News Flash

The City of DeLand will host a public open house to introduce and discuss proposed Tiny Home regulations. 

The open house will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 14 at City Hall, 120 South Florida Avenue. City staff will be on hand to share details about the proposed regulations, answer questions and gather feedback from community members. 

The regulations would guide where and how tiny homes can be constructed within our community. They are tentatively scheduled to go before the Planning Board on September 10 and the City Commission on October 6. 

"One of the goals of the City’s newly updated 2050 Vision Plan is to provide additional small-format housing options, and tiny homes would add another housing choice for the residents," said Planning Director Carol Kuhn. 

Residents, developers and anyone interested in learning more are encouraged to attend. 

The DeLand Fire Department has received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. 

The DeLand Fire Department is one of more than 300 agencies to achieve Internationally Accredited agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE). This makes DeLand Fire the only accredited agency in Volusia County and one of 31 in the state currently accredited. DeLand Fire is also the first fire department in the county to achieve ISO Class 1 status.

“I am extremely proud of our fire department,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “This accreditation is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and high standards upheld by the men and women of the DeLand Fire Department. Their commitment to excellence and tireless work helps make our community safer and stronger.”

CFAI is dedicated to assisting the fire and emergency service agencies throughout the world in achieving excellence through self-assessment and accreditation to provide continuous quality improvement and the enhancement of service delivery to their communities. The CFAI process provides an agency with an improvement model to assess their service delivery and performance internally, and then works with a team of peers from other agencies to verify and validate their completed self-assessment.

Fire Chief Todd Allen stated that the agency’s achievement of Accredited Agency status “demonstrates the commitment of the agency to provide the highest quality of service to our community.” Chief Allen also said, “We have also been able to use the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s process as a proactive mechanism to plan for the future of this agency and locate areas where we can improve on the quality of the services we provided.”

Chief Allen said the process took about three years from start to finish, which included conducting a community risk assessment and meeting with community stakeholders to receive input. Outside assessors also gave recommendations for the fire department to focus on such as planning for future growth and internal training practices, Allen said.

As you start your spring cleaning, the City of DeLand is here to help!

The city's annual Community Shred & Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 5. The event will be held in the Melching Field parking lot, 601 South Woodland Boulevard.

Shredding will be available on a first come, first served basis from 9 to 11 a.m. or until capacity is reached. Shredding is available to DeLand residents only and is not for commercial use. Each household can shred up to five boxes of documents.

Acceptable items to shred:

• Dry paper products

• Bound books

• Paper clips

• Spiral bound notebooks

• Photographs and blue prints

Prohibited items that CANNOT be shredded:

• Garbage and food products

• Wet paper

• Large metal items or 3-ring binders

• Wood and wood products

• Plastics including styrofoam

• Toner cartridges

Dumpsters will also be on site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for residents to drop off larger items. Hazardous waste, paint and appliances will not be accepted.

Items that can be accepted include furniture, sinks and toilets and building material scraps.

The City of DeLand will host its annual Tree Giveaway on April 12, offering residents an opportunity to beautify their properties and enhance the local environment.

 The giveaway, which is done in partnership with the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club, will take place beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at the city’s Public Services complex, 1102 South Garfield Avenue, with vehicles entering from the Amelia Avenue side.

“Planting trees is one of the most impactful ways we can care for our community,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “We’re proud to continue this great tradition by helping our residents make DeLand even greener.”

A total of 1,000 trees will be given away, with a limit of three trees per residence and a maximum of six per vehicle. Trees are available to all residents within the DeLand Utility Service area. Residents must bring proof of residency and a completed tree selection form, which can be found here: Tree Giveaway Form. Tree availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents picking up trees on behalf of others must bring a written request and proof of residence for that individual.

Available species include:

• Live Oak
• Southern Magnolia
• Persimmon
• Yaupon Holly
• River Birch

DeLand Fire Department’s antique fire truck, The Sutherland, was recognized with the Judges Award by the Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA). 

The award was given at the national winter convention hosted this month in Kissimmee where more than 50 fire trucks were on display in the competition. 

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Fire Chief Todd Allen. “The Sutherland is a large piece of our storied history and one we are committed to preserving for future generations here in DeLand.”

Chief Allen noted that The Sutherland was one of the few trucks on display at the competition that is still actively in use by a fire department.

The 1942 Chevrolet Fire truck is a fixture in the DeLand community, often used at city functions including the DeLand Christmas Parade. It served as an active fire truck during World War II and was donated to the city at the conclusion of the war. 

The fire truck is named for Dave Sutherland, who began as a volunteer firefighter with the City of DeLand in 1972. He later became a full-time employee in 1975 as a meter reader. After his retirement in 2005, he continued to volunteer with the fire department.

The City of DeLand is proud to recognize a number of outstanding community members who have dedicated their time and effort helping to make DeLand a better place. 

At the March 17 commission meeting, the city announced the recipients of the city’s Volunteer of the Year awards with Aaron Preston receiving the Volunteer of the Year under 40 and Georgia Carter Turner was named overall Volunteer of the Year.

“Our volunteers are at the heart of our community,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “The dedication of our residents like Aaron, Georgia and the nominees are what make our city so special. Congratulations to everyone on the recognition.”

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟎 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧

Aaron Preston was nominated alongside several stellar individuals – Jaclyn Carrell, Mark Higbee, Marie Johnson and Gary Levesque.

A native of Lake Helen, Aaron Preston has dedicated most of his youth and adult life to serving his community, He has been involved in several organizations including the Teen Center, Blake Memorial Baptist Church, West Volusia Neighborhood Center and eventually the Rotary Club of Downtown DeLand.

In 2021, he bought a home in DeLand with his soon to be wife, Stephanie, and started focusing his efforts on his new town. Aaron's passion is people, collecting stories and friends through service, food or a glass of wine downtown. He loves to travel, cook, participate in local government, ride his bike or work out at the Y. 

Early on Aaron found himself couch surfing, living in a storage unit and eventually his car while he was in college and as a result homelessness - hits very close to home. His greatest passion will always be helping those that sometimes need a hand up.

𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫

Georgia Turner was nominated for the overall Volunteer of the Year award along with Ann-Marie Willacker.

With over 40 years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing and sales. Since December 2016, she has been the Executive Director of the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority, where she is responsible for developing marketing and advertising programs to increase tourism in the 14 communities in West Volusia County, Florida.

Georgia held marketing and public relations positions at several Destination Marketing Organizations in Florida and Alabama before landing in West Volusia. She also owned and operated Georgia Turner Group, a full-service marketing and communications agency specializing in the travel and tourism industry for 10 years. 

A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in journalism, she worked at her hometown newspaper and an airline magazine in Atlanta before her career in tourism began.

Today, she is a member and past Chair of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) as well as a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). She is also a member of the FPRA Volusia/Flagler chapter and was a recipient of the chapter’s Roger Pynn Great Communicator of the Year Award in 2024. 

In her spare time, Georgia enjoys craft beer, NASCAR races and yoga!

Georgia and Aaron will be honored a second time at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 24 as we unveil their plaques on our walk of fame, which is located on the northwest side of the Woodland Boulevard and New York Avenue.

Several firefighters were recognized during the DeLand Fire Department's annual awards.

The top honor of the year went to Morgan Fambrough, who was named Firefighter of the Year. Justin Pacifico was the recipient of the Chief Hanes Pride and Ownership Award; Travis Sawyer was awarded the Meritorious Conduct Medal; Deputy Chief Justin Desy, Lieutenant Justin Bass and Firefighter Christian Vallejo received the Distinguished Service Medal for conducting high water rescue in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Several other firefighters received unit commendations for their professionalism and bravery during responses to notable events in 2024.

“The dedication and bravery demonstrated by our firefighters each day does not go unnoticed,” said DeLand Fire Chief Todd Allen. “Our annual awards gives us the opportunity to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in their service to our community. Their commitment to excellence and selflessness embodies the very best of the DeLand Fire Department.”

Firefighter of the Year: Morgan Fambrough

Morgan joined the department in 2022 and has proven to be an asset. She always has a positive attitude and she is constantly involved with department events/programs and enjoys assisting with public education events or celebrations that the City puts on.

