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.