Volusia Matters Podcast

EP 122 Chase Tramont

Podcast News Topics
This past month, all local entities (cities, county school board) set their INITIAL budgets for FY 2025-26
County Economic Development Q Breakfast…Friday, August 15, 7:30 – 9 AM….Daytona Intl Airport….Program is panel discussion on how 3 entrepreneurs turned their skilled trade careers into successful local businesses
County Council selects 15 members (out of 41 applicants) for the 2026 Charter Review Commission. CRC’s first meeting to be Sept 3
County Council discusses proposed amendments to SB 180…a new legislation that preempts county/city land use powers after hurricanes…….applies statewide until October 1, 2027
DB City Commission agenda….
Ordinance (1st reading) to increase Fire, Police, Parks,and General Government Impact Fees (August 20 Public Hearing)
Advisory Bd appointments to Beachside Redevelopment Board(inactive)….Code Enforcement Bd….Downtown Redevelopment Board
Commission to host a 4:30 PM redistricting workshop
County Council approves FY 2025-26 Budgets for Halifax, SE Volusia and West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authorities
DB Shores City Commission updates procurement policy..set city manager’s procurement approval limit at $100,000.
Edgewater City Council took up Ordinance (1st reading) to request to repeal the City-wide Moratorium and the Florida Shores Building Permit Moratorium in response to the passage of Senate Bill 180
Elected Officials Roundtable meets Monday, September 9,  9 - 11 AM…Daytona Intl Airport…..Mayors/Vice Mayors, City Managers and County reps to address topics of mutuel concern throughout Volusia.
Volusia’s GDP - December 2024 was $27.57 billion…ranking Volusia's economy14th out of Florida’s 67 counties based on 2024 data—making it one of the mid-to-‑large-economy counties in the state
No Change in Interest Rates…..Last week, the US Federal Reserve Bd voted to maintain the federal funds lending rate at 4.25 - 4.50%…..5th straight meeting with no change.  
Ernie Audino has a new radio show….The Frontlines Report. It’s the nation’s largest military talk show with over 150 radio stations coast to coast
Roy Young is the new Executive Director of Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM).

EP 121 Roy Johnson

Approx 200 attendees at Meet & Greet for BCU’s new President Dr Albert Mosley….welcoming comments from Mayor Derrick Henry, Commissioner Paula Reed, Volusia AALC Chair Rufus Johnson, NAACP President Cynthia Slater, City Mgr Deric Feacher  
 
County Council approved several infrastructure/planning projects via Transform386 to reduce flood risk, modernize essential utilities, and advance recovery efforts in Daytona Beach, Orange City, Port Orange, NSB .…..
 
Daytona Beach PD seeking new recruits….must pass their Physical Abilities Test plus background check, polygraph exam, etc)...starting pay $19 an hour plus health care benefits
 
Deltona City Commission has workshop to update their current travel policy…proposed flat $4000?
 
NSB City Commission hosts workshop to consider 7 proposed City Charter amendments
 
School Board, County Council, Cities set their maximum TRIM property tax rate…all to host final Budget hearings in September..look for FY 2025-26 budget/tax rate chart in next week’s Volusia Matters newsletter
 
County Council approves FY 2025-26 Budgets for Halifax, SE Volusia and West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authorities
 
Several personnel shifts of our friends in Volusia
 
School District’s Half Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee updates their capitol projects’ goals
 
DB Shores City Commission updates procurement policy..set city manager’s procurement approval limit at $100,000.
 
FY 2024 Volusia’s GDP was $27.5 billion….ranking us 14th out of Fla’s 67 counties
 
Fla Chamber’s Mid‑Year Business/Economic Report regarding the state's economic performance... Fla had estimated 1.4% growth in GDP (approx $1.76 trillion…adding 142 k jobs (a 1.4% increase) 3.7% unemployment rate
 
After Fla Supreme Court ruled with Gov Desantis to maintain his plan redrawing black-majority District 5 along I-10 into 3 other Congressional Districts….he’s now considering to call Special Session to redraw other Congressional districts

