Volusia Matters Podcast

jimta

5.0 (2)
Politics
Updated Daily

Volusia Matters by Jim Cameron

2d ago

EP 173 Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky

Podcast News Topics Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour…… Local entities are hosting budget hearing through the end of the month on proposed budgets and tax rates for FY 2026-27. Check out pages 1-4 of VM newsletter to see what numbers are being considered. Sept 14 - Edgewater City Council….. · unanimously approved a permanent moratorium to block development of data centers, hyperscale facilities, and other high-energy data-processing facilities. Edgewater voters are also scheduled to consider a November charter amendment that could make the prohibition part of the city charter. · approved fire services assessments for FY 2026-27 to fund fire protection services, facilities, and programs, distributing costs among properties… · will attend a joint public meeting with New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill, and the Volusia County Council to address shared economic development priorities affecting SE Volusia on October 14 at the Brannon Center. · looked into adjusting their Fire Rescue Law Enforcement General Govt, Parks & Recreation, Multi-Model transportation impact fees. Sept 14 - Elected Officials Roundtable met to discuss current issues of common interest…… Public Works Director Ben Bartlett discussed the County’s Stormwater Resilience Dashboard which shows ongoing projects to reduce flood risks, improve drainage, and strengthen infrastructure throughout all 16 cities. DB Shores Mayor Nancy Miller and County Councilman Jake Johansson provided an update on cities’ efforts regarding stormwater management and flood control Coastal Director Jessica Fentress discussed beach feasibility/Army Corp of Engineers’ Coastal Storm Risk study Sept 14 - First Step Shelter Bd met to update on current activities……it was first official meeting for their new exec Susan Clark……shelter had 60 intakes in August…plus 96 individuals in the Rose Ann Tornatore safe zone… Sept 15 - PO City Council approved their FY 2027 stormwater utility assessment roll and kept existing fee rates unchanged. The assessment roll lists properties subject to the fee, which will be collected through annual property tax bills. Sept 22 - County Council will take up a joint project agreement with City of Daytona Beach on Harvey Ave Beach Approach Improvements. City Daytona Beach and the County will combine Boardwalk and Harvey Ave beach ramp improvements into one project. County’s Emergency Management Dept recently hosted a Healthcare Summit to connect healthcare providers, fire depts to share experiences, discuss how they can better collaborate during hurricanes, etc Sept 18 - Team Volusia Bd meets tomorrow and will report on business prospects there seeking to locate in the county. VM will report on that meeting in next week’s podcast. Sept 16 - US Federal Reserve raised its interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point moving the federal funds target range from 3.50%–3.75% to 3.75%–4.00%……the Fed’s first rate increase since July 2023. The interest rate on the 10-year Treasury note has climbed to just over 5%....its highest level in almost 20 years. It’s due to concerns about inflation, higher oil prices and expectations of this week’s Federal Reserve Bd meeting. Estimated Tax Schedule. Last estimated quarterly tax payment was due Sept 15…..and the fourth estimated quarterly payment for 2026 is January 15, 2027. See October VM newsletter for a complete schedule….. Interview with Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky Ponce Inlet has implemented a townwide stormwater utility — what does that actually change for the town? Ponce Inlet has a septic-to-sewer project with about $10 million secured for infrastructure, but still needs roughly $1.95 million to connect additional homes. Details? Ponce Inlet is considering a fire non-ad valorem assessment — how does that fit into the same revenue strategy? Residents' Coalition's Home Rule forum — why did the group feel this forum was necessary, and what came out of it?
Sep 11

EP 172 Mayor Diezel Depew

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour…… Sept 1 budget hearing, County Council’s proposed 2026–27 budget would increase Fire Rescue funding by nearly 3%, from ~ $81.8 million to ~$84 million...Council is moving forward with a net budget is ~$1.06 billion. Property taxes provide $455.5 million (42.8% of net revenue). Final budget hearing is September 22. DB City Commission plans to change retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters retiring after October 1. Sept 9 - With NSB Sports Complex use/expenses increasing, NSB City Commission looking to increase fees to raise revenue by $10,000 to cover expenses tied to inflation rates. Deltona City Commission took up Fla Dept of Environmental Protection and St Johns River WMD supporting Deltona’s aquifer recharge project via a 50/50 grant to build a recharge well and two monitoring wells Sept 9 - DB Shores City Commission adopted a 2026 Vulnerability Assessment created by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and by Fla’s Resilient Florida Program Sept 9 - Deland City Commission addressed an ordinance to change water, sewer, and reclaimed-water rates by resolution and remove account maintenance fees and include those costs in monthly base charges Sept 9 - DeBary City Council discussed FY 2027-28 budget requirements pursuant to HB 1329 Local Government Financial Transparency/Accountability Act On September 30… Non-tipped employees: minimum wage rises from $14.00 to $15.00/hour Tipped employees: cash wage rises from $10.98 to $11.98/hour 2026 US midterm elections choose all 435 members of the House and about 35 members of the Senate…Biggest fight for control of the US House. Current make Up of US House is 218 Republicans—214 Democrats - 1 Independent—2 Vacancies Fla’s gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe is still active….2021 compact gives the Seminoles exclusive control over certain types of gambling, including online sports betting. Hard Rock Bet remains the only traditional online sportsbook operating statewide. The newest challenge comes from prediction-market companies such as Kalshi Interview with Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew New Aerospace Related Activity in the City? Deering Park Activity ? Adm 3 Homestead Exemption? Proactive Measure on Flood Control?
Sep 2

