April 2024 Blog Archive
WestVolusiaConnection.com E-mail blast 04/26/24
Fri, Apr 26, 2024
Read this week's Top News Stories in West Volusia Read More
Minerva Beach Ramp Closure
Thu, Apr 25, 2024
Volusia County will temporarily close the Minerva Beach Ramp in Daytona Beach Shores for permanent storm repairs to the vehicular access ramp starting Monday, April 29. Crews will conduct necessary repairs to the ramp, which is expected to reopen mid... Read More
Resilient Park Design Workshop
Thu, Apr 25, 2024
Join the EPA Central Florida Recovery & Resiliency Partnership Project at the Center at Deltona as they take feedback from residents and discuss the unveiling inspirations for park designs in the City of Deltona. This workshop includes two sessio... Read More
Holly Hill Veterans Memorial and Dedication Ceremony
Wed, Apr 24, 2024
In a tribute to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our local heroes, The City of Holly Hill is hosting a dedication ceremony and monument unveiling in front of the City Hall building on May 8th from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. This monument, ... Read More
Free Tech and Skills Training with IBM SkillsBuild
Wed, Apr 24, 2024
Volusia County's Transform386 initiative, in partnership with Easterseals, is hosting a series of free IBM SkillsBuild workshops to enhance core technology and essential workplace skills for residents. The workshops, which cover leadership, communica... Read More
Autism Training Event in NSB
Tue, Apr 23, 2024
Act Now! Autism Community Training Event will take place Thursday, April 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the New Smyrna Beach Library. Free Autism screenings and information on early identification will be offered. The child does not need to be presen... Read More
Lake Beresford Park Temporarily Closed for Training on May 1
Tue, Apr 23, 2024
Lake Beresford Park in DeLand will be closed from sunrise to early afternoon on Wednesday, May 1, for training in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation and the Central Florida Rail Commission. The park will reopen after the traini... Read More
Tide Street Beach Access Point Temporarily Closed
Tue, Apr 23, 2024
Volusia County will close the Tide Street Pedestrian Beach Access Point in New Smyrna Beach for renovations starting Tuesday, April 23. The closure will last about three months. During the renovations, residents and visitors can use the nearby Cortez... Read More
Laser Light Show in Edgewater
Tue, Apr 23, 2024
Saturday, May 18 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Hawks Park in Edgewater, the City of Edgewater is hosting a free Laser Light Show family-friendly event. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music, food, and vendors. Read More
New Time and Location for Daytona Riverfront Market
Mon, Apr 22, 2024
The Riverfront Market, held the last Sunday of each month, is relocating to the south side of the Riverfront Esplanade at 179 S. Beach Street, Daytona Beach. This will provide easier access for visitors to attend the market as well as move the event ... Read More
Volunteers Needed in Ponce Inlet
Mon, Apr 22, 2024
Ponce Inlet is looking for volunteers 18 and older to help with the town's native ecosystem on Tuesday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ponce Preserve. Volunteers will learn about invasive plants from the experts at Young Bear En... Read More
Opioid Abatement Funds Available through Volusia County
Mon, Apr 22, 2024
Volusia County’s Human Services Division is now accepting applications for opioid abatement funding until noon on May 20. It’s anticipated that $4 million in opioid settlement funds will be available through the Volusia County Opioid Abat... Read More
Explore Volusia's May Adventures
Mon, Apr 22, 2024
There’s an activity for everyone this month with Explore Volusia. Registration is mandatory for all events listed, visit Green Volusia Eventbrite at http://www.bit.ly/green-volusia to secure your spot. For any further inquiries, reach out... Read More
You May Be Smelling Smoke Near Deltona
Fri, Apr 19, 2024
Wind is blowing smoke from a 900+ acre controlled burn in Lake County toward Deltona. At this time there are no reports of heavy smoke, but the smell of smoke is in the air. Read More
WestVolusiaConnection.com E-mail blast 04/19/24
Fri, Apr 19, 2024
Read this week's Top News Stories in West Volusia Read More
First Sea Turtle Nest of the Year
Fri, Apr 19, 2024
With the heat back in Florida and a weekend forecast of 85 degrees plus, the beaches will be crowded - which means it's time to be aware of sea turtle nests and what you can do to help their survival. The first sea turtle nest of 2024 was found in Or... Read More
43rd Asbury Short Film Concert
Fri, Apr 19, 2024
