Rebuilding & Recovery: Important Homeowner’s Insurance Info

Volusia County residents and business owners are still working on rebuilding from the 2022 hurricane season. Insurance policies have a hurricane deductible, an amount the policyholder is responsible to pay their carrier before the insurance company can issue any payment caused by a hurricane. It is typically equivalent to some percentage of the value of the property. What many property owners might not know is … Continue reading Rebuilding & Recovery: Important Homeowner’s Insurance Info

Florida Fin Fest hits Jacksonville

On September 17 and 18, 2022 the Seawalk Pavilion, located oceanfront in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, hosted the second annual Florida Fin Fest. The festival was a free 2-day event with a focus on educating the public about ocean conservation, shark awareness and sustainability. The event benefits OCEARCH at Jacksonville University, a nonprofit dedicated to research, education and outreach to accelerate the ocean’s return to balance. … Continue reading Florida Fin Fest hits Jacksonville

Construction Begins on North Causeway

Bridge improvements to the North Causeway movable bridge, also known as the Coronado Beach Bridge, George Musson Bridge, in New Smyrna Beach have started.  The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) determined the electrical submarine cables and additional minor electrical upgrades were necessary for the bridge’s continued operation. Quinn Construction, Inc is listed as the contractor performing the work. According to the project flyer, construction cost … Continue reading Construction Begins on North Causeway

NSB Finalizes Parks Master Plan

The city of New Smyrna Beach (NSB) is a coastal community of Volusia County. Locals live, work and play all while soaking up NSB’s laid back lifestyle. Visitors come to enjoy fun outdoor experiences like strolling on miles of seaside boardwalk and relaxing on beautiful white-sand beaches. The city’s coastal neighborhoods are located along North America’s most diverse estuary, the Indian River Lagoon and the … Continue reading NSB Finalizes Parks Master Plan

manatee eating on riverbed floor

Local Manatee Crisis: Seagrass Conservation is Key

Save The Manatee Club, a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of manatees, is reporting 330 manatee mortalities have been recorded in Florida so far this year. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC), the year 2021 was the worst record of manatee mortalities since record keeping began 50 years ago. For 2022, the numbers are on track for another disappointing year of manatee … Continue reading Local Manatee Crisis: Seagrass Conservation is Key

Marine Discovery Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Marine Discovery Center (MDC) has spent the past 25 years informing and educating citizens and visitors about the amazing biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon. A 25th anniversary party is planned for Saturday, March 19 (originally scheduled for March 12, but postponed due to inclement weather) at the Hunter Amphitheater on-site outdoor venue. During the free event, guests are invited to come and listen … Continue reading Marine Discovery Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Little Drug Company Legacy: A Community Icon

On December 20, 2021, the iconic Little Drug Company at 412 Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach shared with the community, “We regret to inform our community and family that we have served for just a few months short of 100 years, that we will be permanently closing our doors on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.” The announcement was made through their official Facebook page. The … Continue reading Little Drug Company Legacy: A Community Icon

Managing Rising Sea Levels & Erosion in Volusia County

Coastal Volusia County residents can expect an annual nor’easter usually arriving in the month of November. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a nor’easter is not a hurricane, but can cause billions of dollars in damage, severe economic, transportation and human disruption, and, in some cases, disastrous coastal flooding. Each year, locals observe the high tides and significant erosion that occurs on the beach. … Continue reading Managing Rising Sea Levels & Erosion in Volusia County

Reggae Rise Up Florida

The sixth annual Reggae Rise Up Florida (RRU) music festival was held October 21 – 24, 2021 at Vinoy Park, a waterfront venue in St. Petersburg, Florida. Originally scheduled for March 2020 dates, the music festival was postponed a total of three times during the pandemic. To make up for the postponements, an extra night, Thursday, October 21 was added to the festival schedule. Big … Continue reading Reggae Rise Up Florida

Face Coverings in Volusia County Schools: What Do Kids Think?

On September 1, 2021 the Volusia County school board voted (3-2) passing a face covering policy that went into effect on September 7. The mandate requires kindergarten through 12th grade students to wear a face covering until October 15, 2021. As of September 14, 2021, parents have the unrestricted option to “opt out” their children or submit a medical exemption. According to the Center for … Continue reading Face Coverings in Volusia County Schools: What Do Kids Think?