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August 2023 Blog Archive

Volusia County Schools Official Statement as of 8/30/23 @ 2:47pm​​
Volusia County Schools Official Statement as of 8/30/23 @ 2:47pm​​ Wed, Aug 30, 2023 ***Provided by Volusia County Schools***   Good afternoon, VCS families,   I hope that this message finds you and your loved ones safe and secure after Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida this morning. While Volusia County was spa... Read More

Hurricane Idalia: August 29 (4PM) - Updates From the City of Deltona
Hurricane Idalia: August 29 (4PM) - Updates From the City of Deltona Tue, Aug 29, 2023 Sandbags: Sandbag operations will continue until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Festival Park – 191 Howland Blvd. 2931 Day Rd. Volusia County Schools: Volusia County Public Schools are closed Wednesday, August 30. Deltona City Hall: Deltona City Ha... Read More

Hurricane Idalia Crisis & Emergency Situations
Hurricane Idalia Crisis & Emergency Situations Tue, Aug 29, 2023 provided by Visit Florida   VISIT FLORIDA continues to monitor Hurricane Idalia and is in constant contact with the State Emergency Operations Center.  On the forecast track, the center of Hurricane Idalia is forecast to move over the ea... Read More

Hurricane Idalia Update From Volusia County
Hurricane Idalia Update From Volusia County Tue, Aug 29, 2023 Idalia has been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with winds estimated at 75 mph as it tracks toward the Big Bend area of Florida. Idalia is expected to rapidly intensify with winds forecast to be 120 mph when it makes landfall over the Apalach... Read More

Volusia County Schools Announce School Closures Due to Hurricane Idalia
Volusia County Schools Announce School Closures Due to Hurricane Idalia Tue, Aug 29, 2023 **Volusia County Schools Official Statement​​**   Dear Volusia County Schools Family,   As we continue to work with the county’s Emergency Operations Center to closely track Hurricane Idalia, the safety of our students and commu... Read More

Two-week tax-free holiday for disaster-related supplies begins this weekend!
Two-week tax-free holiday for disaster-related supplies begins this weekend! Thu, Aug 24, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   To bolster disaster preparedness and relief efforts during the peak of the 2023 Hurricane Season, Florida residents will receive a second tax-free holiday on disaster-related supplies... Read More

Deltona Commission preserves current rates for Stormwater and Solid Waste.
Deltona Commission preserves current rates for Stormwater and Solid Waste. Wed, Aug 23, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Earlier this week, a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes was mailed to property owners across Volusia County by the Property Tax Appraiser's office to serve as a formal communication reg... Read More

Orange City Police Department: Report monkey sightings to the FWC.
Orange City Police Department: Report monkey sightings to the FWC. Wed, Aug 23, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Orange City Police Department has received multiple calls with reports from concerned citizens regarding monkey sightings across various areas within the city. According to v... Read More

Bronx man extradited, charged in elaborate Volusia County ‘Grandparents Scam’.
Bronx man extradited, charged in elaborate Volusia County ‘Grandparents Scam’. Tue, Aug 22, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A 24-year-old man from the Bronx, New York, has been extradited to Volusia County and formally charged for his involvement in an audacious attempt to execute a "grandparents’ sca... Read More

Volusia County to host Household hazardous waste collection event.
Volusia County to host Household hazardous waste collection event. Tue, Aug 22, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County is gearing up to offer an essential service for its residents by hosting a free household hazardous waste collection event on Friday, October 21, 2023, at the Ormond Bea... Read More

Votran service adjustments announced for Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend.
Votran service adjustments announced for Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend. Mon, Aug 21, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   As the highly anticipated Coke Zero Sugar 400 event approaches, Daytona Beach and its surrounding regions are bracing for a significant surge in traffic. Commuters relying on Votran se... Read More

Rare Egret rescued, rehabilitated, and ready for release.
Rare Egret rescued, rehabilitated, and ready for release. Mon, Aug 21, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Marine Science Center's seabird rehabilitation facility is ready to return a reddish egret that had been under their care to the wild at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at ... Read More

