February 2024 Blog Archive
Transform386’s Support Brings Deltona Resident Back Home Post-Ian
Thu, Feb 29, 2024
In a celebration of resilience and community support, Volusia County's Transform386 program participated in a ceremonial welcome-home party on Wednesday, February 28, for Deltona resident Sabine Mathieu, marking a significant milestone in her journey... Read More
Summer Learning Institute at MOAS Registration Now Open
Thu, Feb 29, 2024
The Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) offers a Summer Learning Institute from June 10 to August 2 for children ages 5 to 13. The program focuses on art, science, and history, with many integrated learning experiences for students. All classes are ... Read More
Summer Break Camp Online Registration Opens March 1
Thu, Feb 29, 2024
Everyone’s favorite action-packed summer break camp will open registration at 8 a.m. Friday, March 1. Volusia County Summer Break Camp offers children 5 to 12 (5-year-olds must have completed kindergarten) an opportunity to hang out with friend... Read More
Volusia Beach Safety Lifeguard Tryouts
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
The 2023 Beach Patrol of the Year will host tryouts for part-time lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 2, at the Ormond Beach YMCA, 500 Sterthaus Drive. Prospective candidates must be at least 16 years old on or before June 1. Additi... Read More
Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Hurricane Preparedness
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
With fewer than 100 days until the start of Hurricane season, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages all Floridians to be aware of the hazards that may impact their area and begin home preparations now for any potential st... Read More
AMA Arenacross Comes to Bike Week in Daytona
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
Bike Week just got more exciting with the addition of the AMA Arenacross Championship. Prepare for two weekends of adrenaline-pumping racing as the highly anticipated event takes over the Ocean Center on March 1, 8 and 9 as part of the 2023-2024 seas... Read More
DeBary Citizens Academy Registration Now Open
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
The City of DeBary is committed to ensuring citizens have the tools to actively engage with the City and understand how to obtain the information they need. To facilitate this process, the City has launched a free, 8-week DeBary Citizens Academy prog... Read More
Florida WildQuest 2024
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Florida WildQuest 2024 will begin on April 27 and run through May 5. Florida residents and visitors will use the free and easy-to-use GooseChase app to join a wild adventure to complete sc... Read More
River City Nature Park in DeBary Closed 2/29
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
Duke Energy will be conducting emergency work to replace a beacon light on the Seminole County side of the St. John's River and will be using River City Nature Park as a helicopter landing zone. River City Nature Park will be closed on Thursday, Febr... Read More
Hearing on Lake Harney Property - Volusia Residents’ Input Sought
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Acquisition Council (ARC) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 12 at 4 p.m. to gather community comments about the nomination for the 5,578-acre Lake Harney property in Osteen ... Read More
Two Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Wed, Feb 28, 2024
Plan now to enjoy great spring weather while volunteering. Green Volusia Volunteers and Be Floridian Now have organized two outdoor volunteer initiatives for residents and visitors.
Epiphyte Walk at DeBary Hall Historic Site with Be Floridian Now
9... Read More
Crystal Apple Award Winners
Tue, Feb 27, 2024
Congratulations to the winners and nominees of the 11th annual Crystal Apple Awards Celebration hosted by the DeLand & Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce. The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate and honor West Volusia educators, recognizing them... Read More
Volusia Students Earn Prestigious Cambridge Awards
Tue, Feb 27, 2024
Eighty-five students from Volusia County Schools have received prestigious awards from Cambridge International Education, part of the University of Cambridge, to acknowledge their outstanding performance on the June 2023 Cambridge examinations. As a ... Read More
March Over to DeBary Hall for a Month Full of Activities
Mon, Feb 26, 2024
DeBary Hall has something for every taste during the month of March. A magnificent 19th century hunting estate overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, the site is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and includes DeBary Hall, the old... Read More
Deltona Wildlife Festival: A Day of Adventure for All Ages
Mon, Feb 26, 2024
The Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona announced the return of its highly regarded annual Wildlife Festival to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 9.
