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

Estate Planning and Real Estate Transactions Informational Class

Wednesday, February 19, 20259:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.The Brannon Center105 S. Riverside DriveNew Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168Presenters from Wright & Casey, P.A.Refreshments provided. This FREE informational class will be held by Wright & Casey attorneys and offers valuable informationand practical tips to assist you with general estate planning needs and real estate transactions. Thecourse covers fundamental concepts of both estate planning law and real estate transactions. Thepresentation Read More » Continue reading Estate Planning and Real Estate Transactions Informational Class

ActivStars Kids’ Karate Spring Semester Kicks Off in Volusia County

ActivStars Athletics Kids’ Karate Classes ActivStars Athletics of Florida is excited to announce the upcoming semester of kids’ karate classes, designed to empower young participants with essential self-defense skills while promoting confidence, discipline and fun. With class locations in Port Orange, New Smyrna, Lake Helen and DeLand, ActivStars ensures families across Volusia County have easy access to this incredible program. ActivStars’ signature Safe Shield Stranger Read More » Continue reading ActivStars Kids’ Karate Spring Semester Kicks Off in Volusia County

Fitness, Wellness, and Community at Vision Park

All photos by Nick Perry | Model: Rachel Brook Fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers have a new go-to destination in town. NSB Studios, a local fitness studio offering a diverse range of yoga, fitness, dance, tai chi, aerial arts classes and more, is now open at the newly unveiled Vision Park at 310 N. Dixie, just off Canal Street. NSB Studios is the brainchild of Read More » Continue reading Fitness, Wellness, and Community at Vision Park

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

Resilient Roots: Adapting in Volusia County’s Climate

Florida’s agricultural communities are recovering in the wake of recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The storms’ high winds and torrential rain caused flooding in fields and extensive damage to greenhouses and protective structures. Statewide, reports of heavy losses included citrus, strawberries, vegetable, livestock, and aquaculture sectors. The devastation is significant: counties hit hardest by Hurricane Milton alone account for approximately over $7.4 billion in annual Read More » Continue reading Resilient Roots: Adapting in Volusia County’s Climate

Bobby G Takes on an Electric Adventure

Living and working in the New Smyrna Beach area, I often get asked about unique and memorable outdoor activities to fill a sunny afternoon. Skipping over the usual suggestions, I aim to surprise with suggestions that break away from the everyday. Recently, I personally took the plunge (quite literally) into three thrilling and completely unique activities, all of which I discovered conveniently accessible under one Read More » Continue reading Bobby G Takes on an Electric Adventure

New Children’s Book Brings the Wonders of Wildlife to Young Readers

“Pip’s Fishy Adventure, A True Story” Celebrated local wildlife photographer, Shelley Lynch, is thrilled to announce the release of her enchanting new children’s book, “Pip’s Fishy Adventure.” Perfect for young readers in fourth grade and up (and adored by kids of all ages), this heartwarming tale combines Lynch’s passion for storytelling with her love for wildlife, offering a vibrant glimpse into the wonders of nature. Read More » Continue reading New Children’s Book Brings the Wonders of Wildlife to Young Readers

Annual Plein Air Paint Out Returns to New Smyrna Beach

The 14th annual New Smyrna Beach Plein Air Paint Out is set for Oct. 15-19, and will once again benefit Marine Discovery Center and Artists’ Workshop NSB. Paint Out combines art and nature and features nationally recognized artists who travel to New Smyrna Beach to create outdoor paintings during each day of the weeklong event. Artists paint from dawn to dusk at various locations throughout the city and Read More » Continue reading Annual Plein Air Paint Out Returns to New Smyrna Beach