EP 158 Economic Development Director Lou Paris

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

1. What is Volusia's top 5 employment sectors and how have wages ranged with them?
2. What were Volusia's recent unemployment rates for Q1?
3. How are Commercial and Residential Building permits faring for Q1?
4. 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….