Hi, kids! 

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Angel               The Chief Tomokie Preservation Group

When I was a little kid growing up in a vastly different Ormond Beach, a big day was enjoying a family picnic under the majestic oaks surrounding the Chief Tomokie statue at beautiful Tomoka State Park.  

I remember gazing up at the anatomically correct Indians, bowstrings taught, shooting arrows at the Chief as he stood proud, bravely pouring water over his attackers from a golden goblet with spear raised high.

The Chief looked like a giant atop the high ground, standing tall over a reflecting pool at the foot of the sculpture’s coquina base.

Now, he looks like a broken mess – the pool long-dry – and on stormy nights along the Tomoka Basin, what remains of Tomokie’s crumbling fist can be seen in the flashes of lightning, rising above the dark forest canopy in defiant resistance…

According to a report in the Ormond Beach Observer, the 45-foot statue was erected in 1955 by acclaimed American sculptor Frederick Dana Marsh on the site of an ancient Timucuan village known as “Nocoroco.” 

“The statue depicts the “Legend of Tomokie,” based on a fictional account of a mythical tribe. The legend says Tomokie’s tribe turned on him for the sacrilege of drinking the Water of Life from the Sacred Cup.”

As I understand the folktale, there was an artesian spring flowing near the village – a sacred place where the tribe believed the Great Spirit came each day to have a cool drink – the dew that dripped from his wings imbuing the waters with curative powers.

Dismissive of tribal lore, Chief Tomokie boldly drank from the source, desecrating the hallowed elixir, and an internecine war ensued amongst the Timucua. After taking the waters, Chief Tomokie seemed invincible – its restorative powers making him immune to the many arrows the warriors shot at him.   

Then, Oleeta, a beautiful Timucuan maiden, sprang forth, took careful aim, and pierced Tomokie’s calloused old heart with a well-placed arrow…

I don’t know about you, but I’m a superstitious old fool. 

I believe in the power of legend, myth, and storytelling – those historical fables and symbols that can teach valuable lessons to those willing to listen.  On occasion, I travel to the West Volusia community of Cassadaga – the bucolic spiritualist camp now celebrating its 130^th anniversary as the “Psychic Capital of the World” – to speak with mediums and psychics, or just sit on a bench and take in the tranquil vibe of that quaint and incredibly friendly community.

In my view, the “Legend of Tomokie” serves as a powerful metaphor for how modern-day leaders – like that arrogant Chief of yore – continue to defile and sacrifice our own sacred “Water of Life” on the altar of greed…     

Given the near constant political sleight-of-hand and self-serving schemes we face here on the “Fun Coast,” I think ‘ol Chief Tomokie took the ass after watching us indiscriminately violate the land his people once inhabited – where they lived in complete harmony with the lifegiving natural processes – to make room for more, more, more 3/2 cracker boxes and half-empty strip centers – then allowed his legendary monument to be desecrated and destroyed by time, elements, and vandals… 

As a result, “The Curse of Chief Tomokie” has doomed current inhabitants of Volusia County to wretchedly poor governance and a dearth of upscale grocery stores for the next thousand years…

Regardless, the dilapidated statute now serves as a stark reminder for visitors to Tomoka State Park about what our ‘powers that be’ in the Florida legislature find important, and what they do not, when preparing the state budget… 

Now, a dedicated group of residents and historians known as the Chief Tomokie Preservation Group is working hard to save this important piece of public art by having it listed on a statewide historic preservation list. 

According to the Observer’s report:

“The Chief Tomokie Preservation Group is aiming to have the statue placed on the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 to Save” program for 2024 — and the group is soliciting letters of support from the community. Every year, the organization picks 11 threatened historic places in the state and highlights them with the mission to inspire communities to preserve them. While no funding accompanies the designation, being on the list helps with applying for grants that could fund preservation efforts.”

To his credit, earlier this month, Commissioner Harold Briley successfully urged his colleagues on the Ormond Beach City Commission to issue an official letter of support to the Florida Trust.

That’s a good start. 

Here’s hoping the Volusia County legislative delegation will hear our collective voice and finally break Tomokie’s ancient curse by allocating funds for the restoration of this important Ormond Beach landmark.   

Please mail letters of support to Bill Partington II at ahc_locksmith@hotmail.com or mail them to 54 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174.

Asshole           The Tightlipped County of Volusia

“Build it and they will come?”

Earlier this week, The Daytona Beach News-Journal aptly turned that classic line from Field of Dreams into a perplexing question to tease business editor Clayton Park’s excellent explainer on why public land is currently being cleared at Daytona “International” Airport.

What?  Nobody you elected to represent your interests in the cloistered Halls of Power at Volusia County government told you?   

Me neither… 

Because I have too much time on my hands, I went back months and perused “news releases” from Volusia County’s Community Misinformation Division and Daytona “International” Airport and couldn’t find peep about why the bulldozers are roaring. 

In an article that best exemplified the importance of local journalism, Clayton Park reported that land clearing operations along the Bellevue Avenue Extension at DIA will prepare “…hundreds of acres of unused land the airport owns south of its runways and taxiways for potential future aviation/airline-related commercial development, according to Cyrus Callum, Volusia County’s director of economic and aviation resources.”

Well, it appears Volusia County taxpayers are, once again, in the speculative commercial real estate business – whether we like it or not… 

Three years ago, when our elected officials and economic development shills were still referring to the worst kept secret in town as “Project Tarpon” – there was speculation that the Amazon robotic warehouse near DIA would spawn industrial parks both on and off airport property to accommodate ancillary businesses supporting the e-commerce operation.

That included the possibility of our airport becoming a Florida “air support center” for Amazon. 

In a 2021 News-Journal piece, Mr. Park reported that Volusia County economic development officials have wanted to build an industrial park on airport property for over 15-years, however:

“That proposed business park was never built,” said Phil Ehlinger, a retired longtime economic development staffer for the county whose stint included serving as economic development director from 2009 to 2012.

“I know exactly why the industrial park never got developed,” he said last week. “Consolidated-Tomoka (now known as CTO Realty Growth) and the city of Daytona Beach objected to it on the basis that the county was going to compete with private landowners.”

I guess with initial opposition tamped down and anxious residents resigned to the Amazon fulfillment center, keeping government out of the marketplace is no longer a concern? 

For now, what we know is that 54 acres of airport property are being made “shovel ready” in a project funded by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration earmarked for airport development.

According to the News-Journal, Mr. Callum reports the airport has yet to identify potential tenants for the industrial park but claims county officials have been approached by “a number of interested developers.”

As you may recall, in 2022, area residents and established business interests along already congested Beville Road expressed serious concerns regarding the massive truck and employee traffic associated with the Amazon fulfillment center. 

At the time, some anxious residents of Pelican Bay claimed they had been “blindsided” by both the proposed Amazon warehouse – and later the network of planned roadways to service the center and other industrial sites that only became known after plans had been finalized.      

So, rather than wait until Amazon cranks up and its impact on residents, transportation infrastructure, and existing businesses can be honestly evaluated – Volusia County decides to start clearing land for heavier industrial and air cargo operations – activities which will put even more heavy truck traffic at the I-95/I-4 hub? 

Sounds about right…  

The more disturbing question remains why none of our elected or appointed officials bothered to explain both the positives and potential impacts of the DIA project to We, The Little People – taxpayers who are routinely kept in the dark and expected to make decisions regarding threatened property values and our quality of life with little information or explanation of what comes next?

Slowly but surely, Volusia County residents are awakening to the realization we are pawns in a much larger game – where plans that directly affect our lives and livelihoods have been agreed upon by our “Rich & Powerful” behind closed doors – those with a chip in the game who don’t give two-shits how their for-profit schemes impact the rest of us.

In my jaded view, that is why Volusia’s influential insiders – those who pour massive contributions into the campaigns of hand-select candidates – are so desperate to turn the Volusia County Council and various municipal commissions into echo chambers – little more than elected marionettes who keep their mouths shut and nod in simultaneous agreement when it comes time for a return on their benefactors very lucrative investments…

In recent weeks, courageous taxpayers – fed-up with being ignored by those who accept public funds to serve in the public interest – have demanded the undivided attention of their elected representatives on various boards, councils, and commissions throughout Volusia County when they engage in what passes for “citizen participation” at open meetings. 

In each case, residents boldly called out the lack of attentiveness by their elected officials – who always seem more interested in sotto voce parleys with their “colleagues,” looking at their phone, shuffling papers, or leaving the dais altogether – always during the brief three-minute audiences set aside for us peons who pay the bills. 

In their defense, I doubt if many of our disconnected elected officials are even aware of these projects – many of which they rubber stamp on a “consent agenda” – never to be discussed publicly again…

The resulting sense of remoteness between the average citizen and those we elect to serve our interests is becoming institutionalized, an accepted part of what passes for local governance in an environment where public policy is formed in seclusion – and secrecy is the operative ethic.

I hope you will keep this disturbing trend in mind at the ballot box this year…

Angel               Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu

This week we learned that the City of Daytona Beach has a problem many municipalities would love to have – too much money in its Permitting and Licensing fund. 

According to an article by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the city has been under a state review since 2021, when the State Auditor General – no doubt in a feeding frenzy – realized that if the funds are not spent properly, some of those dollars must be forfeited to state coffers… 

“State law says governments in Florida can’t let too much of their permits and license revenue go unspent year after year, and the city has found itself in that situation. The fund currently has a balance of about $22 million.

Top city staffers have come up with an $11 million plan to draw down the revenue. But at least some city commissioners have been unaware of the accumulated permits and licensing funds, the state laws governing their use, the ongoing audit, and the constraints of buying a nearly $1 million mobile command vehicle with permits and licensing funds.”

In December 2023, something called the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee – a bureaucratic collection agency comprised of state senators and representatives – ordered Daytona Beach officials to produce a written plan for how the money would be spent. 

The city’s plan called for, among other things, purchasing property for a new Permitting & Licensing facility, renovation of existing assets, acquiring vehicles, additional staff positions, information technology upgrades, new office furniture and fixtures, etc. 

In addition, the plan called for the purchase of a $1 million mobile command post, ostensibly to help coordinate operations for “Code, Building, Fire Inspectors and during major disasters/events for Police and Fire.”

Look, I was never a fan of a million-dollar mobile command post – not for licensing operations, anyway.  It appears at least some members of the Daytona Beach City Commission weren’t either…  

According to the News-Journal, Mayor Derrick Henry said he wasn’t “hunky-dory” with the command post purchase – while Commissioner Stacy Cantu correctly explained “…state law makes it clear permits and licensing funds can only be used for permits and licensing functions. So if a mobile command vehicle funded by permits and licensing was also used by other city departments, it appears that would violate the statute.”

In turn, Ms. Cantu suggested that, given Florida’s raging property insurance crisis, perhaps some of the funds could be used to help residents offset the cost of new roof replacements through a rebate program.

“We might be able to give rebates for a few years,” she said.

In my view, returning public funds to the public who generated them should always be the preferred option – and I applaud Ms. Cantu’s willingness to assist Daytona Beach residents as the city government works through this unique “problem.”

In addition, Mayor Henry and Commissioner Cantu expressed their concern that City Manager Derek Feacher apparently developed the corrective action plan – which was received by state auditors just four days before the March 29 deadline – without the input of the City Commission… 

According to the News-Journal report, Mr. Feacher explained, “It appears there is confusion on how these funds can be expended as well as the need to provide more detailed information to the elected officials,” Feacher wrote in the email. “It is not my desire ever for an elected official to denote the appearance of impropriety in the work we do. Our goal is to always provide the facts for the elected officials to be able to make the best decision for the residents of Daytona Beach.”

Feacher agreed last week to talk to the News-Journal about the permits and license mobile command vehicle purchase, but then said he was requesting more information and didn’t believe it was “prudent to have an interview.”

Now, all information coming out of City Hall related to the issue must first be filtered through Communications Manager Susan Cerbone.   

That’s unfortunate…

In my view, the Lost City of Deltona should serve as a shining example to other local governments on the importance openness and transparency when outside regulators start snooping around asking questions – keeping both the elected body and their constituents “in the loop” at every opportunity.

That contributes to the healthy debate of ideas, makes everyone feel part of the solution, ensures fair and equitable allocations of public funds, and helps build trust.

For now, the matter will be discussed at an upcoming City Commission workshop next month.  

In my view, too much money is a “good problem” to have.  Here’s hoping Mr. Feacher, and the Daytona Beach City Commission, can work cooperatively to find a beneficial solution. 

Quote of the Week

“What about the current police station at 170 W. Granada Blvd.? City Manager Joyce Shanahan said the city “certainly needs some sort of presence in the downtown.” The commission, she said, will decide what that will look like.

“We will impress upon them (the consultants) the importance of keeping that presence in the downtown,” Shanahan said. “We don’t want anyone in this room or in the community to think that we’re going to abandon the downtown.”

The original police station was built in the downtown in 1972. The current 21,000-square feet police station was rebuilt onsite in 2001.”

–Ormond Beach City Manager Joyce Shanahan, as quoted by Jarleene Almenas writing in the Ormond Beach Observer, “Ormond Beach chooses architecture firm for new police station, EOC study,” Friday, May 10, 2024

Say what?

Call it bureaucratic “paralysis by analysis” – the bane of taxpayers everywhere – where government at all levels spends scarce tax dollars on studies, feasibility reports, “space needs” analysis, architectural renderings, and employing outside consultants to “define the scope” of a project, all before the first block is laid or nail driven… 

Never mind the fact they have in-house experts with institutional knowledge (namely those who have worked in a space for years), engineers, and others on the public payroll who will be required to speak with a highly paid intermediary, who will generate a report, which in turn provides a degree of political insulation for elected officials and senior administrators by confirming that their initial assessment was right all along… 

Look, I live and pay taxes in Ormond Beach.  It is no secret that we need a new public safety complex with an up-to-date Emergency Operations Center – one more centrally located – that can provide room for expansion and advanced technology as the community continues to grow.

So, why didn’t our ‘powers that be’ just say that in the first place and get on with it – rather than wait for land and construction prices to increase exponentially?     

As you may recall, in 2019, Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington raised suspicions when he attempted to convince taxpayers that the still perfectly serviceable police department – rebuilt 23-years ago on West Granada Boulevard – was “obsolete,” horribly flood-prone, and in dire need of massively expensive repair and replacement.

Bullshit.

In my view, it was the classic Boy Who Cried Wolf tactic – leadership by manufactured crisis – the political dark art of creating an emergency to justify a need. 

At the time, many questioned why Mayor Chicken Little would embroider such a gloom-and-doom scenario, choosing to frighten residents into submission, rather than simply tell them the truth?

Why not explain that the police department sits as the western anchor of Ormond Beach’s Main Street revitalization efforts (perhaps the most valuable commercial real estate in town) and the facility should be relocated west to keep up with the rapidly expanding population center, allowing the current property to be developed and returned to the tax rolls. 

I like City Manager Joyce Shanahan – in my experience, she is accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable – and despite the often-shambolic nature of the City Commission, she somehow makes it “work,” keeping Ormond Beach one of the most stable and well-managed communities in the region. 

However, given her odd comments in the Observer, perhaps she should step outside her office and reorient herself?      

Ormond Beach City Hall sits conspicuously at the east end of West Granada Boulevard – making the municipal government complex the most prominent presence in the downtown corridor. 

It’s hard to miss.  Besides, Ms. Shanahan is smarter than that. 

Which makes me suspicious that Mayor Partington is crafting another of his Henny-Penny scenarios – calming non-existent fears that the city is “abandoning” Granada Boulevard (which may not be a terrible thing) – to facilitate the relocation of the police facility. 

In my view, this smells like another blatant political insulation tactic – one carefully crafted and foisted on already suspicious taxpayers – at a time when the truth would better serve the community…

And Another Thing!

How time (and opportunity) flies while government “study’s” the issue du jour – putting time and money between an unaddressed civic problem and their constituent’s incredibly short collective memory…    

Seven years ago, what became known as the “Grippa Committee” – a blue-ribbon panel led by former Brown & Brown senior executive Tony Grippa and comprised of the “Fun Coast’s” heaviest hitters – was charged by the Volusia County Council with developing a comprehensive revitalization strategy for the Halifax area’s still struggling beachside. 

The only red flag was the upfront caveat that the group never acknowledge the 800-pound gorilla in the room – Volusia County’s perennial beach mismanagement issues… 

Even hamstrung by that odd stipulation, given the impressive make-up and mandate of the Grippa Group, in a swoon of naivety, I was cautiously optimistic that if any alliance could influence positive change, provide effective leadership, and identify actionable solutions – it was this extraordinary assembly of civic strength and power.