On May 2 from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., the 43rd Asbury Short Film Concert will be shown in the Root Family Auditorium at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach. Featuring a fast-paced and highly entertaining lineup of the best in short film c... Read More
25th Annual Lakeside Jazz Festival Today and Tomorrow
Fri, Apr 19, 2024
Now in its 25th year, the Lakeside Jazz Festival is a two day festival that benefits middle school, high school, and university students through performance opportunities, adjudication, and professional jazz performances. This year’s festival r... Read More
Veterans Stand Down Today and Tomorrow
Fri, Apr 19, 2024
Volusia County’s Veterans Services Division's Veterans Stand Down is taking place today and tomorrow, April 19 and 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Veterans and their families may stop ... Read More
Jeep Beach 2024 Starts Today in Daytona
Fri, Apr 19, 2024
Jeep Beach 2024, a premier event for Jeep enthusiasts, will run from April 19 - 28. While the festivities span various locations across the city of Daytona Beach, they primarily center around Daytona International Speedway where attendees can test th... Read More
13th Annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival this Weekend
Thu, Apr 18, 2024
The 13th Annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival will take place this weekend, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both sides of Grenada Avenue on the East end of the bridge. The award-winning festival incorporates musi... Read More
Volusia County to Host Motocross Facility Public Meeting
Thu, Apr 18, 2024
Volusia County will host a public information meeting regarding a proposed motocross facility from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at the Tomoka Landfill Operations Center, 1990 Tomoka Farms Road, Port Orange. Exhibits depicting the proposed project w... Read More
Deltona Names City Manager
Thu, Apr 18, 2024
In a unanimous vote, the Deltona City Commission has approved selection of Dale "Doc" Dougherty as City Manager pending final agreement of a contract. He and his wife, a schoolteacher, have five children ranging in age from 18 to 24. Dougherty has he... Read More
Gun Waiting Period and Background Check Voted Out
Thu, Apr 18, 2024
The Volusia County Council has unanimously repealed an ordinance in the county that requires a background check and three-day waiting period to buy a gun from a private seller. In Volusia County there is now no waiting period or background check for ... Read More
Two New Resorts Coming to Epic Universe at Universal
Wed, Apr 17, 2024
Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are set to open early next year at Universal Orlando as part of Epic Universe with reservations now open. The resorts will also offer cosmic-inspired restaurants and bars, along with resort-style pools, game a... Read More
FWC to Meet in Daytona Beach
Wed, Apr 17, 2024
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet in person May 1 - 2 at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mori Hosseini Student Union Event Center, in Daytona Beach. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day and is ope... Read More
Alaska Airlines Grounded
Wed, Apr 17, 2024
If you are scheduled to fly Alaska Airlines out of Orlando, check alaskaair.com or the Alaska App prior to heading to the airport. Today, Wednesday, April 17, the FAA announced Alaska Airlines flights were grounded nationwide, excluding SkyWest.
Acc... Read More
Scammers Calling About Student Loan Forgiveness
Wed, Apr 17, 2024
Hearing a lot about federal student loan forgiveness in the news? You’re not alone — scammers are, too. According to Terri Miller, a consumer education specialist with the Federal Trade Commission, you might get a call from someone saying... Read More
Deltona Traffic Alert
Wed, Apr 17, 2024
The area of Deltona Blvd. and Normandy Blvd. is currently blocked off to traffic due to a previous water main break. A detour will be marked, but you should avoid the area if you can. Crews are on the scene making repairs, but it is not known when th... Read More
Oceania Cruises Announces New Tropics and Exotics Collection
Tue, Apr 16, 2024
Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary-and destination-focused cruise line, has revealed its 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection, which is available for preview online at OceaniaCruises.com and opens for sale on April 17.
The new collec... Read More
Deltona Community Feedback Survey Results
Tue, Apr 16, 2024
Community Feedback is an online forum for civic engagement. Read what others are saying about important City of Deltona topics. City officials pledge they will read the statements and incorporate them into their decision processes.