At this year's Wildlife Festival, there will be fun and adventure to be had for all ag... Read More
"Other Birds" - Volusia Reads Together Program
Mon, Feb 26, 2024
The Volusia County Public Library will celebrate this year’s Volusia Reads Together program with “Other Birds” by Sarah Addison Allen from March 8 to April 13. This community reading celebration, which includes a range of related ev... Read More
WestVolusiaConnection.com E-mail blast 02/23/24
Fri, Feb 23, 2024
Read this week's Top News Stories in West Volusia Read More
Who Was Brownie?
Fri, Feb 23, 2024
If you're a local, you've no doubt seen the statue and monuments to "Brownie." According to the official Daytona Beach website, Brownie was the City's dog; a friendly stray who became a goodwill ambassador for Daytona Beach in the 1940s and early 50s... Read More
NEW 2024 Corvette Stingray Convertible to be Raffled at Strawberry Festival
Fri, Feb 23, 2024
Stingray Chevrolet has donated a brand-new 2024 Corvette Stingray Convertible to be raffled off at the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City taking place February 29 - March 10.
A 2024 Corvette Stingray Convertible, 3LT will be given away o... Read More
Changes Coming to Medicare
Thu, Feb 22, 2024
Starting in 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will allow people to pay Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs over the course of the year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the sec... Read More
Leap Day is Coming - Finding Our Calendar in the Stars
Thu, Feb 22, 2024
On Tuesday, February 27, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lohman Planetarium at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach join Curator of Astronomy, Seth Mayo in the Planetarium as he steps on his soapbox. When was the modern calendar created... Read More
Bike Week 2024, Win a Harley-Davidson®
Thu, Feb 22, 2024
The 83rd Annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach, sponsored by the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, is set to roll into Volusia County March 1 through March 10, with an estimated 400,000 bikers and enthusiasts coming to Central Florida. Main Street, Dayt... Read More
Daytona Aquarium Opens Today
Wed, Feb 21, 2024
The Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure opened to the public at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 21. Daytona Beach's newest attraction offers an interactive animal and educational experience, showcasing a great variety of both land and marine anim... Read More
Lou Paris Named Economic Development Director
Wed, Feb 21, 2024
The Volusia County Council gave seven thumbs up to Lou Paris during its February 20 meeting, approving him as the county’s new director of economic development.
“I’m deeply impressed with Lou’s professional experience and acc... Read More
FTC Says Fraud On The Rise
Wed, Feb 21, 2024
According to an article written by Senior Attorney Larissa Bungo and released by the Federal Trade Commission on their annual fraud Data Book, scams are on the rise.
'The Data Book tells us that people lost $10 billion to scams in 2023. That’s... Read More
Martians Wanted - NASA Opens Call for Simulated Mars Mission
Wed, Feb 21, 2024
NASA is seeking applicants to participate in its next simulated one-year Mars surface mission to help inform the agency’s plans for human exploration of the Red Planet. The second of three planned ground-based missions called CHAPEA (... Read More
Carnival Voted Best Ocean Cruise Line in USA Today's 10BEST Awards for Second Year
Tue, Feb 20, 2024
Carnival Cruise Line was once again a big winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, taking home the top honor of Best Ocean Cruise Line for the second consecutive year. Carnival Celebration, one of the cruise line’s most ... Read More
An Afternoon with Florida History: Conflict Comes to the Halifax
Tue, Feb 20, 2024
On February 24, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Root Family Museum of the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach, a presentation on Florida history will take attendees on a journey, guided by the expertise of Zach Zacharias, the Senior Cu... Read More
Volusia County Launches Social Services App
Tue, Feb 20, 2024
Do you need help finding social service agencies in Volusia County? There’s now an app for that!
Volusia County has created Volusia Helps, a free app that provides up-to-date information in the palm of your hand. The app can help residents, so... Read More
WestVolusiaConnection.com E-mail blast 2-16-24
Mon, Feb 19, 2024
Read this week's Top News Stories in West Volusia Read More
Why is Today Presidents' Day?