There were meetings and presentations – in-depth discussions of uncomfortable truths – and a concerted effort to set a clear path forward.

Then Superman met bureaucratic Kryptonite…

After ten-months and a sincere effort to find answers, the fatal flaw came when the job of crafting the committee’s final report was left to the ultimate entrenched bureaucrat – Volusia County’s Director of Growth & Resource Management Director Clay Ervin.

What resulted was another missed opportunity – a final work product wrapped in vagaries, and prosaic clichés, strongly peppered with bureaucratese – chockfull of jargony horseshit such as, “expanding opportunities,” and “determining feasibility” – nonsensical terms that say nothing and mean less.

For instance, the group’s top two “recommendations” in what should have been a visionary roadmap for the complete revitalization of our core tourist area – the Halifax areas “tarnished jewel” of a tourism product – as construed by Director Ervin were:

1.         Expand the opportunities to make the beach a year-round destination for all visitors.

2.         Utilize prior redevelopment efforts to determine the feasibility and viability of new efforts to attract the type of redevelopment targeted by the individual cities (Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores and Ormond Beach).

You read that right… 

Frankly, given the influential and high-profile VIP committee members, I’m not sure how any County administrator associated with this sham still has a job after neutering and embarrassing all the right last names.  

In my jaded view, the legacy of the Grippa Group will remain its complete waste of time, talent, and enthusiasm – an embarrassing exercise in wheel-spinning – in retrospect, little more than a gilded (and unwitting) political insulation committee that confirmed the worst fears of beachside stakeholders. 

I was reminded of “what could have been” last week as Volusia County’s Tourism and Hospitality gurus gathered at the Hard Rock Daytona with senior County officials to join hands and congratulate themselves on attracting 10.1 million visitors to the Halifax area in 2023 – down from a record 10.6 million in 2022… 

Really?

Wow.  On average, that’s over 841,600 visitors to Volusia County each month last year – substantially more than our permanent population of 553,540… 

As a jaded skeptic, I seriously doubt the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau knows exactly how many visitors vacationed here last year. 

I bet they know even less about the number of families who arrived, drove the dilapidated gauntlet that is the East ISB “Gateway,” locked the car doors, and fled west down I-4 to places that know something about attracting, entertaining, and retaining tourists.  

Each week, I do my civic due diligence and take a driving tour of the Halifax area, watching the latest godawful “condotel” coming out of the ground, lamenting the demise of another restaurant, while pulling for the success of new-comers to A-1-A – passing the same tired façades and streetscapes that comprise much of our core tourist area – taking in the same sights, sounds, and smells that greet visitors and residents alike… 

You should try that sometime.  It’s eye-opening… 

In my view, instead of giving each other awards and accolades for maintaining the status quo, it is time Volusia County’s redundant tourist and hospitality apparatus stop living exaggerated statistic to statistic and start the long overdue process of improving the product.

I crow about this concept ad nauseum – but it isn’t an original idea. 

Over a decade ago, the Volusia County Council commissioned a $100,000 (in 2012 dollars) in-depth analysis of our tourism and hospitality industry. 

At the time, a prescient op/ed in The Daytona Beach News-Journal warned:

“As most Volusia residents know, county government and local cities love to launch studies of various issues. Those studies are usually intended to prompt action on a particular problem or opportunity, but more often than not they end up on the proverbial shelf, gathering dust.

Let’s hope the tourism report doesn’t suffer that fate. Tourism is a $3.7 billion-plus industry in Volusia County, employing more than 37,000 people. More than a third of the county’s sales tax revenue comes from tourists, according to the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tourism is essential to the economy and the future of Volusia County. Officials do need to study the tourism market and figure out precisely what the area is doing right — and doing wrong.”

In fact, the introduction to the report compiled by the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) of Duluth, Georgia, noted that all components of the study sprang from a common theme:

“Tourism is one of the most important industries in Volusia County.”

Yet, to this day, Volusia County’s economic development arm – that publicly subsidized travel club over at Team Volusia – has yet to add “Tourism and Hospitality” to their list of “Target Industries.” 

Why is that?

In their detailed final analysis, SAG wrote of our “Tourism Product”:

“The stakeholders expressed concern over the current condition of the tourism “product,” notably the beach side of Daytona Beach. There were many types of concerns expressed.

Examples include:

Condition of hotels

Condition of storefronts in high volume areas

Lack of attractive streetscape in key tourism areas

There is widespread concern that there is no “plan” for who is leading the effort and how these challenges can be improved. The issue of improvement in the tourism product was a top priority in most of the interviews.”

Any of that sound familiar twelve-years on? 

Other findings in the SAG report included:

“Disengaged Industry and Community:  . . .A very real current threat is the consistent indication of being uniformed and having no understanding of the effectiveness of current tourism initiatives. An aggressive and effective communication plan featuring understandable, measurable results is critical for the long-term support and success of tourism.  An additional theme in SAG’s meetings was the sense that it is going to be difficult to instill broad based confidence that is vital toward improved collaboration.”

“Product Deterioration: . . .Without resources – leadership and economic – the overall tourism experience in Volusia County will decline.  An overall collaborative strategy is needed.” 

In my view, broad-based public confidence begins with effective communication and identifiable results – infrastructure, revitalization, and amenities that go beyond some visitors count construed and bandied about by those who are paid to sell Volusia County to the world.

Unfortunately, it appears our hospitality maharishis are still groping for an identifiable “brand” – one many hope will capitalize on the historic lure of the “World’s Most Famous Beach” – something more than a goofy catch slogan like “Seize the Daytona” or “Forget everything you thought you knew about Daytona…” 

Then support opening more of our beach to driving as advocated by the Main Street Merchants Association, developing a viable boardwalk/entertainment district, and making the area attractive for entrepreneurial investment – while embracing those traditions and natural amenities that once made the Daytona Beach Resort Area a world-class destination.

A comprehensive tourism product we can all take pride in, rather than clucking and clapping once a year over some swagged statistic that may, or may not, be completely accurate – or pertinent to the larger discussion.   

I know.  I sound like a broken record – but it needs to be said…

With the SAG report now gathering dust on some groaning shelf in a dead-records morgue in DeLand – bookended by the findings of the Grippa Commission – how many more ways do those who allocate bed taxes need to hear it? 

“An overall collaborative strategy is needed…”

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.  This National Day of Remembrance pays tribute to law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Law enforcement nationwide is well-worthy of our admiration and respect as they go in harm’s way to protect your family and mine.

Last year, 138 law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty in the United States.

So far, 58 have paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2024.

To all those serving or who have served – thank you for holding the line.

We stand alone, together.

Archangels

From my earliest memories, law enforcement officers have always been my heroes.

They still are.

Today marks National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day 2024.

A time for reflection on the incredible contributions of the men and women who so courageously serve and protect us all – and an opportunity to honor those brave souls who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

In what is proving to be a particularly deadly period in our history for line of duty deaths, it is important that we remember those officers who, as Lincoln said, gave “The last full measure of devotion.” 

It is also fitting that we take this opportunity to consider the greater question of the role of the police in a free and open society – and the importance of citizen support for their indispensable work in preserving our way of life in America.

The great privilege of my life was the opportunity to serve in law enforcement with some of the most dedicated and talented public servants I have ever known.

For thirty-one years I had the distinct honor of standing with strong men and women who hold a thin blue line between order and chaos, between good and evil, between you and I and the predatory criminals who prey on that which we love most.

In my long career, I learned something about law enforcement officers and what these extraordinary people are made of.  I have always thought that any contribution I made was just a function of the job at hand, but I am extremely proud just to have been associated with people I consider true American heroes.

Brevard County Deputy Robert Nicol, Jr. was one of them.

In early 1986, I was a young officer with the Holly Hill Police Department assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division.

At that time, I had been on the job for about three years (in other words, I had just learned how to write a traffic ticket the same way twice) and I was working the “Midnights” – 11:00pm to 7:00am – answering calls for service from an old Dodge Aspen patrol car with a single blue light on the roof, and a Motorola “Mocom” radio, equipped with a green light to let you know it was on and a red light to let you know it was transmitting when you keyed the microphone.

A quaint antique by today’s standards.

Today, a patrol vehicle’s interior looks more like the flight deck of the Space Shuttle, with mobile data units, stolen vehicle trackers, tag readers, electronic citation systems, digital video cameras and multi-channel 800MHz radios.

It is amazing how advances in technology transformed policing during my career.

One night I arrived at the police department for briefing, got a cup of coffee from Dispatch, and took my seat at the long wooden table where officers gathered before and after each tour to pass-on important and not-so-important information, listen to the sergeant give duty assignments, gossip, tell wholly inappropriate jokes, and bitch and moan about, well, everything.

(One of the first things you learn as a police chief is that cops complain – that’s how they cope with the horrific and unnatural things the job brings them in contact with.  It’s when they stop complaining that you have a problem on your hands.)

That night my sergeant introduced me to the “FNG,” a “f—g new guy,” sitting by himself at the end of the desk.

He was a short, stocky blond-haired guy with big 80’s-style aviator glasses who thrust out his hand and eagerly introduced himself with a big grin and a heavy Western New York accent, “Howyadoin’, I’m Bob!”

At the time, many police departments didn’t have the formal field training and evaluation programs of today, and most in-service training was conducted by senior officers teaching their juniors the ropes through experiential learning and anecdotal information.

That night I was assigned to show our newest officer the city limits and get him familiar with the streets, point out the hot spots, and generally indoctrinate him on how to survive the physical and political hazards of small-town Florida.

If you’ve ever shared the confines of a patrol unit for hours-on-end with another officer then you know how fast, and how strong, a bond develops between partners in a business where you put your life in another person’s hands, and they know you will do the same for them.

Robert Nicol, Jr. was born in Coatbridge, Scotland, in 1948.

He was a former deputy with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office in Canadaigua, New York, a small community in the Finger Lakes region.

Escaping the aftermath of a messy divorce, Bob fled New York as a newly minted single-father with three young children – two boys and a girl – and his mom in tow.

Settling in Holly Hill, Bob soon applied to the police department and was hired almost immediately by Chief Pat Finn who was extremely impressed by Bob’s military background and his previous law enforcement experience.

During four-years in the U.S. Army, Bob served proudly in some of the fiercest fighting of the Vietnam War and was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat, the Bronze Star for valor and the Army Commendation Medal for his extraordinary service to our nation.

Bob Nicol was an American hero before he ever pinned on a badge.

Although twelve-years my senior, he had an energetic personality, contagious laugh, and a great sense of humor that impressed me right away.  We quickly became friends, and since Bob didn’t know many people here, we spent a lot of time together in the bars and nightclubs of Daytona Beach.

When we weren’t working, you could find us perched at Club Mocambo, the Beachcomber, Silver Bucket, Full House or any of a dozen other illustrious local night spots, quite stylish in our leather Member’s Only jackets.

Unlike me, Bob was an affable, good-looking guy who always had a way with the ladies – and I benefited more times than I care to admit just from my association with him.

Those stories and escapades are legendary, but perhaps better left for a different forum…

I learned a lot from Bob – personally and professionally.

He was a great father to his two young sons and beautiful daughter – and he doted on his mother, a brash Scot who spoke with a thick brogue and frequently made shortbread cookies that I miss to this day.

Most of all, Bob was a damn good cop – smart, dedicated, and tenacious.

It didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself in the local law enforcement community and, in May 1987, he was offered a sworn position as a deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

It was a great professional development opportunity, and the job offered more money to support his children.

We discussed the pros and cons, and late one shift Bob and I met door-to-door in our patrol cars in a parking lot near Ridgewood Avenue.  He told me he was going to take the job.  I congratulated him, we shook hands, then immediately began making plans to facilitate his move to Port St. John.

Bob and I remained great friends, even though our schedules and the hour-drive between us put a dent in our prolific nightlife.

Probably for the best.

It wasn’t long before Bob proved himself a true asset to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.  He was respected and very well-liked by everyone who knew him.

He was a cops-cop, and the epitome of who you wanted stepping out of a police car in a dark alley when you really need help.

At approximately 4:00am on Saturday, September 19, 1987, Deputy Robert Nicol, Jr. was on patrol on U.S. 1, just south of State Road 405, when he made a “routine” (if there is such a thing) traffic stop.

During the encounter, Bob arrested the driver, Scott Roberts, 21, on traffic-related charges.

Further investigation found that one of the five passengers in the vehicle, later identified as Jeffrey Mason, a then 24-year-old landscaper living in Orlando, was in possession of less than 20-grams of marijuana.

Bob arrested him on the misdemeanor charge.

While Bob was securing Roberts in his patrol car and attempting to control the four others still inside the vehicle, Jeffrey Mason broke free and escaped custody – running across the divided highway with Deputy Nicol in close foot pursuit.

As they ran into the roadway, a vehicle traveling north swerved to avoid Mason and inadvertently struck Bob at high speed.

The force of the impact sent his body crashing into the windshield, catapulting him over the top of the moving car before throwing him to the pavement, witnesses said.

His neck was broken and the base of his skull crushed.

Bob was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he remained in Intensive Care with severe traumatic brain injury.

After a manhunt involving some thirty law enforcement officers, Jeffrey Mason was found cowering in a wooded area near S.R. 405 and taken into custody without incident.

It was later determined that he was on probation in the State of Ohio for involuntary manslaughter stemming from a 1983 traffic crash which killed the passenger in his car.

On Wednesday, September 30, 1987, my friend Deputy Robert Nicol, Jr. lost his courageous battle and died from injuries sustained in the line of duty twelve days earlier.

He left behind his mother, Pat Skindzier, and three children, then ages 15, 8, and 5.

Brevard County Sheriff Jake Miller posthumously awarded Deputy Nicol the Medal of Valor for his actions that fateful morning – the highest honor bestowed on a law enforcement officer.

I will never forget the enormous number of law enforcement officers – all of us shining and resplendent in our Class A dress uniforms – who gathered for his funeral with full honors at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Titusville.

I openly wept for the first time in my young career over the flag-draped coffin of a fallen brother and friend.

Later, Nicol Park on US-1 in Port St. John was named in Bob’s honor.

A fitting tribute to a hero – but a tragic waste of an incredible soul.

It is a tradition in law enforcement and the military for brothers and sisters in arms to join in remembrance of our fallen comrades on days such as this to honor their service, sacrifice, and friendship.

The name of Deputy Robert Nicol, Jr. is inscribed on memorial panel 35-E: 8 at the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“Remember! All who have served alongside them; we who have donned the same proud uniform, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance — We will never forget their sacrifice. Remember!”

On this Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day, I remember my friend Bob – and his great devotion and sacrifice – along with all the men and women of law enforcement who have laid down their lives so that we may live in peace.

In valor there is hope.

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Asshole           Deltona City Government  

Last week, on the very evening the Deltona City Commission unanimously approved an employment agreement for recently hired City Manager Dale “Doc” Dougherty – who will take the tiller of this foundering ship on June 10 – we witnessed another embarrassing bombshell that could have profound consequences for the beleaguered government and Deltona taxpayers.

According to a disturbing scoop by WESH-2 reporter Gail Paschall-Brown, Vice Mayor JodyLee Storozuk dropped the news and left it in a steaming pile on the dais at the end of the special meeting –  announcing that the City of Deltona is facing an Internal Revenue Service debt totaling nearly $1 million – something he apparently learned from “citizens,” not City Hall – all while the feckless Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr. hammered the gavel like a maniacal carpenter, trying desperately to shutdown Storozuk before preemptively adjourning the meeting… 

More disturbing, during a subsequent stand-up with WESH, Storozuk was all but shouted down by the off-camera skreiching of a disembodied commissioner – loudly reminding the Vice Mayor that the IRS issue was under “litigation” – which, in government speak, means “keep your piehole shut, asshole.”  

When City Attorney Marsha Segal-George was interviewed, rather than squaring-up before the camera and representing the municipal government with the professional bearing one expects from a senior city official, Segal-George slowly gathered her copious luggage while mumbling into the microphone that she knows nothing about the IRS crisis…   

Historically, civic issues in the Lost City of Deltona unravel with the histrionics and overacting of a community theater troupe and this weird vignette was no different.  Regardless, last week’s shocking revelation took many residents (and apparently Vice Mayor Storozuk) completely by surprise.

That’s not good… 

According to a report by Al Everson writing in the West Volusia Beacon, Vice Mayor Storozuk confirmed that the Deltona City Commission only learned about the IRS issue during a recent briefing before last week’s special meeting. 

This distressing news was confirmed by WKMG-6, who reported city officials tried to keep this critical issue “…out of the public light.”    