EP 120 David Robinson

Come welcome BCU’s new President Dr Albert Mosley Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 – 7 PM Cherry Community Ctr 
Volusia to host Regional Surf Lifesaving Competition July 23-24 highlighting skills, endurance, and lifesaving expertise of Fla’s top lifeguards….takes place at Hard Rock Hotel…..
Gov DeSantis has appointed Sen Blaise Ingoglia as Fla's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to replace Jimmy Patronis (recently elected to Congress). DeSantis may soon appoint new Lieutenant Governor..Sen Jay Collins?
Gov Desantis announced that Fla has No. 1 economy in the US for the third year in a row
Volusia Free Clinic/Volusia Volunteers in Medicine opens new location 1901 Mason Ave x Fentress Blvd Ste 110….provides primary/preventative healthcare to Volusia’s WORKING but UNINSURED residents based on income (under $45k individual or $61k couple annually).
VOTRAN resumes DeLand SunRail Circulator bus route Monday- Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm…4 stops along the route, connecting riders from downtown DeLand to SunRail’s train stop  
Deltona City Commission recently approved a 9-month building moratorium to allow city officials time to review development standards/building regulations and perhaps write new rules to prevent flooding…however, that appears to conflict with Fla’s NEW SB 180 recently signed into law by Gov DeSantis which prohibits local entities from adopting a building moratorium for 1 year after a storm
After 2 years on the job, PO/SD Chamber Exec Barbara Ann Heegan will be leaving July 30
Public Works crews throughout Volusia continue stormwater management maintenance to prepare for next big storm…
Local Entities in the process of setting their maximum TRIM property tax rates regarding their FY 2025-26 budget (look for VM’s budget tax rate/budget chart)
VCARD and Green Volusia will host Shaping Tomorrow's Spaces program on July 24, 8:30 - 10:30 AM Daytona Intl Airport with focus on implementing Volusia County's new voluntary low impact development stormwater practices
Volusia’s Schools’ Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee meets Thursday, July 24, 4 PM at School Facilities Bldg
Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission/SunRail Advisory Bd (Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia counties in city of Orlando), will meet Thursday, July 24, 1:30 PM LYNX Central Station Admin Bldg, Orlando
Deltona City Commission and Orange City Council are taking up ordinances outlining dos and don'ts of how individuals may solicit within their cities…..
Trump Admin heard employers’ concerns of mass deportations is raising labor costs and producing labor shortages in agricultural-based states that heavily rely on immigrant labor.  
SO……Fla Cong María Elvira Salazar has introduced Dignity Act of 2025….a bipartisan immigration reform bill that aims to overhaul the US immigration system by balancing border security with legal pathways for undocumented immigrants
Fla’s Supreme Court upheld the state's congressional redistricting map, rejecting a challenge to maintain former Black-majority District 5 stretching from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, encompassing Black communities in North Fla
$37 trillion national debt has tripled over 25 years…interest payments on ‘govt credit card’ now exceeds Medicare and defense spending, and is putting US’ creditworthiness increasingly at risk

EP 119 Jake Johansson

Podcast News Topics
Long-time friend/Hotel-Motel Leader Bob Davis has passed away
Local entities in the process of setting their TRIM Truth in Mileage ceiling property tax rate and proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 - 26
Brightline has decided to defer their July 15 interest payment on approximately $1.2 billion in tax-exempt bonds (10–12% coupon), signaling financial pressure
Albert Mosley…..BCU’s 8th president began his tenure on July 7 after a national search. He has over 30 years of experience in higher education and non-profit leadership
Volusia Matters Newsletter Real Estate/Money Scorecard highlights local mortgage rates
Port Orange City Council takes up an amendment to their Land Development Code to support their development and redevelopment goals
First Step Shelter Board discusses their upcoming 1000 new beginnings program to Shelter to Stability which will take place Sunday, September 21, 1 - 4:00 PM
Recap of Team Volusia July 11 Board meeting
MainStreet merchants and Daytona Beach City officials meet to focus on parking accessibility, safety and guest experience in the Main St corridor
VCARD and Green Volusia will host Shaping Tomorrow's Spaces program on July 24, 8:30 - 10:30 AM Daytona Intl Airport with focus on implementing Volusia County's new voluntary low impact development stormwater practices
US Treasury reports $27 billion unexpected budget surplus in June, a contrast to $316 billion deficit in May and $71 billion deficit in June 2024…surplus was driven by a surge in tariff receipts, with customs duties doubling to a record $15 billion in April and reaching $113 billion gross for the fiscal year