Mon, Feb 19, 2024
According to History.com, Presidents' Day was originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington. The holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, a... Read More
Young Guns Defendant Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Murder, Robbery
Mon, Feb 19, 2024
On February 16, Young Guns Defendant Fredryonna Grimes was sentenced to 40 years in prison. She pled last month to Principal to First-Degree Murder and Principal to Robbery with a Firearm.
On March 19, 2020, Volusia Sheriff’s deputies responde... Read More
JLo is Coming to Central Florida - Tickets Go on Sale February 22
Mon, Feb 19, 2024
Jennifer Lopez is bringing her This Is Me...Now The Tour to Orlando this summer after the release of her ninth studio album, "This is Me...Now." Orlando will be the first stop on her 30 city tour in North America, as she lights up the Kia Center on J... Read More
Utility Bill Phone Maintenance February 20
Mon, Feb 19, 2024
Phone and IVR systems for utility billing payments will be offline for maintenance on February 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You will not be able to make payments over the phone or call city services. Web payments will be available. Read More
Alexander Island Park Given Exceptional Grant Status
Mon, Feb 19, 2024
One year ago the City of DeBary purchased 170 acres of undeveloped land along the St. John's River for $3.5 million to create a passive park for DeBary residents and visitors - now called Alexander Island. The Volusia County Environmental, Cultural, ... Read More
NASCAR - Daytona 500 and United Rentals 300 Moved to Monday
Sun, Feb 18, 2024
NASCAR announced the Daytona 500 and the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway has been postponed until Monday, February 19, due to rain and wind conditions in Daytona Beach. The Daytona 500 will now begin at 4 p.m.... Read More
Miss America Comes to Daytona to Drive Race Cars and Shatter Stereotypes
Fri, Feb 16, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
Madison Marsh, crowned Miss America for 2024 and previously crowned Miss Colorado in 2023, visited Daytona Beach's David C. Hinson Middle School on Friday, February 16 while in town for her official duties at the Daytona 500. Madiso... Read More
NASCAR Driver Reads to Children and Delivers a "Bookworm" Vending Machine to Volusia Elementary School
Fri, Feb 16, 2024
Just days before competing in the DAYTONA 500, Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, visited Blue Lake Elementary School in DeLand.
After reading a short story to the students, Erik Jones and The Erik ... Read More
The Great American Race is Sunday
Fri, Feb 16, 2024
The epicenter of motorsports racing, the Daytona International Speedway, roars to life this weekend culminating with the 66th running of the Daytona 500, starting at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 18. If you’re not going to the races, it is reco... Read More
Humanity Headed Back to the Moon for the First Time in More Than 50 Years
Fri, Feb 16, 2024
At 1:05 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At approximately 1:53 a.m., the lander deployed... Read More
New NASA Mission will Study Ultraviolet Sky, Stars & Stellar Explosions
Thu, Feb 15, 2024
A future mission for NASA will survey ultraviolet light across the entire sky will provide the agency with more insight into how galaxies and stars evolve. The space telescope, called UVEX (UltraViolet EXplorer), is targeted to launch in 2030 as NASA... Read More
2024 Deltona Mayor's Fitness Challenge
Thu, Feb 15, 2024
Join Mayor Avila in the 2024 Mayor's Fitness Challenge! Residents will be encouraged to embrace a healthier lifestyle, have fun, receive an event shirt, and have the opportunity to win a monetary reward at the end of the challenge. Registration is re... Read More
Registration Now Open for the Children’s Business Fair
Thu, Feb 15, 2024
Observe the opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business at the 4th Children’s Business Fair on March 23 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. featuring up to 90 booths. Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing ... Read More
Donate Blood on February 22 - Blood Donations at a 20-Year Low
Thu, Feb 15, 2024
With the number of people giving blood at a 20-year low, blood and platelet donations are needed help alleviate shortages and ensure lifesaving medical procedures.
