 million.
approved new technology to support Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatchers handling medical, fire, and law enforcement calls.
 
Port Orange City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding negotiated with their Firefighters Union
 
Ormond City Commission addressed several resolutions pertaining to city employee healthcare.
 
Deltona City Commission addressed an ordinance to update their Land Development Code to match changes to Florida’s Live Local Act.
 
Deland City Commission
renewed their membership with Team Volusia and Deland Chamber of Commerce.
Made appointments to their Airport Advisory Bd and Volusia Growth Management Commission.
Approved a REVISED resolution to update their building permit and inspection fees to make them compliant with state law.
 
I’d like to thank WSBB GM/Announcer Ammie Ryan for hosting our recent issue programs.
Sept 15 - Charter Adm 1 – pertaining to selection of the County Chair……CRC Chair Mark Watts spoke in support and County Chair Jeff Brower spoke in opposition.
Sept 29 - Charter Adm 5 - creation of a conservation lands registry…CRC Chair Mark Watts spoke in support and Growth Management Commentator Catherine Pante spoke in opposition.
Oct 6 - Fla Const Adm 3 - pertaining to Homestead Exemption……Stan Escudero spoke in support and Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew spoke in opposition.  
 
October 7…..political forecasters are seeing Democrat momentum in the House, while the Senate remains closely contested. Republicans currently hold a 220–215 House advantage, and Democrats need a net gain of 3 seats. In the Senate, Republicans hold 53-47 majority…..so Democrats need to 4 seats to win that majority.
US added 29,000 jobs in September, fewer than economists expected. Unemployment was 4.2%, with about 7.1 million people unemployed.
 
Volusia…..Votes by Mail to Date 10/7……Total Votes by Mail Returned 9,031….Democrats 3,406…..Republicans 3,475…Other Parties 299…NPAs 1,851
 
Volusia School District’s Audit Committee will meet Thursday, October 15, 10:30 AM at Facilities Services Bldg purpose is to review recent audit findings, discuss FY 2027 Risk Assessment, and consider audit priorities and planning activities for the upcoming fiscal year.  
 
US Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22 that would create national rules for college athletics and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) payments. (Sen Ashley Moody voted YES/Sen Rick Scott voted NO). It would give college athletes a clear federal right to earn money from their NIL
 
Daytona Regional Chamber Advocacy Director Drake Wyman spoke about the Chamber’s role in expressing the business view on issues in Volusia, Tallahassee and Washington….

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……
 
 
Oct 1 is the first day of local entities’ new FY 2026-27 budget. Everything has been finalized with all the budget hearings this past month. See NEXT WEEK’s VM newsletter for each city, county, school board’s general fund/tax rate. Some went to rollback and others had a slight tax increase.
 
Sept 28…. WSBB’s Ammie Ryan and Volusia Matters hosted broadcast regarding Volusia Charter Adm #5 pertaining to conservation lands registry. Environmental Commentator Catherine Pante spoke against amendment 5 and Attorney/Charter Review Chair Mark Watts spoke in support.
Next issue forum….Tuesday, Oct 6, 8:30 to 9 AM regarding State Constitution Adm #3 pertaining to homestead tax exemption.
 
Florida Vote-by-Mail ballots were provided ~1.9 m….to date, 15k were returned            
Of that Volusia Vote-by-Mail ballots were provided ~69 k…to date, 592 were returned mail
 
Early voting in Volusia….. Oct 19 - 31 that includes weekends…. 8 AM to 6 PM... Look for early voting sites on county election page or Volusia Matters newsletter….basically community centers and libraries throughout the county….. One important note is that you can vote anywhere in the county during this time…..
 
Sept 27–29, Mayor Derrick Henry outlined a new push to revitalize the Boardwalk area, including the city-owned property at 29 S Ocean Ave, near the pier and existing entertainment district.
The city hopes to attract year-round entertainment, family activities, jobs, and tourism while encouraging area property owners to make improvements. The goal is to restore the Boardwalk as a destination for residents and visitor
The Mayor ALSO wants to look at how Main Street can connect across the river to Beach St downtown.
 
SEV Chamber hosted a candidates’ forum last night with candidates from new Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, County Council and legislature.
 
Volusia School District proposed an enhanced compensation package during Sept 22 contract negotiations with VUE to attract, retain, and support employees. The proposal includes a $3 retention-pay increase, 2% higher supplements, a 1.05% cost-of-living adjustment for all bargaining-unit members, and additional salary increases based on experience. Negotiations continue October 6, balancing employee support with financial stability.
 