Apparently, the city’s IRS reporting discrepancies date to between 2016 and 2019, which – if my math is correct – puts the origins of this growing debacle squarely during the tumultuous reign of former City Manager Jane Shang – an Époque Terrible that came close to destroying the community from the inside out… 

So, now that this diseased cat is out of the bag, why the secrecy?

In response to a public records request issued by community activist Elbert Bryan seeking information on who authorized the hiring of an outside attorney to address the IRS matter, Deltona City Clerk Joyce Raferty mysteriously dodged the inquiry, claiming the request for who, how, and when tax dollars were allocated outside the public eye is somehow exempt from Florida’s public records law?  

The response was later posted to social media:  

“The City of Deltona is facing a penalty from the IRS due to the transmission of the 1095C forms.  The penalty is not due to any taxes being owed.  In the meantime, the matter is currently in litigation and the City does not comment on pending litigation.  The City of Deltona has hired an outside attorney to handle the below mentioned issue and is in the process of an appeal.  The information requested is exempt from public records law per F.S. 119.071 (1) (d) 1.”

As I understand it (and I’m not sure I do) IRS form 1095-C deals with large employer-provided health insurance coverage that employers are required to provide their employees – and the IRS – annually detailing the minimum required employee healthcare coverage and affordability as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.

I guess you either get it right – or you don’t. 

And as anyone who has ever wrestled with the IRS can attest, the consequences are grim…

In my view, the best summation of Deltona’s illustrious history of scandals and humiliations came when WESH-2 reporter Paschall-Brown interviewed the irrepressible gadfly Richard Bellach:

“I believe it. In this city, I believe if you told me they went into a diner and stole a knife and fork, I believe it. This whole system is crooked…”

Asshole           Volusia County School Board           

“And I would scream, but they have places for people who scream…”

–Charles Bukowski  

Most days I take a strong antiemetic, peruse what passes for the news of the day, and take things in stride – laughing to myself at the abject absurdity of it all – then salve the assault on my sense of right and reason with this weekly punditry… 

Normally, I snicker at politics and those who practice it – picturing them as maladroit magicians, clumsily working the rods and strings of the same elaborate ruse – a contrived illusion created by these egomaniacal figureheads who constantly shimmy and pirouette, trying desperately to reveal only what they want us to see.

But remaining emotionally above the fray can be especially difficult when politics and bureaucratic ineptitude adversely affect the lives of our most vulnerable citizens – those who lack the clout to influence the entrenched power dynamic – as elected and appointed officials use professional ‘spinmeisters’ to craft a manufactured version of events, carefully designed to “cover their ass” and whitewash their own mistakes…      

Sound familiar?  

The rapid erosion of public confidence in Volusia County public schools continued this week with a disturbing report by The Daytona Beach News-Journal, a story which exposed the district’s ham-handed embroidery of the “facts” surrounding the displacement of hundreds of teachers and the elimination of electives and educational opportunities coming out of Superintendent Carmen Balgobin’s Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand…

In my view, News-Journal reporter Mary Ellen Ritter did a masterful job of highlighting the wide divide between known fact and contrived fiction… 

With the reassignment of teachers ongoing, and important enrichment programs being eliminated in the fallout of a disastrous plan by district administrators to use one-time federal pandemic relief funds for reoccurring operating expenses – including permanent personnel costs – Volusia County schools remain in a state of flux as senior officials scramble to resolve an astronomical $45.7 million deficit. 

Now, Danielle Johnson, the district’s Director of Community Misinformation, has cranked up the spin cycle, trying desperately to paint the maladministration leading to this predictable predicament in a favorable light – in my view, knowingly providing a slanted version of the Balgobin administration’s clumsy slash-and-burn response – one that continues to disrupt the lives of teachers, students, parents, and staff as the school year comes to an end.

This week, Ms. Johnson pushed a cart full of horseshit into public view, pointed at it, and attempted to convince stunned stakeholders that certain popular electives – including a college preparatory program – are being eliminated due to a “lack of student interest.”  In other words, claiming district administrators are doing teachers and students a favor by cutting the dead wood while judiciously utilizing “…available resources to support student success.”

According to the News-Journal’s report, “Every year, adjustments to school budgets and programs are made with student interest in mind and careful consideration of the impact on student learning,” according to an email from Johnson and the website. “All schools and student communities are different, so while programs may have shifted and changed throughout the district, schools have ensured they are tailored to their students’ wants and needs.”

Bullshit.

In my view, painting this fiscal disaster and its destabilizing aftermath as business as usual is a slap in the face to every student, teacher, and staff member who have had their lives, careers, and education disrupted. 

During recent meetings of the Volusia County School Board, parents and students have made impassioned pleas to deaf ears – tearfully explaining the painful results of “shifting and changing” popular programs.    

Among the most vocal has been Alison Root, the parent of a Deltona High School student who participated in the school choir:

“I hope you understand that what your, you and your lack of planning, has taken from my son his senior year and what it’s taken from me as a parent. You have stolen his lasts,” she said at the April 9 board meeting.

Two weeks later, she asked board members when adjustments would be made at the district level.

According to the district’s website, there will be “realignments and readjustments” at the district level, but those decisions will not be made until “closer to the end of the school year” “due to employee contract timelines, as well as employee departures and retirements.”

“There’s just over a month left in the school year,” Root told the board at its April 23 meeting. “How much closer do you need to be? The students and teachers should be the last to suffer mishandling of budget items. Lead by example and start with your district.  Do better.”

In my view, Ms. Root posits a valid question – when will cuts be made to Superintendent Balgobin’s well compensated senior coterie?  Those members of the district’s “six-figure club” ensconced in the inner sanctum in DeLand who so artfully dodge responsibility – then paint a rosy picture to sidestep accountability? 

How about those political appointees – self-serving gladhanders whose sole function seems to be having their picture taken with D-list politicians and posting them to social media?

Could those “positions” be eliminated in favor of preserving educational opportunities for students? 

And when will the Volusia County School Board hold Superintendent Balgobin responsible for this continuing catastrophe? 

I’m asking.  Because when incoherent executive decision-making has a detrimental impact on a school district’s core service delivery – the chop should start at the top.  Even in this foul era when paring the thick rind of fat off the bureaucracy is the last of all practical options during a budgetary crisis… 

In my view, creating the “illusion of truth” is still a lie – and it is now glaringly apparent that those we have elected to represent our interests on the Volusia County School Board have been caught in another whopper. 

Do better…

Angel               Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. and Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent

Just six-months into an 18-month pilot to test establishing a dog-friendly section of beach in Ormond Beach, part-time resident and former Ormond Beach City Commissioner David Shecter has created a typical “Fun Coast” tempest in a teapot with his all-out effort to eliminate the popular amenity, labeling it a “hazard-zone” for beach goers in a recent Change.org petition.  

Among the reasons cited in Mr. Shecter’s demand that Ormond Beach and Volusia County officials immediately terminate the dog beach program read, in part:

“The pilot program permitting dogs on sections of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, is proving to be problematic. Many dog owners are not adhering to the rules of keeping their pets leashed and cleaning up after them.  This is both in the dog ‘zone’ and when they and their dogs frequently leave the zone and are in front of hotels, condos, and single family homes adjacent to it.  They are disregarding signs and rules and the County is unwilling or unable to enforce the pilot zone rules.  This lack of responsibility has turned our beautiful beach into a hazard zone for other beach-goers, children, and families alike. Let’s not wait until a dog hurts a child or other innocent beach visitor.  The disregard for regulations is not only affecting the cleanliness and safety of our beaches but also disrupting the peaceful environment that our community cherishes.”

(Find Mr. Schecter’s petition here: https://tinyurl.com/xny26xr3 )

Others in the community see it differently… 

To his credit, the designated area where pet owners can enjoy time at the beach with their licensed, leashed, and vaccinated furry friends was championed by Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent of Ormond Beach, who has supported the trial from its inception.

In my view, Mr. Kent’s efforts to bring something fun and inclusive to Volusia County beaches represents a welcome break from the stagnant status quo – a small area that allows all taxpayers the opportunity to enjoy our most popular natural amenity.

The initiative was just part of Councilman Kent’s push to make our beach more attractive, inviting, and accessible for residents and visitors – something sorely needed in a place where beach management is clearly not Volusia County government’s strong suit…  

In July 2023, the project was approved on a 6-1 vote of the Volusia County Council (with Councilman Don Dempsey casting the lone “Nay” – I assume because he abhors everything east of the Palmetto Curtain – including residents of Port Orange – who are about be subjected to the constant roar of Mr. Dempsey’s $10 million publicly funded motocross track…)

In addition, the initiative was supported by a generous $100,000 donation from local philanthropists and animal lovers Nancy and Lowell Lohman. 

Following the vote, Mr. Kent said, “This is a win for all of Volusia County residents.  We are talking about one percent of our beach becoming dog friendly legally.”

At the time, it was understood at least part of the Lohman donation would be used to assist Volusia County with animal control operations – and Mr. Kent acknowledged that Sheriff Mike Chitwood assured his beach deputies would help with enforcement of the established rules. 

According to the informative report by Sheldon Gardner in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week:

“County officials have acknowledged some violations but said the program is going well overall.

“It has been wildly successful,” said Troy Kent, the Volusia County councilman who led the charge to open a section of the beach to dogs.”

Earlier this month, Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. rightfully placed a counter-petition on Change.org touting the benefits of the pilot:  

“We, the enthusiastic signatories, both residents and visitors of Volusia County, wholeheartedly advocate for the continuation and enthusiastic support of the dog beach pilot program in Ormond Beach. This pioneering initiative, which graciously welcomes dogs to certain sections of the beach, has been a beacon of positivity. We firmly believe that sustaining this program is not only essential for responsible dog owners but also crucial for enhancing our community’s recreational landscape.

The challenges associated with the pilot program have been minimal. Like any pilot program, education and communication is key, adjustments made based on data collected. All that is occurring.   Authorities like Beach Safety, Volusia County Animal Control, and Volusia County Sheriffs, have not encountered widespread issues.  The Daytona Dog Beach, Inc. volunteer team, Paw Ambassadors, is not witnessing widespread issues.  In actuality, the overwhelming majority of dog owners have admirably adhered to the guidelines, ensuring their furry companions are leashed and cleaning up after them.”

(Find the Daytona Dog Beach petition here: https://tinyurl.com/4aczzmj7 )

At last check, the Daytona Bog Beach petition was doing far better than Mr. Schecter’s… 

Although supporters concede that some visitors to the dog-friendly beach have acted irresponsibly, they describe the incidents as “negligible,” and they are adamantly advocating for the continuation of the pilot, citing the myriad benefits to the community.

I agree. 

Here’s hoping Volusia County officials will permit the program to continue with an increased emphasis on visitor education and the enforcement of existing rules to encourage compliance – without the need for more godawful signage, poles, traffic cones, and other nuisance measures that seem to be the only arrows in Volusia County Beach Mismanagement’s quiver… 

Quote of the Week

“About 300 affordable housing units will be breaking ground over the next year in Volusia County thanks in part to over $7.8 million in federal and state funding allocated by the County Council on Tuesday.

“Thirty-five thousand of our residents are spending more than 30 percent of their income (on housing). Half of that, over 50 percent,” Brad Burbaugh, Volusia County’s director of Community Services told the Council. “They’re one catastrophic illness … one layoff away from becoming homeless.”

A report published in 2020 by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that “median rent increases of $100 a month were associated with a 9% increase in homelessness” in places the report focused on.

“That tells you that people are just living on the edge, and that’s what’s happening,” Burbaugh said.

Local rent prices have gone up 35% since 2021, and 34,146 renter households are considered burdened by housing costs, according to data provided by the county.”

–Volusia Director of Community Services Brad Burbaugh, as quoted by reporter Sheldon Gardner writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Council approves $7.8 million for about 300 affordable housing units in 5-2 vote,” Wednesday, May 8, 2024

That’s a sad commentary on the financial health of large swath of Volusia County’s workforce.   

The response by some Volusia County Council members was worse…

“Despite the need, the measure got some pushback.

“We’ve got to let the free market dictate pricing,” said District 1 Councilman Don Dempsey, who has been outspoken about his opposition to affordable housing incentives.”

According to the News-Journal report, “The funding will require a zero-interest mortgage, and all units will be for households that make “at or below 80% of the area median income.” The units will have to stay affordable for at least 50 years.”

Ultimately, the affordable housing proposals for four vetted projects – which will bring a combined total of 302 much-needed residential units to Volusia County – were approved on a 5-2 vote.

Dempsey and Councilman Danny Robins callously voted to – I dunno – send the Affordable Housing Development Gap funding back to Tallahassee and Washington? 

My God.

On behalf of over 35-thousand of my neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet in this artificial economy – and with all due respect – “Up Yours, Don Dempsey…”

In my view, Dempsey’s argument to let income constrained residents – who form the backbone of our service and hospitality industries – flail and claw to feed and house themselves in a market where single-family homes now command a median sale price of $356,500 is both out-of-touch with reality – and patently cruel.   

Afterall, it’s difficult to pull oneself up by your bootstraps when you’ve been forced to boil and eat them… 

I have always been amazed by the lycanthropic transformation of some detached politicians who lobby for publicly funded nice-to-haves and skew the playing field with corporate welfare schemes, infrastructure, and tax incentives for their political benefactors – then claim to be champions of the free-market when it comes to the real needs of a sizeable percentage of their constituency who are one bad day away from hunger and homelessness.

In other “news,” on Tuesday, those dullards on the dais approved a foolish plan that will put 121-homes and some 36,000 square feet of commercial space along West New York Avenue (SR-44) near the busy intersection of Grand Avenue near DeLand. 

According to a News-Journal report, this time Councilman Dempsey “…said there have been many wrecks in the area, including fatal crashes such as an incident he was connected to as an attorney.

“It’s dangerous there, guys,” Dempsey said.

District 4 Commissioner and Vice Chair Troy Kent said he wanted to see fewer homes. “It’s like house on top of house,” Kent said.

Chairman Jeff Brower voted against both the rezoning and Comprehensive Plan change. Kent voted for the Comprehensive Plan change, which the council voted on first, and then voted against the rezoning. He said he wanted a fountain on the site.

Dempsey voted against the Comprehensive Plan change but voted for the rezoning because the council added a stipulation to address his concerns about how traffic would enter and leave the site along S.R. 44.”

Blah, blah, blah… 

Among the more asinine suggestions is that the development will be within a one mile “walking distance” from the DeLand SunRail station, which is set to open on Old New York Avenue sometime this summer. 

As though anyone in their right mind would dare to walk on any street or roadway in Volusia County – hyper-congested deathtraps that were recently listed as the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrian deaths.

Buckle-up (literally) Wild West Volusia – as your neighbors to the east can attest, the idiotic cart-before-the-horse development strategy that permits widespread sprawl without adequate supporting infrastructure is officially coming home to roost…    

And Another Thing!

The unmistakable signs of Spring are all around. 

The Magnolias are in bloom, my seasonal allergies are raging, and political signs are beginning to sprout like pesky weeds – an ominous warning of things to come…

I live in the Northbrook area of Ormond Beach, a few blocks (and a million miles) from the social, civic, and geopolitical demarcation that is North Beach Street – an asphalt delineation between those who reside in stately riverfront mansions to the east of the picturesque two-lane drive – and the rest of us – the working class and fixed income retirees who inhabit those 3/2 cracker boxes that begin just across the street from the opulent manicured estates. 

Like most places in Volusia County, Ormond Beach traditionally leans conservative – with registered Republicans outnumbering Democrats – and disenfranchised No Party Affiliates (like me) quickly gaining ground (and influence).   

It would be pretentious to call our community “upscale” – although the late, great Big John facetiously referred to us as “Ormaaahnd – The Fingerbowl District” – but our slice of heaven has many wonderful amenities, cultural, and recreational opportunities, with some of the best beaches on the eastern seaboard.

Unfortunately, we also suffer the collective civic and environmental insult of unchecked internal/external sprawl – the voracious clear-cutting of our rapidly diminishing greenspace – and most recently, the asinine threat of a dangerous bulk fuel terminal along the FEC railroad at Hull Road.

Look, I’m not a political scientist – just another confused rube, nipping on a whiskey flask up here in the cheap seats – and this is certainly not some “clash of the classes” horseshit.  

Merely one man’s observations of a visible political divide.    

During non-partisan local contests, I’ve noticed a stark contrast between those candidates whose campaign signs appear on the east side of North Beach and those whose supporters live across the street. 

I find that difference compelling.