OneBlood is bringing its Big Red Bus to New Smyrna Beach from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursd... Read More
Do You Know the History of Valentine's Day? Or How Much is Spent Each Year?
Wed, Feb 14, 2024
It's anticipated that consumers will spend at least $25 billion on Valentine's Day this year...that's billion with a B! According to the annual survey by NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics, that comes out to an average of $186 per person! Valen... Read More
Volusia County Rallies Volunteers for a Coastal Cleanup this Weekend
Wed, Feb 14, 2024
Volusia County is mobilizing a beach cleanup initiative this Saturday, February 17, in response to the debris that last week's weather events have unearthed along the county's coastline. Residents, visitors, and organizations passionate about preserv... Read More
Ponce Inlet Boat Ramp Closed
Wed, Feb 14, 2024
Due to construction, the Ponce Inlet boat ramp will be closed Wednesday, February 14th from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Read More
NASCAR Driver Erik Jones to Visit Local Children
Wed, Feb 14, 2024
Just days before competing in the DAYTONA 500, Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry, will read a short story to local children and give them a "Bookworm" vending machine with books children can keep. The visit will take place Th... Read More
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, New Attraction Coming to Walt Disney World
Wed, Feb 14, 2024
Just in time for Mardi Gras, Disney announced that soon it will be Mardi Gras every day when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Walt Disney World Resort this summer in Orlando. Following the events of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios 200... Read More
Carnival Vista Returning to Port Canaveral
Tue, Feb 13, 2024
Carnival Vista is returning to her homeport of Port Canaveral following a 30-day dry dock where she received several enhancements including Carnival’s signature red, white, and blue hull livery, a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, retail sto... Read More
Volusia County Council Greenlights Beach Feasibility Study Amid Erosion Challenges Caused by Hurricanes
Tue, Feb 13, 2024
In a strategic response to the challenges posed by coastal erosion caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Volusia County Council approved a Beach Feasibility Assessment during its February 6 meeting. The assessment will be conducted by the County's... Read More
Book Signing & Cooking Demonstration with Celebrity Chef George Motz
Tue, Feb 13, 2024
Local Port Orange brewery, Dunes Brewing, will welcome celebrity chef, author, filmmaker, and restaurateur George Motz, for Books & Brews, a meet and greet event. The ticketed event will occur on Leap Day, Thursday,
February 29 at 4 p.m. This wi... Read More
Mike Martin Pro/Am Surf Festival - Registration Now Open
Tue, Feb 13, 2024
You can surf, sponsor the event, or be a spectator at the 2024 Mike Martin Pro/Am Surf Festival in collaboration with the Smyrna Surfari Club and the Volusia County Chamber of Commerce April 12 - 14. Registration is now open to register a team or to ... Read More
Votran Implements Route Modifications for Speedweek in Daytona Beach Area
Tue, Feb 13, 2024
Due to the anticipated traffic increases around the Speedweek festivities, Votran will enact route modifications from Thursday, February 15, through Sunday, February 18, in Daytona Beach and surrounding areas. Passengers traveling in these areas are ... Read More
Listeria Outbreak Prompts Food Safety Recall
Mon, Feb 12, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
A recall that started with dairy products linked to a listeria outbreak is expanding to other foods sold at major retailers including Walmart, Costco, and several others. At least 26 people in 11 states, including Florida, have... Read More
Four Traffic Fatalities in Volusia this Weekend, Including a Teen
Mon, Feb 12, 2024
Teen Killed in Port Orange
Port Orange Police said a teen exited a vehicle on Dunlawton Avenue near the Port Orange causeway and was hit and killed by a trailer the vehicle he just exited was pulling. The 14-year-old was transported to Halifax Healt... Read More
Deltona City Report
Mon, Feb 12, 2024
The Interim City Manager of Deltona, Glenn Whitcomb, issued the city's report on February 9. You may click this link to watch the nine minute video for all the latest out of Deltona:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHddgXbYX3I Read More
Teacher of the Year Handed Keys to a New Car
Fri, Feb 09, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
The sound of cheering was explosive, like attending the largest, most exuberant parade. Today, Friday, February 9, at Champion Elementary School in Daytona Beach, the Volusia County Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year Emily Fagerstrom ... Read More
NASA Sets Coverage for SpaceX, Intuitive Machines' First Moon Mission
Fri, Feb 09, 2024
As part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, SpaceX is targeting no earlier than 12:57 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, for a Falcon 9 launch of Intuitive Machines’ first lunar lander to the Moon&... Read More
"The First Ladies" Book Signing, February 23, in Daytona Beach
Fri, Feb 09, 2024
In celebration of Black History Month, the Halifax Historical Museum in Daytona Beach is hosting a book signing with New York Times bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray at 1 p.m. Friday, February 23. Murray will discuss her novel “The... Read More
Michael Waltrip and His Signature Beers at Daytona Beach International Airport
Fri, Feb 09, 2024
Race fans know Michael Waltrip as the two-time Daytona 500 winner, former NASCAR Cup Series driver, and team owner who serves as an analyst for FOX NASCAR. They may not know he launched Michael Waltrip Brewing Company in 2021.
