Volusia Matters Podcast

jimta

5.0 (2)
Politics
Updated Daily

Volusia Matters by Jim Cameron

1d ago

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
Jul 16

Ep 165 Mark Harper News Journal Reporter

Fountainhead Innovation Center Update…… Jayson Meyer CEO of Synergy Billing wants everyone to know about exciting updates at the Fountainhead Innovation Center near Destination Daytona. They’re offering a limited number of smaller office suites for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. They’re also building an event space that can hold up to 250 people for meetings, retreats, and training. July 15 - Daytona Beach City Commission agreed to accept a $27k federal grant to help buy bulletproof vests for new/current police officers. authorized a Rebate Cost Share Agreement with SJRWMD to receive up to 50% reimbursement for issuing water conservation rebates moved forward for new regulations for bicycles/electric bicycles while establishing a general prohibition on motorized pedicabs approved the 2026 Biketoberfest Master Plan for Private Property, scheduled for October 15 to 18 July 14 - Holly Hill City Commission increased their current $96 residential stormwater fee to $99 ($8.25 per month) which would generate $37 K for stormwater upkeep, rules, and repairs. July 14 - NSB City Commission Held a workshop to consider Benesch Consultants’ study of a possible a non-property tax fire assessment to fund fire services and how costs could be proportioned and what rates different property types might pay. Addressed a new agreement regarding City/County reciprocal parking passes, so permits work in each other’s lots, and new passes will be issued through the Park Volusia system Updated its Land Development Regulations to allow parking lots as a permitted use and letting property owners build parking lots in areas that need more parking. updated the city’s parking ordinances so visitors can pay parking fees through a mobile app instead of using kiosks Fla's minimum wage will increase on Sept 30 from $14 to $15 per hour August 18 Primary is coming soon…. Deadline to Register to Vote for Primary Election is July 20 Deadline to Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot for Primary Election is Aug 6 Congress recently passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, housing bill which aims to help increase the supply of homes and make housing more affordable. First Step Shelter Board of Directors ratifies contract for Susan Clark to be the new Exec. Congress returned to Washington this week with a full agenda, although the unexpected death of Sen Lindsey Graham and the continuing absence of Sen Mitch McConnell have created uncertainty about the timing of some Senate business. July 1, IRS increased standard mileage rate for business use from 72 to 76 cents per mile…… medical/moving mileage rates also increased to 23.5 cents per mile. For 2026, the next quarterly IRS estimated tax due date (after July 13) is September 15. Port Orange/S Daytona Chamber hosted a Candidates HobNob…. had a good turnout and numerous candidates…. Democrat and Republican and non-partisan including Congressional, Legislative House/Senate seats, County Council, School Bd, Daytona Beach and S Daytona City Council and 7th Circuit Judge races. Daytona Regional Chamber’s HobNob on July 28 at ERAU…it’ll include Congressional, legislative, County Council, School Bd and numerous City commission/council seats AND it’ll include a straw vote REMINDER - Daytona Regional Chamber's 2026 Candidate Hobnob is July 28, 4 - 7:00 PM at ERAU (Henderson Welcome Ctr) NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in July’s VM newsletter….pg 21 Interview - News Journal Reporter Mark Harper discusses Gov Desantis’ proposal to reduce property tax….. August 18 Primary election….. Volusia School District’s 2nd A rating City of DB’s 150th birthday celebration…
Jul 8