This week, I saw an early sign for “Car Guy” Randy Dye – a candidate for Volusia County Chair, who’s campaign coffers are groaning with massive contributions from Volusia’s influential insiders – “all the right last names” who control everything but the ebb and flow of the Atlantic tide around these parts – prominently placed in front of an elegant riverfront home. 

A few blocks north is a fresh “Re-elect Jeff Brower for County Chair” sign in the patchy yard of a much more common “middle-class” abode on the west side of the street. 

Trust me.  These two propagating placards are a sure sign of many more to come…

I first observed this phenomenon several years ago – the disparate messages on either side of North Beach Street – something I interpret as a clear divide between the status quo (which has been very lucrative for many of Volusia’s uber-wealthy Old Guard) and the fervent hopes of the great unwashed – those without a lot of money, power, or social status – who are feeling the pincher effect of the lack of workforce housing and those elusive “high paying jobs” on those eking out a living in this artificial economy…

The uncomfortable reality is, here on the “Fun Coast,” those we elect to make policy decisions tend to equate “civic vision” with the size of one’s bank account – listening intently to those with the wherewithal to bankroll their political campaigns – while openly resenting the three-minutes they feign listening to the piddly-ass problems of us peons from their lofty perch of the dais of power… 

Don’t take my word for it. 

During Tuesday’s Volusia County Council meeting, a resident of Port Orange attempted to speak her mind on the noise and flooding that many feel will accompany Councilman Don Dempsey’s proposed motocross track, when Council members Danny Robins and Jake Johansson struck up a private conversation in the middle of her speech.

To her credit, the concerned resident paused and politely asked if she were interrupting before continuing with her well-prepared presentation. 

A powerful, embarrassing, and telling moment…  

(Did my beat-up old heart good.) 

In the depths of my political paranoia, I often ponder if there is an exclusive society here on the Fun Coast – let’s call it the Halifax Hellfire Club – a camera stellata that we’re not privy to – comprised of what The Daytona Beach News-Journal once described as our “Rich & Powerful” – the tycoons, moguls, and magnates who know things that I don’t (like long division and how to balance a checkbook…) – an elite group of politically connected aristocrats who hold secret conclaves to divvy up the spoils and decide what our lives and livelihoods will look like when the “Grand Plan” is finally revealed.

Probably not.  Just a figment of my Mittyesque imagination…    

In truth, I can’t see any group of civic-minded people who value their personal and professional reputations taking credit for much of what has happened here on this salty piece of land we call home, can you?  

The constant refrain of local politicians is “a rising tide lifts all boats” – and I realize those affluent professionals who inhabit the waterfront McMansions on North Beach Street contribute significantly more to our economy and tax base than I do – at a time when monetary success, the accumulation of “things,” stored in the biggest house on the biggest hill in town, is what passes for the “American Dream.” 

But what about those forgotten families in Volusia County who are barely treading water?

The increasing number of residents considered asset limited/income constrained – trying desperately to keep a roof over their heads on $15 an hour scut work at (enter the latest industrial warehouse that passes for “economic development” here) – in an environment where four bags of groceries will set you back $250 a week…  

I’m not sure what role (if any) that growing socioeconomic disparity plays in local political contests (again, beyond the massive influx of dollars into the political campaigns of hand-select candidates from wealthy insiders with a chip in the game) – and Ormond Beach is certainly not the land of the haves and have nots (not yet anyway).

But the stark differences in political opinions on non-partisan races displayed along this unique stretch of roadway is hard to ignore.

I’d like to know your thoughts.   

That’s all for me.  Welcome to Rockville, y’all! 

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Angel               City of Daytona Beach

In response to a resurgence of aggressive vagrants loitering and panhandling in the Beach Street area, Daytona Beach officials recently demonstrated the courage to try something new – a bold program that places roaming private security officers in the riverfront area, supported by security cameras, radios, and an innovative application called “See and Click” that allows merchants to summon security from their mobile device – a solution that frees law enforcement officers for more serious threats while providing a preventive presence downtown. 

By all accounts, the initiative is working as planned.   

According to a recent report by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the pilot program is focused on supporting beleaguered merchants along Beach Street from Orange Avenue to just north of Bay Street.

At present, “The city is covering the full cost of the security officers, who are being paid $24.60 per hour. The full cost for 60 days is $23,616.

City Manager Deric Feacher is using his discretionary funding to cover costs, and he could spend up to $24,998 on the venture without city commissioners’ approval.”

The uniformed foot patrols are a welcome addition downtown. 

“I haven’t seen any of the issues. They completely stopped,” said Al Brewer, owner of Evans & Son Jewelers on Beach Street, located just north of Orange Avenue. “The presence of homeless evaporated 100%. My 93-year-old mother walks up and down Beach Street, and I’m totally happy with her doing that.”

I cannot think of a better testament to the success of the program.

The News-Journal reports that the pilot will continue through mid-June – and if the City Commission approves – contract security will become a “permanent fixture” in the historic downtown. 

Putting resources that provide a sense of safety and stability where it is needed most is the perfect reinvestment – and the very essence of the Community Redevelopment process – transforming challenged areas into thriving commercial districts and healthy neighborhoods.  

The elected and appointed officials of Daytona Beach have shown ingenuity in trying something new to address a seemingly intractable civic and social issue, not afraid of making honest mistakes, think in non-traditional ways, or get creative when challenging the status quo.

I realize foot patrols have been around since Robert Peel walked a beat, but the combination of traditional deterrence measures, community buy-in, and modern technology to suppress nuisance crimes and eliminate vagrancy to support the rebirth of a historic downtown with exciting potential is a smart use of resources. 

In my view, public/private “partnerships” work best when government works to establish an environment conducive to entrepreneurial success – based upon the needs and input of community stakeholders – creating a safe and inviting atmosphere, a sense of place that draws visitors, encourages residents to shop local, incorporates artistic expression, and reimagines the use of public space to attract true economic development.

That is the essence of innovative governance.    

By attempting an unconventional strategy rather than falling back on the same failed tactics – even if a new plan fails, it fails forward – allowing officials and their constituents to learn what works and what does not, turning failure into opportunity, rather than ignoring valuable lessons as often happens in ossified bureaucracies. 

Kudos to Mr. Feacher, Mayor Derrick Henry, and the Daytona Beach City Commission for this unique and useful application of redevelopment funds – and their top-down support of the Riverfront Renaissance!

Angel               Active Citizens of Deltona

“Nay, allow the claim of the dead; stab not the fallen; what prowess is it to slay the slain anew?”

–Sophocles

It’s true.  There is nothing to be gained from beating a dead horse.

That is one of the reasons I stopped opining on the raging dumpster fire that is Deltona government – a rudderless scow whose fate has been left to the whims and fancies of an ever evolving “City Commission” – a governing body in name only whose internecine squabbles, churlish backstabbing, open contempt for concerned residents, and personal agendas have resulted in a revolving door of managers and stand-ins since the tumultuous reign of Jane Shang ended in 2020.

The situation reached its nadir months back when serious people began suggesting the municipality of nearly 100,000 souls disincorporate – pack up the clowns, sweep out the dung, fold up the circus tent – and start over.

Other anxious taxpayers fed-up with the dysfunctional churn considered an appeal to Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking outside intervention.

Horrified observers stood on the sidelines, watching the community flop and twist like a suffocating carp – as more revelations came to light each week, exposing the behind-the-scenes meddling of those melodramatic poseurs on the dais who were seemingly intent on destroying the municipal government from within – all while the ineffectual City Attorney Marsha Segal-George sat idle, playing with her hair and gazing into the ether…    

Those shocking disclosures were made possible by the perseverance of concerned citizen activists – residents repeatedly marginalized and maligned by those they elected to serve their interests – who boldly continued to dig into the murky netherworld of Deltona politics and pull back the curtain on the waste, maladministration, and outright incompetence that continue to threaten the viability of their community.  

I have long admired that undaunted civic spirit and willingness to speak their uncomfortable truth in the face of open hostility from elected and appointed officials – staunchly refusing to give up on their community or their neighbors.

Earlier this week, the Deltona City Commission continued to wrangle with a controversial employment agreement for their next vict…, er, new City Manager – Dale “Doc” Dougherty, formerly of Garden City, Michigan – who rose to the front of the pack after three frontrunners abruptly dropped out of the vetting process and headed for them thar hills…  

According to an article by Al Everson writing in the West Volusia Beacon earlier this month:

“Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila said he had learned of the abrupt changes only within the past day. The number one favorite of the manager-search committee and the city’s executive-search firm, Bakersfield, California, City Manager C. Scott Andrews, dropped out “because of concerns about how the commission treats staff members,” Avila told The Beacon.”

Someone did their homework…

At the end of the day, Mr. Dougherty was unanimously selected after discussions of extending the search succumbed to exasperation, and Mayor Avila issued the less-than-confident capitulation, “We’re not going to find the perfect candidate,” before seeking divine intervention, “I took everybody’s emails into consideration. I prayed about it…”

Some of those same Deltona activists rightfully questioned provisions of “Doc’s” employment contract – generous giveaways that many feel mirrored the exorbitant salary, benefits, and ironclad protections that left taxpayers vulnerable to mercenary managers in the past.

To ensure Deltona residents have confidence in their new manager, the negotiations were extended through Thursday evening when the revised contract passed unanimously.

In an open letter to the Deltona City Commission earlier this week, former County Councilmember and long-time Deltona resident Pat Northey wrote, in part:

“It’s time to bring in an outside professional manager, one with experience and knowledge of how we should operate under a Manager/Commission form of government.  A review of Mr. Dougherty’s resumé and his performance at the Citizen Meet and Greet supports a yes vote to hire.

If you recall, I originally called for a halt to the search and to bring in a crisis manager until after the election. I have since refined that position based on Mr. Dougherty’s experience as a manager. He is the crisis manager we need currently.

Please know that there are those of us that will support you publicly and privately in this hiring. Do not be dissuaded by the naysayers and social media postings that are well meaning but negative about the city and this decision. We look to you, as our elected leadership, to bring us the best and in Doc you have that.”   

I agree with Ms. Northey – after years of roil, toxicity, and umpteen city managers, it is now or never for Deltona – and citizens across Volusia County are watching. 

If you care about good governance in your own hometown, you should care about good governance everywhere. 

In Volusia County, our wonderful mosaic of cities and neighborhoods each bring something unique to the eclectic mix both east and west of the Palmetto Curtain – including a responsibility to contribute to our collective economic vitality, civic reputation, and quality of life. 

That requires maintaining a symbiotic relationship with neighboring communities – a mutually supportive and reciprocal connection that demonstrates consistency, adherence to accepted community standards, and instills confidence in those seeking to invest in the region.

In other words, it is high time Deltona “leaders” come to the realization they are making us all look bad and get on with the people’s business in Volusia’s largest city by population… 

Here’s hoping Doc Dougherty is up to the herculean task of bringing stability, reviving a sense of community pride – and most important – restoring the broken trust of a weary constituency desperately seeking positive change.  

Angel               Circuit Judge Rose Marie Preddy

When it comes to the audacity of some shameless politicians – those egomaniacal self-promoters who accomplish little in the public interest yet fight to hang onto power each election cycle with parasitic tenacity – not much surprises me. 

Don’t take my word for, wait until this year’s “Fun Coast” campaign season begins in earnest – a traditional shitshow of epic proportion – contests that invariably resemble an angry hornet’s nest of mudslinging and name-calling, all punctuated by “glossy mailers” supporting those hand-select marionettes who gain the largesse of influential insiders with a chip in the game.  

Fortunately, those accepted campaign shenanigans are not yet a factor in judicial races, where non-partisanship and trust in the system remain an important part of the electoral process.   That public confidence is due, in part, to Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct, ethical standards that apply to judges at all levels – including anyone seeking judicial office during an election. 

In fact, Canon 7 of the code directs candidates “…refrain from inappropriate political activity,” including a unique requirement that prohibits making false representations about one’s opponent.  

(Wow.  Just imagine if Canon 7 was equally applied to all political contests?)

This week, we learned that Circuit Judge Rose Marie Preddy is protecting the public trust by standing up for those inviolate principles in a lawsuit filed last week in Leon County. 

According to an exposé in The Daytona Beach News-Journal by reporter Frank Fernandez:

“Former Circuit Judge Scott DuPont, who was removed from the bench by the state Supreme Court which said he was unfit to be a judge in 2018 and later suspended from practicing law, should be barred from running for another seat on the circuit bench because he fails to meet an eligibility requirement, according to a lawsuit filed Friday.

Incumbent Circuit Judge Rose Marie Preddy, whom DuPont has filed qualifying papers this week to challenge for her seat in the Circuit 7 Group 11 race, filed the suit.

The lawsuit cites the Florida Constitution which states that no person will be eligible to be a circuit judge unless he or she has been a member of the Florida Bar for the preceding five years.”

Good for Judge Preddy.  I admire that.   

According to the report, the Florida Supreme Court suspended Mr. DuPont for 91 days in 2019 “…after the court found him guilty of violating multiple Florida Bar rules.”  Because DuPont was precluded from membership in the Florida Bar during the period of his suspension, the lawsuit contends he is ineligible to hold judicial office.

Mr. DuPont disputes the assertion and believes the constitution and rules of the Florida Bar qualify him to run. 

In 2018, DuPont was removed from office by the Florida Supreme Court on recommendation of the Judicial Qualifications Commission that found he showed a “reckless disregard for the truth,” after apparently making false allegations about his political opponent’s family.

At the time, the JQC issued a statement that said, in part:

“Judge DuPont abused his position and showed himself to be unfit by: ordering money taken from litigants unlawfully; intentionally violating judicial campaign rules in a way that caused permanent harm to private citizens; prioritizing campaigning for re-election over lawful performance of his duties; and announcing to the public that he would ignore his judicial oath. Furthermore, Judge DuPont’s testimony to the JQC was, at times, “not worthy of belief.”

Now, Mr. DuPont wants a second bite at the apple? 

Really? 

According to a piece published by Jacob Ogles in Florida Politics this week, Mr. DuPont apparently attempted to explain himself in a 78-minute campaign video posted to YouTube:

“DuPont addressed some of his prior problems in a 78-minute campaign video on YouTube.

“Honesty you know, I may not have been a perfect judge but I was a faithful judge,” he said, “and even though mistakes were made along the way, I left every division better than I found it.”

He also said after his suspension he briefly moved to Virginia and gave up the legal profession.

“There’s nothing wrong with doing lawn care, but going from being an attorney and being a judge to lawn care was the most humbling experience at that time that I had been through,” he said.

Preddy’s lawsuit suggests none of that changes her assertion that DuPont cannot legally serve right now.”

(Full Disclosure: I didn’t watch DuPont’s pitch.  But you can find it here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6s266c )

As a veteran watcher of all-things-politics here on Florida’s “Fun Coast,” the longer I stare into the murky abyss, the more I realize how little I understand about the odd quirks and vainglorious motivations of some candidates for elective office – the shamelessness of those trying desperately to reinvent themselves following scandal and disgrace – or the attention span of apathetic voters who seem to make their choice by blindfolding themselves and throwing darts at some asinine “voters’ guide.”  

All of which reinforces my belief in the vital importance of vigilance during an election cycle to ensuring our collective future…  

Kudos to Judge Preddy for working within the system to keep judicial elections unsullied and worthy of our trust.

Quote of the Week

“Volusia County Schools is excited to announce it is joining Addition Financial Credit Union’s School District Debit Card Program and launching a co-branded Volusia County Schools debit card that will support schools in the district. With the partnership, students, faculty, staff and residents across Volusia County will have the opportunity to actively contribute to their local school district and support education. 

Under the School District Debit Card Program, Addition Financial pledges to donate 3 cents back to Volusia County Schools for every transaction made. 

VCS is thrilled for the partnership and the positive impact it will have for students and the district. 

“Volusia County Schools is appreciative of our partnership with Addition Financial Credit Union and excited about the debut of the VCS debit card for our community,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said. “This opportunity will help support programs across the district to enhance student achievement. It is through partners such as Addition Financial that we excel as a school district and a community.”

–Volusia County Schools Press Release, “Volusia County Schools and Addition Financial Credit Union Partner to Launch Co-Branded Debit Card,” April 2024

Thanks, but no thanks… 

I don’t want Superintendent Carmen Balgobin – or those fiscal wunderkinds in her “cabinet” who misapplied finite federal relief dollars and are now shuffling teachers and chopping certain educational programs – within a country mile of my own tenuous finances… 

Recently, we learned that in addition to arts and enrichment electives, Balgobin’s ham-fisted budget slashing will include all but eliminating the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program from Volusia County schools.  A popular program that encourages college readiness in 23 schools throughout the district.

The AVID curriculum will now be available at just three campuses.     