EP 171 Sheriff Mike Chitwood

Progress is happening every day at the new Fountainhead Innovation Center at the US 1/I-95 interchange, north of Destination Daytona. If your business is looking for new office space, call me at 566-2140 for a tour…… County Council has first public hearing TODAY on tentative budget and millage rates for FY 2026-27. Other local entities will begin hosting their public budget hearings next week. Sept 1 - PO City Council ratified contract agreements with 2 of their Police Unions….. DB Mayor Derrick Henry wants residents to have access to the state’s audit report. Fla’s Auditor General’s report is still being reviewed by state officials and is expected to arrive soon Recap of Aug 26 TPO meeting by Exec Colleen Nicoulin Aug 10 - FDOT’s press conference announced a partnership with ERAU to train students for careers in Advanced Air Mobility Volusia Elected Officials Roundtable to meet Monday Sept 14, 9 AM Daytona Intl Airport……to discuss local issues that affect the entire county… US House just returned from its August recess with legislative business and votes scheduled throughout the week…major issue to watch is federal government funding…US Senate to resume work Sept 14….. US economy is still growing, but losing strength….Second-quarter growth was 1.5%, lower than the first quarter’s 2.1% Florida’s economy remains strong compared with many states, but its rapid growth has slowed Interview with Sheriff Mike Chitwood Status of Volusia Criminal Activity E-Bikes on the Road Take Over Events? License Plate Reader Cameras
Aug 28

EP 170 Volusia County Tax Collector Will Roberts

Volusia County News: Economic Growth, Elections and Local Government Here are the latest Volusia County updates covering economic development, election results, local government decisions, public projects, schools, taxes and community services. Fountainhead Innovation Center Expands Jayson Meyer announced two updates for the Fountainhead Innovation Center near the U.S. 1 and I-95 interchange, just north of Destination Daytona. A limited number of smaller office suites will support entrepreneurs and growing organizations. The center is also developing an event venue for up to 250 guests, including corporate meetings and leadership retreats. Volusia County Economic Outlook At the Aug. 21 Volusia Economic Q2 Breakfast, economist Sean Snaith said Florida and Volusia County continue to experience economic growth. However, rising household debt, credit-card spending, electricity costs and technological disruption could create future challenges. Lou Paris also presented updated second-quarter economic data. Volusia County Primary Election Results The Aug. 18 primary election drew 108,665 ballots from 396,818 registered Volusia County voters, producing approximately 27% voter turnout. Volusia County Bans Large AI Data Centers On Aug. 17, the Volusia County Council unanimously approved a permanent ban on large-scale artificial intelligence data centers in unincorporated Volusia County. New Smyrna Beach Reviews Building-Permit Changes On Aug. 25, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission addressed new Florida legislation affecting building permits, inspections, private providers and the fees municipal building departments may charge. Volusia ECHO Projects Move Through Review On Aug. 26, the Volusia ECHO Advisory Committee scored proposed projects in Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater and DeBary. Proposals include parks, athletic fields, piers, museums and nature centers. Projects scoring 80 or higher will advance for additional review and final approval. Daytona Beach City Commission Update On Aug. 19, the Daytona Beach City Commission: Appointed William Robinson to the Housing Authority Commission. Approved relocating Volusia EMS to a new site on West Mason Avenue. Adjusted building-permit fees to reflect processing and service costs. Extended a temporary parking-lot permit near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk for two years. Volusia County Targets Illegal Dumping Volusia County compliance officers continue investigating illegal dumping, coordinating waste removal and holding responsible parties accountable. U.S. Treasury Bond Buybacks From Sept. 9 through Nov. 4, the U.S. Treasury plans to increase purchases of 30-year government bonds from approximately $2 billion to $4 billion. A bond buyback occurs when the government purchases securities from investors before their scheduled maturity dates. U.S. Trade Deficit The United States recorded an estimated $205 billion trade deficit during the second quarter of 2026. U.S. National Debt The national debt has reportedly reached $40 trillion. This figure should be confirmed before publication. Volusia County School District Meetings The Volusia County School District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee held a virtual public meeting on Aug. 27. The district’s bargaining team and Volusia United Educators are also participating in an instructional-staff bargaining session. Port Orange Water-System Maintenance The City of Port Orange has started its annual water-distribution system flushing. This routine maintenance removes sediment, cleans the system and helps protect local water quality. Florida Amendment 3 and the Homestead Exemption A new interview with the Volusia County Tax Collector explains Florida Constitutional Amendment 3, including what the proposed homestead-exemption changes would—and would not—do for property owners.
Aug 13

