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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

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

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

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

Tragic lightning strike claims life of a roofer in Deltona. Tue, May 23, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A roofer died Monday afternoon after being struck by lightning on Sterling Pointe Drive in Deltona. Witnesses at the scene reported that the victim, 24-year-old Edvin J. Velasquez Ci... 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

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

23-year-old man shot during argument in DeLand. Tue, May 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A 23-year-old man was shot on Monday night following an argument reported by witnesses on Lenox Street in DeLand. The incident prompted an investigation by the Sheriff's detectives to ... 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

Second student arrested in gun-related incident at Galaxy Middle School. Fri, May 12, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a recent development related to the gun incident at Galaxy Middle School, a second student involved in the Instagram video has been apprehended. Zy'Qwan Stafford, a 14-year-old from... Read More

Deltona man shoots at customers for counterfeit marijuana payment. Fri, May 12, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A Deltona man who opened fire on a vehicle after being paid with counterfeit money for a marijuana transaction was apprehended Thursday afternoon when authorities received multiple rep... 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

Tragic crash claims life of scooter driver in Deltona. Wed, May 10, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is investigating a tragic accident that occurred earlier today, resulting in a fatality near Deltona Middle School at 250 Enterprise Road in Deltona... 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

Deltona prepares residents with the 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Seminar. Wed, May 10, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The City of Deltona is taking proactive measures to ensure its residents prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. On Wednesday, May 17, the city will host the 2023 Hurricane Prepare... 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

Street resurfacing project to begin May 10 in DeLand. Mon, May 08, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The City of DeLand has announced that a major street resurfacing project will begin Wednesday, May 10, 2023, with an estimated completion by the end of the month, weather permitting. P... Read More

FLOW mobile to visit Deltona City Hall on May 23. Mon, May 08, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Employees from Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobile unit staff will visit Deltona City Hall at 2345 Providence Boulevard on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.... 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

13-Year-Old Deltona boy arrested for car break-Ins; Stolen firearm recovered. Thu, May 04, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A 13-year-old boy from Deltona has been apprehended and charged in connection with a series of car break-ins after his mother found a stolen firearm concealed near their residence. The... Read More

Deltona seeks input on Housing Equity Plan through public meetings. Thu, May 04, 2023   Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The City of Deltona's Housing and Community Development Department is promoting fair housing practices and combating discrimination within the community with a proactive appro... 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