Fire Survey Summa... Read More
Volusia Schools Debit Card - a New Way to Help Our Schools
Tue, Apr 16, 2024
Volusia County Schools (VCS) is joining Addition Financial Credit Union’s School District Debit Card Program and launching a co-branded Volusia County Schools debit card that will support schools in the district. With the partnership, stud... Read More
Transit Services to Host Public Meetings to Discuss Proposed Changes and New Services
Tue, Apr 16, 2024
Volusia County Transit Services will host four public meetings to discuss proposed service changes, present information about the curb-to-curb rideshare service, VoRide, and provide updates on the new DeLand SunRail Station. The public meetings will ... Read More
Upcoming Workshop: Understand the Natural Hazards Impacting Our Communities
Mon, Apr 15, 2024
Explore the risks posed by natural hazards such as flooding, sea level rise, and storm surge when Volusia Forward hosts Understanding Risk and Vulnerability for Community Members on April 22 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Lyonia Environmental Center in Delto... Read More
Midtown Music Concerts begin Saturday, April 20
Mon, Apr 15, 2024
Get ready to dance the night away at this year’s Midtown Music Concert Series in Daytona Beach, which will return to the stage in newly refurbished Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
There will be an unforgettable lin... Read More
Were You Impacted by Hurricane Ian or Nicole? Funds Available
Mon, Apr 15, 2024
Volusia County has received Hurricane Housing Recovery Program funds to assist homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian or Nicole with owner-occupied rehabilitation. Volusia County Community Assistance is accepting applications from residents who sustain... Read More
April is Now Hot Car Death Prevention Month in Florida
Fri, Apr 12, 2024
As temperatures in our area will be nearing the mid-80s next week, the dangers of leaving children, elderly, and pets in hot cars is brought to mind. A new bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis this week designates April as "Hot Car Death Prev... Read More
WestVolusiaConnection.com E-mail blast 04/12/24
Fri, Apr 12, 2024
Read this week's Top News Stories in West Volusia Read More
Job Fair for Teens
Fri, Apr 12, 2024
Calling all teens aged 16 - 18! Volusia County Schools is hosting two job fairs on April 16th at University High School in Orange City and on April 18th at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, both from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Discover your path to succe... Read More
Talk to a Social Worker at the Volusia County Public Library
Fri, Apr 12, 2024
Talking to a social worker just got easier. Through an innovative program called Social Worker in the Libraries, Volusia County’s social workers are providing one-on-one assistance and expert referrals in each of Volusia County’s 14 publi... Read More
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway in Deltona
Fri, Apr 12, 2024
The Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Deltona a "Tree City USA" for the 17th year in a row as the community plants trees for the next generation. On Friday, April 26, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Deltona City Hall, the community will come togeth... Read More
It's Much Worse Than You May Realize - the Opioid Crisis Battle in Volusia County
Thu, Apr 11, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
Since 2020, 1200 Volusia County residents have died from accidental drug overdoses. I've heard the statistic before and ignorantly felt badly for the victims who made the choice to use and dismissed it as something beyond my circle.... Read More
Transform386 Seeks Local Contractors
Thu, Apr 11, 2024
Volusia County's contractor for the Transform386 initiative, LEMOINE Disaster Services (LEMOINE), is accepting proposals from qualified, professional, and locally based construction contractors. This solicitation aims to address a variety of essentia... Read More
Volusia County Approved to Continue Coastal Rebuilding Efforts Throughout Remainder of Year
Wed, Apr 10, 2024
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has again authorized the continuation of permitted construction along the Volusia County coastline during the 2024 sea turtle nesting season, May 1 through Oct. 31. This approval is critical for r... Read More
Is Your Favorite Celebrity Godmother or Brand Ambassador to a Cruise Ship?
Wed, Apr 10, 2024
By Cathy Padilla
With cruise lines well on their way back from pandemic lows, the industry is set to reach an estimated 37 billion in U.S. dollars by 2028 and competition for your business is resulting in new ships, new private islands, and famous n... Read More
Carnival's Celebration Key will Showcase Bahamian Culture
Wed, Apr 10, 2024
Carnival Cruise Line’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama Celebration Key will feature a retail portal that has been named Lokono Cove with help from a Grand Bahama resident. Lokono Cove is the winning submission from a community co... Read More
New NASA Strategy for a Sustainable Future
Wed, Apr 10, 2024
To address the rapidly changing environment that is Space, NASA released the first part of its integrated Space Sustainability Strategy, advancing the agency’s role as a global leader on this crucial issue.
