west volusia

West Volusia: Fall Festivals, Holiday Lights, and Winter Cheer

As the temperatures dip and the days grow shorter, West Volusia comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season. From vibrant fall festivals and scenic runs to dazzling holiday lights and festive beverages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re strolling through an open-air art show in DeLand, sipping a peppermint mocha on the CoolCraft Christmas Beverage Trail, or marveling at Read More » Continue reading West Volusia: Fall Festivals, Holiday Lights, and Winter Cheer

pictures of women featured in the article with text reading A Lesson in Community and Compassion, Remembering Jenny Duffy

Ghost Tour Revises Content After Community Pushback

Community Outrage Sparks Change in Local Ghost Tour Commercial ghost tours are common in historic cities across the nation. But last month, a ghost tour company advertised a decades-old homicide as the “Nightmare on Live Oak” and planned to include details of the cold case on one of their tours through New Smyrna Beach. Dating back to 1991, the still-unsolved homicide of Jennifer Duffy remains Read More » Continue reading Ghost Tour Revises Content After Community Pushback

Local Resources: Resources to Help You Stay Connected and Engaged

Local Resources: Resources to Help You Stay Connected and Engaged

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. COUNTY NEWS AND UPDATES Volusia County offers Read More » Continue reading Local Resources: Resources to Help You Stay Connected and Engaged

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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

A person sitting at a table in front of a building

Beyond the Bake Sales: The True Goal of PTA

I added a new title to my multi-hyphenated business card this past April: President of the Volusia County Council PTA. Most folks have heard of the Parent Teacher Association or PTA, but I’m realizing that few people know the true mission of the organization and so I want to dedicate my conversation this month to my love of public schools and supporting our students! THE Read More » Continue reading Beyond the Bake Sales: The True Goal of PTA

New Smyrna Beach Board of Realtors®

Local Leadership: The People Behind the Profession

Here in New Smyrna Beach, being a Realtor® means more than helping someone buy or sell a home, it means being a trusted professional, a local expert, and an engaged member of the community. At the New Smyrna Beach Board of Realtors® (NSBBOR®), we’re proud to support members who are committed to lifelong learning, professional excellence, and meaningful community involvement. WHAT NSBBOR® SETS APART Each Read More » Continue reading Local Leadership: The People Behind the Profession

More Homes, More Power 2025 is the Year for Volusia Buyers

More Homes, More Power: 2025 is the Year for Volusia Buyers

As we navigate the heart of summer, new data from the New Smyrna Beach Board of REALTORS® revealed a cooling in sales activity, a surge in listings, and longer times to close. These are clear signs that buyers are regaining leverage in Volusia County’s real estate market. As a local Realtor closely watching these shifts, I’m seeing firsthand how buyers now have more options and Read More » Continue reading More Homes, More Power: 2025 is the Year for Volusia Buyers

boat coach cover

The Boat Coach: The Unsinkable Legacy of Bob Dougherty

Volusia County is home to a remarkable cluster of iconic boat manufacturers. Boston Whaler, EdgeWater Power Boats, Everglades Boats, and Solace Boats are all located within 10 miles of each other. While each of these companies has its own unique identity, they all share a common influence: Bob Dougherty. THE BOSTON WHALER ERA Born Robert Joseph Dougherty, Bob was working as an industrial arts teacher Read More » Continue reading The Boat Coach: The Unsinkable Legacy of Bob Dougherty

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West Volusia Habitat for Humanity celebrates home dedication for House #106 honoring Kyra Williams

West Volusia Habitat for Humanity extends its heartfelt thanks to all who joined us in celebrating the home dedication ceremony for House #106, a touching and meaningful tribute to Kyra Williams, our newest homeowner. The dedication marked the beginning of a new chapter for Kyra and her family, as they stepped into a future filled with hope, stability, and opportunity. It was a powerful reminder Read More » Continue reading West Volusia Habitat for Humanity celebrates home dedication for House #106 honoring Kyra Williams

Tina Sabella Ice Queen Truck and SandWitch Truck owner standing with sandwich in front of trucks on beach

Witch, Please

THE SANDWITCH TRUCK HAS ARRIVED Tina Sabella is no stranger to turning heads—or turning ideas into action. The woman behind The Ice Queen Truck, the beloved fleet of sweet-toothed trucks roaming Volusia County, has launched her latest passion project: The SandWitch Truck. Kelsey, my business partner, and I had the pleasure of hopping aboard for a morning with Tina. We rolled down the beach in Read More » Continue reading Witch, Please