Volusia Matters Podcast

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

June 25 - at VCARD’s Real Estate Values Forum, Volusia Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett stated early totals for countywide market and taxable values for land, homes, buildings, and other improvements
Meanwhile, County, School District, and the county’s 16 cities are paying attention to these numbers as they’re now in the budget development phase for FY 2026-27.
School Supt Carmen Balgobin was named 2026 Superintendent of the Year by Fla Assn for Career/Technical Education Assn.
School District’s Bargaining Team and Volusia United Educators (VUE) met
June 25 for an Impact Bargaining Session..
The District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee June 25 for an update on how the performance of revenue numbers.
June 23 - School Bd had a workshop to review their FY 2026-27 budget…. And set a tentative budget and mileage rate for the coming year.
More details to follow in VM newsletter
New Smyrna Beach hosted an open house to discuss a traffic-calming roundabout at US 1 and Inlet Shores Dr intersection….
June 24 - Volusia-Flagler TPO addressed they 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to align with their Long-Range Transportation Plan. The TPO addressed their Priority Projects (LOPP) list which is updated annually and sent to FDOT for funding allocations
Gov DeSantis signed 5 bills to strengthen criminal penalties, combat dangerous drugs and gang activity, enhance oversight of repeat offenders, and bolster support for law enforcement. These laws give prosecutors/police additional tools to maintain public safety and keep violent criminals accountable.
Gov DeSantis signed Senate 2 bills to make local government more transparent while also supporting property tax relief for homeowners.  
This week in Washington…….Congress addressed several major business and economic issues including work on spending, taxes, housing, and trade-related matters.
State legislatures with Republican majorities have drawn new Congressional maps that left 9 Democratic incumbents  running in districts where Trump won by large margins in 2024
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 14
Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis comments on
dates to register to vote in August 18 primary
dates to request mail-in ballots
several Volusia elections that were decided by very few votes

County, School District, and the county’s 16 cities are now in the budget development phase for FY 2026-27.
Last week was candidate qualifying week……several new candidates qualified at the last week while numerous announced candidates either withdrew or didn’t qualify. SO……….. Check out my UPDATED VM newsletter in today’s email. It includes a list of ALL QUALIFIED candidates for 2026 elections.
DB City Commission - June 17
Daytona Beach Housing Authority advanced its FY 2027 budget proposal/scheduled a public hearing for next month.
Commission appointed Jazmin Felix to represent the Planning Board on City’s Downtown Redevelopment Bd
Adopted changes to the Land Development Code to speed up affordable housing reviews by allowing most qualifying projects to get administrative approval without public hearings
Deltona City Commission - June 15
Addressed a study regarding 2026 impact fees to see if current fees cover the costs of new growth…..study recommends updating Fire/Rescue, Parks, Transportation (renamed "Complete Streets"), and Law Enforcement fees, adding a new Municipal Impact Fee, so new development pays its fair share for needed infrastructure.
Pt Orange City Council - June 16
addressed several measures to elevate, demolish and replace homes in low flood plain areas……
accepted a proposed charter regarding elections that would require 12 months of continuous residency immediately before qualifying,
County Council - June 16
hosted 3rd public hearing on amendments to the County Charter proposed by the Charter Review Commission
Tadd Kasbeer provided a Capital project schedule update.
staff presented a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process…
By a 4-2 VOTE……Council TABLED a SEPARATE charter change BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL TO require  a unanimous County Council vote to sell or transfer conservation land
Daytona Regional Chamber's 2026 Candidate Hobnob is July 28, 4 - 7:00 PM at ERAU (Henderson Welcome Ctr)  
State  economists estimate the proposed homestead-exemption increases could cut local  government revenue by nearly $5 billion in FY 27–28 and eventually about $11.86  billion per year, forcing counties to make tough spending choices.
2026 preliminary tax roll from County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett gives early totals for countywide market and taxable values for land, homes, buildings, and other improvements.  For a full report/details, come to VCARD’s Real Estate Values Forum…..June 25, 9 - 10:30 AM (8:30 breakfast and check in). Co-hosted by Daytona Regional Chamber, Daytona Area Assn of Realtors and New Smyrna Beach Bd of Realtors. Open to public. There is a cost. For more details, contact Kelly at 320-6292. 
US economy…..the job market remains relatively strong adding ~172,000 jobs in May…unemployment is 4.3%…. still considered low by historical standards….economy is still growing, but at a moderate pace…..Inflation is back up with CPI at 4.2% in May, the highest inflation rate in ~3 years
Federal Reserve Bd, led by NEW Chair Kevin Warsh, faced a mix of economic, policy, and political pressures at its monetary policy this week…Bd voted unanimously to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50%  to 3.75%.
NOTE - JUST ANNOUNCED….Volusia Schools has earned an A rating for a 2nd year…back-to-back
NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in today’s VM newsletter….pg 14
This week in Congress…
Congress is voting on several bills that could tighten oversight of billions of federal grant, disaster‑recovery, and infrastructure dollars. Florida’s economy and Volusia County could feel the impact of the federal fraud‑prevention and spending‑oversight bills.
A separate House bill pertaining to supply‑chain/energy‑security could benefit this area’s logistics/manufacturing sectors by strengthening US access to critical minerals that support aerospace, EV components, and advanced manufacturing
Deland Mayor Chris Cloudman comments on
status of Deland’s City budget
addressing homelessness in the City
new affordable workforce housing projects
development near Deland SunRail station

