Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Volusia County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues with medium priority
Fiscal Year 2025-26 year-end budget reconciliation
The Council was scheduled to close out the books on the 2025-26 fiscal year with a $13.3 million reconciliation and appropriation. This adjusts county spending to match how the year actually ended.
Parks, Recreation and Culture director appointment
Caleb Marcum was up for confirmation as Division Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture, the department running county parks and recreation programs. The confirmation outcome isn't on record.
Law library services
Attorneys and library trustees urged the council to restore the 75-year-old law library's funding, calling it a low-cost gateway to the courts for people who can't afford lawyers. Staff offered to meet with advocates before the October 20 meeting.
Tree canopy protection
DeLand Quakers urged the council to strengthen tree protection rules — bigger medians, arborist supervision of removals, and larger mitigation fees — citing flooding, heat and overdevelopment.
Veteran homelessness and V3P program
The county's veteran program cut unsheltered veteran homelessness from 27 to six since January 2025, placed three homeless veterans into housing at its stand-down event, and raised $32,000 for a veteran support endowment.
Coastal storm risk management feasibility study
The county locked in a zero-cost federal partnership for an Army Corps feasibility study — the first step toward a 50-year beach resiliency plan. The beaches carry a $4.3 billion economic impact and 31,000 jobs.
License plate reader moratorium
After FDOT ordered LPR cameras off state rights-of-way, the council imposed a 12-month moratorium on county property, requiring removal of existing cameras within 30 days while exempting beach parking cameras. Sheriff Chitwood recommended a moratorium over a ban, anticipating legislative action.
Union Cemetery maintenance
A resident asked the council to act on the neglected historic African American cemetery in DeLand. County staff said inmates are already doing basic maintenance; the property is abandoned and not county-owned.
$5 Million Road Subsidy Review
Emergency Medical Services Headquarters construction
An $10.7 million, mostly federally funded EMS headquarters moves forward with A.M. Weigel Construction, giving EMS personnel an efficient modern facility with vehicle rehab bays.
Backyard Chicken Regulations
Final approval of Ordinance 2026-05 updates zoning classifications and loosens rules so residents can keep backyard chickens.
State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds
Nearly $4 million in state housing funds were appropriated to support affordable housing programs in Volusia County.
Beach access and Plaza Resort tunnel closure
Chair Brower raised the Plaza Resort tunnel closure that cuts off beach access between University Blvd. and the Dunlawton area; staff is exploring scaffolding options with the contractor.
County Fee CPI Adjustment Policy
Camp fees, range passes, pavilion rentals, junior lifeguard fees and more will now rise with inflation each year in whole-dollar increments — about 3% now. Two council members pushed back, saying it nickel-and-dimes residents.
Hope Street paving and stormwater concerns
Wendy Anderson asked whether canals have been cleaned before storm season; the county says Road and Bridge crews constantly maintain over a million feet of canals, inspected eight times more than national standards.
Traffic and growth concerns in Daytona Beach area
Residents flagged dangerous conditions: trucks straddling lanes on Marsh Road bridge, congestion on Hand Avenue widening, the too-narrow ISB bridge walkway, and Ocean Center graduation gridlock — with a call for the promised parking garage.
Youth sports field shortage in West Volusia
DeLand Little League says coaches pay out of pocket because county field rentals cost double neighboring counties' rates; council ordered a rate study and a look at the old landfill for ballfields.
Beach driving and handicap parking safety
After a vehicle sped into a pedestrian zone and memories of a fatal crash, council directed staff to bring back designated, signed handicap parking areas on the beach.
Lien reduction policy for blighted properties
A corporate owner wanted a $19,000 lien cut to $9,342 on an Ormond Beach lot vacant since demolition. Council split over whether forgiving liens rewards scofflaws or spurs redevelopment, and punted to July 21.
Hand Avenue median blocking church access
A thousand-signature petition from Prince of Peace Catholic Church says the new median on Hand Avenue blocks eastbound access to the church, food pantry, and thrift shop, forcing seniors into dangerous U-turns. Council Member Kent's district dialogue addressed it; the county engineer explained the safety rationale.
Taylor Road (CR 421) bridge repair
The hurricane-damaged Taylor Road bridge gets its repair contract underway in about two months, with completion expected by year's end.