Volusia Today - A County of Volusia Podcast

Happy New Year from Volusia Today ! In this episode, we explore exciting events and updates for 2025 in Volusia County. Highlights include the Park Volusia launch, the ongoing coastal survey, and disaster assistance deadlines—be sure to file FEMA and SBA applications by the required dates. A special meeting on January 14 will address a potential development moratorium, with opportunities for publi...

Join us for a special 2024 episode of Volusia Today as we sit down with County Manager George Recktenwald! Don’t miss this engaging discussion as we reflect on the highlights and key moments that defined Volusia County in 2024.

In this episode of Volusia Today , guest host David Hunt, along with Judge Leah Case, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, and Mark Weinberg, Court Administrator, discuss the workings of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, covering topics such as the process of becoming a judge, the differences between county and circuit courts, and the role of specialized courts like Veterans and Drug Court. Th...

In this episode of Volusia Today , we highlight some exciting updates and events in Volusia County. A new ParkVolusia office has opened in New Smyrna Beach at 302 N. Causeway, with another office in Daytona Beach Shores. FEMA has extended the Disaster Recovery Center in Daytona Beach until December 19 due to high demand. For trivia lovers, DeBary Hall, built in 1871, was the winter retreat of Fred...

In this episode of Volusia Today , we cover a variety of local happenings as the holiday season kicks off. We highlight events like Don Dempsey's Town Hall meeting, cutting your own Christmas tree at Lyonia Preserve, new office openings, and extended hours for FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center. There’s also information on upcoming Tire Amnesty Days, holiday events around the county, and winter break...

In this episode of Volusia Today , Volusia County Fire Chief Jo King and Division Chief Bill Whalen share essential holiday safety tips. We start with some holiday fun, discussing Christmas trees and favorite holiday meals, before diving into fire safety. Chief King offers advice on cooking hazards like turkey deep frying, ensuring smoke alarms are working, and how to handle kitchen fires, includi...

As the holiday season approaches, Volusia County is packed with festive activities, safety tips, and community programs to make the season enjoyable and safe. Residents are debating the best time to put up Christmas trees, whether ham or turkey reigns supreme, and which holiday side dishes are essential or avoidable. Local events include guided bike tours, line dancing lessons, Santa’s Breakfast a...

In this episode of Volusia Today, we welcome Angela Miedema, Director of Animal Services, who reflects on her first year in the role and discusses the essential services provided to residents, such as the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program and responsible pet ownership initiatives. Angela shares details about her recent election to the National Animal Control Association Board and its advocacy work...

In this episode of Volusia Today, we’ll discuss Hurricane Milton with guests Clint Mecham, Emergency Management Director, Chief King, Fire Services Director, and Ben Bartlett, Public Works Director. They will cover preparation and response efforts, including evacuation plans, storm communications, and the role of Volusia County Fire Rescue in rescue operations. The conversation will highlight ongo...

In this episode of Volusia Today, we speak with Lynn Flanders, Director of the Ocean Center, and Brooke Sowell, Marketing Specialist, about the upcoming Celebrate Volusia event on October 6th. The episode highlights the event's family-friendly atmosphere, featuring a concert by Pablo Cruise, a Kids Zone with various activities, and a Community Expo showcasing local resources and talent. Listeners...

In this episode of Volusia Today, hosts welcome Lou Paris, Director of Economic Development, and Heather Edwards, Business Specialist in Economic Development, who discuss key resources supporting local businesses, including the fully booked Funding Readiness Workshop. They highlight the VC Economic Development Research Center’s market analysis through SizeUp, the advantages of the Foreign Trade Zo...

Join us on this episode of Volusia Today as we chat with Cyrus Callum, Department Director of Aviation & Economic Resources, and Joanne Magley, Marketing Director of Daytona Beach International Airport. We’re thrilled to discuss the recent recognition of Daytona Beach International Airport as the Commercial Service Airport of the Year for Florida! Tune in as we discuss the significance of this...