“The release of this stra... Read More
Special Deltona City Commission Meeting to follow Meet and Greet
Wed, Apr 10, 2024
The Deltona City Commission will hold a Special Commission Meeting Saturday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Chambers in order to interview the top City Manager candidates. This will take place one day after the City Manager Meet and Greet on Frid... Read More
TSA PreCheck® Event at Daytona Beach International Airport
Tue, Apr 09, 2024
Travelers have an opportunity to sign up for TSA PreCheck at an enrollment event at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m. April 22 - 26, in the baggage claim area. TSA PreCheck allo... Read More
Exciting Events at MOAS in April
Tue, Apr 09, 2024
Waves & Reels
An ocean story through photography. Exhibit presented by Dave and Anastasia Kolodzik and open April 6 through June 9.
FREE Admission for Kids
The Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach is offering free admission for all c... Read More
DeBary Waste Cleanup Day
Tue, Apr 09, 2024
On Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be a household hazardous waste collection in the parking lot of the DeBary City Hall. Collection is limited to household waste; businesses may not participate. Televisions and electronics will n... Read More
Norwegian Unveils Expansion and Private Island Development
Tue, Apr 09, 2024
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. unveiled the most comprehensive new build order in its history. The plan includes a total of eight state-of-the-art vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of its t... Read More
Warrior Run - Mayor's Fitness Challenge
Mon, Apr 08, 2024
Warrior Run, part of the Deltona Mayor's Fitness Challenge, will take place on April 14 at 9:30 a.m. at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex in Deltona. As a component of the 2024 Mayor's Fitness Challenge, this event promises an unforgettable experien... Read More
ECHO Mandatory Workshop and Committee Meeting
Mon, Apr 08, 2024
The Volusia County Environmental, Cultural, Historical, and Outdoor Recreation (ECHO) Advisory Committee will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 11 in the County Council Chambers of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center in DeLand. The committee will ... Read More
“You Are Here” Exhibit Visits Volusia County’s Lyonia Environmental Center
Mon, Apr 08, 2024
Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona is hosting the “You Are Here” traveling photography exhibit. Organized by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, the exhibit showcases stunning photographs capturing Florida's landscapes. The comm... Read More
Horror Nights at Universal Starting in August
Mon, Apr 08, 2024
This year, the horror begins earlier than ever before as Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights returns on select nights* from August 30 through November 3 – unleashing a new slate of frights and nightmare-inducing terror at every co... Read More
Chamber to Host Power Networking Lunch on the Opioid Crisis
Mon, Apr 08, 2024
Today, April 8, is the last day to register for the upcoming Power Networking Lunch on the opioid crisis being held on Thursday, Aprill 11 by the Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber of Commerce at the Riverside Pavilion on S. Ridgewood in Port Orange. ... Read More
WestVolusiaConnection.com E-mail blast 04/05/24
Fri, Apr 05, 2024
Read this week's Top News Stories in West Volusia Read More
ECHO Grants Fund Recreational Facilities
Fri, Apr 05, 2024
The Volusia County Council approved more than $2.8 million for recreational projects through ECHO grants this week, an initiative that utilizes a special voter-approved property tax levy to help fund projects for environmental, cultural, historical, ... Read More
DeLand Launches Citizen's Academy
Fri, Apr 05, 2024
The City of DeLand launched its first-ever Citizens Academy, a month-long program designed to give residents and community stakeholders an inside look at how local government operates. This unique opportunity will provide participants with a deeper u... Read More
Looking for Funding for a Water Safety Program?
Fri, Apr 05, 2024
Volusia County’s Children and Families Advisory Board has received $55,000 in grant funds to support nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools that provide survival swim lessons to youth who live in Volusia County. The County’s... Read More
Summer Camp Scholarships Available
Thu, Apr 04, 2024
Volusia County’s Community Assistance Division will start accepting 2024 summer camp scholarship applications at 7:30 a.m. Monday, April 8. Scholarships will be awarded to income-eligible households for children ages 5 to 14. Children up t... Read More
Ninth Avenue Beach Walkover to Close Temporarily for Renovations
Thu, Apr 04, 2024
Volusia County will temporarily close the pedestrian walkover at Ninth Avenue in New Smyrna Beach beginning Monday, April 8, to allow for the completion of hurricane repairs. It is expected to reopen in May. The structure will be rebuilt to meet curr... Read More
Daytona Citywide Mural Madness, April 5 - 14
Thu, Apr 04, 2024
Dive into "Mural Madness" in Daytona Beach, a vibrant celebration of art from April 5 through 14. This free, city-spanning event transforms ONE DAYTONA, Beach Street, and Midtown into open-air galleries, where streets come alive with a spectacular ar... Read More
Are You Prepared for the Upcoming Solar Eclipse?
