Volusia Matters Podcast

EP 142 Jake Johansson

Daytona Beach City Commission delayed a proposed $4.3 million purchase of the Cruisin' Café (at the corner of A1A at Main St) and two adjacent parcels. This is part of an effort to provide additional parking and rejuvenate the area.
City of Daytona Beach hosted a community meeting to discuss a proposed update to its Code of Ordinances regarding mobile food vendors.
Port Orange Riverwalk Development project update from Port Orange City Manager Wayne Clark…..
Volusia Forever Advisory Committee meet at Friday, Jan 30, 9 AM in the County Admin Bldg DeLand…..Members will rank the 2025 Cycle 6 Volusia Forever eligible applications.
County Council approved $6.8 million for stormwater improvements at Corbin Park in New Smyrna Beach…AND $1.6 million allocated for Phase II of NSB's Stormwater Master Plan (part of the Transform386 initiative)
New Smyrna Beach City Commission passed an ordinance to prohibit overnight sleeping in vehicles or outdoors on public rights-of-way and private property without permission from 11 PM - 6 AM
Tickets are STILL available for First Step Shelter Mayor’s Gala on Feb 7, 6 PM at the Daytona Beach Hilton
Jan 28 – Volusia/Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) will review for approval…..
a resolution to amend their 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
a resolution regarding their 2026 Transportation Safety Targets
a presentation regarding their TPO FY  2026 -28 Unified Planning Work Program
Florida legislature is focusing heavily on affordability….property tax relief…AI Bill of Rights….budget….during Week 3 of the 2026 legislative session
Political standoff in Washington — especially over Dept of Homeland Security (and ICE) funding — heightens the chance that Congress will not approve the funding bills by the January 30 deadline, making another shutdown more likely
Interview with County Councilman Jake Johansson
Recap of recent County Council Goal Setting Session
Update of Elected Officials” Stormwater Mgnt Task Force
Potable Water Update

EP 141 School Board Member Krista Goodrich

Podcast News Topics
City of Daytona Beach is seeking proposals to renovate the historic Fire Station One into a sit-down restaurant/lounge that preserves the 100-year-old bldg’s architectural features/ historical significance.
Jan 21 - DB Commissioners will hear….
2026 Bike Week Master Plan for private property (prepared by Daytona Regional Chamber’s Bike Week Task Force.
Presentation of Beachside Policing Strategic Plan by Police Chief Jakari Young
Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie outlines plans for the new Ormond Crossings
County Council Members Jake Johansson (At-Large) and Danny Robins (District 3) will host a Town Hall Thursday, Jan 29, 6 to 7 PM
..Edgewater/New Smyrna Beach Elks Lodge, 820 W Park Ave NSB
VCARD hosted their 38th Annual installation event…2025 Chair Jessica Gow passed the gavel to 2026 Chair Kris Rowley for 2026. They presented awards and introduced new Board members
Deltona City Commission approved an agreement with Tax Collector Will Roberts regarding collection of the Non-Ad Valorem Assessments…..approved amendments to their Land Development Code….and made appointments/reappointments to their Affordable Housing Committee
County Aviation/Economic Resources Director Cyrus Callum has exciting news regarding Daytona Intl Airport
Citizens Property Insurance policy holders should soon see premium reductions based on 2023 insurance/tort reform legislation
Gov DeSantis appointed Charlie Lydecker to the State University System’s Board of Governors
President Trump released a broad healthcare framework aiming to lower prescription drug prices
Interview with School Bd Member Krista Goodrich

EP 140 Rep Richard Gentry (House District 27)