Firefighter Fambrough is a valued member of the DeLand Fire Department Honor Guard and has attended the Jacksonville Pipe and Drum Academy as well as the Honor Guard Academy at the Florida State Fire College. As a member of the honor guard, Morgan has participated in multiple details throughout the year from Parachutes for Patriots, the VFW Ceremony and the DeLand Dog Parade. She has also represented the department Honor Guard at service related funerals for Jacob Bridger, Luke Kimming, and Matt Fair.

Morgan has also sung the National Anthem at multiple events to include- First Responder’s Night at Stetson University, the opening ceremony at the Florida Professional Firefighters Conference, Daytona State Colleges Fire Academy graduation and the Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. In November of 2024, she was asked to sing the National Anthem at the annual Florida fallen firefighter memorial. She performed flawlessly for the memorial that honored thirteen fallen firefighters and the family members that were in attendance. Firefighter Fambrough is also in the prosses of learning to play the bagpipes so that she can participate with the departments pipe and drum band.

This year, Morgan completed her paramedic training, passed the National Registry examination and is currently clearing to be a lead paramedic. Firefighter Fambrough has also completed Fire Service Hydraulics, Pump Operations, Aerial Operations and is in the process of finishing her Relief Driver packet. She continues to expand her knowledge in technical rescue and has completed VMR Operations, Rope Rescue Technician and is scheduled to attend Confined Space Rescue Technician and Trench Rescue Technician courses in the coming months. 

Firefighter Fambrough truly encompasses what it is to be a DeLand Firefighter. Her positive attitude, willingness to do anything that is asked of her, and her ability to connect with the citizens of DeLand both on scene and at public events are just a few reasons why Morgan is the Firefighter of the Year for 2024.

Chief Hanes Pride and Ownership Award: Firefighter Justin Pacifico

 Throughout his time with DeLand Fire Department, FF Pacifico has been an asset to any crew he has been a part of.  It’s safe to say that Justin is “into the job”. 

In the past year, Firefighter Pacifico completed numerous classes including technician level training for Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue and Structural Collapse. His desire to train and better himself led him to complete Truck Company Operations, “One Bad Tour” which is a continuous 24 hours class and also place #1 out of 135 candidates in the Florida State Fire College’s Smoke Diver selection process.

Firefighter Pacifico has also helped tremendously with new hire orientation and is always willing to share his knowledge with members of the DFD and surrounding departments. 

Firefighter Pacifico is willing to do anything that needs to be done without being asked, and it’s obvious that he not only cares about his brothers and sisters in the department, but also the citizens of DeLand. His Pride and Ownership to the firefighting profession keeps with highest traditions of the fire service and the City of DeLand Fire Department.

Meritorious Conduct Medal: Travis Sawyer

On May 22, 2024 the fire service in Volusia County was saddened to find that one of our brothers had taken his life. Jacob Bridger, a South Daytona firefighter, was only 22 years old. His ties to the City of DeLand Fire Department were numerous. Many of our members instructed him during his time in the fire standards program at Daytona State College, his father David Bridger (a lieutenant with Holly Hill Fire Department) also teaches alongside our instructors at the academy, and Jacob had previously applied with the DeLand Fire Department, but withdrew his application after being offered a job with the City of South Daytona.

Upon learning of his death, Chief Allen reached out to Chief John Brandt of South Daytona to offer condolences and the DFD’s help with any, or all portions of Jacob’s funeral service; Chief Brandt accepted this offer. Engineer Travis Sawyer, the DFD Honor Guard Commander, immediately acted to handle the planning of the service as well as coordinating the involvement of local honor guard teams. It’s also important to note that Travis had an emotional tie to the Bridger family having previously worked with Jacob’s father while he was a member of the Holly Hill Fire Department before joining the ranks of the DFD.

As one can imagine, the grief that South Daytona Fire Department was dealing with was considerable, and planning a service during this time would inhibit their ability to properly grieve the loss of Jacob. Travis met with Chief Brandt and the funeral home director regularly and put together a plan to properly remember our fallen brother. Travis was able to coordinate honor guard teams from the cities of Deltona, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and personnel from the Florida Pipes and Drums. Travis was instrumental in providing Chief Brandt and the Bridger family with information regarding firefighter funerals and the traditions that are involved. Due to this, the firefighting community was able to honor the life of FF Bridger in a way that he, and the Bridger family deserved. Engineer Sawyer acted in a highly commendable manner in the performance of his duties as Honor Guard Commander of the DeLand Fire Department and is deserving of the Meritorious Conduct Medal. 

Distinguished Service Medal: Deputy Chief Justin Desy, Lieutenant Justin Bass, Firefighter Christian Vallejo

On October 9th and 10th, Hurricane Milton caused devastating damage to the State of Florida with powerful winds, heavy storm surges and intense rain bands. During the early morning hours of October 10th, the City of DeLand received concentrated rains that measured 20” over a 24-hour period in certain parts of DeLand. Around 7 am, the city’s EOC began to get reports of rising water in various areas of the city. The DeLand Police and Fire Departments began responding to these areas of need and reporting the situation back to the EOC. The EOC began getting multiple reports of homes underwater in the Glen Eagles neighborhood, as a retention pond had overfilled from the record rains and began spilling into that neighborhood. People could not escape in time and were consequently trapped in their homes- even retreating to their attic spaces to escape the rising waters.

With little time to spare, our fire and police officers quickly assembled and began trekking through the high waters to get to the trapped citizens. Keep in mind, the water was chin-deep on these gentlemen and they did their best to keep their feet on solid ground and utilize poles to feel for underwater holes and hazards. At risk to themselves, the coordinated effort between the firefighters and police officers rescued 14 individuals from these rising waters.

For this reason, these firefighters are receiving the Distinguished Service Medal!

Unit Commendation: Lieutenant Chris Murray, Firefighters James Young and Morgan Fambrough

On May 2nd, 2024, DFD was dispatched for a reported plane crash in the area of Carter Road and Highway 11. Lieutenant Chris Murray and Firefighters James Young and Morgan Fambrough responded from Station 82. When they arrived on scene they located the plane nose down, heavily damaged and in a cow pasture approximately 200 yards off the roadway. Due to the distance from the roadway, the crew had to decide what equipment they thought would be needed and carry it through the pasture in full bunker gear. Once they arrived at the plane, it was apparent that the pilot was entrapped in the wreckage and badly injured.

Lt. Murray quickly established command while his crew began working to extricate the patient. While the elderly pilot was semi-conscious, he had multiple broken bones and significant lacerations. The crew was able to cut and pull enough of the plane away to perform a rapid extrication and place the pilot onto a long backboard. He was then loaded into the bed of a VCSO pickup truck and driven to the waiting med unit before being transported as a trauma alert by Air Care to Halifax. Due to their quick response, and extrication, the pilot was in critical but stable condition and ultimately survived the crash. 

This group of firefighters acted in a highly commendable manner that upholds the highest traditions of the fire service and the DeLand Fire Department. 

Unit Commendation: Lieutenant Justin Bass, Engineer Randy Bruce, Firefighters Trent Sanders, Jake Pequignot, Joshua Brown and Christian Vallejo

On April 28th, 2024, DFD units were dispatched for a reported structure fire at 703 West Beresford Ave. Units arrived to find on scene to find a small residential structure with smoke issuing from a window. Personnel quickly went to work once they arrived on scene. The crew from Tower 81 forced entry ahead of Squad 81 who was stretching a hose line to the front door. Upon making entry crews encountered heavy smoke and heat. Crews prioritized a primary search and located an unconscious occupant in the front bedroom. The occupant was quickly removed to the outside of the structure. Once outside, crews determined the patient was pulseless and apneic. CPR was initiated and ROSC was achieved twice while on scene before the victim was transported to Advent Health DeLand. Unfortunately, the occupant of the home passed away later that evening. The dedication to their craft, and cohesiveness, gave the occupant the highest chance of survival. 

This group of firefighters acted in a highly commendable manner that upholds the highest traditions of the fire service and the DeLand Fire Department. 

Have you ever thought, "I wish I would have known about the dog parade, I totally would have gone" or "I didn't know there was a farmers' market in Downtown DeLand". Let's change that together!

