Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway

Creating Our Florida Holiday Traditions

I grew up in southeastern Ohio where there were very clear seasons and traditions that align with weather-based activities: apple picking, raking fall leaves, sledding down a snowy hill, cutting down a Christmas tree from the farm. While I will admit the temperature and humidity here in Florida has gone down a bit, it still feels like a tamer version of summer nearly year-round. Due Read More » Continue reading Creating Our Florida Holiday Traditions

A large body of water next to the ocean

Stay Connected in Volusia County: Essential Resources

Staying informed is the first step to being an engaged local in Volusia County. Whether you’re checking county and city newsletters, signing up for community events, monitoring emergency alerts or following reliable community media, there are plenty of ways to stay connected. These resources are designed to keep residents informed, involved and ready to take action when needed. Continue reading Stay Connected in Volusia County: Essential Resources

Elevate Florida program now accepting applications to strengthen homes against future storms

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is now accepting applications for its Elevate Florida program, which provides funding to help homeowners protect their properties from future flood damage. This program offers Volusia County residents a chance to elevate, rebuild, or strengthen their homes, potentially saving them thousands in repairs, lowering flood insurance premiums, and increasing home values. The program is available even if a property has not previously experienced Read More » Continue reading Elevate Florida program now accepting applications to strengthen homes against future storms

Property Tax Relief: Homestead Exemption to Rise with Inflation in 2025

Florida voters approved Amendment 5, a change to the state constitution affecting the property tax system. The impacts are wide-ranging for homeowners and local governments. The amendment provides additional property tax relief, particularly for residents who claim a homestead exemption on their primary residence. How Inflation Impacts the Homestead Exemption More than 66 percent of Florida voters approved the measure, which links one of the Read More » Continue reading Property Tax Relief: Homestead Exemption to Rise with Inflation in 2025

Be Local Election Ready!

It’s 2024 and everyone is talking about the big election coming up in November, but let’s not forget about or tune out the important local decisions that we can vote on August 20, during the primary election! I love all things local, which includes the policies and people that run our cities and county. Are you ready to decide this summer? No matter what your Read More » Continue reading Be Local Election Ready!

Taste of 386: Savor the Flavor and Explore the Shore

Ready to savor the flavor and explore the shore? Follow along for culinary inspiration, restaurant recommendations, and insider tips on where to find the best bites in town. Don’t forget to share your own culinary adventures using #Tasteof386. Let’s taste the coast, one dish at a time! Join Our Community on Facebook Our Facebook group, Taste of 386, is the heart of our foodie community. Read More » Continue reading Taste of 386: Savor the Flavor and Explore the Shore

Self-Love During Valentine’s Month

February is known for its season of giving candy, flowers and gifts of love to others in the name of St. Valentine. I fully support this, but also want to remind myself and encourage others to take time to love and care for ourselves! The word that I am trying to focus on this year is “delightful,” so what are things that bring me delight Read More » Continue reading Self-Love During Valentine’s Month

Volusia County Schools Rezoning Rundown

My household has always felt a call to students: I teach high school science online, my husband and two housemates are on staff with a college campus ministry, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and my kids attend local schools. When we decided to move here just over 5 years ago, we specifically felt called to the students (VPK – college) and the rich history of the Midtown Read More » Continue reading Volusia County Schools Rezoning Rundown