2026 preliminary tax roll from County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett gives early totals for countywide market and taxable values for land, homes, buildings, and other improvements.  For a full report/details, come to VCARD’s Real Estate Values Forum…..June 25, 9 - 10:30 AM (8:30 breakfast and check in). Co-hosted by Daytona Regional Chamber, Daytona Area Assn of Realtors and New Smyrna Beach Bd of Realtors. Open to public. There is a cost. For more details, contact Kelly at 255- 0981. 
June 8 - Daytona Beach 1st Step Shelter Bd meeting. Exec Director Victoria Fahlberg to remain on the job until June 12. After that, she’ll work as a consultant to help with the search process and job transition.
HR Exec Leslie Bonner announced that the search has been narrowed down to 4 candidates. Plans are being made for Monday, June 22 to interview these candidates individually before the Bd votes that evening.
City Commission/Council meeting updates…..County Advisory Bd meetings this month…..
May 29 - Legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget which included numerous local projects requested by Volusia legislative delegation. Education. Infrastructure plus other projects pertaining to Habitat for Humanity as well as Volusia Volunteers in Medicine.
DeSantis has 15 days to approve/veto the budget after it is formally presented to him once the Legislature has adjourned.
He also has line-item veto authority to remove specific local projects without vetoing the entire budget.
NOTE – July 1 is the start of the new fiscal  year
After Legislature voted June 2 to put a homestead property tax measure on the November ballot……Gov Desantis posted on X……. that the Legislature’s version was different from his original proposal….it doesn’t provide for the elimination of all taxes on homesteads (they exempted school taxes) and it doesn’t create a fund  to provide state grants to local governments to assist with core services as homestead taxes are phased out. If the amendment is approved…. will funding to make up local government shortfalls, come before the legislative session in March?
Gov DeSantis appointed 4 new members to Daytona State College District Board of Trustees
This week in Congress…
Congress is voting on several bills that could tighten oversight of billions of federal grant, disaster‑recovery, and infrastructure dollars. Florida’s economy and Volusia County could feel the impact of the federal fraud‑prevention and spending‑oversight bills.
A separate House bill pertaining to supply‑chain/energy‑security could benefit this area’s logistics/manufacturing sectors by strengthening US access to critical minerals that support aerospace, EV components, and advanced manufacturing
State Rep Chase Tramont comments on
$114.5 billion state budget
Volusia delegation special requests
Homestead Property Tax Special Session

May 29 - legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget…
Major allocations include K-12 Education ($21 B), Higher Education ($9.9 B), Healthcare spending ($49.2 B), environmental projects ($2.5 B), and Budget Reserves ($17 B). 
June 1-2 Special Session….Legislature adoptes measure for property tax relief Constitutional amendment….provides incremental increases of homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 then $500,000
County CFO Ryan Ossowski told Council that Legislature’s property‑tax  changes — including a lower the non‑homestead assessment cap  and adding new supermajority voting rules for certain millage increases — could significantly reduce County revenue starting in 2027 if voters approve the amendment…..warned the cuts could create a $92.8 million  shortfall by 2028
City Meetings Update…..
June 3 - DB City Commission
(as CRA) had a frank conversation regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district…
approved a measure to expedite affordable housing applications and let accessory dwelling units qualify as affordable housing.
June 1 - Deltona City Commission appointed Davison Heriot as the City’s representative to Team Volusia’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors
June 1 - Deland City Commission addressed several grant applications related to infrastructure at the Deland Airport
June 1 - Edgewater City Council
created a new sign code.
applied for a $44,000 State grant to fund a Building/Planning Efficiency Fee Study to modernize its permitting process.
heard public comments regarding proposed City Charter amendments. Council will address at a later meeting.  
June 3 – DeBary City Council hired a consulting firm to prepare Non-Ad Valorem Fire Assessment Rate Study for the City
June 9 – Orange City Council will conduct a workshop regarding concept a Fire Assessment Fee….
June 2 - County Council….
hosted a 2nd public hearing/presentation on amendments to the County Charter (see pg 5 VM newsletter)
addressed how impact fees are charged for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
heard a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process.
appointed James Jones to their Contractor Licensing/Construction Appeals (CLCA) Bd
This week in Congress…
US Senate is debating a Republican-backed plan to spend about $70–72 billion on immigration enforcement and border security.
US House to take up 2 major funding bills…..1 funds agriculture, rural development, and FDA ……AND a bill that sets 2027 funding for FEMA, environmental and coastal projects, transportation and housing grants
New Chair of Federal Reserve Bd Kevin Warsh’s first policy meeting  will be June 16–17…… fed funds rate is currently 3.50%–3.75% Will they raise or pause or lower interest rates?
Community Commentator John Nicholson discusses……
DB City Commissioners’ discussion regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district and surrounding neighborhoods
County CFO Ryan Ossowski’s presentation to Council regarding potential impact of proposed homestead property tax relief amendment on the Nov 3 ballot
proposed County Charter Adm 1 (selection of County Chair) and Adm 5 (creates a conservation lands registry whereby Council can "lock" specific properties to protect them from being sold or transferred)