EP 164 Dr Pam Carbiener - Baby Steps Daytona

Fountainhead Innovation Center….(just north of Destination Daytona at the US 1 / I – 95 interchange) Is now making a limited number of smaller office suites available for businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations looking for a great place to call home. FIC is also putting together a beautiful event space that will accommodate up to 250 people……ideal for corporate meetings, leadership retreats, training events, and other professional gatherings. Gov DeSantis recently signed a $117.5 billion FY 2026–27 state budget (new fiscal year begins July 1) Local government finance staff members are drafting proposed budgets and mileage rates for the coming fiscal year. Budget workshops take place this month… At VCARDs Real Estate Values Forum, County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett reported that the county's estimated taxable property value increased about 8.6% for 2026 Fla Dept of Education announced Volusia County Schools has earned its second consecutive “A” district grade for the 2025-2026 school year. Volusia Ready Response Corps (VRRC) is training volunteers to help people during hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies. August 18 primary is around the corner…..the ballot will include First Step Shelter Board of Directors selected Susan Clark as the organization's new Executive. She succeeds Victoria Fahlberg, who was the shelter's executive when the facility opened in December 2019. 11th Circuit US Court of Appeals ruled that key parts of Daytona Beach's panhandling ordinance violate the 1st Amendment right to free speech. Florida and Volusia economy update….. DB CVB seeks to bring National Folk Festival here REMINDERs - Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber’s Candidate HobNob is July 8, 5-7 PM at Riverside Pavillion. Daytona Regional Chamber's 2026 Candidate Hobnob is July 28, 4 - 7:00 PM at ERAU (Henderson Welcome Ctr) NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in today’s VM newsletter….pg 21 Interview - Dr Pam Carbiener comments on the challange of providing prenatal care in low income communities and need for Baby Steps Daytona
Jun 26

EP 163 Lisa Lewis

June 25 - at VCARD’s Real Estate Values Forum, Volusia Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett stated early totals for countywide market and taxable values for land, homes, buildings, and other improvements Meanwhile, County, School District, and the county’s 16 cities are paying attention to these numbers as they’re now in the budget development phase for FY 2026-27. School Supt Carmen Balgobin was named 2026 Superintendent of the Year by Fla Assn for Career/Technical Education Assn. School District’s Bargaining Team and Volusia United Educators (VUE) met June 25 for an Impact Bargaining Session.. The District’s Half-Cent Sales Tax Committee June 25 for an update on how the performance of revenue numbers. June 23 - School Bd had a workshop to review their FY 2026-27 budget…. And set a tentative budget and mileage rate for the coming year. More details to follow in VM newsletter New Smyrna Beach hosted an open house to discuss a traffic-calming roundabout at US 1 and Inlet Shores Dr intersection…. June 24 - Volusia-Flagler TPO addressed they 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to align with their Long-Range Transportation Plan. The TPO addressed their Priority Projects (LOPP) list which is updated annually and sent to FDOT for funding allocations Gov DeSantis signed 5 bills to strengthen criminal penalties, combat dangerous drugs and gang activity, enhance oversight of repeat offenders, and bolster support for law enforcement. These laws give prosecutors/police additional tools to maintain public safety and keep violent criminals accountable. Gov DeSantis signed Senate 2 bills to make local government more transparent while also supporting property tax relief for homeowners. This week in Washington…….Congress addressed several major business and economic issues including work on spending, taxes, housing, and trade-related matters. State legislatures with Republican majorities have drawn new Congressional maps that left 9 Democratic incumbents running in districts where Trump won by large margins in 2024 REMINDERs - Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber’s Candidate HobNob is July 8, 5-7 PM at Riverside Pavillion. Daytona Regional Chamber's 2026 Candidate Hobnob is July 28, 4 - 7:00 PM at ERAU (Henderson Welcome Ctr) NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in today’s VM newsletter….pg 14 Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis comments on dates to register to vote in August 18 primary dates to request mail-in ballots several Volusia elections that were decided by very few votes
Jun 19

