EP 146 News and Interview with Jack Nicholson

Volusia State of the County reviews 2025 highlights, key initiatives, financial investments, and district-specific priorities

President Trump delivers State of the Union…..key issue highlights….details…..

Florida Legislative Session……Week 7 Issues….Details……

Feb 20 - Economic Development Q breakfast…..Deltona Economic Development Director John Cox highlighted investment/development activity in Volusia cities…….Volusia Economic Development Director Lou Paris reports on Volusia’s employment rates, commercial/resident building permits

Volusia Schools Career & Technical Education… CTE is a district-wide program designed to help middle/high school students build job-ready skills, earn industry certifications, and prepare for college or careers in high-wage and high-demand fields

City of New Smyrna Beach is looking to install a Parking Guidance System to help alleviate traffic congestion along Canal St and Flagler Ave. City will pay Risetek Global $462K to install a system that will show peak demand and parking space turnover rates….plus more details….

Orange City Council heard a presentation from Halifax Health/UFHealth Medical Center Exec Ben Eby….they also took up a contract for a new roundabout

Volusia/Flagler Transportation Planning Organization heard plans to upgrade Clyde Morris Blvd including…..resurfacing from Beville Rd to Mason Ave….adding multi-use paths and sidewalks..build new pedestrian tunnel at  ERAU….upgrade/improve drainage, lighting, traffic signals and landscaping

FACTOID…..Volusia Coastal Director Jessica Fentress points out that beach tourism contributes $4.3 billion annually to the County’s GDP (17% total) which generated 31% of Volusia’s annual sales tax revenue

FACTOID…..in 2025, Volusia Sheriff’s office made 10,717 arrests countywide with overall 80% case clearance rate