In an ever-changing and fast-paced world, we are being bombarded with hundreds, if not thousands, of messages daily. With so much information competing for your attention, we want to make sure you, as a resident or business owner, receive the news that matters most to you.

The city's Community Information division is responsible for communicating important information, news and events in a timely manner. To ensure we are fulfilling that mission, we have created a short survey to learn:

- How you currently receive your news

- What type of information is most important to you

- How you prefer to stay informed

Your feedback will help us improve our communications efforts and better serve you! Please consider taking this brief survey to help us keep you in the know!

Take our Communications Survey!

As we enter a new year, many individuals are looking for new opportunities and a fresh start. The City of DeLand is here to help with its second annual Career Expo later this month. 

The city’s Career Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 25 at the Sanborn Activity and Event Center, 815 South Alabama Avenue.

"We are excited to host our second annual Career Expo and provide members of our community with an opportunity to find their forever job," said Mayor Chris Cloudman. "This event is a great way for individuals to connect with potential employers and learn about different career paths within our city."

The Career Expo will feature representatives from various organizations, including the City of DeLand, County of Volusia, the Volusia Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Transportation, Volusia County Schools, Sparton, the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, and many more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with staff and community partners to ask questions about their respective organizations and learn about available job opportunities. In addition, applications will be accepted on the spot for those interested in pursuing a career with any of the participating organizations.

###

Residents are invited to join us for an important public workshop focused on the City of DeLand's recently completed vulnerability assessment. 

The workshop will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday January 16 in the commission chambers at City Hall, 120 South Florida Avenue. 

This is a great opportunity for community members to learn about the findings and contribute to the prioritization of flood adaptation strategies. Your input is essential in shaping effective responses to climate-related challenges. 

We highly encourage all residents to participate and share their insights!

Hosted by the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center, this year’s Thanksgiving Feed the Community Event Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM will serve as a time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal of hope. The event will be held in Spring Hill Park, 971 South Thompson Avenue. 

For many in our community, this holiday may not be one of abundance. Some may not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal, while others may be facing loneliness, homelessness, or displacement. For those feeling isolated or disconnected, a community dinner can bring the comfort of family, belonging, and hope. 

A host of generous community partners have come together to ensure that this Thanksgiving holiday is one filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness.

We will be offering free hot meals, along with a coat, socks, gloves, and blanket giveaway to help provide warmth during the colder months (first come-first served).

Additionally, various giveaways will be available, aimed at easing the challenges of day-to-day life and sparking hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

Whether it’s a warm meal or a winter coat, these small acts of kindness can make a big difference for those struggling this holiday season.

Please join us in making this Thanksgiving a time of compassion, connection, and renewal for all.

For more information or to donate, please contact the Resource Center at:

📞 386-740-0808

🌐 shresourcecenter.com

City and county leaders gathered to celebrate the completion of the newest section of the Charles Paiva Greenway. The 1.35 mile stretch of trail, extending from East Minnesota Avenue to U.S. 92, was officially christened and opened for public use.

The Charles Paiva Greenway is a popular outdoor recreational area that runs through the heart of DeLand and previously stretched from Earl Brown Park to Stetson University's campus. With the addition of this new section, residents and visitors can now enjoy a seamless trail experience. The trail is named for longtime commissioner and Vice Mayor Charles Paiva, who has served the city as an elected official for a combined 20 years and has been an advocate for a dedicated trail system in our city.

"This is an exciting day for our community," said Mayor Chris Cloudman. "The completion of this project not only provides a beautiful outdoor space for our residents to enjoy, but also promotes healthy and active lifestyles."

Funding for this project was made possible through a $1.5 million matching grant from the Volusia ECHO program. This voter-approved initiative utilizes property taxes to support projects that enhance the environment, culture, history, and outdoor recreation in Volusia County.

Future plans for the Charles Paiva Greenway include connecting it to the DeLand SunRail station in the west and extending it east along the planned Beresford Avenue extension.

"We are grateful for the support from our county leaders and partners in making this project a reality," added Mayor Cloudman. "We look forward to seeing how this greenway will continue to positively impact our community."

The City of DeLand will be making sand and bags available for residents from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

The distribution site will be in the parking lot south of Melching Field at the corner of South Woodland Boulevard and Hubbard Avenue.

There will be a limit of 10 bags per residence. Please have ID available for proof of residency.

Residents can get up-to-date information at www.deland.org/hurricane or by following the City of DeLand on social media.

Reclaimed water is now available to residents in the Cross Creek subdivision for those who wish to connect to the system for their irrigation.

Additionally, residents in the DeLand Highlands area who wish to connect to city water, that is now available as well. Streets in the Highlands that this would apply to include Talmadge Road, Pierce Street, Pine Street and Oak Street. 

Connecting to the reclaimed water in Cross Creek and the city water in the Highlands is not mandatory.

For those with questions, please contact Deputy Utilities Director Don James at jamesd@deland.org. 

Residents are invited to attend a workshop to discuss flooding within the city. Input gathered will help the city develop a vulnerability assessment, identify focus areas for our consultant team and guide our exploration of funding and grant opportunities for flood mitigation projects. 

The workshop will be from 6 to 7:30 PM Thursday, July 18 in the commission chambers on the first floor of City Hall, 120 South Florida Avenue.

As people venture into the City of DeLand, they will soon be welcomed by new entry signs, making it clear that they have arrived in “The Athens of Florida.”

Over the next few weeks, signs will be installed at four main entry points: North and South Woodland Boulevard, East International Speedway Boulevard, and State Road 44 on the western edge of the city limits..

All of the locations will also include Florida-friendly landscaping.

In addition to these new entry signs, more elaborate features are planned for the roundabouts at State Road 44/Kepler Road and Orange Camp/Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. These entries will further enhance the unique character and charm of our city.

"The signs are a reflection of our community's commitment to make all residents and visitors of DeLand feel welcome in our city,” said Chris Cloudman, Mayor of DeLand. “We hope that these signs will serve as a symbol of DeLand's vibrant spirit, culture and rich history."

The project is part of an effort to beautify the city’s main thoroughfares and create a sense of pride for our community. It also would not be able to happen without the collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation, which will allow the city to maintain the rights-of-way where the signs will be located.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public meeting regarding project plans on State Road (S.R.) 44 (East New York Avenue) and Kepler Road in DeLand on Tuesday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of the project is to replace the traffic signal at S.R. 44 and Kepler Road with a roundabout to improve traffic efficiency and enhance safety at the intersection.  Additional details are available in the attached project information handout. The public meeting is being held to present information and receive community feedback.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public meeting in person and virtually to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

•    In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going to the Wayne G. Sanborn Activity Center, 815 S. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724, anytime between time 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.

•    Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet, or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5636869999900566870. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety. 

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at https://www.cflroads.com/project/431922-1. ; You may also contact me, FDOT Project Manager Michael “Glenn” Raney directly by phone at 386-740-3524 or email at Michael.Raney@dot.state.fl.us.

FDOT is sending notices to nearby property owners, business owners, interested persons, and organizations to provide the opportunity to offer comments and express their views regarding this project and the proposed improvements.  

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at Melissa.McKinney@dot.state.fl.us.

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Britney Jones, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 386-740-3566 or Britney.Jones@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

If you have any questions or comments about the meeting or the project, please contact: FDOT Project Manager Michael “Glenn” Raney by phone at 386-740-3524, by email at Michael.Raney@dot.state.fl.us, or U.S. mail at Florida Department of Transportation, 1650 N. Kepler Road, MS 513, DeLand, FL 32724.