According to an article by Chasidy Ruth writing in the West Volusia Beacon, we learned that during the April 23 School Board meeting, former board member Ida Wright took her former colleagues to the woodshed for their abject failure to get in front of this escalating crisis:

“It’s important that you come up with a plan quickly,” former School Board Member Ida Wright said. “How do we get out of where we are? … I was really disappointed when we had principals put in the hot seat because we never had principals do allocations [budgeting] without district staff.”

I didn’t always agree with Ms. Wright during her tenure on the board, but her assessment of this predictable predicament is spot-on.

In my view, given the dire straits the district’s financial apparatus has foisted on Volusia County taxpayers, teachers, students, and staff – perhaps someone we elected to represent our interests (hint, hint) should hold Balgobin and her senior coterie accountable for gross maladministration and professional assholery?

Or at least order them to complete a financial literacy course…    

Are bake sales next? 

I suppose anything helps when a wobbly bureaucracy finds itself $45.7 million in the hole after inexplicably using one-time federal pandemic relief funds to cover reoccurring operating and personnel costs – an astronomical blunder that has resulted in the “displacement” of some 284 educators, the elimination of popular programs, and widespread angst among teachers, students, and staff.    

Just one reason I don’t want the Volusia County District Schools logo anywhere near my debit card…

In my view, this unfolding debacle presents an important learning opportunity – a cautionary tale – that teaches those young students affected what invariably happens when the federal government pours massive amounts of money onto a problem, with little, if any, direct oversight, the irresponsibility of some senior administrators, and the importance of participating in the political process to hold those ultimately responsible to account at the ballot box.   

And Another Thing!

“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

Or, in the case of Flagler Beach, let them join you…

After a Battle Royale by some residents of this once quaint slice of Old Florida, this week we learned that the developer of Veranda Bay (once known as “The Gardens”) – which will ultimately plop hundreds of cracker boxes west of the Intracoastal Waterway along John Anderson Highway – has decided to “voluntarily annex” into Flagler Beach, a small beach town with a wealth of charm and a current population of 5,280.

The move will double the size of Flagler Beach and increase the population by thousands over the next decade… 

In 2020, the Flagler County Commission approved the development on a 3-2 vote over the passionate protest of Flagler Beach officials and residents.    

Guess all that’s water under the soon to be crowded SR-100 bridge now…    

According to a report in FlaglerLive! this week, we were told the courtship by city officials to lure Veranda Bay into the small municipality was not driven by the increased tax base, but a desire to keep the freewheeling sprawl of Palm Coast off its doorstep.

“The city had been assiduously pursuing Veranda Bay to annex, amending its annexation ordinance to make it possible, courting (Veranda Bay developer Ken) Belshe with what amounted to a love letter, and with not a little bit of anticipatory drool, sharply increasing its development impact fees that would disproportionately be generated from Veranda Bay.

Flagler Beach had not sought annexation just to reap the bigger tax base from the higher-end development, but also to buffer itself from Palm Coast in what, in retrospect, may have been exaggerated fears that Palm Coast was also courting Belshe. The city did not want Palm Coast zoning on its borders. Palm Coast said it wasn’t seeking annexation.”

I found it disturbing when the Flagler Beach City Commission capitulated to what they must have seen as the inevitable, and then-Mayor Suzie Johnston wrote in a January pre-annexation letter to Belshe (that was endorsed by the remainder of the elected officials), “We believe and hope you agree that annexation into the city of Flagler Beach at this stage of the development creates an opportunity for us to work together to protect, promote and benefit from all that makes Flagler Beach special.”

The syrupy tone of the letter left some to ponder who was annexing whom… 

Sorry, folks.  Like most of Florida, this is how you lose something special.  Because once that small town ambiance is gone, it can never be recreated. 

In my view, another terribly sad milestone…   

Six years ago, I remember doing my goofy Henny Penny routine in this space over early unchecked sprawl across the width and breadth of Volusia and Flagler Counties – massive growth destroying our environment like a virulent malignancy – threatening to ruin our quality of life, blah, blah, blah.

At the time, perennial politicians – dull tools, bought-and-paid-for by influential real estate development interests who seemed hellbent on ramrodding their benefactor’s obscene version of “progress” – laughed at my raving.   

“Old news, old man.  If you aren’t growing, you’re dying – and there ain’t no profit in useless pine scrub.” 

We were assured that impact fees were sufficient, growth would “pay for itself,” and things like transportation and utilities infrastructure would “evolve” in time. 

They didn’t.

Slash-and-burn land rape became the norm, and the health of Graham Swamp and the headwaters of Bulow Creek be damned – gopher tortoises, wild birds, unique flora, and whitetail deer don’t take 30-year mortgages on three-bed/two-bath zero-lot-line “high end” cracker boxes with “…prices starting in the mid-$200’s.”

Now, “theme,” “active lifestyle,” and “full life” planned unit developments have been carved out of the rapidly diminishing scrub and perversely advertised as “communities” – while established neighborhoods and actual oceanfront areas are left to languish, as the furious orgy of greed moves the real money west – and the actual beach, our greatest natural amenity, became little more than a cheap marketing prop by out-of-town speculative developers…   

I will never understand why some quaint coastal communities, places that have worked hard to maintain the picturesque charm and attributes that set them apart – characteristics many communities are striving and spending to recreate – seem intent on destroying themselves in some grotesque pursuit of a developer’s notion of “progress.” 

When Flagler Beach officials allowed another “Margaritaville” based hotel at A-1-A and SR-100 – what was once beachfront greenspace for songwriter’s festivals, art shows, and farmers markets, now reduced to just another 100-room “theme” hotel trying desperately to recreate a facsimile of what was already there – it was apparent to most it was the beginning of the end.  

Sadly, the “voluntary annexation” of the contrived community of Veranda Bay – ominously marketed as the “Last stretch of Intracoastal property on Florida’s East Coast” – may signal the death knell for one of the most distinct beach communities in Florida. 

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Asshole           Volusia County School Board

Given the cascade of controversies that have recently befallen Volusia County District Schools, it was my fervent hope that our beleaguered school board would find their equilibrium, perhaps privately impress upon Superintendent Carmen Balgobin the importance of transparency, accountability, and stability to restoring trust.      

That didn’t happen…   

Frankly, when it comes to the machinations of our elected officials – and the near constant flubs, botches, fumbles, and bumbles of Balgobin and her well-paid senior coterie – I’m as bored opining on these variations on the same dreadful theme each week as you must be suffering through them…  

In all sincerity, like many standing on the sidelines watching this horrific trainwreck playout in excruciating detail, it was my wish that our elected representatives would find the collective vision to see what must be done – then take decisive action to right the ship – especially now that the education of anxious students and the livelihoods of hundreds of dedicated educators lies in the balance. 

Now, this terrible quagmire is ebbing from bad to worse…  

The foundational principle of leadership is the moral courage to accept responsibility for mistakes and oversights, especially during times of chaos and adversity, because deflection, projection, and spreading of blame by senior administrators compounds the turmoil and further erodes the public’s faith in the organization. 

In my view, what happened this week in the cloistered Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand was inexcusable – and something that should result in the immediate resignation of Superintendent Balgobin and her clown troupe of a “cabinet” (whose foci will now turn to career preservation) – if not the entire Volusia County School Board, en masse – because a leadership vacuum would be more stabilizing than allowing this malignancy to destroy the very heart of Volusia County Schools…

In recent weeks, Volusia County taxpayers, students, teachers, and staff learned (by email) that despite the repeated concerns of our elected representatives – Superintendent Balgobin inexplicably continued to use finite federal emergency relief funds for recurring personnel expenses.    

As that revenue source draws to a close in September, an estimated 284 teachers are being “displaced,” popular electives eliminated, and core subjects diluted amidst growing fears of overcrowded classrooms next year. 

Now, in keeping with the worst traditions of what passes for governance in Volusia County (which has a terrible history of tolerating toxicity until it’s too late) the finger pointing and obfuscation begins at all levels…  

In a disturbing exposé by reporter Mary Ellen Ritter writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week, we returned to the marque dysfunction that marks the Balgobin administration as her attempts to deflect blame by claiming she “inherited” this predictable fiscal crisis were called out as “misrepresentations” by former Superintendent Scott Fritz – who was terminated with extreme prejudice by the School Board following a mysterious internal contretemps in 2022. 

According to the report, “At a school board workshop in May 2022, (former Chief Financial Officer) Snead presented a budget update in which she stated that the district was using emergency funding for permanent positions. She predicted that if the district was unable to locate additional revenue sources or make expenditure reductions in fiscal year 2025, it would have a negative financial condition ratio in fiscal year 2026.

“It really wasn’t an inherited issue. It was something that they’ve done since (Fritz’s term) to not stay the course,” Fritz said. “When the former CFO told them that if you did these things, you would be $53.3 million in deficit, she laid it out. This was over two years ago. She laid it out for them and told them that this was going to happen.”

Balgobin was not employed by the district when the 2022 workshop took place. She left her position as deputy superintendent of Volusia County Schools in March 2022 for a position in Broward County before returning as Volusia’s superintendent in July 2022. However, current board members Jamie Haynes, Anita Burnette, Carl Persis and Ruben Colón were in attendance.”

Perhaps equally disturbing, rather than demonstrate the strong leadership necessary during uncertain times, School Board Chair Jamie Haynes chose not to respond to the News-Journal’s telephone call, instead issuing this grammatical nightmare:

“My position on the use of non-reoccurring (sic) dollars has been consistently stated each and every time the issue has come up. I did not support the use of any non-reoccurring (sic) funds for ANY (sic) permanent positions.”

Perhaps more troubling, board members Anita Burnette and Carl Persis couldn’t be bothered to respond to the News-Journal’s inquiry in any form…   

In Chairwoman Haynes defense, last week, a snippet of a June 2023 board meeting emerged in which she clearly directed Superintendent Balgobin to look at all positions that are not required or mandated by state edict – then make the tough decisions to ensure that every student has a teacher in their classroom – even if that means hacking the thick rind of fat at the top.  

Instead, teachers are now being “displaced” and important programs clumsily axed as part of Balgobin’s ham-handed and ill-defined “plan” – one that still hasn’t congealed just five months from the day the well runs dry… 

My God.

The district’s shambolic ‘cur chasing its tail’ tactic took a more ominous turn when Superintendent Balgobin again deflected responsibility – this time spinelessly shunting the “people” question (i.e., living/breathing teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff) to the district’s clueless Chief Financial Officer:

“When The News-Journal contacted Balgobin directly, she said that she did not want to “go back and forth on people,” and deferred to Todd Seis, the district’s current CFO.

According to Seis, “Balgobin stated it correctly” at the April 9 board meeting when she said the current administration “inherited” this financial issue.

“The problem is that there’s no other funding source that you can identify with over $46 million worth of people sitting in your ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds that are recurring and need to come back to the general (fund),” Seis said. “We inherited this issue that Lisa Snead identified… This current administration is taking care of and identifying and resolving, so we can move forward as a district so we can make sure that we continue to operate with a balanced budget.”

Danielle Johnson, Volusia’s director of community information, said later that Seis was likely speaking generally when providing estimates. She confirmed that a more a “more precise” figure falls slightly under $45.7 million.”

Call me a skeptic, but it is increasingly apparent that neither Superintendent Balgobin nor her senior bean counters have any identifiable plan in place – beyond kicking the problem down the hill to hapless principals and ordering them to “deal with it.” 

In my experience, when it comes to errors and omissions, most people can forgive what they see themselves doing.  I don’t believe anyone who manages a household budget could fathom using a short-term windfall for recurring expenses – a fiscal recipe for disaster.

This is the antithesis of stability and transparency – and nervous stakeholders deserve answers. 

In my view, the need for the school board to protect their constituents from Balgobin’s blunders is now undeniable. 

Angel               Ormond Beach City Commission

I took some time off last week, and upon my return to Florida, I instinctively knew I was home by the noxious brown cloud of dirt billowing across I-95 from a massive land clearing operation near the unsightly U.S-1 overpass – the dusty result of heavy equipment churning more, more, more greenspace into a barren moonscape to make way for yet another “Active Lifestyle Community” in Ormond Beach.  

Gross.

As a lifelong resident, I’ve learned to take small victories where I can find them, and last week the Ormond Beach City Commission did something it rarely does and stood tall in the face of saber-rattling from an out-of-town land-use attorney.

Instead of tucking tail and nervously piddling in their expensive pants, the elected officials demonstrated real courage and issued a resounding thumbs down to a controversial rezoning request that would have seen hundreds of cracker boxes shoehorned onto the former Tomoka Oaks golf course.   

For the past few years, residents – galvanized by the threat of overdevelopment in this historic neighborhood – have fought valiantly to preserve the unique qualities of Tomoka Oaks – while the developers, who clearly have different equities, hammered away at Ormond Beach officials as they sought to construct a community within a community on the former golf course. 

In the view of many, the development is wholly inappropriate for the area, representing a drastic increase in density that will change the unique character of the neighborhood, result in thousands of additional vehicle trips on area roads, more overcrowding, and a diminished quality of life for surrounding residents in The Trails, Escondido, and beyond.

Normally, “growth at all costs” is a foregone conclusion in Halifax area commission chambers where the rubber stamp seems to edge out smart growth initiatives every time. But sometimes those we elect and appoint to make the complex decisions that affect our lives and livelihoods get it right.

In January, the Ormond Beach Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend denial of a request by the developers of Tomoka Reserve, d/b/a Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach, to rezone the former golf course to R-2 “single family low density” after the parcel’s previous Planned Residential Development designation expired.

Under the R-2 zoning – which was wielded like a cudgel by the developers and referred to as the “Nuclear Option” by concerned residents – Triumph Oaks would have been permitted to cram hundreds of homes in the Tomoka Oaks “doughnut hole” with substantially reduced buffers. 

To their credit, when the chips were down, the Ormond Beach City Commission did the right thing – for the right reason – and stood firm to the city’s commitment to limit the adverse impacts of increased density on area residents. 

In response, the developer’s Ponte Vedra based attorney, Karl Sanders, openly threatened that the City Commission’s denial could result in a crippling lawsuit.

According to a report by News-Journal business editor Clayton Park, “You’ve got a $40 million damages claim waiting out there,” Sanders told the City Commissioners before the vote. “No one wants to do that which is why I am imploring you to follow what the law requires and give these property owners the property rights they’re entitled to.”

Whoa.

The Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act is the weapon of mass destruction used by land-use attorneys – the ominous threat of a massive lawsuit when landowners feel a government action, even when taken in the public interest, “devalues the highest and best use” of their property – and I am quite certain the City of Ormond Beach does not wish to be Mr. Sanders’ pour encourager les autres…

That’s why I hope the spirit of negotiation is still alive.

Throughout this protracted process, the residents of Tomoka Oaks and surrounding neighborhoods have sought reasonable concessions that would reduce density, increase environmental buffers, and alleviate traffic concerns – or see the golf course returned to its intended use or converted to much needed greenspace.

Now, one would hope that if the developers of Tomoka Reserve genuinely care about protecting the character of the existing neighborhood (while realizing the profit they are entitled to) they will return to the bargaining table and seek, as City Commissioner Harold Briley suggests, a “magic number” – a compromise that hundreds of existing residents can live with. 

I like Commissioner Briley and consider him a friend, but as an accomplished realtor/elected representative, he is often caught between a rock and his professions bread-and-butter. 

But he makes a valid point.

In my view, continued negotiation and concession should prevail as both sides work toward a mutually agreeable solution – free from the legal threats, bullying, and coercion that is destroying the unique character of communities across the width and breadth of Florida.   

Angel               Community Activist Steve Koenig  

Earlier this month our community lost the great Steve Koenig – a true gentleman and fierce warrior for all that is right and just – a staunch and unrivaled advocate for preserving our quality of life here on Florida’s “Fun Coast.”

I first met Steve when he served as a frequent contributor to the late Big John’s radio forum “GovStuff Live!” 

Like anyone who had the pleasure of interacting with Steve, I was incredibly impressed with his sharp intellect, broad knowledge of regional issues and the personalities who practice politics in these parts, and his innate ability to build consensus among diverse opinions through the always courteous debate of ideas. 

Most of all, I admired Steve’s inherent kindness. 

By his personal example, Steve Koenig kept alive the lost art of civil discourse, furthering the robust, but respectful, debate of the challenges we collectively face while remaining friends and neighbors.    

During our friendship, Steve was always exceedingly gracious to me and wonderfully supportive of this blogsite, and he gave me the opportunity to speak before The Bellaire Community Group and participate in various moderated discussions of pertinent local issues.   