On Monday, February 12... Read More
Volusia Ranks #1 in Shark Bites...Again
Fri, Feb 09, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
"You're gonna need a bigger boat," the famous line said by Roy Scheider in the movie "Jaws" brings a fictional town in New York to life and a giant, great white terrorizing the ocean there. Luckily, the shark bites in Volusia County... Read More
Feel Good Story of the Week - Daytona Fire Fighter Adopts Abandoned Puppy
Thu, Feb 08, 2024
What started as a tragic story of abandonment and lack of caring, ended with a little puppy named Stella finding a new forever home with a Daytona Beach Firefighter. According to the Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD) Facebook page, Engine 1 cleare... Read More
NASA Launches New Climate Mission to Study the Ocean and Atmosphere
Thu, Feb 08, 2024
NASA’s satellite mission to study ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate launched successfully into orbit at 1:33 a.m. EST Thursday, February 8.
Known as PACE, the Plankton, Aerosol, Climate, ocean Ecosystem satellite... Read More
Three Days until Superbowl LVIII - Predictions, Where to Watch, and the Central Florida Connection
Thu, Feb 08, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
The biggest night in football is just three days away with two teams meeting on the gridiron who have a combined 10 conference championship appearances in the last six years. On Sunday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. the Kansas City Chie... Read More
2024 Seatrade Cruise Global Conference Announces Theme
Wed, Feb 07, 2024
"The Evolution of Cruise" is the theme for the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Global Conference being held April 8 - 11 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. An event for both students and industry professionals it provides a backdrop for the cruise industry t... Read More
Inaugural Business Summit in Daytona Beach
Wed, Feb 07, 2024
To give aspiring business owners the knowledge and tools to be successful, a comprehensive business summit is planned for Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center, 1000 Vine Street, in Daytona Beach. Mayor Henry... Read More
Deltona Blood Drive TODAY
Wed, Feb 07, 2024
The City of Deltona is hosting a blood drive in partnership with OneBlood. The drive will be located at Deltona's City Hall, Wednesday, February 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors will receive an e-giftcard, a long-sleeve shirt, and free wellness exam f... Read More
Governor DeSantis Speaks from Blue Spring State Park; 7 Manatees to be Released Back into the Wild
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
Governor Ron DeSantis spoke from Blue Spring State Park Tuesday, February 6, highlighting the successful efforts the State has made to protect and restore the environment, especially the manatees that call Blue Spring State Park hom... Read More
UPDATE: Fuel Farm Fight in Ormond Beach
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
On Tuesday, February 6, the Volusia County Council voted 5-2 against a formal moratorium that would have paused development in all heavy industrial zones within the county. Residents asked for the moratorium until August to allow time for the town an... Read More
"Explore the Cosmos" at the Marine Discovery Center on February 15
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
The Marine Discovery Center’s Public Lecture Series will explore the heavens with its February presentation on astronomy. Derek Demeter, director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, will present “Explore the Cosmos&... Read More
West Volusia Historical Society Honors Black History Month and Offers Walking Tours
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
The DeLand House is temporarily closed for restoration, refurbishing, and re-interpretation, but the West Volusia Historical Society still has much going on for visitors to enjoy. For the month of February, there are... Read More
February 17 - Thin Man Watts Jazz Festival - A Celebration of History
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
The annual “Thin Man” Watts Jazz Festival held in downtown DeLand brings the community together over a shared heritage to celebrate jazz, blues, and gospel music. First held in May of 2004 at the African American Museum ... Read More
DeLand's Henry in Printable Valentine’s Day Cards
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
Henry, also known as Hank, is the adorable DeLand Fire Department's live-in dog and is loved by all the staff and firefighters. Do your kids, or you, love Henry too?
