Park Volusia: Pay to Park or Pay the Fine

Residents and visitors in Volusia County are noticing Park Volusia signs around cities at county-owned off beach parking lots, featuring QR codes for convenient payment. As of January 1, 2025, non-registered residents and visitors must pay $20 per day – plus tax and credit card fees – to park at select beach access points including beach walkovers and public parking lots. Parking Fees and Pass Read More » Continue reading Park Volusia: Pay to Park or Pay the Fine

Commission Votes to Discontinue Fluoride

NSBU Utilities Commissioners voted unanimously on Monday February 24th to discontinue the addition of Fluoride to the potable water supply, per staff recommendation. Numerous operational factors were considered and led up to staff’s recommendation for the elimination. The Fluoride feed equipment is at end of life and would require considerable reinvestment for continuance, no longer operational, and the equipment replacement costs can reach approximately $500,000. Read More » Continue reading Commission Votes to Discontinue Fluoride

Stepping Back in Time at the Orange County Regional History Center

After countless adventures into Florida’s natural wonders, we decided it was time to immerse ourselves in the region’s history. Enter the Orange County Regional History Center, a hidden gem in downtown Orlando that brings centuries of Florida’s past to life. Housed in the original Orange County Courthouse, the museum offers a seamless blend of captivating exhibits, interactive activities, and stunning architecture that left our family Read More » Continue reading Stepping Back in Time at the Orange County Regional History Center

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

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

Bobby G Behind The Brew At Typsy Unicorn’s Brewery

Last year, I introduced you to JR and Mika Rivera, the dynamic duo behind Typsy Unicorn’s Brewery, a spot that’s been shaking up the local beer scene. Fast forward to today, and these two are celebrating their one year anniversary with a brand-new brew: Flannels and Flip Flops. And let me tell you, this spiced amber is brewing up to be something special. Flannels and Read More » Continue reading Bobby G Behind The Brew At Typsy Unicorn’s Brewery

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

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

Tee Off in West Volusia: A Golfer’s Guide to Courses and Beyond

Located between Daytona Beach and Orlando, FL, the West Volusia area offers more than just crystal-clear springs, a small-town vibe, and world-renowned restaurants. The golf scene thrives alongside these attractions, featuring four diverse courses that provide plenty of opportunities to go “a round” or two. After all, they don’t call it the ultimate leisure sport for nothing! One of the best parts of any trip Read More » Continue reading Tee Off in West Volusia: A Golfer’s Guide to Courses and Beyond

September Fishing Report: Hot Weather and a Hot Bite!

Report & Images by: Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt | @TheRealTupat August brought the heat – and the fish were biting just as hot! The backwaters of New Smyrna Beach and the Indian River Lagoon are teeming with bait, drawing in an array of trophy species eager to show their teeth. Redfish have been actively patrolling the creeks, while snook are sunning themselves along the banks, eagerly popping Read More » Continue reading September Fishing Report: Hot Weather and a Hot Bite!