Erika Kazma, a physical education teacher at Longstreet Elementary School, has been named Volusia’s Teacher of the Year. Chosen out of 70 teachers, she moves on to compete for Fla Teacher of the Year.
The legislature began this week and runs until March 13. There will be several bills of interest to the business community. See list of bills below…..
The County has a new online permit guide with project zoning and permitting info in one location to assist residents, business owners and developers with the permitting process.
The County will host a beach cleanup 8 to 10 AM Tuesday, Jan 20, at Winterhaven Park in Ponce Inlet. For more info….call Lynne Walter at 943-7889.
And for a complete beach cleanup schedule, see my VM newsletter.
City of Deltona is actively considering a fire-related assessment on property owners. Deltona’s fire dept faces facility/service cost challenges, so the City is considering fire assessment fee to cover these costs
Lake Helen City Commission recently appointed S Daytona Fire Chief John Brant as their administrator.  
County has a new online permit guide with project zoning and permitting info in one location to assist residents, business owners and developers with the permitting process.
Fla Annual Business Reports Due….see details below….
Fla Annual Business Reports Due…….
Every corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership and LLCs registered to do business here must file an annual report with Fla Dept of State. These reports are due between January 1 and May 1.
Updating your info with Fla’s Secretary of State ensures that your business is active and authorized to do business in the State.
 

EP 139 Will Roberts

Jan 7 - DB City Commission will
DB City Attorney and Commission held a shade meeting to discuss litigation strategies and settlement in the Minto Communities case.
Approved resolution to authorize Police Dept office space in the DB Oceanfront Hilton to provide an enhanced police presence and reduce crime in the Boardwalk and nearby city park areas.
Approved a resolution regarding authority and responsibility of the City Auditor Abinet Belachew
DB Shores City Commission confirmed Interim City Mgr Mike Fowler as Permanent City Manager.
Volusia TOTY will be announced Jan 10…..5 finalists are….
John Holland….Heritage Middle      
Bernadette Bryant….Southwestern Middle             
Erika Kazma…..Longstreet Elem      
Matthew Pellegrino….Galaxy Middle            
Jordan Kalkhurst…..Beachside Elem
Jan 8 - County Council meeting and 2026 goals workshop
City New Smyrna Beach hired Ralph “Tony” Miller as their first natural resources manager.
Florida Legislature runs January 13 - March 13
New 2026 Chairs for local Chambers of Commerce……
Interview with Volusia Tax Collector Will Roberts

EP 138 Daytona Regional Chamber President/CEO Nancy Keefer

Podcast News Topics
The DB City Commission will
have an attorney-client shade meeting with their City Attorney to discuss litigation strategies regarding Avalon Park Daytona and City of Ormond Beach.
look to ratify a $133 K grant with the State Board of Immigration Enforcement..
enter an Agreement with the Fla Dept of Transportation for $8.5 million in federal funding to support construction/engineering to retrofit Beach St from Bay St to Michigan Ave
Check out DB Police Dept Scam School on FaceBook….
Deltona City Commission
is moving forward to collect non-ad valorem assessments to fund fire rescue services starting October 1 next year. This annual Fire Service Assessment will cover a significant portion of fire dept costs
split a 3-3 vote on lifting a development moratorium, 1 commissioner was absent. This goes back to the legislature’s SB 180 which restricts local growth regulation including building moratoriums
Gov DeSantis announced his FY 2026-27 budget totaling $117.4 billion which emphasizes fiscal discipline, tax relief, education, economic growth, environmental conservation, support for law enforcement and vulnerable populations.
Final Legislative Interim Committee week in Tallahassee….House Speaker Daniel Perez calling it “Artificial Intelligence Week”… committees/subcommittees focus will include discussions, presentations, and briefings covering opportunities/risks that AI presents for Fla’s economy, education system, workforce, and public safety.
Last week, US Senate Democrats blocked a Republican bill to create new federal subsidies to help Americans fund health insurance savings accounts. It would send up to $1,500 to individuals earning less than 700% of the federal poverty level (about $110,000 for individuals or $225,000 for a family of 4…. funds would require verification of beneficiaries' immigration/citizenship status (provisions Democrats reject).
In turn, Senate Republicans voted down a Democratic proposal to extend for 3 years Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire on December 31.
House Republicans introduced the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act, aiming to address rising health insurance premiums by expanding access to association health plans and increasing transparency in the pharmacy benefit manager industry
November unemployment rate was 4.6%…..highest level in 4 years…64,000 jobs added to the workforce….reflects a slowdown in labor market momentum with employers adding jobs at a weaker pace. November Inflation Rate was 2.9%.
Gov DeSantis appointed Fidelia Roster to the Fla Bd of Nursing….she’s Vice President/Chief Care Continuum Officer at Halifax Health
Volusia School District to host a Submittals Meeting Thursday, December 18, 9:00 AM…Facilities Services Building, Olson Drive, Daytona Beach.
This will be for firms interested in providing consultant services
NSB crews have begun repairs to the 27th Ave Beachfront Park’s promenade, seawall and access ramp.
Comments from Charles Guarra, free-lance reporter with HomeTown News… on his YouTube/Podcast “The Opinion Guy”
Interview with retiring Daytona Region Chamber President/ Nancy Keefer