Thu, Apr 04, 2024
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible in much of the United States, and it will be visible in our area of Florida. We will be able to see up to 70% of the sun covered by the moon sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. There is a danger, ho... Read More
SeaWorld Honors Autism Awareness Month
Wed, Apr 03, 2024
SeaWorld Orlando is honoring Autism Awareness Month by highlighting Julia, a Sesame Street character who is an autistic four-year-old. Julia and her Sesame Street friends show kids that while we're all a little different, we all share in the same joy... Read More
Tornado Watch Issued Ahead of the Storm; How to Stay Safe
Wed, Apr 03, 2024
All of Volusia County is under a Tornado Watch until 5 p.m. today due to the upcoming storm. High winds, damaging hail, and thunder and lighting are expected to begin around 11:30 a.m. and move east through the county. Be Safe!
Tornado Preparedness ... Read More
PopStroke Coming to Daytona Beach
Wed, Apr 03, 2024
PopStroke, an experiential golf and casual dining concept merging a dynamic, technologically-advanced golf environment with food and beverage, is coming to Tomoka Town Center in Daytona Beach by the end of 2024. Co-owned by Tiger Woods, the golf chai... Read More
Ed Stone Park Remains Open During Road Construction
Wed, Apr 03, 2024
Starting Friday, April 5, the Florida Department of Transportation will begin construction of a new access road to Ed Stone Park in DeLand and the neighboring marina. During construction, all park amenities will remain open, including the boat ramp, ... Read More
Coastal Assets Removed in an Abundance of Caution Ahead of Potential Severe Weather
Tue, Apr 02, 2024
Volusia County officials are closely monitoring an approaching storm set to impact the county beginning Wednesday, April 3, that will affect both inland and coastal areas. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for severe thunderstorms, light... Read More
Ocean Center to Host the Harlem Globetrotters
Tue, Apr 02, 2024
The Harlem Globetrotters are set to bring their unique blend of basketball artistry and entertainment back to the Ocean Center at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30. This event, marking the team's return to the Center, promises an evening filled with unpara... Read More
AVID Student Earns Dell Scholarship
Tue, Apr 02, 2024
Karina Morales-Herrera, an outstanding AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) student from T. DeWitt Taylor Middle-High School in Pierson, has been named a Dell Scholar recipient. Karina's dedication and hard work have earned her a $20,000 s... Read More
Increase Financial Literacy with Money Matters from the FTC
Tue, Apr 02, 2024
Each month there are multiple "month of" designations, offering the chance for organizations and groups to celebrate and promote their causes. April celebrates the outdoors with Earth Month, National Garden Month, Keep America Beautiful Month, and Na... Read More
Annie’s Project: Empowering Women in Agriculture
Tue, Apr 02, 2024
Annie's Project, a six-week workshop series, is open for registration for women in agriculture to empower themselves by finding success through education, networking, and resources. The course offers a comprehensive platform for women to learn differ... Read More
Volusia County’s 2024 Hurricane Expo
Mon, Apr 01, 2024
Volusia County is once trying to prepare citizens for potential hurricanes. On Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the 2024 Hurricane Expo will take place at the Volusia County UF/IFAS Extension Office, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, within the He... Read More
DeBary Arbor Day Tree Give-away
Mon, Apr 01, 2024
DeBary's annual Arbor Day tree giveaway will take place on April 6 at 8 a.m. The event runs until all the trees are gone or 11 a.m., whichever comes first. Proof of residency is required. Drive-thru pick-up will begin on Colomba, wrap around Alicante... Read More
Heritage Day - Digitize Your History
Mon, Apr 01, 2024
The New Smyrna Museum of History will host Heritage Day on Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Emory Bennett Park. As part of the event, the museum is offering its first-ever History Harvest where you can bring photos, newspaper articles, fami... Read More
Warbird Air Museum Fly In/Drive In Breakfast
Mon, Apr 01, 2024
Valiant Air Command, Inc., Warbird Air Museum will host its monthly Fly In/Drive In Breakfast on Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Admission is $12 and includes a chef prepared breakfast and admission to the museum. (Admission is normally $22.... Read More
Veterans Stand Down Set for April 19 and 20
Mon, Apr 01, 2024
Volusia County’s Veterans Services Division will present a Veterans Stand Down from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 and 20 at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Veterans and their families may stop by for free haircuts, cl... Read More