The City of DeLand is working to improve the drivability of roads throughout the city. P&S Paving will begin the street resurfacing in the City beginning the week of June 24. The project’s contractor is P&S Paving. The streets that will be resurfaced are 

• N San Souci Ave - Between W Michigan Ave and W University Ave
• S Adelle Ave - Between W New York Ave and W Volusia Ave
• N Phippen Ave - Between E New York Ave and E Wisconsin Ave
• N Adams Ave - Between E New York Ave and E Rich Ave
• N Fairview Ave - Between E Wisconsin Ave and E Minnesota Ave
• N Kansas Ave - Between E Wisconsin Ave and E Minnesota Ave
• N Frankfort Ave - Between E Wisconsin Ave and E Minnesota Ave
• S High St - Between W Hubbard Ave and W Euclid Ave
• S Delaware Ave - Between W Winnemissett Ave and W New York Ave
• S Kentucky Ave - Between E Division Ave and E Voorhis Ave
• S Frankfort Ave - Between E Walts Ave and E New York Ave
• E Tall Pine Ter - Between Dead End and E Hubbard Ave
• W Blue Lake Ter - Between Dead End and E Hubbard Ave
• W Tall Pine Ter - Between Dead End and E Tall Pine Ter
• E Blue Lake Ter - Between Dead End and W Blue Lake Ter
• Pup Fish Ln - Between Blue Lake Ave and Cul-De-Sac
• Tilapia Trail - Between Cul-De-Sac and Cul-De-Sac
• Red Ear PL - Between Pup Fish Ln and Tilapia Trail

Efforts will be made to ensure roads are clear to traffic and available to residents, though road work could delay solid waste and recycling services during this time.

Chris Cloudman, Mayor of DeLand, Assistant City Manager Michael Grebosz and Community Information Manager Chris Graham, APR, were all recognized at the Volusia League of Cities annual Distinguished Service Awards banquet in Deltona.

Mayor Cloudman and Assistant City Manager Mike Grebosz both were recognized for being named Home Rule Heroes by the Florida League of Cities. Recipients are local government officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently respond to the Florida League of Cities’ requests for members to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a perspective on how issues may affect local government. 

This is the fourth year in a row that Cloudman and Grebosz have been recognized as Home Rule Heroes.

Cloudman was first appointed to Seat 4 of the City Commission in 2014 and has served ever since, being elected Mayor in 2022. 

Grebosz has been with the City of DeLand for 19 years including the last 8 as Assistant City Manager

Chris Graham, APR, was named Administration Employee of the Year for Volusia League of Cities. Graham oversees all of DeLand’s communications and heads several of the city’s community-oriented programs such as DeLand School of Government, DeLand Youth Council, DeLand Citizens Academy, the Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program and Winter Wonder DeLand. He also helped in 2023 create the city’s digital historic tour, which was just announced as the winner of the Public Engagement Award in the Florida League of Cities annual Municipal Achievement Awards.

Graham, a Stetson University alum, has worked for the city since 2016. 

News Release from the Florida Division of Emergency Management

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages Floridians to purchase disaster preparedness items during the first of Florida’s two, 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays beginning June 1 through June 14. A second two-week disaster sales tax holiday will take place August 24 through September 6.

“I want to thank the Governor and the Florida Legislature for continuously taking action to support Floridians and providing them with cost-effective ways to be prepared,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I urge all residents to prioritize preparedness during these tax-free holidays and make any necessary updates to their disaster supply kit and plans.”

“Disaster can strike at any time. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires are frequent threats to people and property. The beginning of hurricane season is a good time for Floridians to gather supplies they would need to stay safe during and after a disaster,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “I encourage consumers to learn about the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and save money on essentials to keep their families, homes and pets safe.”

House Bill 7073 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis to provide much-needed financial relief for families to prepare for hurricane season, in addition to a number of other tax holidays. This year, Floridians are expected to save millions on vital disaster preparedness supplies such as pet supplies, tarps, batteries, generators and flashlights, which are all included in the list of items eligible to be purchased tax-free.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have released their outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting an above-normal season.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to have an 85% chance of being above-normal, a 10% chance of being near-normal and a 5% chance of below-normal.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.

For the full report, please go here: NOAA 2024 Atlantic hurricane season outlook.

Starting the week of May 19, micro surfacing will take place in four subdivisions throughout DeLand.

Micro surfacing is a cold mix paving system that uses polymer modified asphalt emulsion with graded aggregate and extends the life of existing roadways by preserving the existing infrastructure. Access to sections of the road will be limited as surfacing commences and the substance cures (typically takes 1-2 hours). Residents are asked to refrain from parking on the street during the project and to turn off sprinklers that may spray onto the street as that may delay surfacing.

Door hangars have been left at residences in Heather Glen, Waterford Lakes and Lake Lindley Village and a message board is on display at Victoria Hills alerting residents to the project.

The schedule will be as follows (weather permitting):

May 20

Island Cove Dr – Waterford Lakes

Cottage Hill Dr - Waterford Lakes

Benton Lake Dr S - Waterford Lakes

Limewood Ave – Lake Lindley Village

May 21

Sutton Island Dr - Waterford Lakes

Lake Lindley Dr N/S - Waterford Lakes

May 22

Orangewood Ave – Lake Lindley Village

Lemonwood Ave – Lake Lindley Village

Village Lake Dr N/S – Lake Lindley Village

May 23

Collins Lake Dr - Waterford Lakes

Hensley Dr – Heather Glen

Heather Glen Dr – Heather Glen

Hendren Dr – Heather Glen

Heather Way – Heather Glen

May 24

Curry Rise Ct – Victoria Hills

Callaway Ct – Victoria Hills

Ridgeway Blvd – Victoria Hills

May 28

Brookgreen Way – Victoria Hills

Victoria Hills Dr – Victoria Hills

May 29

Spalding Way – Victoria Hills

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, today announced the winners of the 2024 Florida Municipal Achievement Awards. Hosted annually, the Florida Municipal Achievement Awards provide municipalities the opportunity to receive deserved recognition for superior and innovative efforts in four award categories: Economic Advancement, Environmental Stewardship, Local Action and Public Engagement.

This year’s winners and their projects are:

• Economic Advancement Award – City of St. Cloud, Economic Gardening Program

• Environmental Stewardship Award – Town of Oakland, Oakland Nature Preserve

• Local Action Award – City of Sarasota, Attainable Housing Density Bonus Program

• Public Engagement Award – City of DeLand, DeLand Digital Historic Tour.

“Across Florida, our cities, towns and villages are innovating and working hard to make their communities even better places to live,” said FLC President Greg Ross, Mayor of Cooper City. “These projects are outstanding examples of how cities are on the front lines of hearing from our residents and planning for the future. On behalf of the League, I’m proud to recognize this year’s outstanding winners and celebrate their success!”

The Economic Advancement Award focuses on a city program that supports, highlights or partners with a city’s local business community to improve the economic well-being of a city. The City of St. Cloud developed a Downtown Economic Gardening Program, an approach that promotes companies growing from within their own structure. The St. Cloud Program was multiple layers of financial and technical assistance programs for businesses affected by the pandemic and prolonged construction of the city’s streetscape project. The program offered $190,000 in grants, technical support, fee waivers and marketplace information for small and mid-size businesses.

The Environmental Stewardship Award focuses on a city program that promotes environmental sustainability, improves and protects environmental conditions or provides environmental education and outreach programs. The Town of Oakland supports the Oakland Nature Preserve (ONP), which offers diverse ecosystems, engaging classrooms and outdoor pavilions that welcomed 40,000 guests in 2023. The Preserve hosts students for hands-on science education as well as summer camps and a Youth Climate Project. For adults, it offers programs that include firefly hikes and senior walking groups. Supported by the Town, the ONP’s conservation efforts include tree planting and land acquisition.

The Local Action Award is given to a city for a specific, single citywide effort that successfully addresses a local need. The City of Sarasota has been focused on a voluntary density bonus program to incentivize the private development of attainable housing units. In 2023, the Sarasota City Commission adopted a downtown attainable housing density program. Several projects have been submitted for an estimated creation of 87 attainable housing units downtown. In March 2024, the Commission approved a second attainable housing density program that will incentivize the creation of mixed-use development and require housing for a mix of incomes along the major commercial corridors and commercial centers.

The Public Engagement Award focuses on a city program that builds a more vital, participative community. The program develops civic awareness, increases education and knowledge of local government functions or promotes active participation among residents, businesses and visitors. The City of DeLand developed a campaign showcasing the city’s historical assets. The city launched two digital historic tours on Google Maps and Google Earth. These self-guided tours take participants on a journey to explore some of DeLand’s most iconic landmarks dating back 140-plus years. More than 20 sites are featured on the tours, which map out the city’s four historic districts.

All winning cities will receive a trophy and be featured in the FLC’s award-winning magazine, Quality Cities (QC), as well as on the website and social media outlets.