EP 137 PO Mayor Scott Stiltner

Podcast News Topics
The Federal Reserve voted 9–3 to lower the benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, the lowest level in three years. The move was intended to guard against a more-than-expected slowdown in hiring.
Gov DeSantis announced a $112 million water-quality package for projects throughout the State….including $50 million for “Springs Restoration Grant Program”.
Holly Hill City Commission takes further action on 3 Charter ballot questions for the November 2026 election
DB Shores City Commission updated their city code regarding appointed boards
South Daytona Public Works Dept is continuing multiple stormwater and drainage enhancement projects
New Smyrna Beach….
is conducting a fire assessment study with results expected in Spring 2026 to explore funding options for fire services
has a grant program which allocates up to $50,000 total with grants in $10,000 increments support non-profits that assist homeless/disadvantaged individuals
Legislature is currently in its 5th “interim committee week”…the Session set to begin January 13, legislative strategies….
regarding how to tackle Florida’s cost-of-living pressures are shaping up….
State Audit for City of DB….
redrawing Congressional districts
Daytona State College ATC campus will offer a new associate of science degree in aerospace technology in Spring 2026
Volusia Forever Advisory Committee meets Friday, Dec. 12, 9 AM County Admin Bldg..DeLand
Recap of Volusia Charter Review Commission Dec 8 meeting
This Week’s Congressional Agenda will include:
Senate to address extension of ACA healthcare subsidies
House Small Business Committee to address bills to ease regulatory burdens and make it easier for small/midsized firms to raise capital or invest
House/Senate to address backlog from recent government shutdown, tax legislation/regulation changes i.e. foreign tax credits, tax-benefit definitions, and regulations on certain IRS processes
Committee-level activity related to federal budgeting i.e. pressure to address looming fiscal deadlines
REMEMBER
Federal Reserve Board meets December 9-10….will they reduce benchmark rate? Look for announcement at TODAY…2 PM

EP 136 Danny Robins VC Councilman

Dec 1 - Deland City Commission
Addressed downtown transportation to and from the SunRail Station by replacing bus service with VoRide service
Codified a previous resolution to prohibit videotaping in the DeLand Police Department lobby
Dec 1 – Edgewater City Council eliminated their Business Receipts Tax and addressed several LDC matters pertaining to Deering Park project.
Dec 2 - County Council agenda
Annual Review for County Manager GR and County Attorney MD
Accepted a $400-K Fla Division of Emergency Mgnt grant to expand Emergency Operations Center.
Issued $30 million Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds to finance acquisition of Volusia Forever lands, supporting environmental conservation efforts.
Approved Off Beach Parking and Beach Access Fee revisions pertaining to permanent free beach access for residents and property owners.
Addressed Chair Brower's topic of Beach Driving from Intl Speedway Blvd to Auditorium.
Dec 2 - Ormond Beach City Commission rejected Daytona Beach’s $2.3 million offer regarding water/wastewater rights per Avalon Park Daytona Beach development….
Dec 3 - DB City Commission heard a Travel Audit Review by the City Auditor – Abinet Belachew AND a presentation by City Manager Deric Feacher regarding draft Management Policies for use of P-cards
Sen Rick Scott is leading a Republican effort to propose an alternative to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) called the More Affordable Care Act.
Central Fla Commuter Rail Commission (SunRail’s advisory board of elected leaders) from the 5 Local Funding Partners meets Thursday, December 4.
Federal Reserve Board meets December 9-10….will they reduce benchmark rate? Odds are high the Fed will cut rates
Opening in October 1985, the DB Ocean Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary
The County will host a Winter Beach Cleanup Saturday, Dec 6, 8 -10 AM at Winterhaven Park in Ponce Inlet.