EP 118 News & Updates

Podcast News Topics
US Senate is currently debating and amending the Big Beautiful bill with a final Senate vote expected in the next few days. As of now, Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody are supporting the bill
Gov Desantis signed $115.1 B budget for FY 2025-26 …includes $14.5 B (12.5%) in reserves….also repeals repeals business rent tax and adds numerous sales tax holidays on necessities/hurricane preparedness items….provides a $1.5 billion to Budget Stabilization Fund over 2 years
Gov DeSantis…”students continue to improve on Fla’s Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments”. These results reflect success of statewide progress monitoring system, which provides real-time data to support student achievement
New Smyrna Beach’s Economic Development Office (Samantha Bergeron, Director) is implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance job opportunities and diversify the local economy. Leaders want to maintain the City’s small-town character while welcoming strategic growth
FLASH….applications’ window for County Charter Review Commission extended to July 18…County Council to appoint members on August 5…go to volusia.org/chartercommission

EP 117 News Updates

Podcast News Topics
National Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships to remain at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center and Bandshell through 2030. YEA Daytona!
Paris Air Show…Gov DeSantis touts new investment in Fla’s aerospace sector with French aircraft manufacturer…AURA AERO opening its first US facility at ERAU’s Research Park
DB City Commission spends $2.2 million for a half-acre parcel south of Main St Pier to preserve public access, steer beachfront development, and assist economic vitality by enhancing the boardwalk corridor.
County Council approves funds for beach profile surveys to track shoreline changes over time to determine whether we’re gaining or losing sand by comparing current conditions vs historical baselines
Recap of VCARD Property Values Forum...Volusia Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett stated that the just value (or market value) was $108.5 billion in 2025 (a 3.7% increase over 2024) and new construction in just value was $1.9 billion….Volusia condominium sales have been down 3 years running. In 2024, sales dropped 16%...with an average value being $310 k…. a 4% decrease from 2024.
Gov DeSantis signed 2 Condo Safety Relief Bills (HB 913 and HB 393) into law to take effect July 1…aim is to maintain safety protections instituted after the 2021 Surfside collapse while easing the financial burden on condo owners, especially retirees and fixed-income residents  
ECHO Advisory Committee meets June 26, 9:00 AM County Admin Building Deland… agenda includes payments for Historic Courthouse Bldg in Deland and DeBary Hall renovations total value $456,000
City of Port Orange host two open houses to showcase Stormwater Master Plans for Sleepy Hollow and Sugar Forest neighborhoods
At its June 17–18 meeting, Federal Reserve Bd keeps interest rates unchanged, maintaining federal funds target range at 4.25% to 4.50%...fourth consecutive meeting with no change.
FLASH….applications’ window for County Charter Review Commission extended to July 18…County Council to appoint members on August 5…go to volusia.org/chartercommission

EP 116 Volusia Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett

Podcast News Topics
Legislature completes Session by adopting $115 billion budget for FY 2025-26
Edgewater Police Chief Joseph Mahoney has been named Interim City Manager
Deltona City Commission:
approved ordinance (first reading) to ban new medical marijuana dispensaries
in planning stages to implement a residential moratorium, i.e. halt new housing projects temporarily (9 months?) while it updates fees, regulations, etc
approved an ordinance to establish regulations for solicitation for public road rights-of-way and city parks and set forth restrictions on soliciting funds from motorists/park visitors
Josh McEnany, Economic Development Director (South Daytona), leads efforts to revitalize primary corridors on US 1 / S Ridgewood Ave and other commercial zones—emphasizing opportunity-zone incentives to attract new businesses
Volusia Schools’ Half-Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee to meet Wednesday, June 18, 4:00 PM at Facilities Services Bldg
County CFO Ryan Ossowski
tells County Council that volatile economic outlook makes it difficult to reduce property tax burden without impacting essential services and any tax cut must be balanced by budget reductions or supplemental revenue
presented a 5-year forecast for General Fund, Law Enforcement, Municipal Service Districts, Library Services, Fire Services, Sales Tax, Beach Management, and Emergency Medical Services Funds
County Council took up agreement with 1st Step Shelter that provide $1.3 million over 5 years ($400,000 first year, $300,000 second year, $200,000 for remaining three years)
DB City Commission:
to take up CRA Amendment regarding Protogroup Project on A1A relating to Beach Access and Phase II (street level retail uses, parking, and amenity deck)
addresses First Step Shelter, Inc Agreement along with County i.e. City will kick in $400,000 annually
US Senate debating different facets of “Big Beautiful Bill” (Medicaid, SALT, Military, Border Security)….target date for completion is July 4
FLASH - Ocean Center announces the return of NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship through 2030, extending a decades-long partnership with Varsity Spirit….
FLASH….applications’ window for County Charter Review Commission extended to July 18…County Council to appoint members on August 5…go to volusia.org/chartercommission

