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May 2023 Blog Archive

Volusia County Councilmembers are hosting a beachside meeting, June 10. Tue, May 30, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a unique and unprecedented move, three beachside Volusia County Councilmembers are redefining the concept of government transparency by organizing an extraordinary meeting on the su... Read More

Florida Railway contractor to conduct maintenance on New Smyrna Beach crossings. Tue, May 30, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) has enlisted the services of Gulfstream Engineering, a reputable contractor, to perform essential maintenance on the railroad grade crossings along Tu... Read More

Governor DeSantis signs bill granting exclusive beach law enforcement. Fri, May 26, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a significant development for beach safety and law enforcement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed HB 1595, also known as the Law Enforcement Operations bill, on Thursd... Read More

Israeli delegation honors Volusia Sheriff as 'Guardian of Israel'. Thu, May 25, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   An Israeli delegation of religious, business, and political leaders bestowed the prestigious "Guardian of Israel" award upon Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood Wednesday during a ceremony a... Read More

New Smyrna Beach braces for release of Critical Flooding Study Thu, May 25, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Almost a year after Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc in New Smyrna Beach, causing extensive flooding, city officials are awaiting the results of a flooding study that will evaluate the imp... Read More

Legendary rock singer Tina Turner, passes away at 83. Wed, May 24, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The music world mourns the loss of Tina Turner, the iconic rock singer known for her electrifying performances and a string of chart-topping hits, including ‘The Best’, &ls... Read More

Volusia County prepares for Hurricane Season with disaster shelter awareness event. Wed, May 24, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   As the 2023 hurricane season draws closer, various divisions within the Volusia County Government have joined forces to host a disaster shelter awareness event on Saturday, June 3, fro... Read More

South Causeway Bridge to experience lane closures for inspections. Tue, May 23, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The City of New Smyrna Beach and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced necessary lane closures on the South Causeway Bridge for routine bridge inspections beginnin... Read More

Threatened Shorebirds find sanctuary on Disappearing Island. Tue, May 23, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Love is in the air on Disappearing Island, a popular boaters' destination near Ponce Inlet, as shorebirds have found their mates and built nests on the sandy shores. Volusia County emp... Read More

Volusia County participates in Beach Safety Week to promote summer safety. Mon, May 22, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Beach Safety and Ocean Rescue Division has announced the launch of Beach Safety Week, beginning today, Monday, May 22, 2023. This initiative promotes safety awareness a... Read More

Votran announces schedule changes for the Memorial Day holiday. Mon, May 22, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 29, Votran will operate on a holiday service schedule, and riders should plan their trips in advance. According to a release, the schedul... Read More

OMAM offers free summer admission to military personnel and families. Fri, May 19, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (OMAM) is proud to announce its participation in the 2023 Blue Star Museums program, allowing current military personnel and their families... Read More

Restrooms at Riverside Park to temporarily close for renovations. Thu, May 18, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Riverside Park's public restrooms at 299 S. Riverside Drive in New Smyrna Beach will close beginning today, May 18, for renovations like new fixtures, coated tile, and fresh paint. The... Read More

Sheriff Chitwood cracks down on unsanctioned 'Orlando Invades Daytona' event. Thu, May 18, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has taken a firm stance on the "Orlando Invades Daytona" event, which has been making rounds on social media and scheduled for Memorial Day weekend... Read More

Disaster resource kits available at Old Fort Park on May 20. Wed, May 17, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Southeast Volusia (SEV) Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce they will receive a generous grant of $18,750 from State Farm to assist with repairs to homes damaged by the recen... Read More

Why is professional tile and grout cleaning a must?
Why is professional tile and grout cleaning a must? Wed, May 17, 2023 As a homeowner with durable hard surfaces such as ceramic, terracotta, or quarry tiles, you want your floors to look their best. Unfortunately, dirt and grime can deface tiles and cause grout to absorb dirt, turning black over time. At Carpet Pro of... Read More

Volusia County continues targeting invasive plants in preserve restoration effort. Tue, May 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County's Resource Stewardship Division is continuing its commitment to tackling the issue of invasive plants within sections of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, situated... Read More

