EP 156 Dr Victoria Fahlberg

May 6 - DB City Commission…

• voted 4-3 to renew City Manager Deric Feacher’s contract for another 3 years.
• heard a discouraging report from US Army Corps of Engineers about flooding problems in MidTown and Nova Rd Canal

Gov DeSantis launched a fast-tracked reconstruction of the I-95 x US 1 interchange in Ormond Beach. Plans call for 3 new bridges, widening US 1 to six lanes, redesigned loop ramps, and modernized exits to improve safety and reduce congestion as traffic at the interchange is expected to double over 20 years. Ghyabi & Associates will design and oversee the development, with completion targeted for 2029. The initiative is projected to create about $1.2 billion in economic impact for Volusia.

May 4 – Deltona City Commission approved an ordinance on 1^st reading to update their land development rules to address small wireless facilities, such as small cell towers, in compliance with state/federal law

May 5 - County Council heard a presentation regarding advisory boards…current board vacancies, term durations/imposing term limits, and reviews practices of other Fla local governments

May 4 Edgewater City Council approved a Potable Reuse Charter Amendment (Limitation on Reclaimed Blackwater Use)

May 5 – Port Orange City Council made an appointment to their Environmental Advisory Bd

May 5 – Ormond Beach City Commission

• held a workshop meeting related to supply, storage, and treated reuse water. 
• took up measures regarding Ormond Crossing Redevelopment District and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Guardian Angel program is part of a new school safety initiative being piloted by Volusia County Schools to enhance campus emergency response. It was demonstrated at Deltona HS

• Drake Wyman is the Advocacy Director for Daytona Regional Chamber. He previously was Legislative Aide to State Representative Webster Barnaby
• MacKenzie Cunningtham … It's taking over Drake Wyman's position as legislative aide to Rep Webster Barnaby.

Brightline trains is facing financial troubles despite more revenue and riders….. some hiccups including higher ticket prices during major events, and safety concerns.

SunRail ridership is growing with more people using the new expanded late-night service that began in late 2025. After hour trains have been popular during special events in Orlando, thus adding momentum to calls for future weekend service

1st Step Exec Director Dr Victoria Fahlberg discusses her tenure and how the facility has evolved since 2019.