The West Volusia Beacon

07/18/2025

Know what’s happening in West Volusia — anytime, anywhere.

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07/18/2025

Each year, the City of DeLand honors local men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.

Thank you to this year’s Hometown Heroes — your service and sacrifice do not go unnoticed.

Click the link to view the full special edition and see all of this year’s honorees: https://www.beacononlinenews.com/articles/news-magazine/hometown-heroes-2025/

07/18/2025

What is happening in Volusia County’s biggest city is a story with many moving parts and some loose ends.

Over the past three weeks or so, Deltona has become ground zero in a conflict that pits the city against the state, while a divided City Commission finds itself mired in controversies that may break new legal ground.

Deltonans are choosing sides and speaking out in the hope of shaping public policy and Florida’s future.

What led up to the drama now playing out in Deltona began quietly over the past two years or so, as state and local governments grappled with the need for affordable housing and the seemingly nonstop waves of new people moving into the Sunshine State.

Like it or not, Florida —especially in the Interstate 4 corridor, including Deltona — is a destination for millions. Not just from other parts of the USA, but also from foreign countries.

Hot weather, gridlocked highways and hurricanes have not deterred the migrants eager for a new start in life in a place that sells a specialty license plate featuring a movie title, Endless Summer.

What is happening in Volusia County’s biggest city is a story with many moving parts and some loose ends. Over the past three weeks or so, Deltona has become ground zero in a conflict that pits the city against the state, while a divided City Commission finds itself mired in controversies that may...

07/18/2025

The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area has awarded $500 scholarships to three West Volusia students. The club created the scholarships to assist graduating high-school seniors who demonstrate a severe financial hardship and a great passion to achieve success. Consideration is also given to academic achievement and community involvement.

Victoria Sanchez, a student at T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School in Pierson will attend the University of Central Florida majoring in nursing. Sanchez stands with Pilot Club of the Halifax Area President-elect Elissa Thomas.

Kristen Desmond, a student at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona, will attend Florida Polytechnic University majoring in mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering. With Desmond are her father, Robert Desmond, left, and Pilot Club of the Halifax Area President-elect Elissa Thomas.

Cimber Jenkins, a student at University High School in Orange City, will attend Mitchell College in Connecticut majoring in sports management. With Jenkins are Melanie Jenkins, her mom, left, and Pilot Club of the Halifax Area President-elect Elissa Thomas.

PHOTOS COURTESY TISH GRESSANG

07/17/2025

🚨 Meeting Canceled & Vacancies on Brownfield Advisory Committee 🚨

Due to a recent resignation, the City of DeLand now has two vacancies on its Brownfield Advisory Committee — and as a result, tonight’s previously scheduled meeting has been canceled due to a lack of a quorum.

This citizen-led board plays a vital role in our community by:
1️⃣ Making recommendations to the City Commission on brownfield sites
2️⃣ Receiving public input on rehabilitation and redevelopment of brownfields areas
3️⃣ Encouraging community interest and participation in the city's brownfield initiatives
4️⃣ Inviting local voices to share knowledge about potentially contaminated sites
5️⃣ Providing reports to the City Commission as needed

If you have an interest in serving on this board, 👉 apply here: https://deland.prod.simpligov.com/prod/portal/ShowWorkFlow/AnonymousEmbed/020e2d39-ecf5-42c7-bf50-1214e0ce2686

07/17/2025

Backyard chickens in DeLand? The City Commission just gave first approval to a new ordinance, but it still needs a second vote in August to become law.

Here’s what to know before the final decision is made:
https://www.beacononlinenews.com/articles/news/deland-takes-step-toward-allowing-backyard-chickens/

Illustration Courtesy City of DeLand

07/17/2025

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07/17/2025

Lynn Berg turned her love of bridge into a tight-knit community that gives back — and she's been doing it for decades.

Check out her story: https://www.beacononlinenews.com/articles/news/lynn-berg-a-real-ace-in-the-community/

07/17/2025

VBS season is here! A couple of West Volusia churches have fun, faith-filled weeks planned for kids. Get the details and more local church news here:

Sign up for VBS St. Barnabas Espiscopal Church in DeLand has opened registration for its Vacation Bible School 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 30 and 31. The theme is “Yee Haw: Celebrating God’s Greatest Gift.” Attendees will go on a frontier adventure and discover that God gives g...

07/16/2025

Get ready to relive the grit, soul and sheer electricity of one of rock’s most iconic voices, because Wednesday, July 23, the Athens Theatre will once again come alive with the unmistakable sound of Bob Seger.

Beautiful Loser: The Bob Seger Tribute takes the stage for two shows only, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., delivering a full-throttle homage to a man whose music has defined decades of American rock and roll.

Get ready to relive the grit, soul and sheer electricity of one of rock’s most iconic voices, because Wednesday, July 23, the Athens Theatre will once again come alive with the unmistakable sound of Bob Seger.  Beautiful Loser: The Bob Seger Tribute takes the stage for two shows only, at 4 p.m. a...

07/16/2025

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently recognized The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia for achieving a Nutritious Pantry certification. A Nutritious Pantry is a feeding partner committed to implementing practices that support neighbors’ access, choice and use of health-conscious foods, and also can refer people to critical additional resources. From left are the Neighborhood Center’s Chief Executive Officer Savannah-Jane Griffin, Lead Case Manager Tammy Long, Food Coordinator Nelson Ortiz, Food Systems Manager August Maulfair, Director of Prevention Services Lara Poertner, Second Harvest Food Bank’s Health Promotion Coordinator Viktoria Pringle and Neighborhood Center Case Manager Carol Williams.

07/16/2025

🎄 Step into a winter wonderland at The Christmas Mansion — ranked one of the Top 10 Best Holiday Home Tours in America! 🌟

From Nov. 1 to Jan. 18, explore 10 lavish, holiday-themed rooms inside Florida’s most historic home — the Stetson Mansion in DeLand.

🎟️ Don’t miss this magical tradition! Get your tickets now: https://www.stetsonmansion.com/christmas-tours