Final 'Operation Daly Dose' suspect arrested, trafficking ring dismantled.
Final 'Operation Daly Dose' suspect arrested, trafficking ring dismantled. Thu, Aug 17, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a victory against rampant drug trafficking, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office successfully apprehended Patrick Daly, the last suspect in "Operation Daly Dose," a seven-month-long ... Read More

Volusia County plans to vote on communications tax ordinance sunset.
Volusia County plans to vote on communications tax ordinance sunset. Thu, Aug 17, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, August 30, at 4 p.m. inside the Volusia County Council chambers on the second floor of the Thomas C. Kelly Adminis... Read More

Nesting sea turtles set a new record in Volusia County.
Nesting sea turtles set a new record in Volusia County. Wed, Aug 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   With just six weeks remaining until the conclusion of the 2023 Sea Turtle nesting season, the shores of Volusia County have witnessed an exceptional phenomenon as sea turtles have est... Read More

Dogs rescued from neglect as Deltona man faces cruelty charges.
Dogs rescued from neglect as Deltona man faces cruelty charges. Wed, Aug 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A Deltona man faces animal cruelty charges after authorities discovered his dogs enduring neglectful conditions amidst scorching temperatures. Volusia County Sheriff's Deputies assiste... Read More

18 cooling stations to open in Volusia County.
18 cooling stations to open in Volusia County. Wed, Aug 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The relentless grip of excessive heat shows no signs of relenting in Volusia County, leaving Emergency Management officials on high alert as the heat index consistently surges beyond 1... Read More

Drivers Education courses offered for High School students.
Drivers Education courses offered for High School students. Wed, Aug 16, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News     The much-anticipated registration for the upcoming fall semester's Drivers Education program will begin on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 8 p.m., and aspiring drivers in Volusia Co... Read More

Campbell Park to temporarily close for parking lot resurfacing.
Campbell Park to temporarily close for parking lot resurfacing. Tue, Aug 15, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   To elevate the overall quality and safety for its visitors, Campbell Park at 1315 Briarwood Avenue in Deltona will temporarily close on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, for a parking lot re... Read More

DeLeon Springs man arrested for trespassing at McInnis Elementary School.
DeLeon Springs man arrested for trespassing at McInnis Elementary School. Tue, Aug 15, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   In a surprising turn of events this morning, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to inform the public that a man identified as Julian Rediker, 49, was taken ... Read More

Volusia County Schools commences the 2023-24 academic year with enthusiasm.
Volusia County Schools commences the 2023-24 academic year with enthusiasm. Tue, Aug 15, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The dawn of a new academic year saw Volusia County Schools abuzz with excitement as more than 63,000 eager students filled the hallways on Monday morning. Superintendent Dr. Carmen Bal... Read More

Nighttime rescue effort saves stranded boaters at Ponce Inlet Jetty.
Nighttime rescue effort saves stranded boaters at Ponce Inlet Jetty. Tue, Aug 15, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Beach Safety, the United States Coast Guard, and AIR 1 collaborated in a valiant rescue effort Sunday night after three boaters were left stranded on the rocks of the Po... Read More

Daytona Beach carjacking suspect apprehended after standoff.
Daytona Beach carjacking suspect apprehended after standoff. Mon, Aug 14, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Sheriff's Office apprehended a carjacking suspect in Daytona Beach with the help of the Daytona Beach Police Department and SWAT deputies following a high-stakes sta... Read More

Suspect arrested in DeLand shooting that left one injured.
Suspect arrested in DeLand shooting that left one injured. Mon, Aug 14, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has arrested 17-year-old Tyler Lopez, who turned himself into the Volusia Sheriff's Office in DeLand early Monday morning on accusations of attempte... Read More

DeLeon Springs man charged in overnight shooting incident.
DeLeon Springs man charged in overnight shooting incident. Fri, Aug 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   A DeLeon Springs man is now in custody after a violent altercation unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning. Thomas Arney, 38, has been apprehended and charged with aggravated bat... Read More

Cooling stations to open across Volusia County.
Cooling stations to open across Volusia County. Fri, Aug 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   As the Central Florida region deals with its hottest summer in recorded history, Volusia County officials have designated the county’s 14 public library branches as cooling stati... Read More

