Congratulations on 100th Issue Milestone!
In a momentous occasion, East Coast Current magazine is proudly commemorating the publication of its 100th issue. Since February 2015, the magazine has featured insightful community highlights. As a writer and a part of this landmark achievement, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the co-owners, Tiffany Evers and Kelsey Walters.
As I celebrate the magazine’s 100th issue and look back at the journey that brought me here, I am reminded of the profound impact that local journalism can have on fostering community connections and empowering informed citizens. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the loyal readers. I truly enjoy sharing the stories of our vibrant communities and the people who make this paradise my home.
Since day one, I have participated in the magazine as the news writer and my monthly column is featured on page eight. I have to say, my passion for news writing perfectly compliments my real estate career. My column has covered a kaleidoscope of interests ranging from community happenings, real estate updates, economic developments, fun events and the latest news from city and county affairs.
Below is a quick review of some of the most meaningful and engaging content I prepared over the years for this monthly publication:
- May 2017 – A New Fishing Pier at Smyrna Dunes Park: A 350-foot long fishing pier that stretches into water depths of 18 feet giving fisherman access to a variety of marine wildlife. To access the pier, visitors can use the sand path by the far parking lot that leads to the pet-friendly beach at Smyrna Dunes Park. Visitors may also follow the main boardwalk next to the covered picnic pavilion then exit at the first ramp.
- April 2018 – Bitcoin & Blockchain in Real Estate: Blockchain technology, a digital ledger where transactions made by cryptocurrency are recorded chronologically and publicly, is not only the foundation for cryptocurrencies, it can also be used for smart contracts. It can be used to transfer currency, but it can also be used to turn other assets, such as intellectual property, real estate, ownership-claims, insurance and much more, into digital “value.”
- September 2019 – Resiliency is Key to Florida’s Water Crisis: Among the threats: toxic blue algae and red tide, aging septic systems threaten vulnerable inland waterways; polluted discharges from Lake Okeechobee; offshore drilling and unchecked development and repeated lack of government funding. Florida stands at a historic environmental crossroads.
- June 2020 – Volusia Real Estate Update: COVID Impact: Realtors, buyers and sellers are able to abide by COVID-19 health and safety practices while getting deals done. Technology and good old-fashioned creativity are helping ease into this new style of sales. Buyers are touring homes virtually, agents are hosting walkthroughs using FaceTime, or buyers can simply review video tours, which is nothing new to the real estate world.
- January 2021 – Pregnancy in a Pandemic: The COVID-19 recommendations for doctor’s office visits change often. Because of the risk of spreading the virus, some women attended prenatal appointments alone and their partner or family member was not even allowed at the office. The exciting ultrasounds are no longer a shared experience as in the past.
- September 2022 – Impacts of Hurricane Ian: Demolished Sea Walls and Intense Dune Erosion: On September 29, 2022, Hurricane Ian’s path swept through Volusia County. The county has reported coastal damage is worse than Hurricane Matthew (2016). Recent significant erosion to Volusia beaches began with Hurricane Matthew then continued with Hurricane Irma (2017), Hurricane Dorian (2019) and annual nor’easters. The county was not expecting the widespread damage during Hurricane Ian because it was not a direct hit.
- August 2023 – Rising UP: City of New Smyrna Beach Receives FEMA Grant to Elevate At-Risk Homes: Cruising around the city of New Smyrna Beach (NSB), citizens and visitors are spotting elevated homes. The whole single-family structures, including the garage, are raised, resting on concrete columns. The electrical and mechanical equipment, like the air conditioner, are also elevated
outside the home. The homes were approved for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Since Hurricane Irma (2017), the homes often flood during hurricanes.
As the East Coast Current ventures into the future, I hope to continue to be a part of the journey through the next 100 issues and beyond. I want to thank the publication for giving me an outlet to inform locals, share stories and grow within my community.