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Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. 

For more information, visit flcities.com.

Residents are invited to join the city and area veterans organizations as we honor those who have fallen while fighting for our country.

The American Legion Adam Quinn Post 6 and American Legion Orange Baker Post 187 will host this year's Memorial Day event. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. Monday and will be held at the Veterans Plaza & Gardens at Bill Dreggors Park, 230 North Stone Street.

The DeLand Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors while the Volusia Sheriff's Office will provide a 21-gun salute. Chris Cloudman, Mayor of DeLand will provide a few words and retired U.S. Army Chaplain and 1968 DeLand High graduate Harland Merriam will give the keynote address: "United in Remembrance: Serving Together, Serving Stronger."

The military collections held within the DeLand Memorial Hospital and Veterans Museum will be available for a free tour immediately after the event which should run about 45 minutes. 

The City of DeLand is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Citizens Academy, a month-long program designed to give residents and community stakeholders an inside look at how local government operates. This unique opportunity will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the various departments within the city and their roles in serving the community.

The academy will consist of sessions that take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning on Wednesday, May 1 and ending on May 22. Participants will have the chance to visit different departments and staff including the City Manager’s Office, Community Information, Police, Fire, Community Development, Public Works, and Utilities. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with department heads and staff, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into how each department operates.

"The Citizens Academy is a great way for residents to get involved and learn about their local government,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “Providing more access to local government and developing a citizens academy has been a part of our strategic plan and I am excited to see this program become a reality. We want our community members to be informed and feel empowered when it comes to decision-making processes that affect our city."

A graduation ceremony will be held on June 3 at the City Commission meeting. 

Space is limited to 20 participants spots for the class. Residents within DeLand city limits will be given preference, but the academy is open to all residents with a DeLand address. To apply for the Citizens Academy, interested individuals can fill out an application online at www.deland.org/delandcitizensacademy

For more information about the Citizens Academy, please contact Community Information Manager Chris Graham at 386-626-7117.

As our city and the region continue to see growth, the city is seeking input from residents on how they want DeLand to look in the future. 

The city is excited to announce the launch of “Distinctively DeLand”, an update to the city’s 2050 Vision Plan and the Comprehensive Plan. These two documents are the framework for guiding growth and development in the city and in turn help shape DeLand’s future. 

To gather input, the city is currently conducting a survey through our Engage DeLand platform to get a sense for what residents want to see in the future for the city. The survey can be taken by visiting the project page.

Planning staff will also be going to several events around town to gauge resident sentiment on what they want to see in the city. The city is also hosting an open house on March 20 at City Hall. The open house will be at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers at City Hall, 120 South Florida Avenue.  

The results of the survey will be presented in April to the Planning Board and City Commission. Those findings will also help the city revise its comprehensive plan to be finalized later this year. 

The City of DeLand is excited to announce its upcoming community clean-up day, which will include a special opportunity for residents to shred unwanted documents, pick up free mulch and throw away large items in one spot. 

𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆

The shredding event will take place from 9 to 11 AM (or until the shredding truck reaches capacity), Saturday, March 30 in the parking lot at the corner of East Hubbard and South Woodland Boulevard.

Shredding services are open to DeLand residents only on a first-come, first-served basis and are not open for commercial or business purposes. Each vehicle or address will be allowed to bring up to 5 boxes or bags of materials to be shredded. Accepted items for shredding include dry paper products, bound books, spiral bound notebooks, photographs and blueprints, as well as small amounts of cardboard.

However, there are some items that will not be accepted for shredding. These include garbage and food waste, wet paper products, large metal items, wood and wood products, plastics, toner cartridges, CDs or DVDs. We kindly ask that residents do not bring these items for shredding.

𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐂𝐇

In addition to the document shredding service, free mulch will also be available to residents only. Residents may pick up mulch on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 AM. The mulch pickup will be located in the grass parking lot at East Hubbard and South Alabama Avenue. Residents will be responsible for loading their own mulch.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 & 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒

Dumpsters will also be on site for those needing to dispose of large items such as furniture, sinks and toilets and building material scraps. Hazardous waste, paint, appliances, tires and yard waste will not be accepted.

(DeLand, Florida) - The City of DeLand is excited to announce that its annual Tree Giveaway, presented in part with the DeLand Breakfast Rotary, will take place on Saturday, April 27.

The giveaway will from 8 to 11 AM at the City of DeLand Public Services complex located at 1102 South Garfield Avenue.

Residents within the DeLand Utility Service Area are invited to participate in this year's Tree Giveaway. To enter the complex, residents must use the Amelia Avenue entrance. Proof of residence will be required to receive a tree. Each household is eligible for up to three trees, with a maximum of six trees per vehicle if picking up for another household.

This year's tree species include Bald Cypress, Southern Magnolia, Live Oak, River Birch, Persimmon, Yaupon Holly, Snowbell, Southern Red Cedar and Yellow Poplar. These trees have been carefully selected for their suitability in Florida's climate and soil conditions.

The City of DeLand is committed to promoting a greener and more sustainable community – having been named a Tree City USA for 38 consecutive years. This annual Tree Giveaway event allows residents to contribute toward this goal by adding new trees to their properties. Trees not only beautify neighborhoods but also provide numerous environmental benefits such as reducing air pollution, providing shade and wildlife habitats, and improving overall air quality.

For more information about the Tree Giveaway event or other sustainability initiatives in the City of DeLand, please contact the Public Services Department at (386) 626-7190 or visit www.deland.org.

Tree Giveaway Form

Residents attending the Tree Giveaway should download and fill out this form here: Tree Giveaway Form

Happy February! Do your kids (or you) love Henry?As we celebrate love and friendship, we are releasing Henry-themed Valentine’s Day cards available here as a printable PDF. 

Henry “Hank” is the DeLand Fire Department’s live-in dog and is beloved by all the staff and firefighters. The goal of having him as a station dog is to provide love and comfort to our crews as they come and go throughout their long 24-hour shifts away from home.

Henry’s StoryIn January 2022, a small dog walked into the grand opening celebration of Station 81. After running around the station during the ceremony, we were able to catch him and turn him over to animal control. Thirty days went by and no one came forward to claim him so we formally adopted him, naming him Henry “Hank” DeLand.

DeLand, Florida – The City of DeLand is hosting a job fair on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at the Sanborn Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Participants will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of departments. These include the Fire Department, Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works Department and more. 

We would like to thank our co-sponsors: DeLand & Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce; Volusia County; Mainstreet DeLand, Stetson University and the Florida Department of Transportation. 

The following departments/organizations will be represented. (subject to change) 

• City Hall 

• DeLand & Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce

• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

• Fire Department

• Mainstreet DeLand

• Parks and Recreation Department

• Police Department

• Public Works Department

• Stetson University

• Utilities Department

• Volusia County 

The event will provide information about open positions and career opportunities. Participants can also learn about benefits and other important details related to employment with the city and our co-sponsors. 

We encourage all those who are interested in pursuing a career with the city or other participating organizations to attend this event and take advantage of this great opportunity. 

For more information about this job fair or any other employment opportunities with the City of DeLand please visit www.cityofdeland.com/jobs or contact HR Employment Coordinator Roan Thomas – Pipe at 386-626-7095 or piper@deland.org. 

The City of DeLand invites you to help shape the future of our parks.

We are partnering with Stetson University’s Center of Public Opinion Research for a research study to gather input from residents on parks and recreation amenities in DeLand.

Resident input will be added to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan as we work to better parks and recreation amenities in our community.

Your participation will involve completing a brief online survey, which should take about 10 minutes. Residents can find the survey at this link: https://stetson.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_78R8Z2dQViAnfr8 or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.  

If you have any questions about the study or experience any problems with the survey, please contact CPOR Manager Liam Leider at 386-822-8836.

The city has broken ground on major improvements to its water reclamation facility, an $83 million project aimed at meeting future flow demands, improving discharge quality and reducing the reliance on septic systems in the region.The city held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the Wiley M. Nash Water Reclamation Facility located at 1101 S. Amelia Avenue. 