He didn’t have to do that – and I have always been grateful that Steve thought to include me…

Along with his loving wife Nancy, Steve served the Halifax area and beyond in many important ways – not the least of which was his 17-year stewardship of The Bellaire Community Group – the largest neighborhood organization in Daytona Beach committed to protecting and enhancing the beachside lifestyle.  

In 2003, Steve and Nancy formed Koenig Realty, and he frequently spoke of the pride he felt in his remarkable service to others – and the ethics, standards, and reputation he championed for his beloved profession. 

In addition to his community involvement, Steve’s leadership included service as president of the Daytona Beach Board of Realtors and district vice president for Florida Realtors, as well as many board appointments and volunteer positions both locally and at the state level.

Steve Koenig leaves behind a loving family and a trove of devoted friends and colleagues to cherish his memory – and his admirable legacy of service above self. 

Thank you, Steve. Godspeed.

Your important contributions to our community will be sorely missed…

Quote of the Week

“Volusia County School Board member Jessie Thompson asked the board to pay her $459 dues to the Florida Conservative Coalition of School Board Members, a group she heads that’s based out of her home.

Thompson is the president of the organization, which calls itself “nonpartisan” but is only open to “conservative school board members,” according to its website.

At its Tuesday meeting, board member Ruben Colón made a motion to deny the request. Carl Persis seconded the motion, which passed 4-1 with Thompson opposed.”

–Reporter Mary Ellen Ritter, as excerpted from her article “Volusia School Board member wants taxpayers to fund dues to conservative group she heads,” The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Monday, April 15, 2024

Look, I don’t care where you “identify” on todays convoluted political spectrum – those divisive self-affixed sobriquets that now bear no semblance to traditional “conservative” or “liberal” values – no longer used to describe one’s political ideology or affiliation, but rather a slur, always coupled with “idiot,” “nutjob,” “wingnut,” or worse when hurled at the “opposition.”  

For instance, the (wink-wink) “non-partisan” Volusia County Council is presently comprised of seven self-described “Republicans” who are currently ramrodding a $10+ million allocation of taxpayer dollars for a motocross track – pissing away precious public resources while their constituents face serious budgetary shortfalls…

Does that bear any similarity to the “fiscally conservative values” they claim to hold dear each campaign cycle?    

Trust me – most of these insufferable jacklegs the local cognoscenti hand-select for public office don’t have a clue what true conservatism means – more focused on the care and feeding of the bloated bureaucracy they now exist to serve – rather than the needs of their tax strapped constituents who are expected to pay the bills in silent subservience… 

In my jaded view, those venerated concepts which once differentiated our two-party system – when “republicans” believed in limited government, a strong defense, conservative spending, and our sacrosanct individual liberties – while “democrats” took a more liberal view of social issues and community accountability, progressive economic policies, and increased government control and regulation – have now mutated into a weird “Red v. Blue” polarization – political extremism marked by a hundred different philosophies all massed on the ragged margins of both parties leaving no room for compromise or collegiality.    

Just one man’s view – your opinion most assuredly will differ… 

But what has Barker the Bitcher’s knickers in a twist this week is Volusia County School Board member Jessie Thompson’s brazen attempt to stick taxpayers with a $459 bill for her annual dues in some cobbled together club called the Florida Conservative Coalition of School Board Members – a homegrown (literally) partisan group whose invoice just happens to contain Thompson’s home address and telephone number… 

You read that right.

In Ms. Ritter’s article, we learned that before the school board’s vote on the item, “Thompson said if the board didn’t support her dues, she would opt out of her FSBA (Florida School Board Association) funding for funding that will cover her coalition dues.”

“In comparing the two organizations, Thompson said, “It is not in competition with FSBA, but it is running parallel, and it is providing networking education to school board members around the state, some that have opted out of FSBA (and) some that are still part of FSBA. It comes at a substantial less cost, so that’s been a reason for some, but others didn’t agree with certain things taught at FSBA.”

Parallel? 

Not even close…

I encourage Volusia County taxpayers to compare the websites of both organizations (www.fsba.org and www.conservetheboard.com) and determine which provides our elected board members training, resources, and advocacy – regardless of political affiliation or ideology – and which appears to be Thompson’s cockamamie cottage industry?

More important, how does any of this “separate but parallel” exclusiveness improve our children’s education, foster communication, build bridges, promote mutual understanding, seek solutions to common issues, or help recover from the gross maladministration Ms. Thompson and her colleagues on the dais continue to permit at Volusia County schools? 

I’m asking.  Because seeking public funds for private interests is typically frowned upon by those who pay the bills…

I realize Ms. Thompson bills herself as a stand-up comedian – but this sick joke isn’t funny.

In fact, I find her request particularly inappropriate when hundreds of Volusia County teachers are worrying about their future – while students and parents make impassioned pleas to preserve educational opportunities – amidst the school board’s unmitigated failure to ensure Superintendent Carmen Balgobin had a strategic plan for the anticipated loss of $200 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.

I could care less which way Ms. Thompson leans politically.  In fact, I would still feel robbed if she sought tax dollars for membership in the Lunatic Fringe Chapter of the Florida Progressive Moon-Bat Federation (I’m sure one exists…)

In my view, asking taxpayers to foot the bill for her admission to an echo-chamber operated from her own home amid a raging budgetary crisis affecting the lives of real people is not only poor optics – it reeks of something more sinister…

And Another Thing!

“A fool and his money are soon parted.”

–Thomas Tusser, 1573

Sadly, the same is true of Florida taxpayers…

Earlier this week, I chuckled to myself when reporter Mark Harper asked the rhetorical question in The Daytona Beach News-Journal:

“How did ERAU’s $1.5 million state budget request turn into $26 million?”

You get three guesses and the first two don’t count…

In Mr. Harper’s disturbing revelation, we learned that a $1.5 million ask by Rep. Chase Tramont of Port Orange and Sen. Travis Hutson of St. Augustine for a “Technology Focused Ecosystem at the (ERAU) Research Park,” magically morphed into a $26 million grab – ostensibly to fund research activities by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Central Florida. 

Say what?

I found it interesting that Tramont and Hutson now seem just as baffled by this remarkable mutation as the rest of us. 

In an “Aw shucks, I dunno” dodge, “Neither Tramont nor Hutson said they had more information about the changed budget amount, saying that the change occurred after their role in the process.”

“The Legislature’s public information office has yet to respond to a request for any documentation of the new budget amount, and the University of Central Florida − originally contacted for comment on Friday − has yet to respond.”

Weird, eh? 

Fortunately, the incredibly powerful House appropriations chair Rep. Tom Leek of Ormond Beach shed light on the multi-million-dollar mystery when he reported, “It was very simple for me,” Leek said in a text message. “There was an opportunity to bring high tech, high paying, clean energy jobs to Volusia County, and a remarkable partnership between UCF Daytona and ERAU. I was happy to make it a reality.”

Now I’m really confused…

Our state allocation process now consists of individual committee chairs unbuckling the public purse and taking out what they need whenever an “opportunity” presents?    

God help us…

Regardless, please add the names of every taxpayer in the Sunshine State to that “remarkable partnership” between ERAU and UCF.

According to the News-Journal report, Rodney Cruise, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Embry-Riddle, gushed over the chance for the new ERAU/UCF mind meld to pursue “bleeding edge” research of “hypersonic technology” for defense, aviation, and aerospace applications. 

That’s a great thing – a much needed national capability as we seek to keep pace with our increasingly aggressive adversaries.

But I’m curious why these universities – UCF, a public research university with a published endowment of $215 million – and Embry-Riddle, a private institution with an estimated endowment of $241 million – cannot fund their own for-profit research activities?

According to the News-Journal, “…the Congressional Research Service states that the Pentagon significantly boosted its request for funding of hypersonic research, from $3.8 billion in 2022 to $4.7 billion the following year.” 

So, why are state officials digging $26 million deep into our threadbare pockets for something the federal government is already funding – at a private, for-profit university with ample endowments?   

More important, where does it end?

Although Gov. Ron DeSantis has yet to sign the budget – and has the authority to veto the item altogether – I would be incredibly surprised if that happened. 

My educated guess says that our High Panjandrum of Political Power, Mori Hosseini, who happens to be King for Life of ERAU’s board of trustees, is the master magician behind the multiplying money sleight-of-hand in Tallahassee…

I could be wrong – but as history repeatedly proves – what Mori wants, Mori gets – and how that happens in the Hallowed Halls of Power in Tallahassee is no concern of yours, rube.

Keep moving, nothing to see here, folks…

In another odd development that defies all logic and reason (and sound fiscal policy), this week Volusia County officials hosted a Q&A with residents concerned about the proposed use of $10+ million in taxpayer funds to underwrite a motocross track for Councilman Don Dempsey. 

According to WKMG’s Molly Reed, during a recent meeting Councilman Dempsey pouted, “We have several softball fields, baseball fields, soccer fields, we have now pickleball courts and the county keeps kicking in millions for that,” said County Councilman Don Dempsey.”

“There’s not one single place in this county where a parent or grandparent can bring a child to go ride dirt bikes,” he said.”

(Note to Councilman Dempsey:  The obvious difference being, those are recreational activities available to the masses – popular pursuits for those strapped Volusia County residents and retirees who don’t have thousands of dollars to purchase specialty motorcycles, personal protective equipment, trailers, RV’s, trucks, etc. – or possess the exceptional physical abilities required to participate at any level.)

Whatever.

According to WKMG, the tracks exorbitant public price tag isn’t the only thing concerning some Volusia County residents as officials narrow their sights on 65-acres of public property off Tomoka Farms Road near Port Orange: 

“The sound of buzzing motors, though, is not appealing for some near this potential site.

“We moved out to the country to be isolated, not have a track right on top of us now,” said Michael Glasnak.

Glasnak, who owns a home and business near the site, said he worries about the sound and traffic.

“They’re putting it on a curve, that is a dangerous curve. The entrance is going to be right behind our houses. They’re going to have to light that up,” he said.”

In my view, it is high time these self-described “pro-business fiscal conservatives” who occupy the Volusia County Council get the hell out of the marketplace (and our pockets) and allow the competition of free enterprise and entrepreneurship to flourish. 

While we are told there are still plenty of humps, bumps, and whoop-de-doos to work out, our stewards of the public trust in DeLand – without any plan for how to pay for this nice-to-have – have already authorized a study by a private consultant, and public meetings are quickly underway to sell Dempsey’s Folly to wary Volusia County taxpayers.

Full throttle, wide open, damn the risks – or the cost…

Never mind the fact Volusia County residents were recently shocked to learn our stormwater fund is hemorrhaging money – something that will ultimately effect everyone living or doing business in Volusia County – as widespread flooding from irresponsible overdevelopment begins to inundate a neighborhood near you.

Unfortunately, catastrophic flooding could be the least of our concerns in Volusia County when you consider:

Transportation infrastructure.

The most dangerous roadways in the nation.

A county operating budget now exceeding $1.1 Billion.

Water quality.

Affordable housing.

Beach management and erosion control.

How about SunRails proposed multi-billion-dollar expansion to OIA and Disney? 

Screw it.  Donnie “Braaap-Braaap” Dempsey want’s a new play toy… 

In my jaded view, each budget/election cycle – at all levels of government – we continue to see the pernicious influence of powerful special interests, cronyism, corporate welfare, and those who benefit from their bought-and-paid-for suckling position at the public teat, always at the expense (and detriment) of overstressed taxpayers.

Then, when We, The Little People seek answers to puzzling questions – like how a $1.5 million request somehow transformed into a $26 million publicly funded windfall for Mr. Hosseini’s private fiefdom at his Harvard of the Sky – taxpayers are treated like mushrooms by those we elect to represent our interests – kept in the dark and fed bullshit.   

That’s all for me.  Have a great final weekend of Jeep Beach 2024, y’all!

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

(Barker’s View is publishing this edition of Angels & Assholes a day early this week as your intrepid scribe departs for opening day of Spring turkey season in Northern Virginia this weekend.  Please don’t fret for the safety of those big Old Dominion tom’s – the only Wild Turkey I’m likely to see is in my après hunt whiskey glass – and that’s okay by me.  I enjoy the tradition, spending time in the woods, and the companionship of great friends.  Thanks for your understanding.  A&A will return later this month.) 

Asshole           Volusia County Council

Something interesting happened last week at the Volusia County Council meeting, one of those rare moments of enlightenment when We, The Little People get a glimpse of how our decision-makers think, reason, and rationalize.

What we witnessed should send a shudder through everyone who lives and pays taxes here on the “Fun Coast.”

I find it amazing that when faced with a crisis, those chameleons on the dais of power have the fantastic ability to transmogrify into something completely different – a lycanthropic shapeshift that has elected officials who previously refused to even acknowledge the possibility that explosive growth and the resultant change in topography and hydrology of the land has contributed to widespread flooding – now present themselves as idealistic environmentalists who share our fear as a means of driving the revenue increase they hope will alleviate the threat.

Bullshit.

It is this théâtre de l’absurde that I find so fascinating about local politics and governance – that well-choreographed kabuki where everyone plays their designated role – alternately telling us what they think we want to hear while subliminally setting the stage for “what comes next.”   

Since day one of his tumultuous term, Chairman Jeff Brower has been openly and repeatedly gaslighted by his “colleagues” – castigated, marginalized, painted as an irresponsible and ineffective dirt-worshiping buffoon – for having the courage to speak out on the environmental issues that most Volusia County residents see as important to our future. 

Not the least of which is the disastrous problem of stormwater showing up in Volusia County homes and businesses every time we have a rain event – while their new neighbors in recently built subdivisions sit high-and-dry atop a fresh mound of fill dirt… 

Floodwater is one of those things that won’t be ignored. 

It can’t be swept under the rug, camouflaged as something it is not, or, given its recurring nature, explained away as another “once in a lifetime” event.  Stormwater is intrusive, it moves and flows with the simplicity of gravity then stands its ground, and when the natural processes that allow rain to make its way back to the aquifer are blocked by impermeable surfaces and quickly overwhelm retention systems, the foul water, polluted by chemicals and nutrients, flows into rivers, estuaries, and watersheds.       

Unlike cowardly past councils – kicking the stormwater can down the dusty political trail is no longer an option in 2024 – nor is dismissing flooding as a historically common occurrence (it isn’t).  Now it is glaringly evident that our ‘powers that be’ have painted themselves into a tight corner, caught without a plan, or the money to effectively address the problem if they did. 

Expenditures in Volusia County’s stormwater utility are estimated to be 114% over the programs operating revenue in 2026-2027 – something alternately explained as increases in personnel costs and an insane operational reliance on federal coronavirus funds. 

Wow.                          

Look, I’m not a budget analyst, but that doesn’t sound sustainable (or responsible) to me…

In an informative article by Jarleene Almenas writing in the Ormond Beach Observer last week, we got a peek at the weird mental gymnastics on the dais, such as when Councilman Jake Johansson metamorphosed into a hand-wringing tree-hugger – openly acknowledging sea level rise, climate change, density, and development-induced flooding – right before our eyes – then dumbed it down to terms us uneducated bumpkins could understand:

“Councilman Jake Johansson said the most common complaint he hears from residents, other than taxes, is flooding. He was supportive of a “stair step approach” to increase the program’s level of service.

“I think people will give up a six-pack or three of beer a month to help put a dent in the flooding issues that we’re seeing, regardless of the reason — sea level rise, climate change, development,” Johansson said. “It’s all probably coming anyhow, right? We have a flood of water. We have a flood of sea level rise and we have a flood of people coming. We have to balance all those.”

It turn, Councilman Troy Kent rightfully called out the spinelessness of previous iterations of the Volusia County Council:

“Fee increases tend to hurt the most needy, said County Councilman Troy Kent, who voted against the increase.

“That doesn’t escape me when we’re making heavy decisions like this,” Kent said. “But it also doesn’t escape me that prior elected bodies will sometimes go years or decades without making small incremental increases, and then you’re hit with, ‘Hey we’re in a crisis situation and we’re going to increase everybody’s rate to an astronomical number.’ That doesn’t feel good.”

According to the Observer’s report:

“Councilman David Santiago, who voted against an increase to $7.50, thought $8 was too small of an increase to address issues, but that it was a start.

“Let’s tell Volusia that we’re serious about flooding and it costs money to do the projects,” Santiago said.

Councilman Danny Robins brought up a sales tax as another funding mechanism. Santiago asked if he was suggested exploring a referendum for a stormwater sales tax.

“Is it better for our visitors to pay for a portion of it to alleviate this, instead of putting 100% of the burden on our residents?” Robin (sic) said.

Santiago said he was open to the conversation.