Daytona Beach drug dealer apprehended: Bond exceeds $1.6 million. Thu, May 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A notorious drug dealer involved in distributing large quantities of fentanyl has been apprehended and is now facing multiple charges following a thorough investigation conducted by th... Read More

Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky honored as five-time Home Rule Hero. Thu, May 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Florida League of Cities (FLC) has honored Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky with the prestigious 2023 Home Rule Hero Award in recognition of her relentless efforts and steadfast adv... Read More

Flood insurance discounts continue in unincorporated areas of Volusia County. Thu, May 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Government's unwavering commitment to floodplain management has paid off, for residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of the county to continue to receive a 25... Read More

Teen arrested for bringing loaded gun to Galaxy Middle School. Wed, May 10, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A student from Galaxy Middle School in Deltona, identified as 15-year-old Isaiah Jones, is facing charges of possessing a firearm on school property after another student found a video... Read More

Licensed pest control professional warns of Asian Tiger Mosquito spread. Wed, May 10, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Licensed pest control professional Zachary Smith of PestDude.com is warning Florida residents to be vigilant as the Asian tiger mosquito continues to spread across the country at an al... Read More

Volusia County to host Veterans Stand Down event to support veterans. Tue, May 09, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County’s Veterans Services Division is gearing up for its annual Veterans Stand Down event scheduled for Friday, June 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hester Buildi... Read More

Environmental Discovery Center announces new summer hours. Tue, May 09, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) has announced a change in operating hours during the summer to accommodate the center hosting Enviro Camp, two 4-week camp sessions designed fo... Read More

‘Fight the bite’ dispose of tires right on May 19 Tue, May 09, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News    The Volusia County Mosquito Control Division will host a tire amnesty event scheduled from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Volusia County Department of Health, 184... Read More

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension Volusia County offers homebuyer classes. Mon, May 08, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The University of Florida/IFAS Extension Volusia County has announced multiple pre-purchase homebuyers’ workshops that meet the education requirements for those wanting to partic... Read More

Local art showcasing Volusia County's history coming to Ocean Center. Mon, May 08, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Local art showcasing Volusia County's history will be on display in the Ocean Center's ECHO Gallery, at 101 N. Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach from May 25 to June 29, 2023. Exhibit vi... Read More

Sheriff Chitwood declares Special Event Zone for 'Orange Crush' event. Fri, May 05, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has taken decisive action in response to the upcoming unpermitted and potentially disruptive "Orange Crush" event taking place this weekend by des... Read More

New Smyrna Beach receiving $1 million to help clear flood-prone canals. Wed, May 03, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The City of New Smyrna Beach has announced it will receive $1 million in state funding to help clean up the canals surrounding Pine Island and Aqua Golf. These two centrally located ma... Read More

Undercover operations lead to multiple drug dealer arrests in West Volusia. Wed, May 03, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO) recently concluded a series of covert narcotics investigations, leading to the apprehension of eight street-level drug dealers. Additionally, six mor... Read More

Volusia County announces key appointments for Votran, IT Division, and EMS. Tue, May 02, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   During their May 2, 2023, meeting, Volusia County Council members unanimously approved some key appointments that will contribute to the continued growth and success of three Volusia C... Read More

Port Orange Mayor announces candidacy for Volusia County Chair position. Mon, May 01, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Two-term Port Orange Mayor, Don Burnette, has officially declared his candidacy for the position of Volusia County Chair. With a deep-rooted connection to the region, Burnette aims to ... Read More

Tim Riddle, the Director of the Ocean Center, has passed away. Mon, May 01, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Government has confirmed that the Ocean Center's Director, Tim Riddle, has passed away. According to a release, Mr. Riddle died on Friday, April 28, 2023, after ser... Read More

Volusia County Schools celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week. Mon, May 01, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Schools is gearing up to honor its dedicated educators during Teacher Appreciation Week from May 1 to May 5, with activities to recognize the district's more than 4,700 ... Read More