The project includes expansion of the permitted daily treatment capacity of the plant from 6 million gallons per day (MGD) to 8 MGD, replacement of the current gas chlorine disinfection process with safer, ultraviolet disinfection technology, and treatment process improvements to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. 

Once complete, it is projected the water reclamation plant will reduce total nitrogen flow to Blue Spring by 146,177 pounds per year and total phosphorus by 91,324 pounds per year.

Built in 1978, the city’s wastewater treatment plant was named in honor of Wiley M. Nash, who served as Utilities/Public Works Director and later as Mayor. In 1990, the facility was upgraded to produce reclaimed  water and reduce the discharge of effluent into the St. Johns River. The plant currently serves a utility service area of more than 80 square miles with a population of about 68,000.

Construction is expected to start in December of this year with a projected completion date of the summer of 2026.

Families are invited to join city leaders for the official opening of the Jackson Lane Memorial Park playground. 

 The project cost a total of $300,000, with $150,000 coming being funded through a grant from Volusia ECHO, which supports environmental, cultural, historic and outdoor recreation projects.

 City leaders will give remarks before a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, August 4.

 "We are thrilled to be able to open this new playground for our community to enjoy. This is a perfect example of collaboration with Volusia County to create something truly special for our residents,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “We look forward to watching families enjoy the new playground for many years to come!” 

 Located at 720 North Frankfort Avenue, the new playground replaced equipment that was more than two decades old and was built with accessibility in mind. 

 Equipment elements include an accessible Merry-Go-Round, slide structure, shade structure, climbing walkway, stair climber, accessible escape swing, accessible escape bay, expression swing tandem, bongo drums, see saw dragon fly, rope climber and modified tire swing. The surface around the playground is impact flooring/poured rubber. 

 The City has also added benches/picnic tables and refurbished the Basketball court and new parking lot surface. 

The city has broken ground on a new Utility Administration Building – part of a $95 million plan to expand and enhance the city’s public services complex and wastewater treatment plant to meet future demand and reduce the reliance on septic systems in the region.

The city held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, June 23 at the Public Services complex, 1102 South Amelia Avenue, to kick-off construction of the new Utility Administration Building. The new 24,000-square-foot utilities administration/emergency support and response building (UAB) will be one of many changes to the Public Services Complex. The new building will house the full complement of Utility Department and Engineering Divisions personnel. Both teams have outgrown allocated space in multiple buildings that they occupy. In addition, the UAB will offer educational support rooms for training, emergency support facilities that do not exist to adequately support the 80+ team members that are charged with supporting the needs of the water and sewer infrastructure during activations. 

The improvements to the water reclamation facility project includes; the expansion of the permitted daily treatment capacity of the plant from 6 million gallons per day (MGD) to 8 MGD, the replacement of the current gaseous chlorine disinfection process with the use of ultraviolet disinfection technology, and other improvements that will permit us to meet the new advanced treatment process requirements of St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

City Commissioners also recently approved annexation of almost 5 acres of land to the north of the existing property at 1102 South Amelia Avenue to allow for expansion of the entire complex.

“These projects are the resultant of years of planning, thousands of hours of design and coordination, and will better support and house our Public Service Department Team members that not only serve the City but over 80 square miles of north-central Florida ,” said Public Services Director Chad Gamble. “Our city is not only dedicated to exceeding the environmental goals of the State FDEP and St. Johns River Water Management District but also being purposeful and intentional about attracting and retaining the best and brightest people to serve the greater DeLand area. This re-envisioning of our public services complex will achieve both of these things.”

Built in 1978, the city’s wastewater treatment plant was named in honor of Wiley M. Nash, who served as Utilities/Public Works Director and later as Mayor. In 1990, the facility was upgraded to an advance treatment system to produce reclamation water and reduce the discharge of effluent into the St. Johns River. The plant currently services to 68,000 residential customers within the city and outlying areas of northwestern Volusia County. In total, the utility service area is roughly 80 square miles.

With estimates of an additional 20,000 residents living in DeLand and surrounding areas by 2035, the plant’s capacity would need to increase by an additional 2 million gallons per day. A total of 6.4 million gallons per day is expected to be treated by 2040. 

Additionally, the improvements will allow the city to decrease nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into the Blue Spring Water Basin and maintain the city’s compliance with state regulations on effluent discharge. Once complete, it is projected that the water treatment plant will help reduce total nitrogen flow to Blue Spring by 146,177 pounds per year and total phosphorus by 91,324 pounds per year.

Construction is expected to start later this year with a projected completion date of the summer of 2026.  

The City of DeLand and MainStreet DeLand Association are teaming up for the Wreaths on Woodland initiative to help raise funds for holiday festivities in the downtown corridor.

Every year, the city displays 47 holiday wreaths along Woodland Boulevard, West New York Avenue and East Indiana Avenue. Wreath sponsors will get their name on a special ribbon placed on one of the 47 wreaths in Downtown DeLand. This year’s sponsors will also receive a commemorative item in recognition of their donation to the program.

Sponsorship of one wreath costs $500.

“This is an opportunity for small business owners, families and community members to help make the holidays truly special in the City of DeLand,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman.

Funds raised will go to MainStreet DeLand Association and be used to help fund the newly envisioned, “Light Up DeLand” festival, which aims to kick off the holiday season and bring the city’s Christmas tree lighting to West Indiana Avenue in front of the historic Volusia County Court House. Funds will also go toward future holiday decorations as part of the city’s Winter Wonder DeLand program.

To donate, people may go here: www.mainstreetdeland.org/wreaths

In recognition of National Historic Preservation Month, the City of DeLand has launched two digital historic tours on Google Maps and Google Earth. These tours will provide an interactive way for residents and visitors to explore the city’s rich history and culture.

“We’re excited to offer these digital historic tours as a way for people to connect to our city’s past,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “This is a great opportunity for all to learn more about our city and its unique history.”

The two self-guided tours are designed to take visitors on a journey through time, exploring some of DeLand's most iconic sites and landmarks dating back 140-plus years. Over 20 sites are featured on the high-level historic tours and map out the city’s four historic districts: the Downtown DeLand Historic District, Stetson University Historic District, the Garden District and the West DeLand Residential Historic District – which combined feature more than 450 historic buildings.

The tour offered on Google Maps allows people to hop in their vehicle and map out the sites on their GPS. The Google Earth tour is a virtual tour that allows people to explore DeLand from anywhere they would like.

 The tour offerings are among several ways the city is focused on remembering our past and preserving our future.

•    The city has invested more than $150,000 in structural improvements to the DeLand House Museum, which is operated by the West Volusia Historical Society.

•    While the city was disappointed with the demolition of the Hotel Putnam, staff requested the owner to preserve as many of the structure’s bricks as possible. Roughly 500 bricks were saved and are being used to raise funds for future restoration projects such as the DeLand House Museum and the JW Wright Building.

•    The city is proud to be a partner in helping restore the JW Wright Building, once a key building in the city’s Spring Hill neighborhood. In 2019, the city awarded $20,000 in underutilized grant funds toward the restoration project. 

•    The city will be raising awareness amongst property owners regarding the historical tax exemption available to them. This enables property owners to improve their property and establish them as contributing structures for the city. The exemption allows for up to 100 percent of the assessed value of improvements to be tax exempt.

•    The city is in the process of applying for a grant to update our Historic Site inventory list. The last survey was conducted in 1986.

For more information about DeLand’s digital historic tours, please visit www.deland.org/historictours

City Commissioners recently approved a measure that will allow patrons to bring their dogs to dine at the outside areas at restaurants in DeLand.

While many of the city’s restaurants today would be considered dog-friendly, the measure approved at the city’s February 6 meeting brings the city in line with state law. The Dixie Cup Clary Local Control Act, approved by the state legislature in 2006, allowed cities and counties to legalize dogs at restaurants. Without the local exemption, dogs dining in outside areas is not considered legal per state statute.

“DeLand is a dog-friendly community, even celebrating them with the annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade," said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “When we learned that local restaurants were being subjected to violations from the state for allowing canine companions, we were happy to enact a local ordinance to opt into a state provision that allows the practice to continue.”

Businesses that wish to opt in to the city’s dog dining license will be able to do so at no cost to the applicant and must adhere to sanitation protocols set forth by the provision of the Dixie Cup Clary Local Control Act. The license will automatically renew annually unless otherwise requested by the restaurant. 

