Volusia Matters Podcast

EP 145 OB Mayor Jason Leslie

Feb 17…..by a 4-3 vote, County Council voted down 2 proposals that would have prohibited "blackwater" or water with treated sewage from being recycled into drinking water
City of Daytona Beach continues work on Boardwalk Beach Access…adjacent to the Bandshell….project includes 4 parallel ramps and 14 sets of stairs designed to improve public beach access
Volusia Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and Volusia Emergency Management to host Hurricane Expo Saturday, April 18, 10 AM – 4 PM at Daytona Intl Speedway
Feb 16 - Deland City Commission
held a Workshop regarding subdivision regulations i.e. Streets, Parking, Side Walks, Tree Regulations, Landscaping, Lighting/Design….
discussed on short term rental rentals, which are currently prohibited in the City since 2011
Feb 17 - Port Orange Mayor Scott Stiltner presented a State of the City report AND City Council approved their list of road projects for the TPO’s Priority List
Average monthly rental rates for 1-2-3-bedroom apartments in Daytona/Volusia
January numbers for First Step Shelter
Sunrail update……Dec 31 - FDOT stopped direct funding SunRail costs after Dec  31…SO 5 Central Florida Commuter Rail entities (Orlando, Osceola, Orange, Seminole and Volusia) to start paying the bills…plus other SunRail news/ideas
Legislature focused on FY 2026-27 budgets….Senate proposes to spend $115 B while House is proposing $113 B budgets
US economy…..
Labor Market added ~130,000 jobs in January, beating many forecasts…bringing unemployment down to ~4.3% i.e. stable job market.
Inflation….Consumer prices rose 2.4% slightly below economists’ expectations
Interview with Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie
Stormwater Management
Legislative Session
Toilet to Tap Issue

EP 144 Chase Tramont

Feb 9 - Charter Review Commission Meeting Update – Pat Northey
Volusia’s 4th Quarter 2025 Economic Statistics
Fla Senate/House budget subcommittees are completing their work as leadership begins preparing draft budgets
Volusia Values Veterans Program launched Honor a Veteran initiative to recognize local veterans who continue to serve their community
Orange City has appointed Jerome Miller as their Police Chief of the Police Department
S Daytona City Mgr Les Gillis reports on the City's efforts to address storm water management
Holly Hill Historic Society has been coordinating plans with the City Commission for the City’s 125th Anniversary
 
School Board accepted grants to provide bonuses for computer science teachers and to harden school buildings against harsh weather
Gov DeSantis reappointed Audrey Butler, Harold Goodemote, Andrew Lupoli, and Thomas McCall to the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners
Regarding the State compact with the Seminole Tribe…. Fla is receiving $4.4 billion through FY 2028–29
With recent Congressional vote, 11 of 12 federal government
departments/agencies are funded thru September 30….per a $1.2 trillion appropriations bill.
BUT…Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) is only funded through today...if Congress doesn’t reache a deal today to resolve the DHS standoff —agency funding could lapse leading to a partial shutdown of DHS functions.
Interview with Rep Chase Tramont
Property tax bills
FY 2026 Budget talks
Education

EP 143 Bill Partington

Feb 3 – Per their recent 2026 Goal Setting Session……County Council scheduled several Mini-Budget Workshops
Feb 3 – County Council accepted a long-range ECHO Vision Strategic Plan and directed staff to maintain current procedures, continue implementing it.
Feb 4 - DB City Commission approved a resolution Bike Week 2026 Master Plan for Public Property (Bike Week runs Thursday, February 27 to Sunday, March 8)
Deltona’s Economic Development Department has engaged Retail Strategies (a national retail recruitment/consulting firm).
Feb 2 - City of DeBary is offering a Business Façade Grant to help local commercial properties improve the exterior of their buildings
Feb 1 - Edgewater City Council adopted a wastewater treatment master plan
Fla Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has reported 42 auto insurance companies have filed for rate decreases for 2026 — indicating price relief is broad-based across the market
US House of Representatives voted 217–214 to approve a spending package of 11 annual appropriations bills that fund government agencies and programs through Sept 30…. effectively ending a partial government shutdown
January Consumer Confidence Index fell to 84.5, a sharp drop from 94.2 in December…. the lowest since 2014, reflecting consumers are worried about inflation, job market conditions, and overall economic outlook.
Interview with Rep Bill Partington
Affordability Issues…property tax, auto insurance
FY 2026 Budget outlook
Jason Raynor Act

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.