On Monday, legislative leaders agreed on a $114.5 billion state budget….major topics include education funding, healthcare spending, environmental projects, and tax policy.  Legislators will take a final vote tomorrow on a FY 2026–27 state budget after their required 72-hour waiting period.
Gov Desantis is calling legislators back for another Special Session June 1-3 to address property tax relief. But there are several issues yet to be addressed….and they must have ballot language by August 5.
Volusia County and New Smyrna Beach began ~$7 million project to improve stormwater drainage around Corbin Park and help reduce flooding during heavy rain
May 26 - NSB City Commission
updated their parking rules to allow paying by mobile app and no more paper receipts on dashboard….also added a new paid parking area
made appointment to Historic Preservation Bd and Planning/Zoning Bd
May 26 - Orange City Council adopted…..
a resolution related to a water facility plan with needed improvements
a resolution for Reclaimed Water Master Plan…..
a Wastewater Master  Plan and Septic-to-Sewer Update
June 2 - County Council will…..
host a 2nd public hearing and presentation on amendments to the Volusia County Charter (see a summary of each amendment in June 4 VM newsletter)
address how impact fees are charged for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
hear a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process.
make an appointment to their Contractor Licensing/Construction Appeals (CLCA) Bd
June 1 - Deltona City Commission will…..
update the City’s Land Development Code regarding details related to barndominiums, metal buildings, and storage containers
update rules for small wireless facilities in public rights-of-way
appoint a City representative to Team Volusia’s Exec Committee and Bd of Directors
Recently, Gov DeSantis announced Blue Origin will invest $600 million to expand its Rocket Park at Cape Canaveral, building an 830,000 sq ft facility to make rocket stages and boost Fla’s launch capacity.
Volusia Flagler TPO met yesterday and began consideration of 8 updated priority road projects
Kevin Captain, Chief, Volusia Emergency Medical Services discusses……
the basics of Volusia EMS and what type AMBULANCE services are provided….
the different type positions make up EMS
how EMS works with the community and other public safety agencies during emergencies and daily operations
the biggest challenges currently facing Volusia EMS, and how EMS is working to address them

Update on new Fountainhead Innovation Center by Synergy CEO Jayson Meyer….we’re moving to the old WyoTech Bldg at Destination Daytona…
May 20 – DB City Commission
rezoned/annexed parcels into Avalon Park development, which is planned for 8,818 homes and about 1 million square feet of commercial space
approved  a resolution to send City’s 2026–2029 housing plan to the Fla Housing Finance  Corporation to apply for State grant money for affordable housing
awarded a Contract to replace Lift Station 53 (constructed in 1976) which should increase stormwater pumping capacity to control flooding
Update on new 400 N Beach apartment complex with Framework Group CEO Phillip Smith….
Volusia Forever Advisory Committee meets Friday, May 22, County Admin Bldg, DeLand to determine if properties are eligible for the 2026 Cycle 2
May 18 - Deland City Commission considered matching grant requests up to $7,500 from businesses owners located within DeLand’s gateway districts
May 19 - Ormond Beach City Commission addressed capital improvements as well as stormwater management….
approved an ordinance to allow the sale/consumption of low proof alcoholic beverages
County Council voted unanimously to purchase ~1,300 acres in SW Volusia for conservation purposes through Volusia Forever program for $20.1 million
May 14 - the 4th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Service was held at Living Faith Ministries Church in Daytona Beach to honor those police officers, correction officers, representative from State Attorney’s office
Interview - County Economic Director Lou Paris
What is Volusia's top 5 employment sectors and how have wages ranged with them?
What were Volusia's recent unemployment rates for Q1?
How are Commercial and Residential Building permits faring for Q1?
Lou reflected on Stetson Professor Kevin Taylor’s presentation Volusia's InfoTech sector and why this is important to our local economy...
NEXT Q breakfast…August 21….