EP 169 State Rep Bill Partington

Daytona Regional Chamber to host a luncheon regarding Fla’s Property Tax Adm 3 on Sept 1, 11 AM - 1 PM at Halifax River Yacht Club. It’ll explore Fla's Property Tax Future…. potential effects of Adm 3. Panel members…. Sen Jeff Brandes (Fla Policy Project), George Recktenwald and Ryan Ossowski (Volusia County), Michael Chambliss (Daytona Beach) Government will discuss Adm 3’s projected effect on local budgets/residents and business owners. Advanced Registration is $35 (until August 25)…..$50 at that…. Non-member registration is $70 regardless of registration date. For more details, contact Chamber’s Advocacy Director Drake Wyman at 255.7174 or drake@daytonachamber.com Fountainhead Innovation Center Update…… Jayson Meyer has exciting things happening at the NEW Fountainhead Innovation Center….located just north of Destination Daytona at the US 1 / I – 95 interchange. The facility will have a limited number of smaller office suites available for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations to locate. It’ll also include event space to accommodate up to 250 people….. ideal for corporate meetings, leadership retreats, training events, and other professional gatherings. There’s lot more coming, so call me 566-2140 for a tour of the facility Congressional District 7 Candidates Forum was held Aug 5 at Brannon Center, NSB…hosted by Volusia Republican Executive Committee…..Click here to see VM summary of Candidates’ comments regarding issues…. EARLY VOTING RUNs to Saturday August 15….8 am - 6 pm Click here to see early Voting Sites i.e. libraries/ community centers throughout the County. You CAN VOTE ANYWERE! Live in NSB but work in Ormond? Vote on your lunch hour. Primary ballot and candidates in VM newsletter…… City of Daytona Beach has hired Katrina Powell as their new Economic & Strategic Opportunities Director Holly Hill City Commission - Aug 11 Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation Presentation by CEO Keith Norden Holly Hill staff secured EPA hurricane grant funds for ~$19 M and $2.8 M to make utility repairs….another step regarding stormwater management. adopted a proclamation regarding Joe Forte's retirement after 36 Years of service to the City Aug 11 - NSB City Commission addressed Fla legislation regarding building permits/inspections Aug 18 - Ormond Beach City Commission will have 2nd reading pertaining to a complete ban of data centers Aug 13 - County’s ECHO Advisory Committee has full-day of site visits/project presentations in Ormond, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, Pt Orange, NSB, Edgewater, DeBary….proposals include ballfields, parks, piers, museums, nature centers followed by a meeting to ponder each project’s request for funding. School District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee to meet virtually Thursday, August 27, 4:00 PM…meeting is open to public via Teams HERE School District’s Bargaining Team and Volusia United Educators (VUE) have an Instructional Staff Bargaining Session Update on US federal budget for this FY 2026 which ends September 30 Interview - State Rep Bill Partington If Adm 3 (homestead exemption) passes…..cities and county budgets? Fla is attracting data centers, but they use lots of electricity/water. Should the state impose additional requirements on new data centers? Fla continues to invest in K-12 education. What should be state's top education priority over the next 5 years—teacher pay, school choice, classroom performance, something else? Fla's increasing population growth is putting pressure on water supplies. What should the State do to sustain a stable water supply?
Aug 5

EP 168 Carmen Balgobin - Volusia School Superintendent

New Smyrna Beach and the County both run paid parking programs on coastal parking areas they control. County uses Park Volusia and vehicle registration databases and license plate reader technology while the City has its own system and database for annual pass holders, plus daily parking fees. They’re forming an interlocal agreement would let annual City OR County pass holders park in the other place’s lots interchangeably. DB City Commission …… addressed an ordinance regarding E-bikes ie operation of and speed limits within the city. It bans motorized pedicabs. Allows them only if they are specifically approved through a franchise agreement that the City Commission approves. heard proposed changes to the Bike Week Master Plan Guidelines Port Orange City Council ….. Heard update on state matters from Sen Tom Wright and Rep Chase Tramont Addressed 1-2 items regarding lift station and waste water…….in other words, stormwater management 3 Appointments to their Environmental Advisory Board Ormond Beach City Commission…… Updated their Capital Improvements Schedule as part of their Comprehensive Plan in order to match it with their Capital Improvement Plan as required by Florida state law… Discussed Data Centers and Landscape Regulations Deltona City Commission….. updated their Local Housing Assistance Plan by adding Mobile Homes into the mix which provides assistance for eligible manufactured housing relocation, temporary lot rent assistance, and rehabilitation or emergency repairs. Edgewater City Council….took up proposed charter amendments to expand number of city council members, ban data center, require referendum on toilet to tap…
Jul 30