“If we go there, it has to be very narrowly defined because of the failures in the past to do things like that,” Santiago said.”

In response to my views on the issue in last week’s A&A, Councilman Robins responded in an open post on Facebook’s popular local political forum “Volusia Issues”:

“Nothing for nothing, I never said I supported a sales tax, I actually denounced it 2x, once in that agenda item and once when John Nickleson came up to speak promoting it.

I made the argument what is the difference between this increased stormwater tax and a sales tax targeting stormwater and infrastructure projects? This was Political Tomato / Tomaato in my opinion. Neither one keeps up with the hyper inflation and honestly don’t know how much it would help. And I left it with “Something doesn’t feel right about this.”

These community related blogs used be capturing, factual and educational. The last few years they morphed into the same cherry picking, creative writing articles just like CNN.”

Apparently, Councilman Robins is falling back on the old “I didn’t say what you think I meant” dodge – and it’s the messenger’s fault that we are staring down the barrel of a triple-digit deficit in the county’s historically inadequate stormwater program…

I wasn’t the only one who was ‘misinformed’ as to Mr. Robins’ intentions.    

On Monday, the West Volusia Beacon published an article entitled “Are you ready for a new sales tax?”

“Council Member Danny Robins suggested the possibility of a referendum on a “stormwater tax.” The debate came after Public Works Director Benjamin Bartlett warned about a lack of cash to keep up with the problems the county now faces.”

Please watch for yourself and form your own conclusions on whether a “stormwater sales tax” is a distinct possibility:  https://tinyurl.com/3ypmshw8  (Mr. Robins’ conundrum begins at approximately 8:15:25)

I suspect time will tell exactly what Robins and Santiago were getting at when they bandied about a sales tax increase when discussing revenue shortfalls… 

The fact is, in many parts of Volusia County, Joe & Jane Six Pack are standing knee-deep in stagnant stormwater – rightfully worried about the exponential impacts of permitting more, more, more growth with this asinine cart before the horse strategy without a viable plan to improve our transportation and utilities infrastructure – or a reasonable means of paying for it beyond taxing the eyeballs out of residents and visitors alike.     

Angel               Attorney Chobee Ebbets & Seventh Day Baptist Church

This week, the venerated Daytona Beach attorney Chobee Ebbets filed a pro bono action on behalf of Seventh Day Baptist Church.

The church doesn’t want money. 

They want to help those less fortunate… 

Last fall, Daytona Beach officials visited First Christian Church on South Palmetto Avenue and Seventh Day Baptist Church on Live Oak Avenue – both located within the vast food desert that is the Downtown Redevelopment Area – and ordered them to cease their food drives.

The code enforcement action came following a complaint from an area resident who objected to people waiting for sustenance near the church.  It came as a surprise for both houses of worship as the food pantries have been serving the community long before an ordinance was passed prohibiting food distribution programs in designated redevelopment areas.

Although First Christian Church was later found to have been “grandfathered” in and was allowed to reopen their food pantry – officials could find no record that Seventh Day Baptist had registered their operation with the City of Daytona Beach. 

Apparently, there’s no record that they were ever told they needed to register either…

According to an excellent report by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week:

“Ebbets has said he doesn’t see the food pantry causing problems. He maintains in the lawsuit that the city’s code prohibiting food pantries in redevelopment areas is “overbroad, arbitrary, capricious, discriminatory, and selective,” and was used against Seventh Day Baptist Church in a way that amounted to “an unlawful exercise of the city’s police powers.”

A special magistrate hearing on the food pantry code violation that has been delayed repeatedly since November was scheduled for Tuesday, but was continued again because of the new lawsuit.”

(Find the News-Journal’s informative article here: https://tinyurl.com/vutnz567 )

Rather than seeking damages, the lawsuit asks for declaratory judgment and an injunction stopping the enforcement action to allow the Seventh Day Baptist food pantry to continue serving needy people in the community. 

According to a November 2023 News-Journal report, Mr. Ebbets felt called to help when he witnessed hungry people being turned away.

“Today I saw people with carts turned away,” said Ebbets, whose law office is in a 113-year-old coquina house next door to Seventh Day Baptist Church.

Ebbets doesn’t want to see anyone else sadly walking back home with an empty cart or bag.  He said he’ll sue the city if it doesn’t allow the Seventh Day Baptist Church pantry to reopen soon — and without penalty.”

Mr. Ebbets is a man of his word – and clearly someone who cares. 

The fact is food pantries throughout the region provide nourishment to those experiencing food insecurity.  For instance, the venerated Jerry Doliner Food Bank in Ormond Beach helps feed hundreds of families in Volusia and Flagler Counties each year.

Look, I don’t believe city officials are indifferent to the suffering of its less fortunate citizens – and they are dutybound to respond to citizen complaints – but it appears that Seventh Day Baptist may have been caught in an unfortunate bureaucratic snafu.   

In my view, one characteristic of a healthy community is a sensitivity to the needs of the “least among us” – or at least a willingness to get the hell out of the way while others provide for the welfare of those who desperately need help.

As community compassion declines, so do our civic values, like respect for human dignity, a willingness to confront injustice, kindness, empathy, generosity, and acceptance – the moral imperatives of living together as a society.

Renovation and revitalization in blighted areas of our community is important.  So is how we deal with the interminable problems of hunger and homelessness. 

Here’s hoping Mr. Ebbets and the Seventh Day Baptist Church find a quick resolution in the court – one that allows a return to their important work providing the most basic human need – life-sustaining sustenance – to those who need it most. 

God’s work.

Asshole           Volusia’s Educational literati

It must be nice to be part of the “in-crowd” – those fashionable and influential few who make the difficult decisions that affect our lives and livelihoods here on the “Fun Coast” – a magic often performed in effective darkness so us rubes aren’t bothered with the complex conjuring that we couldn’t begin to comprehend…   

Thank God we have these mystical visionaries looking out for us, eh?  

For instance, I remember a few years back when our elected elite on the Volusia County Council were caught flatfooted – without a viable transportation infrastructure plan while simultaneously refusing to ask their friends and benefactors in the real estate development industry to help pay for the impacts of the sprawl they created – and were instead clamoring for a sales tax increase to pay for it all.

Sound familiar?

At that time, they made it perfectly clear that any of us rubes who rejected the tax increase on grounds our elected officials had failed to address impact fees was comparing “apples and oranges.”

Then, when We, The Little People asked for clarification, our elected prestidigitators gazed down from their lofty perch on the dais and told us not to worry our pretty little heads about it – condescendingly explaining that the chaunts and incantations for calculating impact fees were far too complicated for us hapless dupes to possibly understand.

Remember?  I do. 

Volusia County has a long history of political cliques, coteries, and camps – all supported by those uber-wealthy insiders who underwrite the campaigns of hand select candidates that know exactly what’s best for the rest of us.

That includes thaumaturgists like Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and her all-seeing Coven of Mystics on the Volusia County School Board… 

This week, the fallout from what should have been anticipated funding reductions landed the School Board back in the news when students and stakeholders passionately defended a long-established arts program at Deltona High School – a popular choir that is being cut and its well-respected teacher lost to “displacement” – due to the district’s inability to effectively plan for the end of federal Coronavirus relief funds.

You read that right.

Last month, I asked the question many anxious Volusia County students, parents, teachers, and staff are increasingly worried about, “What do you think the first casualties of the Balgobin administration’s unconscionable lack of planning will be – music, art, physical education, sports, enrichment programs, electives?”

Now we know…

Oddly, those of us who pay the bills never hear about these critical cuts from Superintendent Balgobin herself. 

Why is that? 

Instead, her often draconian diktats are sprung on us – such as the disastrous transfer of Riverview Learning Center to the former Osceola Elementary, a controversial move that has left Ormond Beach residents and officials stunned – or, we learn about them in mass emails and canned press releases handed down from the Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand. 

As a result, members of Balgobin’s ‘clueless cognoscenti’ never need explain themselves to us rabble who pay the bills…

I found it disturbing that rather than study the issue, provide for stakeholder input, then develop a strategic plan for the expected loss of some $200 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds – district principals were simply made sacrificial lambs – handed a small pile of horseshit and ordered to make apple pan dowdy – all while board members and senior administrators shrug their shoulders and sigh from on high…

As the school year winds down – grinding toward an uncertain future – watch for the district’s fangshi to continue conjuring ways to replace certified educators with contrived “assistant teachers” (apparently charged with everything from classroom instruction to performing minor surgery…) and “administrative deans” so, as Volusia United Educator’s president Elizabeth Albert put it, the Balgobin administration can “stack ‘em deep and teach ‘em cheap” next year.   

Or, as School Board Member Ruben Colón ominously put it, expect “larger than usual” class sizes next year…

During Tuesday’s board meeting, some 38 speakers submitted forms requesting their three-minute audience – many of them students who were infinitely more articulate, emotionally invested, and better prepared than those expressionless gargoyles on the dais – who received a valuable lesson in what passes for strategic planning and priorities in Volusia County Schools. 

Before they were allowed to address our elected elite – Board Chair Jamie Haynes gave the assembled a warning on the grim fate that awaited anyone who would dare violate Volusia’s Supreme Law of Lèse-majesté while presenting before the Monarchy – including having the Chair subjectively “terminate your privilege” to speak on topics of civic concern in a representative democracy… 

My God.

In my view, the curtain has been pulled and Volusia County’s educational literati – those omniscient elected and appointed Mystics of Magical Methods – have now been exposed for what they truly are: Irresponsible phonies who were caught out when the chips were down. 

Sadly, it is the students and educators of Volusia County who will now pay the price for their gross and inexcusable negligence… 

Quote of the Week

“The rush is on to save the Florida Wildlife Corridor — a ribbon of land and water that runs the length and breadth of Florida. It’s supposed to set aside some space for Florida’s non-human 99% to survive once the state is completely paved over. In 2021, the Florida legislature unanimously agreed to put the corridor into statute and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a gold rush too. Florida is spending billions to put conservation easements over corridor lands and also buy corridor land outright. There is not a moment to lose.

Let’s be blunt — Florida is on autopilot to pave over the entire state. It has been for a long time, at least a hundred years. During the past century, Florida has been organized politically, legally, economically, and socially around the goal of converting wildland into money. It is a Florida truth universally acknowledged that every scrap of land (wetlands too) is always on the table for development. No government could/would/should “just say NO.” This socio-economic model implemented and sustained by what I like to call “government of, by and for the developer,” has been fabulously successful, at least from the perspective of real estate development and profit seeking.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor signals official confirmation that the State of Florida will be entirely paved over, and nothing can/will/should stop it but buying land and development rights to ensure conservation.”

–Attorney Leslie Blackner, as excerpted from her guest column, “Florida is on auto-pilot to pave over the entire state,” The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Sunday, April 7, 2024

And Another Thing!

I am a firm believer in the sage adage, “You can’t pick up a turd by the clean end…” 

But come December, that is exactly what Volusia County taxpayers will be asked to do vis-à-vis SunRail.

That said, I suppose it helps if you have some sway with the committee that decides when, where, and how that steaming lump of excreta will be hoisted, eh?    

This week, we learned that Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower has been elevated to head the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, SunRail’s governing body, comprised of elected officials representing the five local “partners” from the counties of Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and the City of Orlando.

For the uninitiated (read: Most taxpayers here in Weedpatch Camp), over the past decade, the Florida Department of Transportation has paid for the operation of the Orlando-centered commuter rail system currently serving 16 stations from Poinciana to DeLand and will begin phasing expenses and operations to the CFCRC by the end of the year. 

According to reports, sometime this spring, the new DeLand SunRail depot will begin offering service to points south.  Unfortunately, if you live and work in Volusia County during the week you won’t get much use from it because, at present, the train still only runs on weekdays.

Given the ever-expanding cost of operation, maintenance, and necessary service expansions – don’t expect that schedule to change anytime soon – at least here in Volusia County.    

Last month, in a report by Al Everson writing in the West Volusia Beacon, we learned of the massive financial burden ahead:

“SunRail has a budget of $81.6 million for the 2023-24 fiscal year that began July 1, 2023 and ends June 30, 2024.

SunRail’s projected revenues, according to the system’s website, will amount to almost $31.4 million. Thus, SunRail has an annual deficit of approximately $50.2 million.

Currently, the Florida Department of Transportation is covering the deficit, but that agency’s handoff of SunRail to the future owners, meaning the local funding partners, means Volusia County and the four other local governments, will become responsible for paying the debt.

As for Volusia County’s possible share of the deficit, County Manager George Recktenwald estimated it would be about $6 million-$7 million per year under the current operating routine. That expense for the county could increase to approximately $10 million annually, “if nights and weekends are added,” he said.

The fares paid by SunRail’s riders total about $2.2 million, or only about 2.6 percent of the system’s cost. Other sources of cash for SunRail come from other trains, mainly Amtrak and CSX, who pay to use the state-owned rails, advertising, train charters, and federal and state grants.”

Whoa. 

Add that to Volusia County’s growing budgetary deficit in various essential services, programs, and utilities – as the vice slowly tightens on our already overwhelmed transportation and stormwater infrastructure – and you begin to see the utter quagmire we’ve been placed in… 

(“Nothing to see here, folks!  Go back to sleep.  Tomato/Tomaato.  Cherry-picking.  CNN, and all.  Just ‘Barker the Bitcher’ spouting from his frothy blowhole again.  There, there, you keep dreaming about motocross tracks, happy talk, six-packs, and Big Rock Candy Mountains…)

Fortunately (for us), a revised agreement between SunRail’s stakeholders now gives individual members the right to opt out of paying for future service expansions they can’t afford (guess which member that is?)  

According to the Beacon’s report, “At the insistence of Volusia County officials, the revised agreements contain safeguards against charging local partners for expansions or extensions of SunRail’s service that one or more members oppose because of costs.”

The downside is that members who can’t/won’t help with costs for expanded services – such as nights and weekends, or a useful extension to Orlando International Airport – would not see that service offered in their area.    

The fact we can’t be forced to pony up for niceties we cannot afford is a positive for us church mice here in Volusia County – the pariah of Central Florida – a social, civic, and economic cautionary tale among our more successful “partners” along the I-4 corridor… 

Needless to say, Chairman Brower has his hands full going forward.

In my experience, when “partners” – defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “…individuals with interests and investments in a business or enterprise, among whom expenses, profits, and losses are shared,” continuously wail the Poormouth Blues and refuse to share liabilities or help fund increased services – frustration and animosity ensue.

Regardless of how you cut it, this is going to be interesting for already strapped Volusia County taxpayers, especially when you consider that SunRail has now accumulated costs of $1.5 billion, well beyond the $79 million anticipated when the commuter line was proposed in 2000. 

Now that our fellow SunRail partners have elected Volusia’s own Tom Joad to chair the governing body – let’s hope this experiment in rail transportation brings all the economic benefits we were promised, and then some. 

This one bears watching. 

Because many fear if the CFCRC fails to put the right hand on the switch going forward – a public and/or private entity with experience running a successful railroad – SunRail could prove a terribly expensive boondoggle for us poor cousins up here on the “Fun Coast.”      

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!   

Note: On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, beginning at 6:00pm, the Ormond Beach City Commission will consider the highly controversial rezoning of the Tomoka Oaks golf course.

If you care about the threat of increased density, shoehorning more, more, more onto every square inch of greenspace, and the rapid erosion of our quality of life in Volusia County, I encourage you to attend this important meeting and let your feelings be heard.

According to reports, overflow seating will be provided for the large crowd expected…   

The meeting will be held at the Ormond Beach City Hall Commission Chamber, 22 South Beach Street, Ormond Beach.   

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Angel               Daytona Beach City Commission & Salary Review Committee

Without any of the wailing and gnashing of teeth that normally accompanies pay increases for elected bodies, this week the Daytona Beach City Commission approved a well-thought ordinance that sets the mayor’s salary at 75% of that paid to the Volusia County Council Chair while commissioners will earn 75% of the mayor’s salary. 

The measure also allows for an annual review. 

According to the new salary, the mayor will receive $41,059.00 while commissioners will be compensated $23,650.00 annually.    

The salary increase will take effect November 20, 2024, after the city elections. 

The move represents the City Commission’s first pay increase in 18-years.

At the city’s Salary Review Committee’s November 2023 meeting, the citizen board discussed several relevant factors, including:

“The Committee wanted to set a pay rate that would encourage citizens that might not otherwise run for an elected office to pursue the endeavor. There is a significant time commitment and personal costs associated with representing the citizens of the City while serving on the City of Daytona Beach Commission.”

