2026 USA Election Year

2026 Is an Election Year—Even If It’s Not Presidential

Thinking Ahead of the Next Election Far too often, we only talk about an “election year” when it’s time to vote for a new president. We pay attention for a few months, then go back into hiding for the next three and a half years. As we start this new year, I want to encourage you to stay engaged with local and state elections that Read More » Continue reading 2026 Is an Election Year—Even If It’s Not Presidential

Marine Science Center Bobby G

Bobby G Back in Ponce Inlet

Tucked right next to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, at the very end of the penninsula, sits the Marine Science Center — a shady little paradise under a canopy of palms and twisted oaks. We’d never been before, so we decided to bring the kids and check it out. Tiffany and Bailey’s tickets were $8 each, Porter’s was only $5 for a kid’s ticket, and mine Read More » Continue reading Bobby G Back in Ponce Inlet

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2025 Holiday Gift Guide

The countdown to the holidays has begun! Celebrate the season with these great local gift-giving ideas. SHOP UNIQUE STYLE AT PEPPER’S BOUTIQUE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Discover a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at Pepper’s Boutique, with two convenient Volusia County locations. Founded by Pepper, a 30-year fashion industry veteran, the boutique offers men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories from over 140 manufacturers worldwide—including Italy, Turkey, Read More » Continue reading 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

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

Hassle-Free Sign Installation for Realtors From Florida Realty Posts

Hassle-Free Sign Installation for Realtors From Florida Realty Posts

Florida Realty Posts is dedicated to making Realtors’ lives easier by handling all their sign installation needs quickly and professionally. The business provides 4×4 wooden posts for panels and riders, as well as installation for larger custom signs on commercial properties. Realtors can either mail their signs or have them picked up directly from the printer. All panels and riders are stored free of charge Read More » Continue reading Hassle-Free Sign Installation for Realtors From Florida Realty Posts

A turtle in the water

Sea Turtle Season: A Lesson in Respect

While walking on the beach with my daughter, I witnessed a rare sight at the Crawford Avenue beach approach in New Smyrna Beach: a massive leatherback sea turtle emerging from the ocean to nest. For several quiet moments, we stood together in awe as the beautiful creature slowly made its way up the sand— a once-in-a-lifetime experience Sea turtle nesting season is underway along Florida’s Read More » Continue reading Sea Turtle Season: A Lesson in Respect

a hand holding a shave ice

Beachfront Traditions

Beach Rentals & Refreshments of Volusia County: Local Legacy and Service on the Sand Volusia County’s beaches are known for their golden sands, warm surf—and for the friendly, familiar faces that have served locals and visitors alike for generations. Behind the umbrella-lined shorelines and food stands is Beach Rentals & Refreshments of Volusia County (BR&R), a locally operated organization that manages a network of 38 Read More » Continue reading Beachfront Traditions

Daytona Beach Parasailing

Ice Cream, Engagements, and Everything In Between

Well, here we are—June. The kids are officially out of school, and the weather? Hot, hot, hot. The question now becomes: how do we keep them busy without totally breaking the bank? The answer, my friends, is simple. We live exactly where people spend money to vacation. A beautiful beach town, full of activities and hidden gems we often overlook because, well, we’re not tourists. Read More » Continue reading Ice Cream, Engagements, and Everything In Between

Discover Old Florida Charm: 10 Must-Do Experiences

With 14 communities along the St. Johns River, West Volusia County blends natural beauty, historical sites and outdoor activities for a unique “Old Florida” experience. Here are 10 ways to play in West Volusia: 1. Explore the St. Johns River: Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or tubes from outfitters, or take a guided river cruise at Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs State Parks. For the adventurous, Read More » Continue reading Discover Old Florida Charm: 10 Must-Do Experiences

Volusia Staycation

Play Along with my Custom BINGO Card! As an online high school science teacher for Brevard County with three kids in Volusia County public schools, we try to go on little trips when school is out of session, like spring break in March. For a variety of reasons this year, we will not be traveling this month and are, instead, planning out our “Staycation.” I Read More » Continue reading Volusia Staycation