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July 2023 Blog Archive

City of Deltona Alerts: Beware of unauthorized PACE Program offers. Fri, Jul 28, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The City of Deltona wishes to caution all residents about certain financial companies making claims about their association with the State of Florida PACE Program. This program offers ... Read More

Neglected horses lead to severe charges for Seville man. Thu, Jul 27, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Sheriff's deputies have apprehended a Seville man on charges of animal cruelty following the discovery of four neglected horses under his care. Tragically, one of the ho... Read More

11-year-old Port Orange girl arrested for false kidnapping report. Wed, Jul 26, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Ava Rose Langone, an 11-year-old girl from Port Orange was arrested on Wednesday for falsely reporting the abduction of her 14-year-old friend by an armed male driving a white van on S... Read More

Transform386 Community Engagement Series adds additional meeting on July 31. Wed, Jul 26, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County's Transform386 Community Engagement Series has received an overwhelmingly positive response from residents, leading the county to schedule another meeting to gather valu... Read More

Youth safety forums scheduled across Volusia County. Mon, Jul 24, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has announced a crucial initiative to safeguard children from online predators and other potential dangers through a series of community meetings t... Read More

Volusia County offers funding for Driver Education Programs. Mon, Jul 24, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Community Assistance Division of Volusia County has recently announced that it is now accepting applications for financial assistance to support driver education safety programs in... Read More

Sheriff Chitwood honored with prestigious 2023 Leadership Award. Fri, Jul 21, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communication News   In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of law enforcement and his unwavering commitment to the highest principles of policing, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood... Read More

American music icon Tony Bennett passes away at 96. Fri, Jul 21, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Tony Bennett, one of America's most cherished and instantly recognizable voices, passed away at 96. His melodious voice has provided the soundtrack for countless romantic evenings, tou... Read More

Volunteers needed for International Coastal Cleanup in Volusia County. Wed, Jul 19, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County's Environmental Management Division will host the International Coastal Cleanup, a community-driven event to preserve and protect the county's beautiful coastline and ri... Read More

Orange City launches Coffee with Council Members sessions. Wed, Jul 19, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Orange City community is in for a treat as city leaders launch an exciting monthly event series, "Coffee with a Council Member," where residents get an invaluable opportunity to e... Read More

Carnival Cruise Line enhances debarkation with biometric technology. Tue, Jul 18, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Amidst the bustling summer travel season, Carnival Cruise Line is revolutionizing the cruise industry by expanding facial biometric technology to streamline the debarkation process for... Read More

DeLeon Springs residents offered rebates for septic upgrades. Tue, Jul 18, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a significant move to tackle environmental concerns, Volusia County has received a generous grant of $2.2 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The grant ... Read More

Port Orange Police seek assistance in locating missing 14-Year-Old Girl. Mon, Jul 17, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Port Orange Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating 14-year-old Khaliyah Keith, who went missing from her residence in Port Orange on July 15, 2023. The teenager... Read More

Florida Highway Patrol initiates Operation Southern Slow Down. Mon, Jul 17, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a joint effort aimed at enhancing highway safety, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), along with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) division and the... Read More

Orange City motorcycle crash results in fatality and DUI arrest. Sun, Jul 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A tragic vehicle crash involving a motorcycle claimed the life of a Sanford resident on Saturday night. The Orange City Police and Fire Rescue swiftly responded to the scene near the N... Read More

Cocoa Beach man arrested in Deltona for Child Exploitation. Sun, Jul 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a swift operation on Saturday night, Volusia County Sheriff's deputies, detectives, and staff successfully intercepted and apprehended a 29-year-old man from Cocoa Beach who had tra... Read More

Suspect arrested in February’s drive-by shooting in Deltona. Thu, Jul 13, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia Sheriff's Office successfully solved a shooting incident on Trade Street in Deltona in February that left a 16-year-old boy injured while he was babysitting an infant. The... Read More

Volusia County Schools and AFSCME reach agreement on trade worker salaries. Thu, Jul 13, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 79, Local 850 (AFSCME) - which represents the trades workers, including transportation, custodial, School Way C... Read More

Feel the Heat with a SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch viewing package. Wed, Jul 12, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced the opportunity for visitors to reserve a Feel the Heat launch viewing package for the upcoming SpaceX Falcon Heavy EchoStar JUPITER ... Read More

Green Sea Turtles set for ocean return after rehabilitation. Wed, Jul 12, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communication News   After months of care and rehabilitation, two green sea turtles named Silver Springs and Indiana Dunes will be released back into their natural habitat by the dedicated staff at the Mari... Read More

Votran seeks public input in updating Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal. Wed, Jul 12, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Votran, Volusia County's Transportation Service, is seeking public involvement in updating its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal by initiating a public comment period that w... Read More

Volusia County does not raise property taxes in proposed budget. Wed, Jul 12, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Council continued its annual budget adoption process on Tuesday, July 11, as it set the preliminary tax rates necessary to support the county's operations in the up... Read More

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex recognized as a Certified Autism Center. Wed, Jul 12, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has recently partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to obtain the prestigious designat... Read More

Volusia County Council approves dog-friendly pilot program for the beach. Tue, Jul 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a significant decision made during their July 11 meeting, the Volusia County Council has given the green light to an 18-month pilot program that will permit dogs on a specific secti... Read More

Michael Ryan selected as Community Information Director for Volusia County. Tue, Jul 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Council unanimously appointed Michael Ryan as the new Director of Community Information, following County Manager George Recktenwald's recommendation during Tuesday'... Read More

Volusia County honors lifesaving efforts of Beach Safety and US Coast Guard. Tue, Jul 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News     During the Volusia County Council meeting held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, council members paid tribute to the Volusia County Beach Safety Division and the United States Coast Gu... Read More

Orange City now accepting sponsorship requests for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. Mon, Jul 10, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The City of Orange City is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for event or program sponsorship requests for the upcoming fiscal year 2023/2024. Non-profit organ... Read More

Viral TikTok video captures Sheriff Chitwood apprehending fleeing driver. Fri, Jul 07, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a captivating turn of events, a driver who attempted to escape from law enforcement following a routine traffic stop in Deltona found himself in custody after an arrest that caught... Read More

Orange City Man arrested for possessing child pornography. Fri, Jul 07, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Detectives with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office have arrested Eric Bonnette, 39, at his residence off E. Wisconsin Avenue in Orange City on Thursday evening under a warrant followi... Read More

Casselberry man arrested for fatal New Year's Eve crash in Deltona. Thu, Jul 06, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a significant development, Volusia County Sheriff's detectives have apprehended and charged Jeremy Deon Franklin, 36, of Casselberry in connection with a fatal accident that occurre... Read More

Deltona Library ready to welcome new Veterans Services Office. Thu, Jul 06, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Veterans across Volusia County will soon have easier access to benefits and services as the Veteran Services Division prepares to open a new Veterans Services office to cater to the ne... Read More

Daytona Beach International Airport drives regional growth with $3.2 billion impact. Thu, Jul 06, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) has firmly established itself as a convenient local air travel option but also serves as a robust economic engine driving growth in Volusi... Read More

Volusia County Schools ensures free meals for students during 2023-24 school year Wed, Jul 05, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Schools has announced that all students throughout the 2023-24 school year will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch, made possible by the Community Eligibility... Read More

Join SEVMTC's Webinar for Business Continuity and Disaster Planning Wed, Jul 05, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Southeast Volusia Manufacturing & Technology Coalition (SEVMTC) has announced an upcoming webinar on disaster preparedness and business continuity Tuesday, July 11, from 3 to ... Read More