EP 153 John Nicholson

Podcast News Topics

Former Wyotech property at Destination Daytona being transformed into Fountainhead Innovation Center under direction of Jayson Meyer. Though full details are still being finalized, the site is being redeveloped as an innovation hub with plans for modern office space for local businesses and builders.

You’re invited to an exclusive first look during Synergy Billing’s 20th Anniversary celebration on-site.. April 23, 5:00–9:00 PM RSVP - call or text 386-566-2140.

News from Tallahassee……

• Gov DeSantis WAS set to call a special legislative session for April 20–24 to redraw Fla’s congressional districts…. part of a broader mid-decade redistricting push tied to control of Congress…..current House is 218 Rs vs 214 Ds with 3 vacancies
• NOW it appears that DeSantis MIGHT delay next week's Special Session to redraw congressional districts…apparently, they’re still working on maps AND everyone wants to see the outcome of Virginia's redistricting referendum next Tuesday.
• Regular session ended March 13 without a FY 2026-27 budget…. lawmakers HAD been expected to return in April, but apparently negotiations to close that $1.4 billion budget gap are stalled.
• Property tax relief (a priority for DeSantis) WAS often discussed during the regular Session and it’s …AND it MAY be brought up when they decide upon a budget. IF they want to propose a property tax constitutional amendment, it must be approved by August 5. With the State budget set to begin July 1, the clock is ticking….

Recap of April 13 First Step Shelter Bd Mtg by Vice Chair Rose Ann Tornatore

• Exec Victoria Fahlberg resignation

Recap of April 13 Charter Review Commission – Chair Mark Watts……

• CRC’s final meeting and summary of proposed amendments (which go straight to Nov ballot) and Council recommendations

April 21 - County Council meeting……

• Volusia Forever Advisory Committee to deliver 2025 annual report and new 2026 goals
• take up Volusia Forever Advisory Committee’s land project recommendations
• hear a Mini-Budget Workshop Presentation about Community Services which helps low-income families (47% - ALICE population)
• appointments to the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities Authority
• District 5 appointment to the Volusia Forever Advisory Board.

April 15 - DB City Commission

• ratified Scott Lee as Planning Board Representative to Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 
• reappointed Kelvin Daniels and Sandy Murphy to Housing Authority Commission
• appointed Jazmin Felix Davila to Planning Bd (Zone 2)
• discussed Employment Contract Renewal for City Manager Deric Feacher UPDATE!!!! COMMISSION VOTED 4-3 TO TABLE CITY MANAGER REVIEW UNTIL THEIR MAY 6 MEETING…..

April 14 - Holly Hill City Commission

• approved an ordinance establishing procedures/definitions for certified recovery residences and reasonable-accommodation requests, updated Land Development Regulations to include a Fair Housing–related review process
• (to address Fla Dept of Commerce concerns) restarted and
• revised its 2050 Comprehensive Plan—updating land use and transportation—received Planning & Appeals Board approval on April 6 and sent the plan to the state for final review.

April 14 NSB City Commission

• heard updates from City Manager Kevin Cowper on a March 24 SR‑44 Corridor Workshop (proposed intersection and roadway improvements),
• reviewed progress from a March 26 Strategic Planning Workshop on nine 2025 priorities,
• noted April 7 State of the City address by Mayor Cleveland on community progress and strategic priorities

Seminole Tribe–Florida gaming compact is now stable after resolving online sports betting….expected to generate ~$7.1 billion in tribal revenue to fund major environmental/resilience projects—land conservation, wastewater upgrades, sea‑level rise work—and support Volusia priorities like the Longleaf Pine easement, springshed protection, and infrastructure upgrades, while the state increases enforcement against illegal gambling.

Volusia Schools’ CTE Academies prepare students for high‑demand careers by combining academic instruction with hands‑on, industry‑aligned training—offering pathways, certifications, and internships in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, and skilled trades to ensure college- and career-readiness.

Daytona Tortugas’ Logan LeCras discusses the new Daytona Beach Club (in right field) complete with new dining facilities

City / County Commentator John Nicholson expresses his views regarding…..

• recent DB City Audit report at April 1 City Commission meeting
• DB PD’s Special Event Zone to address pop-up events
• County Council and Volusia Forever
• First Step Shelter Bd meeting