EP 135 Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher

FDOT will convert SR 44 and Kepler Rd intersection (east portion of DeLand) into a new, single-lane roundabout, as a means to improve traffic flow/safety. Once this new roundabout is place….NO MORE TRAFFIC SIGNAL!!! Later, it’ll convert into a 2-lane roundabout
Nov 12….US House voted 222-209 on a funding bill to end the government shutdown (Congs Cory Mills and Randy Fine voted YES). It funds most federal government operations through January 30, 2026, and includes 3 full-year appropriations bills for select agencies
Oct 28 - Central Fla Commuter Rail Commission met/discussed expanding service to Saturdays and possibly Sundays with estimated costs of $23M to $26M. strong public demand for weekend service…BUT also concerns about affordability and cost per rider….there was also talk of extending to Orlando Intl Airport
Deland City Commission made appointments to the Historic Preservation Board AND Beresford Reserve Brownfield Advisory Committee
DB City Commission to make appointments to their Historic Preservation, Beachside Redevelopment and Nuisance Abatement Boards..PLUS Jackie Robinson Ballpark work…
County Council makes appointments to HAAA and Code Enforcement Bds
Nov 14 - Team Volusia Bd….Keith Norden gave an update on business prospects…announced changes in staff….heard details regarding Deering Park in NSB and Edgewater…..more details in Dec VM newsletter.
DON’T FORGET…..Property taxes are due….pay at any county tax collectors offices…no long line to pay property taxes vs car tag renewals..best days to go are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday…4% discount in November
INTERVIEW - Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher….
Volusia Economic Development “Q” Breakfast will be Friday, Nov 21, 7:30 am Daytona Intl Airport with a panel discussion on “Make It Here. Positioning Volusia to Attract Industry.”

EP 134 Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila

Flood Control/Stormwater Management Subcommittee Co-Chairs Nancy Miller and Jake Johansson report at Nov 10 Elected Officials Roundtable
Charter Review Commission Mark Watts provides recap of Nov 10 meeting
Holly Hill City Commission moves on 3 separate Charter Review
ballot questions for 2026 ballot
NSB City Commission approved a $1 million contract with Fla Dept of Environmental Protection for the Historic Westside Stormwater Improvement Project
Edgewater City Council appoint Teresa Pope to Volusia Growth Management Commission… adopt Proportionate Fair Share agreement and Wastewater agreement with Deering Park
Property taxes are due….pay at any county tax collectors offices…no long line to pay property taxes vs car tag renewals..best days to go are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday…4% discount in November
SunRail will extend weekday service beginning Dec 1 whereby two more trains will be run during the evening to accommodate passenger riders
After 43 days of the Federal Government shutdown….the Senate advances a legislative package to re-open the government….House COULD vote later today or tomorrow……
INTERVIEW - Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila….
Volusia Economic Development “Q” Breakfast will be Friday, Nov 21, 7:30 am Daytona Intl Airport with a panel discussion on “Make It Here. Positioning Volusia to Attract Industry.” Click the button to RSVP…..

EP 133 Diezel Depew