Sheriff Mike Chitwood recently swore in 12 new deputies who have completed their New Deputy Training program. Many came with prior years of service with other law enforcement agencies across the county, state and country as well as military service.
 
County will hold two free household hazardous waste collection events October 9 at Ormond Beach Public Works, and October 10 at New Smyrna Beach Public Works.
 
Volusia County's Purchasing and Contracts Division has received a 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute…..its 18th award since 2003.
 
SunRail commuter train daily average ridership for June to August was 5,516……greater than those months in 2025 and 2024.
 
While Brightline’s PARENT company recently entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company operating the Miami-to-Orlando trains is OK. Their trains continue running, with ridership increasing 14% and revenue increasing 17% in August over a year ago..
The bigger question is what happens to future expansion. Brightline still plans to pursue an Orlando-to-Tampa extension that could connect with the planned Sunshine Corridor and SunRail system.
 
Space Florida continues to invest in launch facilities, aerospace manufacturing, and commercial space infrastructure at Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, thereby supporting the Space Coast economy, including Volusia.
 
Interview School Bd member Krista Goodrich, Dist 2/Vice Chair discussed……
the district’s Career/Technical Education program
the aviation/aerospace CTE program at Atlantic HS
the District’s FY 2026-27 budget

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.
WSBB and Volusia Matters broadcast regarding Volusia Charter Adm 5 pertaining to conservation lands registry will be Tuesday, Sept 29, 8:30 to 9:00 AM with Environmental Commentator Catherine Pante speaking against Amendment 5 with Attorney/Charter Review Chair Mark Watts speaking in support. Tune In to 12:30 AM or 106.7 FM. Our host will be WSBB general manager Ammie Ryan.
 
TEAM Volusia Board of Directors met September 18
Kirsten Pierce, Volusia Schools’ Workforce Innovation Director explained the district’s current/upcoming career/technical education programs.
Prospects……. TEAM Volusia received 74 initial inquiry calls…..21 additional inquiry site visit calls….13 additional site visits……with 14 negotiation stage projects.
TEAM Volusia next board meeting will be Friday, November 13, 8 AM at ERAU
  
Central Florida Commuter Rail Customer Advisory Committee (CAC) will meet Thursday, October 1, 5 PM at the Lynx Admin Bldg in downtown Orlando…… Details will be reported in the October VM newsletter.
Volusia voters can request vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3 election via online, phone, email, mail, or in person. Requests need personal details and signature. Request deadline is October 22 at 5:00 PM.. Officials suggest mailing ballots by October 26 so completed ballots arrive by November 3 at 7:00 PM…Drop boxes are available at designated locations.
 
Volusia’s July Bed tax collections on short-term rentals were up 1.37% countywide ($1.50 M for 2025 to $1.52 M for 2026)
NASCAR moving its summer Daytona International Speedway races from July to the end of August has paid off. While July remains one of the year’s top tourism months, the area now sees a lot more visitors in August despite schools starting back.
 
Daytona Beach Area CVB will host Tourism Partner Day on Thursday, October 8…at the PMR Daytona Beach Club at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Bryan Griffin, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA will be the keynote speaker. No cost to attend but you MUST RSVP by calling 255-0415.
 
This week in Washington……..Congress is focusing on spending, trade, transportation, regulation, and the economy. Now that Congress has approved a temporary continuing “band aid” resolution, Congress must decide whether to approve the FY 2027 spending bills before the next government shutdown deadline…Dec 11. Senate is considering legislation about college sports and NIL payments. Congress is preparing for a funding debate.
 
US House recently passed National Fraud Enforcement Division Act and Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act
Both bills now move to the Senate.
 
Comments by FBH Communities’ Exec Director Mica Lill…
 
Daytona Regional Chamber’s 2026 Annual Awards ceremony will be Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4 to 6 PM at the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel.
 
Longtime State legislator and County Council member Pat Patterson passed away earlier this week.
 
Gov DeSantis awarded over $10 million in bonuses to 1,500 new law enforcement officers.
 
Interview with Lake Helen Mayor Roger Eckert discussed…
How can Lake Helen accommodate new residential/
commercial development and protect its small-town character that makes unique?
What are the city’s biggest challenges with its water system, and what improvements are planned to ensure reliable service for residents as the community grows?
What proactive steps is the City taking in regard to stormwater management/flood control?
As Lake Helen works on its budget, what are your thoughts regarding the potential revenue impact of Adm 3 – Homestead Exemption?
What are Lake Helen’s most urgent infrastructure needs—roads, stormwater, drainage, sidewalks or other public facilities—and how will the city pay for them?
What do you want Lake Helen to look like in the next 5-10 years

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…