A group of people that are standing in the grass

Exploring D Ranch Preserve: West Volusia’s Newest Nature Escape

Why Visit D Ranch Preserve Central Florida has welcomed a new haven for outdoor enthusiasts with the opening of D Ranch Preserve, a protected natural area tucked away in Osteen. Once a working cattle ranch, the preserve now spans more than 400 acres of permanently conserved land, offering visitors an authentic glimpse of Florida’s native landscape. Free to visit and open daily from sunrise to Read More » Continue reading Exploring D Ranch Preserve: West Volusia’s Newest Nature Escape

The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach 2026 Shows

The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach Presents Two Show-Stopping Musical Events

Anything Goes The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach invites audiences to climb aboard for high seas hilarity with Anything Goes, the beloved, toe-tapping musical comedy bursting with romance, mistaken identities, and Cole Porter’s unforgettable score. This classic crowd-pleaser delivers big laughs, dazzling dance numbers, and timeless tunes in a joyous theatrical escape. Performace Date & Times: Evenings at 7:30 PM – February 26 – Read More » Continue reading The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach Presents Two Show-Stopping Musical Events

Real Estate Update: A Look at the 2026 Housing Market in Volusia County

Real Estate Update: A Look at the 2026 Housing Market in Volusia County

Insights from Local and State Real Estate Experts Nationally, housing economists are pointing to 2026 as a year of recovery. According to National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, easing mortgage rates, improving affordability, and growing inventory are expected to bring more buyers back into the market. Florida is already showing early signs of that shift, with buyer activity rebounding late in 2025 Read More » Continue reading Real Estate Update: A Look at the 2026 Housing Market in Volusia County

Exploring Suwannee County

Where History Meets the River: Exploring Suwannee County

Best Outdoor Adventures in North Florida There’s something about North Florida that invites you to slow down—really slow down—and our family’s recent trip to Live Oak and Suwannee County delivered exactly that kind of reset. ECC readers may remember Suwannee Music Park from past adventures; it’s a place we return to year after year for winter festivals and holiday lights, and one of our favorite Read More » Continue reading Where History Meets the River: Exploring Suwannee County

A woman posing for a photo

Style Staples

Love at First Layer: 3 Wardrobe Staples Worth Holding Onto This February, I’m spotlighting three wardrobe staples worth holding onto. And ladies and gents, I finally got my hands on the viral Zara jacket that has been everywhere on TikTok. Believe it or not, it was the last one, hidden deep in the racks like a fashion Easter egg. As mentioned in past issues, the Read More » Continue reading Style Staples

Kids at Animationland 2026 OC History Center

Hands-on Experience: Animationland Explores Art, Science, and Storytelling

Transporting visitors of all ages to a fantastical land with a quirky cast of characters, Animationland is an exhibition where inspiration is everywhere. Developed by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, it’s the newest special exhibition at the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. Animationland Activities Visitors to the museum step into a colorful, whimsical environment where Tracey the pencil dog and Read More » Continue reading Hands-on Experience: Animationland Explores Art, Science, and Storytelling

Bobby G

Bobby G Talks Love

Love, Laughter and the Little Things that Matter Valentine’s Day hits a little differently depending on who you’re talking to, and after hearing from a few couples, one thing is clear: there’s no rulebook. It’s shaped by habits, humor, kids, timing, and sometimes just a simple gesture. I went into Toni & Joe’s Patio in NSB and realized pretty quickly it was a great opportunity Read More » Continue reading Bobby G Talks Love

Join the 2nd Annual Women of God In Unity Working Together Conference on June 20, 2026 in Deltona, FL. Faith, unity, and empowerment for women.

The 2nd Annual Women of God In Unity Working Together Conference Returns to Deltona, Florida

Women from across Florida and beyond are invited to gather for a powerful afternoon of faith, fellowship, and empowerment at The 2nd Annual Women of God In Unity Working Together Conference. This uplifting women’s conference will take place Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Deltona High School in Deltona, Florida. Hosted by Christians Merging Together Ministry, this annual event is designed to unite women of faith, Read More » Continue reading The 2nd Annual Women of God In Unity Working Together Conference Returns to Deltona, Florida

Bobby G with James Gahan

Stronger in the Broken Places: A Story of Survival by James E. Gahan

Who is James Gahan? Sitting across from James Gahan, it’s hard to reconcile the man in front of you with what he survived. There’s nothing performative about him. No theatrics. Just a calm presence that feels earned. And when he starts talking, you realize pretty quickly this isn’t a story you listen to casually. James fell two stories from the walkway of an American Airlines Read More » Continue reading Stronger in the Broken Places: A Story of Survival by James E. Gahan

Backwater Fishing Report February 2026

Backwater Fishing Report

What February Brings for Backwater Anglers Bringing in the new year has brought in a very hot bite — and the fish are definitely cooperating. Redfish, trout, and snook are stacked up in schools around large pods of mullet, finger mullet, and shrimp. Water clarity right now is outstanding, making for excellent sight fishing. My good friend Dave McKinnon and I have been on a Read More » Continue reading Backwater Fishing Report