EP 167 Kristin Weiss Daytona Regional Chamber President / CEO

Podcast News Topics Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……Jayson Meyer wants to turn this building into a place for entrepreneurs, students, and the community. It will also include a restaurant, café, and wine bar where people can meet, work, and build new ideas. This could be a good chance for the right person to run a food business with less upfront money than starting from scratch. Interested? Call 566-2140 to discuss…… School Bd had 1st hearing on their proposed Property Tax Millage Rate and Schools' Operating Budget for FY 2026-27 NSB City Commission - adopted their TRIM rate for FY 2026-27 took up that fire assessment that the Benesch Consultants outlined earlier this month. appointed members to Airport Advisory Bd, Building Trades Bd Housing Authority Gov DeSantis signed an agreement between Space Florida and UK’s Space Agency to work together on space projects…….Fla and UK already have strong trade and business ties…this new partnership will grow innovation and opportunities Recent polls show Fla Adm 3 regarding homestead property taxes report 61% to 64% in favor at this time…. 87% of Republicans and 62% NPAs support it 65% Democrats oppose it. 65% Homeowners and 64% renters support it ……polls also show respondents like the idea of lower property taxes but become more divided when presented with possible consequences….. County Council to consider a six-month moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers Democrats Socialists of America…..what’s in their party platform? What is the current US tariff rates on imports from foreign trade partners? Volusia County School District’s leadership program. Interview Kristin Weiss, President/CEO Daytona Regional Chamber discusses……… Chamber HobNob/Meet the Candidates Workforce Development Elevate event - August 6 Leadership Daytona…
Jul 23

EP 166 John Nicholson

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update……Synergy CEO Jayson Mayer is offering a limited number of smaller office suites for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. There’ll also be event space for meetings, retreats, and training. Call 566-2140 if your organization would like a tour. County Council, School Board, and the county's 16 cities are developing budgets/setting property tax rates for FY 2026-27. All must have their final budget/millage rates approved before the new fiscal year begins on October 1. Look for Volusia Matters’ local government tax rate/budget chart coming to you next week Preview of 3 Fla Constitutional Amendments…… The County launched a new interactive dashboard to show the work underway to reduce flood risks, improve drainage, and strengthen stormwater infrastructure throughout the county. July 20 - Deltona City Commission voted down a proposed fire assessment proposal 7-0. It was based on recent Benesch Financial Consultants study…. set a 6.49 mills TRIM rate despite staff recommending a 6.7 mills rate. addressed regulations including sidewalks and speed limits for scooters/e-bikes…. approved a resolution to protect environmentally sensitive land and open space July 21 - Port Orange City Council approved a Charter Adm to require proof of residency for at least 12 months for City Council candidates addressed Firefighters’ pensions to clarify 300 overtime hours being pensionable. announced they received $2 million in state funding for 2 infrastructure projects from the State budget. July 21 - County Council approved FY 2026-27 Tourism Advertising Budgets addressed limits on how long people can serve on advisory boards/committees… took up amending regulated public participation during meetings Team Volusia Economic Development Bd met on July 10 to review efforts to attract new businesses/support the expansion of existing employers updates on several active economic development projects, including confidential business recruitment prospects in the aerospace, advanced manufacturing and technology industries. Issues before Congress this week….. Regarding the economy…inflation rate was 4.1% in May, 3.7% in June, 3.7% in mid-July and still above Fed’s 2% goal Also regarding the economy, consumers owed about $1.25 trillion in credit card debt during the first 3 months of 2026, about $70 billion more than last year. REMINDER - Daytona Regional Chamber’s HobNob on July 28, 4-7 PM at ERAU…it’ll include Congressional, legislative, County Council, School Bd and numerous City commission/council seats AND it’ll include a straw vote NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in July’s VM newsletter….pg 21 Interview - John Nicholson, Community Commentator discusses……… Local Government Budgets Proposed Homestead Exemption Referendum (Const Adm) Status of local housing First Step Shelter

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Volusia Matters by Jim Cameron

Creator

jimta
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

98
Rating

Clean
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Volusia Matters Podcast