EP 115 Commissioner Ken Strickland

Legislature is completing work on their FY 2025-26 budget with steps shore-up reserves and reduce spending. Ultimate arrangement is $2.25 billion in “revenue reductions,” with extra money being added to state reserves and more money to pay down existing debt
Real Estate Values Forum…..Volusia Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett said 2025 just values hit a 20 year high at $108,517,934,61 and JUST VALUE estimates increased Countywide 3.8% vs 7% in 2024 and 15% in 2023
First Step Shelter May Report…Total Shelter Intakes for May was 56…Total Rose Ann Tornatore Safe Zone for May was 94
US City of New Smyrna Beach is about to open a new Off-Beach parking lot
Volusia Schools’ Half-Cent Sales Tax Oversight Committee to meet Wednesday, June 18, 4:00 PM at Facilities Services Bldg
7th Judicial Circuit Judge Stasia Warren has retired from the bench…was a County Court Judge 1991-2012……Circuit Court Judge 2017 - 2025
Volusia’s Marine Science Center (located by the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse) to reopen June 23, following a $4.2 million renovation
National Jobs Report…..139,000 jobs added in May…unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2%…same for 3 straight months
Numerous commentators are concerned about Trump's international trade agenda and stiff tariffs and how the rest of the world markets has screwed over the US. Economists at the World Bank just issued a statement saying, “Trump is right”.
REMINDER….County Charter Review Commission applications available now on Volusia.org…due by June 30…County Council to appoint members on July 22

EP 114 News Updates

Legislative FY 2025-26 budget negotiations reaching agreement….final vote planned for June 16…may June 18
Charter Review Commission applications available now on Volusia.org …County Council to appoint members on July 22
Daytona Beach City Commission approves delay in Army Corps of Engineers flood risk management study and $1.2 million required to complete it.
County Council voted unanimously to approved the extension of the Holly Hill CRA from current sunset date of Dec 31, 2026 to Dec 31, 2036
US Senate considering ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ HR 1 to extend 2017 tax cuts, eliminate taxes on tips, cut Medicaid, clean energy funding, boosts defense and immigration enforcement spending…Sen Rick Scott leaning NO….Sen Ashley Moody is a YES
Congressional Budget Office says Trump’s tariffs will reduce total federal deficits by $2.8 trillion over the next 10 years
Gov DeSantis recommended his deputy chief of staff Anastasios Kamoutsas to be next Education Commissioner (Manny Diaz to be interim for Unv of West Fla) Bd of Education ratifies him…..
Volusia County Sheriff's Office is hiring for IT and finance positions….
Reminder - Real Estate Values Forum - June 10, 8:30 AM DBIA

EP 113 Dr. Carmen Balgobin

Legislative FY 2025-26 budget negotiations delayed until June 2
Charter Review Commission applications available now on Volusia.org …County Council to appoint members on July 22
County Council approves 5 new projects to reduce flooding and improve storm water infrastructure in several communities
Volusia League of Cities Annual Service Award Banquet
County’s Permit/Code Concierge Service helped 334 businesses
with their permit projects
Fla was host to 143 million visitors in 2024, a new all-time annual record ….. a 1.7% increase over 2023
Volusia’s Community Assistance Division survey seeks input to identify/prioritize needs in affordable housing, homeless prevention, neighborhood improvements, economic development opportunities for low-and moderate-income residents
US House votes 215-214 to advance HR 1 to extend 2017 tax cuts, eliminate taxes on tips, cut Medicaid, clean energy funding, boosts defense and immigration enforcement
spending…bill moves to Senate
US Senate passes SB 129 No Tax on Tips Act…creates federal income tax deduction for cash tips for servers, bartenders, barbers/beauticians, delivery drivers, etc
Annual Volusia County Chamber Alliance MEGA MIXER
Thursday, June 5, 4 – 7 pm at ERAU
Reminder - Real Estate Values Forum - June 10, 8:30 AM DBIA