For more information, people may go to the city’s website and sign in through the Accela portal, log in and create a planning application: https://www.deland.org/197/Accela-Citizen-Portal

The City of DeLand is inviting residents to attend its annual shredding day event.

Residents are encouraged to bring any documents they need shredded and dispose of them in a safe and secure manner. 

 The event will be held on 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22 in the parking lot south of Melching Field. 

 It will provide an opportunity for residents to securely dispose of any sensitive documents that contain personal information such as bank statements, credit card bills, tax returns, and more. The shredding will be done on-site courtesy of a truck being provided by GFL, Inc. 

 “We are excited to provide this service for our residents,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “It is important that we help our community protect their personal information from identity theft. This shredding day event will help make sure that all documents are securely destroyed.”

The event is for City of DeLand residents only and 5 boxes/bags per vehicle will be allowed. The event is first come, first-served and will go until 11 a.m. or whenever the truck reaches capacity. 

 Items that can be shredded include:

•             Dry Paper Products

•             Bound Books

•             Paper clips

•             Spiral Bound notebooks

•             Photographs and blueprints

Items that cannot be shredded include:

•             Garbage and food products

•             Wet paper

•             Large metal items or three-ring binders

•             Wood and wood products

•             Plastics including styrofoam

•             Toner cartridges

The city is launching a campaign aimed at raising funds for homelessness prevention services and reducing panhandling in the community.

The City of DeLand has partnered with the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia to launch the Spare Change for Real Change campaign that will provide people alternative ways to donate to those in need.

“People give to panhandlers with good intention; however, there are better and safer ways to ensure that our donations are put to good use,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “One hundred percent of the money raised by this campaign will fund homelessness prevention services at the Neighborhood Center.

“We know that addressing homelessness and panhandling in our city will require a multi-tiered approach, but this is a great initial step toward helping people and our community.”

In the coming days and weeks, people will notice signs with a QR code and/or a number to text posted in area businesses encouraging people to donate to the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia. Pending approval of the Florida Department of Transportation, the same signs will be placed at intersections where panhandling is prohibited due to safety concerns. 

Throughout the year, the city will also look to partner with businesses to raise funds for homelessness prevention services.

This is just one step in the city’s efforts in addressing homelessness and poverty in the city. 

In addition to enforcing the city’s existing panhandling ordinance that was amended last year, officers will soon be paired up with case workers from the Neighborhood Center to assist individuals in providing them resources.

To donate, text "change4homeless" to 44321. 

More information may be found at www.deland.org/realchange

Work will soon begin on an extension of The Charles Paiva Greenway.

City Commissioners Monday night approved a contract with Valencia Construction Group Inc. to build the north extension of The Charles Paiva Greenway.

The Winter Garden-based contractor was the lowest bidder for the project at $2.24 million. The trail currently runs from Earl Brown Park through Downtown DeLand and ends near Stetson University at East Minnesota Avenue. 

In August 2022, the Volusia County Council approved $1.5 million in ECHO funding with the city funding the remaining portion of the project. The north extension will go from East Minnesota Avenue up Garfield to U.S. 92. 

Work on the trail is expected to begin by May 2023.

City officials Wednesday afternoon issued a permit for demolition of the Putnam Hotel.

Axia Putnam LLC, the property’s current owner, had been renovating the 100-year-old hotel in hopes of converting the building into high-end apartments. However, after renovation work had been initiated, several structural deficiencies were discovered by both the city’s building department and Axia. The Building Department requested that the property owner have its structural engineer assess the building’s integrity.

In late December, the city received a written report from BBM Structural Engineers, Inc., that the east wing of the building had deteriorated rapidly and recommended demolishing the building “in whole.” After selecting a contractor, Axia had to submit an application for demolition with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as is protocol, before being granted a demolition permit from the city.

The Putnam Hotel has stood for 100 years at its location on West New York Avenue and has seen multiple owners in recent years, though restoration efforts did not come to fruition.

“We are disappointed to receive the news that the Putnam has been deemed structurally compromised,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman at the time when the city first received word of the conditions at the Putnam. “The building has stood for many years in the heart of our downtown, and it is my hope that the property will be redeveloped in a manner that pays homage to the once prestigious hotel.”

Jeremy Long, Managing Partner for Axia Partners, noted at time, “We, too, are saddened with this outcome. We remain committed to finding a use for the Putnam site that pays tribute to the once prestigious hotel and the history of DeLand that it reflects.”  

The contractor, Elev8 Clearing & Demolition, intends to begin demolition work the week of February 13. As requested by the city, the contractor will attempt to salvage the bricks from the existing structure to be incorporated into its future project as well as for other interested parties.

The City of DeLand is embarking on a year-long process to update its strategic plan. 

First adopted in 2000, the strategic plan outlines a vision for the city’s future and strategies that should be utilized to get there. It is also a guiding document for the commission and staff when setting the budget.

The plan was updated in 2005 and city has tried to update the plan every 10 years with 2015 being the last time it was updated. However, given the changes within our community and a city commission led by a new mayor for the first time in more than 20 years, the city is moving forward with an update this year. 

“As the city continues to grow, it is important to look at ways we can improve DeLand to ensure it continues to be a great place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “I encourage our residents to be involved in charting out the future of our city as we revamp our strategic plan.”

The City Commission on January 30 held its first workshop to discuss priorities to be incorporated into the strategic plan. A steering committee comprised of DeLand residents will work with the City Commission to revise the strategic plan based on input from residents. The Steering Committee’s first meeting will be at 6 p.m. February 22 at the Chisholm Community Center.

The city will also hold in-person community forums beginning in March to receive input from residents. However, to increase the amount of input from residents, the city has launched an online engagement platform called Engage DeLand. This will allow people to stay up-to-date on upcoming meetings, important information and provide input to questions or surveys that are posted on the site.

We encourage residents to sign up for notifications on the platform and be involved in the process. Our engagement platform may be viewed here: http://deland-fl.civilspace.io/

We have also created a page on our website dedicated to the Strategic Plan Update: https://www.deland.org/651/Strategic-Plan-Update

When Louease May retired three years ago from her job with Sherwood Medical Industries, her friends asked her what she would do with all of her free time.

“I told them I would keep busy by helping people,” said May, a DeLand native. “And that’s exactly what I’ve done.” 

Whether it is taking people to their doctor’s appointments, encouraging locals to vote or assisting with food giveaways, May said she’s been blessed to be able to help others in need.

May’s love for her community and others is what lead to her being chosen as the 2022 DeLand Volunteer of the Year.

“I’m a giver and doing things for others makes me happy,” May said. “If I can help someone along the way, I know my living is not in vain.”

Nazrine Navetia wrote in May's nomination that she is often collecting food and delivering it to the elderly and running errands for people, doing “small stuff that needs to be done, just giving a helping hand.”

Another one of her nominators, Shilretha Dixon, who serves as Executive Director for the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center, wrote that while May “holds no formal title or affiliations, her willingness to share her time and talent to lend a helping hand and to show kindness makes the greatest difference in the lives of the individuals who are touched by her generosity.”

“There are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened, and then you have Ms. Louease, a person who makes things happen,” Dixon wrote.

May’s name will be inscribed on a plaque that will be placed in our Volunteer Walk of Fame in Downtown DeLand. May and our other nominees – Martin Giblin, Tanna Gartside, Chaplain Herbert Becker, Dr. Primrose Cameron and Joe Hearn – will be recognized at the City Commission meeting on January 3.

May was shocked and humbled when told of the recognition, though she was not seeking any accolades.

“God blessed me with being able to assist people that otherwise can’t do those things for themselves,” she said. “I just like to see people happy and being able to put a smile on someone else’s face.”

Not only does it look sharp, DeLand Fire’s Station 81 has now received national acclaim for its design.

The fire station, which opened in early 2022, was recognized among 61 entries nationwide in the annual Firehouse Station Design Awards, receiving a bronze award. The entries were judged based on site location, design, operations, functionality and safety for personnel.