EP 162 Deland Mayor Chris Cloudman

County, School District, and the county’s 16 cities are now in the budget development phase for FY 2026-27. Last week was candidate qualifying week……several new candidates qualified at the last week while numerous announced candidates either withdrew or didn’t qualify. SO……….. Check out my UPDATED VM newsletter in today’s email. It includes a list of ALL QUALIFIED candidates for 2026 elections. DB City Commission - June 17 Daytona Beach Housing Authority advanced its FY 2027 budget proposal/scheduled a public hearing for next month. Commission appointed Jazmin Felix to represent the Planning Board on City’s Downtown Redevelopment Bd Adopted changes to the Land Development Code to speed up affordable housing reviews by allowing most qualifying projects to get administrative approval without public hearings Deltona City Commission - June 15 Addressed a study regarding 2026 impact fees to see if current fees cover the costs of new growth…..study recommends updating Fire/Rescue, Parks, Transportation (renamed "Complete Streets"), and Law Enforcement fees, adding a new Municipal Impact Fee, so new development pays its fair share for needed infrastructure. Pt Orange City Council - June 16 addressed several measures to elevate, demolish and replace homes in low flood plain areas…… accepted a proposed charter regarding elections that would require 12 months of continuous residency immediately before qualifying, County Council - June 16 hosted 3rd public hearing on amendments to the County Charter proposed by the Charter Review Commission Tadd Kasbeer provided a Capital project schedule update. staff presented a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process… By a 4-2 VOTE……Council TABLED a SEPARATE charter change BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL TO require a unanimous County Council vote to sell or transfer conservation land Daytona Regional Chamber's 2026 Candidate Hobnob is July 28, 4 - 7:00 PM at ERAU (Henderson Welcome Ctr) State economists estimate the proposed homestead-exemption increases could cut local government revenue by nearly $5 billion in FY 27–28 and eventually about $11.86 billion per year, forcing counties to make tough spending choices. 2026 preliminary tax roll from County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett gives early totals for countywide market and taxable values for land, homes, buildings, and other improvements. For a full report/details, come to VCARD’s Real Estate Values Forum…..June 25, 9 - 10:30 AM (8:30 breakfast and check in). Co-hosted by Daytona Regional Chamber, Daytona Area Assn of Realtors and New Smyrna Beach Bd of Realtors. Open to public. There is a cost. For more details, contact Kelly at 320-6292. US economy…..the job market remains relatively strong adding ~172,000 jobs in May…unemployment is 4.3%…. still considered low by historical standards….economy is still growing, but at a moderate pace…..Inflation is back up with CPI at 4.2% in May, the highest inflation rate in ~3 years Federal Reserve Bd, led by NEW Chair Kevin Warsh, faced a mix of economic, policy, and political pressures at its monetary policy this week…Bd voted unanimously to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%. NOTE - JUST ANNOUNCED….Volusia Schools has earned an A rating for a 2nd year…back-to-back NOTE - See Avalon Daytona Beach’ Press Release in today’s VM newsletter….pg 14 This week in Congress… Congress is voting on several bills that could tighten oversight of billions of federal grant, disaster‑recovery, and infrastructure dollars. Florida’s economy and Volusia County could feel the impact of the federal fraud‑prevention and spending‑oversight bills. A separate House bill pertaining to supply‑chain/energy‑security could benefit this area’s logistics/manufacturing sectors by strengthening US access to critical minerals that support aerospace, EV components, and advanced manufacturing Deland Mayor Chris Cloudman comments on status of Deland’s City budget addressing homelessness in the City new affordable workforce housing projects development near Deland SunRail station
Jun 11