Overnight shooting in DeLeon Springs leaves one injured; sparks investigation.
Overnight shooting in DeLeon Springs leaves one injured; sparks investigation. Fri, Aug 11, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into an overnight shooting that left one injured in DeLeon Springs at a residence on DeSoto Drive. According to... Read More

Volusia County gears up for safe start to new school year.
Volusia County gears up for safe start to new school year. Wed, Aug 09, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The first day of school for Volusia County students is on Monday, August 14, 2023, and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies across Volusia County are gearing... Read More

Volusia County Library hosts Library Card art contest beginning September 1.
Volusia County Library hosts Library Card art contest beginning September 1. Wed, Aug 09, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Young artists can get their artwork featured on a library card as the Volusia County Public Library presents an exciting opportunity for kids aged 12 and under to unleash their creativ... Read More

Karen Feaster appointed chair of Florida Airports Council for 2023-2024 term.
Karen Feaster appointed chair of Florida Airports Council for 2023-2024 term. Tue, Aug 08, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County announced the appointment of Karen Feaster, the distinguished airport director at Daytona Beach International Airport, as the 2023-2024 chair for the Florida Airports Co... Read More

Public Hearing: Transform386 action plan for disaster recovery.
Public Hearing: Transform386 action plan for disaster recovery. Mon, Aug 07, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County is taking significant strides towards recovery and preparedness for future disasters following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian through the Transform386 Community Developm... Read More

Marine Discovery Center to share intriguing insights on Honeybees.
Marine Discovery Center to share intriguing insights on Honeybees. Mon, Aug 07, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   With National Honeybee Day just around the corner, the Marine Discovery Center is preparing to host a Public Lecture Series dedicated to our little honey-making friends on Thursday, Au... Read More

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two shootings in DeLand.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two shootings in DeLand. Mon, Aug 07, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Sheriff's detectives are investigating two shooting incidents on South Brooks Avenue in DeLand this past weekend and are seeking the public’s help. The first shoo... Read More

Small plane crashes in Port Orange yard, both occupants survive.
Small plane crashes in Port Orange yard, both occupants survive. Fri, Aug 04, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   The Volusia County Sheriff's Office took to social media on Friday, after a small plane crashed into the front yard of a residence on Guava Drive in Port Orange.  According to th... Read More

Tip leads to child pornography arrest in Ormond Beach
Tip leads to child pornography arrest in Ormond Beach Fri, Aug 04, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Volusia County Sheriff Deputies have arrested 43-year-old Timothy S. Young of Ormond Beach on charges of possessing child pornography images following a tip received from the National ... Read More

Tickets now available: SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew-7 launch viewing.
Tickets now available: SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew-7 launch viewing. Fri, Aug 04, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Mark your calendars for August 25, 2023, at 3:49 a.m., for an unforgettable space launch experience from Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the Falco... Read More

New app 'Volusia Helps' simplifies access to Community Services. Thu, Aug 03, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   To streamline access to vital community services, the County of Volusia has launched a user-friendly mobile application called "Volusia Helps," which provides an up-to-date and central... Read More

Deltona house explosion: Suspects in custody on Arson charges. Wed, Aug 02, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Two suspects involved in an explosion that rocked a Deltona home earlier this summer are now in custody, facing charges of arson and possession of a fire bomb, following an extensive i... Read More

Kennedy Space Center announces Taste of Space 2023 dates and events. Tue, Aug 01, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will delight food enthusiasts again this fall with its highly anticipated "Taste of Space: Fall Bites!" event, which takes guests on a flavorful jo... Read More

Invasive plants targeted in Gemini Springs. Tue, Aug 01, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News    Volusia County's Resource Stewardship Division has announced plans to conduct a crucial herbicide treatment covering a 20-acre area adjacent to the blue hiking trail within the G... Read More

Skilled directors to join Volusia County service divisions. Tue, Aug 01, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   During Tuesday's Volusia County Council meeting, council members appointed three new division heads to the Animal Services, Emergency Management, and Community Services divisions. Ang... Read More

Protecting Florida's children: Child Safety month kicks off. Tue, Aug 01, 2023 Written by Kristen Schmutz Belden Communications News   As the new school year approaches and Florida students prepare to head back to their classrooms, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida High... Read More