“A lot of thought and effort went into conceptualizing the design of Fire Station 81,” said Fire Chief Todd Allen. “Thank you to SchenkelShultz Architecture, our entire design team, the City Commission and for everyone else who had a hand in making this dream a reality. We are proud to have one of the premier fire stations in Volusia County and Central Florida.”

 Replacing former Station 81, which was originally designed in the late 1960s as a volunteer fire station, the 15,780-square-foot facility meets the department’s current and future needs. The new station houses all of the fire department’s administrative offices, two response fire companies, the shift commander, and fire prevention under one roof. Previously, the Fire Marshal’s Office was located in City Hall. 

Having a central location for administrative operations allows for improved communication and coordination – and it is necessary – as Station 81 in 2021 fielded more than 5,300 calls for service, making it one of the busiest in Volusia County.

 Chief Allen said some of the main focuses of the new facility were personnel safety, training and accommodations for a changing workforce. 

Station 81 has a separate area for decontaminating gear, keeping harmful chemicals and carcinogens away from personnel. The living quarters features a kitchen, lounge, fitness area, offices and separate bunk rooms to accommodate our diverse firefighters.

Training is also a key element of the station with integrated designs that allow for confined space, rappelling, hose and rooftop drills. 

The new station also features a large multi-use community room that can be used for hosting training classes, and city meetings, etc. The community room is available for other groups to utilize if available at the requested time and date.

DeLand Fire Station 81 is located at 343 West Howry Avenue. 

Winter Wonder DeLand presented by Duke Energy is back and bigger and better than ever!

Launched in 2021, Winter Wonder DeLand is a month long celebration of the holidays, where residents can enjoy the holiday lighting displays and ambiance in Downtown DeLand while also supporting the city’s local businesses and restaurants. 

“This is a wonderful example of the city partnering with our community businesses to brighten our city and make it even more of a destination for the holiday season,” said Mayor Chris Cloudman. “We invite people to spend part of their holidays in DeLand and do their holiday shopping at our local businesses, too.”

Downtown areas that will be adorned in lights this year include Woodland Boulevard, Indiana Avenue, Chess Park and Pioneer Park. Of course, our acclaimed toy soldiers will be back to guard their respective downtown street corners.

New additions to this year’s lighting display include:

-    More than 10,000 lights wrapped around light poles along Woodland Boulevard. 

-    The city also refreshed all of its wreathes posted in Downtown DeLand with new lighting and ornaments.

-    The city is also hosting its first ever home decorating contest sponsored by Ace Hardware of DeLand. Residents are invited to submit their home in our contest. Homes will be entered into a Google Map for people to use if they wish to go see some of the city’s best residential lighting displays. The winner of our contest will receive a $100 gift card to Ace Hardware. Residents can register their house for the contest here: https://www.deland.org/616/City-of-DeLand-Holiday-Lighting-contest

Winter Wonder DeLand will officially begin on Friday, December 2 to coincide with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree outside DeLand City Hall and MainStreet DeLand Association’s holiday wreath in Pioneer Park. Santa will visit both locations that evening. 

Santa will also be riding our antique fire truck to visit neighborhoods on select evenings during December. These events will also complement the various other holiday events in the city. 

The annual DeLand Christmas Parade presented by the Rotary Clubs of DeLand is also coming back on December 3. Then on Sunday, December 4, the DeLand Indie Market will return to Artisan Alley.

On December 16, DeLand Parks & Recreation will hold its second annual, “A Walk Through Christmas at Earl Brown Park”. This event will transform Earl Brown Park into a European style Christmas market where guests will be able to view different holiday scenes and be able to enjoy festive treats. 

The holiday lights in Downtown DeLand will remain in place until the beginning of January. 

Winter Wonder DeLand is a public-private partnership that has been made possible this year by a number of sponsorships including our presenting sponsor Duke Energy. Other major sponsors include AdventHealth DeLand, City Sanctuary Church and GFL.

We are still seeking other sponsors to join in supporting Winter Wonder DeLand to sustain it for future years. Businesses or entities interested in partnering as a sponsor of the event, please contact Community Information Manager Chris Graham at 386-872-0821 or via email at grahamc@deland.org.

The City of DeLand’s contractor on Monday (10/9) will begin collecting of debris created by Hurricane Ian.

The city has contracted with DRC to collect vegetative and construction and demolition debris. 

Here are simple tips for residents to follow to ensure debris is collected:

•    Place debris on the curb at the edge of the property.

•    Debris should not be bagged. If debris is already bagged, GFL, the city’s solid waste contractor, will pick it up as a part of normal yard waste collection. However, that could take multiple cycles.

•    For residents bagging debris, they are asked to use clear bags moving forward.

•    Separate items to be collected by vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, appliances and electronics, etc.

•    Do not stack or lean debris near or on trees, poles, fire hydrants, mailboxes or other structures.

•    Do not block the roadway or storm drains.

Two projects were awarded ECHO funding this week after receiving approval by the Volusia County Council.

The Charles Paiva Greenway, which runs north from Earl Brown Park along Alabama Avenue to near Stetson University, received a $1.5 million grant that will allow the multi-use trail to be extended about 1.3 miles from East Minnesota Avenue to U.S. 92. 

 With the completion of the trail, DeLand will have trails that not only go through its core area, but also has trails that head east, west, north and south – creating a perimeter around the city.

 “The city is very appreciative of the funding that was awarded by the Volusia County Council,” said Mayor Robert F. Apgar. “These projects will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

The Volusia County Council also approved appropriating $150,000 in funds for Jackson-Lane Memorial Park to go toward purchasing new playground equipment that will be accessible to children of all abilities.

The city will provide matching funds for the projects, which are expected to be completed or in progress in 2023.

The Volusia County ECHO program is a voter-approved initiative that is funded using property taxes to support projects for environmental, cultural, historical and outdoor recreational purposes.

Please be advised that Stetson University students will be returning to campus this weekend. 

As a part of their move-in process they will be doing a drive-thru check-in at the Lynn Business Center on Saturday. Check-in starts 8 a.m. Saturday and goes until 3 p.m. 

East Ohio Avenue between Woodland Boulevard and Amelia Avenue will be closed to traffic to assist with the move-in process. Significant traffic congestion is expected on East Wisconsin Avenue, North Hayden Avenue and East Michigan Avenue. 

Please consider taking an alternate route as delays are expected in the Stetson University area.

Hosted by the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center, this year’s Thanksgiving Feed the Community Event Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM will serve as a time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal of hope. The event will be held in Spring Hill Park, 971 South Thompson Avenue. 

For many in our community, this holiday may not be one of abundance. Some may not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal, while others may be facing loneliness, homelessness, or displacement. For those feeling isolated or disconnected, a community dinner can bring the comfort of family, belonging, and hope. 

A host of generous community partners have come together to ensure that this Thanksgiving holiday is one filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness.

We will be offering free hot meals, along with a coat, socks, gloves, and blanket giveaway to help provide warmth during the colder months (first come-first served).

Additionally, various giveaways will be available, aimed at easing the challenges of day-to-day life and sparking hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

Whether it’s a warm meal or a winter coat, these small acts of kindness can make a big difference for those struggling this holiday season.

Please join us in making this Thanksgiving a time of compassion, connection, and renewal for all.

For more information or to donate, please contact the Resource Center at:

📞 386-740-0808

🌐 shresourcecenter.com

Two projects were awarded ECHO funding this week after receiving approval by the Volusia County Council.

The Charles Paiva Greenway, which runs north from Earl Brown Park along Alabama Avenue to near Stetson University, received a $1.5 million grant that will allow the multi-use trail to be extended about 1.3 miles from East Minnesota Avenue to U.S. 92. 

 With the completion of the trail, DeLand will have trails that not only go through its core area, but also has trails that head east, west, north and south – creating a perimeter around the city.

 “The city is very appreciative of the funding that was awarded by the Volusia County Council,” said Mayor Robert F. Apgar. “These projects will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

The Volusia County Council also approved appropriating $150,000 in funds for Jackson-Lane Memorial Park to go toward purchasing new playground equipment that will be accessible to children of all abilities.

The city will provide matching funds for the projects, which are expected to be completed or in progress in 2023.

The Volusia County ECHO program is a voter-approved initiative that is funded using property taxes to support projects for environmental, cultural, historical and outdoor recreational purposes.