New Smyrna Beach receiving $1 million to help clear flood-prone canals

The City of New Smyrna Beach will receive $1 million in state funding to help clean up canals surrounding Pine Island and Aqua Golf, two centrally located mainland communities that saw some homes flooded with 4 feet of storm surge during Hurricane Ian last September. First dug in the 1950s, the canals have experienced considerable vegetation and sediment buildup over the years with no documented … Continue reading New Smyrna Beach receiving $1 million to help clear flood-prone canals

GOVERNOR SIGNS HB 1595, TRANSITIONING LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY ON VOLUSIA BEACHES TO VSO

Today, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1595 (Law Enforcement Operations), which requires the Sheriff’s Office to assume exclusive law enforcement authority on Volusia beaches. Deputies and Beach Safety officers have already been working together closely in anticipation of the law taking effect. With the governor’s signature today, the full transition becomes official. Sheriff Mike Chitwood commended Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald, his administration and … Continue reading GOVERNOR SIGNS HB 1595, TRANSITIONING LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY ON VOLUSIA BEACHES TO VSO

New License Plate Readers at the Airport

The Volusia County Council has approved the purchase of three license plate recognition (LPR) camera systems that will alert officials if stolen or wanted vehicles drive into Daytona Beach International Airport. The stationary systems will be posted at tactical vantage points around the airport, where they will read the license tag of passing vehicles to see if they’re wanted by law enforcement. With an instantaneous … Continue reading New License Plate Readers at the Airport

The Fate of 2020 Biketoberfest

On Wednesday evening, September 9, 2020, the Daytona Beach City Commission voted on the fate of the upcoming Biketoberfest event, held annually in Daytona Beach. The commission had concerns over whether or not to allow the event to be held this year, due to COVID-19. According to Biketoberfest.org, “Biketoberfest is not one event, but a collection of activities that take place at venues and businesses … Continue reading The Fate of 2020 Biketoberfest

Daytona Beach first step homeless shelter

Taking the First Step

Daytona Beach Shelter Opens for Single Homeless The First Step Shelter (FSS), a 15,00-square-foot facility located at 3889 W. International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, opened its doors in December 2019 to the single-adult homeless community of Volusia County. The shelter has two dorms that can temporarily house 120 men and women. There are seven staff members who can help new residents in all aspects … Continue reading Taking the First Step

Stetson University Researcher Discovers Plethora of Parasites Infecting Pygmy Rattlesnakes

The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world and a native of southeast Asia. For more than 15 years, the gigantic snake has decimated species and become the ruling reptile in the Florida Everglades. The Burmese python problem has reached a new level of worrisome concern because it carries a parasite (pictured below) that infects native snakes in south Florida. A … Continue reading Stetson University Researcher Discovers Plethora of Parasites Infecting Pygmy Rattlesnakes

New Smyrna Beach Celebrates Arbor Day by Giving Free Trees to Residents

Friday, April 26, 2019 The City of New Smyrna Beach will host its annual Arbor Day Celebration at Riverside Park (299 S Riverside Dr) on Friday, April 26 at 10:00 AM.  This celebration is part of the City’s continued recognition as a Tree City USA from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Residents Receive One Free Tree Each City residents will be eligible to receive one … Continue reading New Smyrna Beach Celebrates Arbor Day by Giving Free Trees to Residents