In this episode of Volusia Today, Lucinda Colee, Library Services Director, and Barry Kukes, Library Services Marketing Specialist, join us to discuss the annual How-To Festival on September 14, a community event featuring diverse, hands-on sessions like DIY auto repair, basic first aid, and pickleball, often led by library staff. They’ll also cover the new reading challenge, the benefits of libra...

In this episode, we explore Volusia County's new beach driving and off-beach parking program, Park Volusia, set to launch on October 1. We’re joined by Benjamin Bartlett, Director of Volusia County Public Works, and Jessica Fentress, Coastal Programs Director, who share details about the program's new regulations and infrastructure changes. They also discuss the impact on coastal conservat...

In this episode of Volusia Today , we bring you the latest updates from Volusia County, covering recent news and developments affecting the community. Tune in for a broad overview of what's new and noteworthy in your area. Stay informed and engaged with your local happenings!

In this episode, we provide updates from Volusia County and welcome guests Nicole Weiss, Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Field Manager, and Brooke DeRuwe, Permitting Associate from Environmental Management. We discuss the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) taking place on Saturday, September 21, from 8 to 11 a.m. Residents can join the effort at over 20 sites along the beach, Halifax River, and I...

Welcome back to Volusia Today! Here’s what’s new: The Volusia County Courthouse Annex is now named the Steven C. Henderson Judicial Center, honoring Judge Henderson with a bronze plaque unveiling. Daytona Beach International Airport has been named Florida's top commercial service airport by FDOT, a title it also earned in 2021 for its safety, aesthetics, and innovation. VoRide is offering free...

In this episode of Volusia Today, the Community Information team covers several updates: Tropical Storm Debby caused no significant damage, but with peak hurricane season approaching, it's crucial to prepare your hurricane kits and stay informed via the Volusia Emergency Management app and other resources. Starting October 1, Volusia County residents will enjoy free beach driving, with registr...

In this episode, we cover updates from Volusia County, and different things happening throughout our community. Volusia County has introduced a new Emergency Management app to enhance communication during emergencies like hurricanes and wildfires; it’s available for download on both the App Store and Google Play. In recognition of its commitment to high-quality care, Volusia County EMS has receive...

In this episode of Volusia Today, we chat with Brooke Sowell, Marketing Specialist at the Ocean Center, about exciting upcoming events including Jurassic Quest and 90s Con. Brooke also outlines the Ocean Center's long-term plans to expand and revitalize its role in the entertainment space, aiming to enhance its appeal as a premier venue for a variety of engaging events. Listen to learn more ab...

On this episode of Volusia Today, we discuss Daytona Beach's new Sun & Surf Park, featuring new parking spaces, 5 of which are ADA-accessible, and an ADA-accessible ramp. We also discuss the new off-beach parking fees for non-residents and the upcoming easement meetings. The ECHO Rangers program, designed for kids in grades 1-5 to connect with nature through educational activities has some...

In this episode, we cover community updates in Volusia County, and several events and initiatives were highlighted. The Ocean Center is currently hosting Passion Camp and gearing up for Jurassic Question from July 26-28. Meanwhile, Volusia County Animal Services is offering a vaccination and microchipping event at Keysville Dog Park on July 15, providing $10 vaccines and free microchipping to resi...

This episode features Tim Telfer, Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Manager, and Daniel Marsh, ECHO Manager. The discussion centered on the critical importance of conservation efforts in the Volusia County community. Telfer highlighted Volusia Forever's mission to acquire and protect natural lands in Volusia County, stressing their role in preserving habitats, improving water quality, and provi...

Today, we discuss upcoming events and welcome Chief King from Volusia County Fire Rescue. Chief King shares his journey into firefighting and the crucial safety precautions and training programs his team implements for firefighters and the community. We explore their outreach efforts and upcoming social media platform launches, aimed at enhancing community engagement and safety communication. With...

In this episode, we cover the latest developments across Volusia County. Our focus begins with the momentous groundbreaking of the Veterans Memorial Plaza, a heartfelt tribute honoring the invaluable service of our veterans. Additionally, we highlight the Volusia Forever program's landmark achievement in purchasing over 2,000 acres, its largest acquisition to date, securing vital natural space...