To help celebrate love and friendship, Henry-themed Valentine&rsq... Read More
February 5 - 9 Recognized as Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation recognizing February 5 - 9, 2024 as Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week. This week is observed each year by the National Weather Service and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Divis... Read More
Expect Closings and Delays this Week at the Beach
Tue, Feb 06, 2024
Volusia County Beach Safety flew the red flag today. According to Logistics Captain A.J. Miller there were no water rescues. With high winds and strong surf conditions starting tomorrow through the week, expect late openings and early ... Read More
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Former Astronaut Janet Kavandi to Speak at MOAS
Mon, Feb 05, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
February 11, 2024 is a day to honor and celebrate women’s significant achievements in science and place a much-needed focus on girls entering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. International Day ... Read More
Deadline Approaching - Help Volusia Schools Keep Title I Funding
Mon, Feb 05, 2024
Attention Volusia County families! The February 9 deadline to apply for and renew state benefits is quickly approaching and your assistance is needed. Help ensure none Volusia County schools are in jeopardy of losing Title I funding by scanning the Q... Read More
New Exhibit at MOAS: Largest Shark that Ever Lived
Mon, Feb 05, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
A gigantic, prehistoric shark called Megalodon once commanded the world's oceans. Beginning February 3, and running through July 21, 2024, a new exhibit at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MAOS) in Daytona Beach will have visitors... Read More
Launch Date for NASA Crew-8 Mission Announced
Fri, Feb 02, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
On February 1, NASA announced the anticipated launch for the SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station will take place sometime after February 22. Crew-8 includes four people, NASA astronauts Commander Matthew Dominic... Read More
February 2 is National Wear Red Day for American Heart Month
Fri, Feb 02, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
Don’t forget to WEAR RED today! From landmarks to online communities, neighborhoods to news anchors, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke. Wear red to... Read More
Volusia County Schools Raise Graduation Rate to 91.6%
Fri, Feb 02, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
The Florida Department of Education released the Federal Uniform Graduation Rate for 2022-23, reporting that Volusia County Schools (VCS) had a 2022-23 graduation rate of 91.6%. This is 3.6 percentage points above the state ave... Read More
Emily Fagerstrom Named 2025 Teacher of the Year
Fri, Feb 02, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
Emily Fagerstrom from Champion Elementary School, Daytona Beach, is Volusia County Schools' 2025 Teacher of the Year. She was selected from 70 nominees representing schools countywide and was one of five finalists for the district a... Read More
Want to Learn How to Raise Chickens in Your Back Yard?
Thu, Feb 01, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
If you're looking to learn how to raise chickens in your own back yard, the Volusia County Agriculture Center in DeLand is offering a class for $15 per household. In recent years, raising chickens and enjoying fresh eggs in suburban... Read More
Daytona Beach International Airport Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Passenger Numbers
Thu, Feb 01, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
Passenger traffic at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) for 2023 has surpassed passenger traffic for 2019, the last year of commercial passenger traffic before the pandemic.
In 2023, 719,775 passengers flew in or out of DAB... Read More
