Over the period of five years, nearly 36,000 new residents moved to Volusia County. Nearly half of these individuals were coming from another county within the state of Florida. And according to the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), the state of Florida and its 67 counties will continue to show growth year-over-year.
Message Regarding COVID-19 from VCARD's 2020 Chair and VCARD's Executive Director
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) are working with the Taproot Agency, a research and creative firm, to develop a program that focuses on increasing the use of Low Impact Development and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ at the community level. This program will support local government personnel, builders, developers, and other community leaders
The R2CTPO has officially launched the 2020 “Tell the TPO” Community Transportation Survey Campaign. This survey is conducted every two years and helps provide insights for the TPO as it makes decisions on transportation priorities.
Connect 2045 is the new long-range plan being developed to guide the transportation future of the River to Sea TPO planning area. As part of the development of this plan, the TPO is requesting input in creating a cohesive and comprehensive long-range transportation plan for our community. The survey will be available through March 27, 2020.
On December 4, 2018, the Volusia County Council approved an updated fee schedule for the county thoroughfare (road) impact fees. Per the approved Resolution, the fee change would take place incrementally over a two-year period. The first 75% would take effect on March 4, 2019, and the remaining 25% on March 4, 2020.
VCARD welcomes Patrick M. Opalewski , Senior Vice President of Root Company, in his role as VCARD/FCARD Chair for 2020 - 2022.
VCARD Honors Award Recipients at 34th Annual Banquet on January 16, 2020 as well as inducted its new slate of Officers.
VCARD's NX|RD Committee held a Bicycle Drive during its Holiday Happy Hour. Generous donations from ACET Recycling, Gulfstream Design and several others ensured the donation of 12 bicycles to Salvation Army.
VCARD will host a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of septic-to-sewer conversion. Dwight Selby, City of Ormond Beach Commissioner, will be present to take questions.
The County of Volusia is proposing changes to the Coastal Management and Transportation Elements of the Comprehensive Plan.
VCARD’s NX|RD Committee together with FPZA Surfcoast Chapter of 30+ volunteers together with other volunteers at Daytona Beach City island picked up 742 lbs of trash as part of this year’s International Coastal Cleanup. Items of concern for the area include 2,170 cigarette butts picked up, 636 food wrappers, & 513 plastic bottle caps.
The Growth & Resource Management Department of Volusia County Government has proactively reached out to VCARD and the homebuilders to discuss coordination. As well as provide possible updates based on House Bill 7103 and to solicit feedback regarding their processes as a department. The department includes Building and Code Administration, Environmental Management, and Planning and Development Services.
The City of Palm Coast has recently brought on Jason DeLorenzo as their Chief Development Officer. His team seeks input on their approach to building and development-related permitting, process, and customer service. The guidance provided during the Open House will help chart a path forward and lead to new innovative approaches to move Palm Coast forward as a partner and resource for the community. The primary objective is to listen to stakeholders, not for stakeholders to hear from Palm Coast.
The City of DeLand has approved updated impact fee schedule on the 1st reading last night and has scheduled 2nd reading for August 19th to allow time for VCARD to review and comment. The new impact fee rates will nearly double the current rates for parks, police, fire and general government services.
As a follow-up to Governor DeSantis January 10th Executive Order 19-12 which called for the appointment of a Chief Science Officer, Dr. Thomas K. Frazer was named to this new role. He will be responsible to coordinate and prioritize scientific data, research, monitoring and analysis needs to ensure alignment with current and emerging environmental concerns most pressing to Floridians.
Members of VCARD's Executive Council prepared information related to the proposed half cent sales tax in Volusia County
The County Council appointed individuals to the Volusia County Planning & Land Development Regulation Commission (PLDRC).
The Council discussed possibly allowing the fees to be paid at time of permit application versus time of permit issuance. However, the Council ultimately discussed keeping the ordinance written in which fees are paid at time of permit issuance.
On Feb. 5, 2019, the Volusia County Council approved Ordinance 2019-4, levying upon voter approval a half cent local infrastructure sales tax for twenty years for roads, sidewalks, bridges, water quality, and stormwater and flood control; and requiring a citizens review committee.