EP 161 Rep Chase Tramont

2026 preliminary tax roll from County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett gives early totals for countywide market and taxable values for land, homes, buildings, and other improvements. For a full report/details, come to VCARD’s Real Estate Values Forum…..June 25, 9 - 10:30 AM (8:30 breakfast and check in). Co-hosted by Daytona Regional Chamber, Daytona Area Assn of Realtors and New Smyrna Beach Bd of Realtors. Open to public. There is a cost. For more details, contact Kelly at 255- 0981. June 8 - Daytona Beach 1st Step Shelter Bd meeting. Exec Director Victoria Fahlberg to remain on the job until June 12. After that, she’ll work as a consultant to help with the search process and job transition. HR Exec Leslie Bonner announced that the search has been narrowed down to 4 candidates. Plans are being made for Monday, June 22 to interview these candidates individually before the Bd votes that evening. City Commission/Council meeting updates…..County Advisory Bd meetings this month….. May 29 - Legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget which included numerous local projects requested by Volusia legislative delegation. Education. Infrastructure plus other projects pertaining to Habitat for Humanity as well as Volusia Volunteers in Medicine. DeSantis has 15 days to approve/veto the budget after it is formally presented to him once the Legislature has adjourned. He also has line-item veto authority to remove specific local projects without vetoing the entire budget. NOTE – July 1 is the start of the new fiscal year After Legislature voted June 2 to put a homestead property tax measure on the November ballot……Gov Desantis posted on X……. that the Legislature’s version was different from his original proposal….it doesn’t provide for the elimination of all taxes on homesteads (they exempted school taxes) and it doesn’t create a fund to provide state grants to local governments to assist with core services as homestead taxes are phased out. If the amendment is approved…. will funding to make up local government shortfalls, come before the legislative session in March? Gov DeSantis appointed 4 new members to Daytona State College District Board of Trustees This week in Congress… Congress is voting on several bills that could tighten oversight of billions of federal grant, disaster‑recovery, and infrastructure dollars. Florida’s economy and Volusia County could feel the impact of the federal fraud‑prevention and spending‑oversight bills. A separate House bill pertaining to supply‑chain/energy‑security could benefit this area’s logistics/manufacturing sectors by strengthening US access to critical minerals that support aerospace, EV components, and advanced manufacturing State Rep Chase Tramont comments on $114.5 billion state budget Volusia delegation special requests Homestead Property Tax Special Session
Jun 5

EP 160 John Nicholson

May 29 - legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget… Major allocations include K-12 Education ($21 B), Higher Education ($9.9 B), Healthcare spending ($49.2 B), environmental projects ($2.5 B), and Budget Reserves ($17 B). June 1-2 Special Session….Legislature adoptes measure for property tax relief Constitutional amendment….provides incremental increases of homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 then $500,000 County CFO Ryan Ossowski told Council that Legislature’s property‑tax changes — including a lower the non‑homestead assessment cap and adding new supermajority voting rules for certain millage increases — could significantly reduce County revenue starting in 2027 if voters approve the amendment…..warned the cuts could create a $92.8 million shortfall by 2028 City Meetings Update….. June 3 - DB City Commission (as CRA) had a frank conversation regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district… approved a measure to expedite affordable housing applications and let accessory dwelling units qualify as affordable housing. June 1 - Deltona City Commission appointed Davison Heriot as the City’s representative to Team Volusia’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors June 1 - Deland City Commission addressed several grant applications related to infrastructure at the Deland Airport June 1 - Edgewater City Council created a new sign code. applied for a $44,000 State grant to fund a Building/Planning Efficiency Fee Study to modernize its permitting process. heard public comments regarding proposed City Charter amendments. Council will address at a later meeting. June 3 – DeBary City Council hired a consulting firm to prepare Non-Ad Valorem Fire Assessment Rate Study for the City June 9 – Orange City Council will conduct a workshop regarding concept a Fire Assessment Fee…. June 2 - County Council…. hosted a 2nd public hearing/presentation on amendments to the County Charter (see pg 5 VM newsletter) addressed how impact fees are charged for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). heard a 5-year financial forecast for the County's taxing funds as part of the FY2027 recommended budget development process. appointed James Jones to their Contractor Licensing/Construction Appeals (CLCA) Bd This week in Congress… US Senate is debating a Republican-backed plan to spend about $70–72 billion on immigration enforcement and border security. US House to take up 2 major funding bills…..1 funds agriculture, rural development, and FDA ……AND a bill that sets 2027 funding for FEMA, environmental and coastal projects, transportation and housing grants New Chair of Federal Reserve Bd Kevin Warsh’s first policy meeting will be June 16–17…… fed funds rate is currently 3.50%–3.75% Will they raise or pause or lower interest rates? Community Commentator John Nicholson discusses…… DB City Commissioners’ discussion regarding homeless in the beachside tourist district and surrounding neighborhoods County CFO Ryan Ossowski’s presentation to Council regarding potential impact of proposed homestead property tax relief amendment on the Nov 3 ballot proposed County Charter Adm 1 (selection of County Chair) and Adm 5 (creates a conservation lands registry whereby Council can "lock" specific properties to protect them from being sold or transferred)

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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