In my view, the Daytona Beach City Commission managed this increase in a thoughtful, civically responsible, and politically tactful way – and few could argue that a raise wasn’t needed or deserved after nearly two-decades.

For reasons I don’t completely understand, Mayor Derrick Henry cast the lone dissenting vote, issuing a deadpan “congratulations” to his colleagues following the 6-1 vote…

My personal belief is that local elected officials at the county and municipal level of government should be reimbursed for actual expenses – made whole for business-related travel and out-of-pocket incidentals – rather than receive a salary for their part-time elective service. 

I know, some perennial politicians – the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker who hold themselves out for public office then moan the Poormouth Blues – will blubber and bawl that holding political office is a full-time, all-encompassing, bone-crushing burden that requires their undivided attention 24/7/365, above and to the exclusion of everything else in their lives…

It doesn’t.  

Let’s face it, McDonaldland isn’t going to fall apart if Mayor McCheese happens to miss some gilded soiree or takes a weekend off from his appointed rounds shaking hands and kissing babies. By charter, day-to-day operations of government are administrated by a professional manager and a staff of career civil servants – subject matter experts who carry out the policies and vision set by the elected officials. 

While I make light of political pomposity, holding elective office is a hard dollar – a position of great civic, social, and fiduciary responsibility to the lives and livelihoods of their neighbors – and if done right, public service requires a high degree of preparation, homework, situational awareness – and hard bark…    

After nearly two-decades, those willing to serve the citizens of Daytona Beach deserve adequate renumeration for the effort.   

Angel               Florida Supreme Court

During my productive life, for many years of my career I was assigned to investigate and enforce narcotics laws – including the importation, distribution, sale, and possession of marijuana. 

Difficult and often dangerous work that I hope made a difference. 

But with the explosive proliferation of deadly chemicals that can kill with a single grain – I’m not sure I did…

Based upon my training and experience, for a time, I instructed law enforcement recruits in drug identification to help prepare them for the various substances – and those under their influence – they would encounter daily.

Now, after all that energy and effort, I’m an old man – and pot is all but legal…

For personal and professional reasons, I’ve never been a pot smoker, but with the advent of medicinal marijuana in Florida and elsewhere, I know people who regularly consume cannabis for its therapeutic (and recreational) effect.    

You do too.

I don’t judge. 

As a degenerate with a pack+ a day Marlboro habit and a copious consumer of blended whiskey – I understand the toll these “legal” (read: heavily taxed) substances take on what’s left of my body, mind, and spirit (and my meager budget…)

This may sound strange coming from someone who spent their life in law enforcement, but I also understand the definition of insanity – doing the same thing over-and-over again while expecting a different result – and for that reason, I support the legalization of recreational (and responsible) marijuana use.    

On Monday, the Florida Supreme Court ruled it will permit a ballot initiative allowing voters to decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adults here in the Sunshine State.  The 5-2 decision came in response to a request by Attorney General Ashley Moody seeking to reject the ballot language on grounds the measure fails to explain the continuing federal ban on marijuana among other legal arguments.

More than one-million Floridians signed petitions in support of the initiative. 

To become law, the proposal will require support from 60 percent of voters to pass.  In 2016, 71% of Florida voters approved the state’s medical marijuana statute.   

If voters approve, the amendment will permit the use of recreational marijuana by persons 21 and over and remove criminal or civil penalties for adults who possess and use up to three ounces of cannabis products for personal use that are purchased through licensed distributors. 

Look, your opinion may vary – that’s why we will all have an opportunity to vote the measure up or down in this year’s general election. 

Before all you jokers, smokers, and midnight tokers get your hopes up and renew your High Times subscription (is that still a thing?), there is a long way to go before stopping off at your favorite local dispensary for a sacky of the sticky-icky becomes routine. 

If approved, it will be six-months before the law goes into effect – not including the legislative wrangling, rules, and legal challenges that are sure to come as state government determines how it can best squeeze every possible tax, fee, and surcharge out of the state’s new cash crop… 

But that’s as it should be.  Because opportunities also come with consequences that will require reasonable and responsible regulation.   

The times they are a-changin’, y’all…    

Asshole           Volusia County Council

Newsflash:  Growth doesn’t pay for itself and existing residents of Volusia County – and our fragile environment – are in real trouble…   

In fact, now that our elected and appointed dullards on the dais of power in DeLand are coming up short on how to pay for necessary stormwater and utility upgrades – it appears they are finally ready to admit that malignant sprawl creates exponentially more problems for existing residents – flooding, congestion, utilities, and the civic claustrophobia that results from increased density, among others – requiring more, more, more money (read: increased taxes and fees) to pay for current and future needs.

And to remediate the sins of weak-minded politician’s past…

Don’t get me wrong – the looming issues of infrastructure, stormwater runoff, environmental impacts, utilities upgrades, and other overdue projects, repairs, studies, and renovations that are causing concern among Volusia County public works and budget “experts” – doesn’t stop the Volusia County Council from approving zoning changes that (literally) pave the way for more development. 

In my view, that defies reason. 

For years, existing residents have sounded the klaxon on countywide flooding – the natural result of using slash, burn, and fill to change the topography and hydrology of the land to accommodate massive residential developments – coupled with an asinine hurt here/help there environmental mitigation strategy that results in sensitive wetlands being paved over to the detriment of essential natural processes.   

Unfortunately, those previous political cowards that we have historically elevated to public office have procrastinated on reasonable and incremental fee increases, refused to rein in spending, or control the exorbitant salaries and benefits gifted to senior administrators who agree to look the other way and maintain the stagnant status quo.

On Tuesday, during a convoluted discussion of increasing stormwater utility rates to keep up with ever-increasing demands – Councilman Danny Robins exhumed the rotting corpse of the twice defeated “sales tax” bailout and placed it on the catafalque of governmental greed – casually suggesting that a sales tax increase would help spread the cost among residents and visitors – something Councilman David Santiago (who never saw a tax or fee increase he didn’t like) found “interesting.”

Bullshit.

How about a short moratorium on permitting and building massive “city within a city” developments on our sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats – or at least a pause until a comprehensive study of countywide flooding can be completed? 

Of course not.

A move to reduce spending as a means of funding critical infrastructure repair or transportation improvements beyond taxing the eyeballs out of Volusia County residents?

Hell no. 

Restoring transparency and beginning the arduous process of repairing trust in county government after years of suffering the continuing consequences of the “trust issue”?

Unheard of.

In my view, the only one who made sense during the discussion was Deltona City Commissioner Dana McCool – who used her three-minute audience to speak truth to power – reminding Councilmembers that the one revenue source they have conveniently ignored is the developers who have hauled untold millions out of Volusia County, leaving residents who can least afford to pay for it with the devastating fallout in the face of crippling insurance premiums, taxes, and fees.   

According to the agenda report, a recent study found:

“The study provided that the current assessment of $6.50 per ERU (“equivalent residential units”) per month is not sufficient to meet the funding needs anticipated to maintain the existing program over the next five years. The study further provided that an additional increase in the assessment would be required to improve the program’s current level of service for program management and capital improvements.”

Ultimately, in one of their well-choreographed political skits, our elected “leadership” first voted down a motion to increase stormwater fees to $7.50 (county beancounters say they need nearly double that) – then immediately voted to raise the fee to $8.00. 

Whatever.

I don’t make this shit up, folks.

When will ‘No’ finally mean ‘No’?

Is it possible our elected dullards on the dais still believe we are too stupid to understand that they desperately need the money for infrastructure improvements after painting themselves into a dark corner with overdevelopment, maladministration, and a historic lack of appropriate impact fees or substantive growth management?

Trust me.  We get it.

However, as clearly stated in the first and second failed attempts at the half-cent money grab, We, The Little People simply will not allow the same craven assholes who got us into the mess in the first place to piss good money after bad. 

That’s a recipe for disaster.

No one should expect us to forgive, forget and hand over more of our hard-earned money to those who have proven unworthy of our sacred trust.

Look, there is little doubt our elected and appointed officials will continue to punish us with exorbitant property taxes and ever-increasing fees – while allowing even more malignant sprawl to pressure our infrastructure until we cry out for mercy and submit to sending more of our hard-earned money to government.

Or we elect those with the political courage to tighten the bureaucratic belt and responsibly address the most pressing issues of our time. 

Quote of the Week

“Residents of Volusia County know full well how dangerous the roads and highways are in the area. Sometimes it seems that people are killed every week.

According to a study of national data, Volusia is the single deadliest county in the entire U.S. for traffic fatalities, per capita, for counties with over 500,000 residents.

There were 648 traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021, according to an analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatalities Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reports by Convoy Car Shipping, That works out to a rate of 11.19 deaths killed per 10,000 people.

Of those fatalities, 82 happened on the East Coast’s U.S. 1, the report said. U.S 1 in Volusia County stretches from the small city of Oak Hill in the south more than 40 miles north through Ormond Beach to the Flagler County line.”

–Reporter C. A. Bridges, USA Today Network – Florida, “This Florida county ranked ‘deadliest’ for traffic fatalities. 10 others are also on this list,” Friday, March 29, 2024

Much of what I write in this space consists of hyper-political rants on the news and newsmakers of the day – rightfully dismissed by our civic cognoscenti as the ramblings of a cantankerous crank – of little consequence in the scheme of things. 

But this is serious.  Something that transcends the petty politics inherent to the “Fun Coast.”  

On Tuesday afternoon, a young woman from St. Augustine was killed in a three-vehicle collision on U.S. 17 in Pierson – and on Friday, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle on International Speedway Boulevard east of DeLand.

Last week, a child died in a traffic crash on congested LPGA Boulevard.   

A six-year-old child.  

Tragic.

Last year, area residents were shocked to learn in a report by Smart Growth America that the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metropolitan statistical area was named the most dangerous location in the nation by population for fatal pedestrian accidents – with 4.25 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people.

Now, Volusia County takes the statistical top spot in the nation for traffic fatalities… 

Many Volusia County residents are pointing to increasingly crowded roads and our horribly inadequate transportation infrastructure resulting from the “shove ten-pounds of shit in a five-pound bag” growth management strategy that has allowed malignant sprawl to far outpace the capabilities of existing streets and roadways.

I hate to fall back on that old melodramatic saw, but in this case it’s appropriate:

“How many people have to die” before our ‘powers that be’ awaken to the grave consequences of ignoring commonsense concurrency and smart growth strategies in favor of kowtowing to the insatiable greed of those shoehorning more, more, more development in a place without a viable transportation plan?

How many traffic deaths do our elected officials consider justifiable collateral damage? 

Frightened residents are increasingly suspicious that We, The Little People are being punished for our resistance to the highly touted half-cent sales tax initiative in 2019 – a craven money-grab orchestrated by the same elected and appointed lumps who got us into the mess in the first place. 

Because performing civic triage, changing tack, allocating resources to immediate needs, and remaining focused on the serious issues facing residents is an anathema in the cloistered “Halls of Power” at city and county administration buildings across Volusia County – where infrastructure is a rusty can best kicked down the dusty political trail… 

Meanwhile, back in Tallahassee, our state legislature is busy running interference for insatiable speculative developers – cutting local government off at the knees – sacrificing the concept of “Home Rule” on the exalted Altar of Greed…  

Please don’t get me started on what passes for our regional transportation planning apparatus – an empty exercise that always seems to roll immediate needs into long term “priorities” that take decades to receive state and federal funding (unless, of course, you happen to underwrite the right political campaign – then there always seems to be an extra hundred-million-dollars laying around for an interchange…) 

“Transportation planning” also serves as a stationary bicycle for local elected officials – who dutifully attend meetings and peddle like crazy but never go anywhere – politicians who desperately need to tell worried constituents that they are “doing something” about improving our increasingly dangerous roadways (usually in the form of some colorful study, analysis, program, or “long-term plan” written in confusing bureaucratese.)

Fortunately, there are signs of progress beginning to emerge from these hard lessons learned.

On Wednesday evening, Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu rightfully called for a formal resolution demanding that Volusia County officials take immediate steps to improve safety on LPGA Boulevard. 

In addition, last week the Florida Department of Transportation (no doubt in anticipation of NHTSA’s fatality analysis) held a “walk-and-talk” to educate residents on $4.1 million in recent safety enhancements that include eight lighted crosswalks on A1A from south of Milsap Road to East Granada Boulevard, including an “overhead hybrid beacon” at the Rockefeller Drive crosswalk with a corresponding speed limit reduction from 35 to 30. 

It’s a good start – but it does nothing to improve traffic flow or capacity – and is of little comfort for those mourning yet another loss of life on Volusia County’s increasingly congested roadways…   

And Another Thing!

A friend and I took a drive down A-1-A last week, traversing the Halifax areas perennially challenged “core tourist area” – a once vibrant “international destination” – now reduced to a slightly down-at-the-heels version of its former self. 

Heading south, we stopped at the virtually unmarked approach at Seminole Avenue in Ormond Beach, where Volusia County officials recently rejected an offer of an ADA compliant sidewalk that was to be paid for and constructed by the developer of a new five story hotel near the site, for reasons known only to those do-nothings at the county’s Coastal Division.  

We visited Andy Romano Park in Ormond Beach, a beachfront amenity with a splash pad, pavilions, a playground, restrooms, picnic tables, and grills, to check progress on the restoration of beach access ramps that have been closed (or missing altogether) since the last storms roared through in, oh, 2022…

It required navigating several “urban outdoorsmen” also enjoying the park – (one of whom appeared to be waxing the car he was living out of in the off-beach lot, his detailing ephemera of waxes, pastes, and sprays spread out in the parking space, while another vagabond repacked his worldly possessions into a tattered bindle at a picnic table).   

We even encountered a wandering minstrel complete with a guitar on his back, accompanied by another disheveled gentleman (his percussionist?) freshening up in a public foot shower – before making our way out to the east rail where we were met with a sign adorned with the City of Ormond Beach crest directing, “RAMP closed due to beach erosion – Please use county beach ramp” with an arrow pointing thataway…

Just beyond the steel barricade was a precipitous drop to the sand below (where yet another wandering nomad could be seen fast asleep on the strand using his satchel for a pillow). 

Farther down was a similar sign affixed to the ruins of yet another storm-demolished stairway. 

Fortunately, there was an open access located at the southern end of the park which appeared to be well-used by beachgoers (because it is the only option they have…).   

Continuing south on Atlantic Avenue, we drove past a vibrant Ocean Center – with brightly costumed members of various flag corps assembled for a competition, young people and chaperones walking in groups among gaggles of spring breakers and sunburnt families who appeared desperately in need of something to do…

Just south of the perpetually struggling Main Street (anyone know what happened to Andrew Baumgartner, the Knight in Shining Armor and owner of Savage Craft Ale Works of West Columbia, South Carolina, who was set to sink millions of his own money into the city-owned Corbin building on Main Street?) was a newly renovated and freshly painted storefront on the east side of A-1-A, each merchant clearly marked on the welcoming façade, a real sign of revitalization. 

Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed when, at the south end of the building facing Atlantic Avenue, we saw a homeless gentleman openly urinating in a graffiti-marred alcove…    

One step forward, two-steps back. 

An intractable problem that our incredibly expensive and deceptively named “First Step Shelter” is clearly incapable of addressing…   

Now, with the latest “vision” apparently being for Daytona Beach to transition from the “World’s Most Famous Beach” to a “sports destination” – rather than repair and revitalize our tourism product – it appears the publicly-owned property around the First Step Shelter on U.S. 92 is being considered for a state-of-the-art “commercial sports facility” which will include multiuse fields for soccer, football, baseball and softball, a swimming pool, waterskiing, horseback riding, and an “on-site hotel or two.” 

I guess one of our influential “movers-and-shakers” has an interest in a publicly subsidized “sports complex,” eh? 

Wonder who that could be…?    

Whatever.

While making our way south, I was struck by how poorly marked and maintained each of the county-controlled beach approaches are along A-1-A – shabby and uninviting, a mix of broken concrete, unsealed asphalt, faded parking lanes, and the inevitable gate prohibiting vehicular access affixed with the “County of Volusia” placard to let everyone know who is responsible for this mess.

Look, it doesn’t require a “hospitality expert” (God knows we’ve got enough of those) to explain the importance of making a great first impression with those from whom you accept money to access a public amenity. 

Clean, bright, uniform, and inviting access points establish the tone – their appearance is representative of the entire area – an advertisement for the “brand” and one that makes visitors want to return. 

Conversely, an unkempt gateway – especially one where a toll booth demands money, complete with a long list of “do this/don’t do that” rules, signage, and a forest of wooden poles – has the opposite effect on potential visitors.

Unfortunately, ‘It is what it is’ as they say…   

On Tuesday, during what passes for the Volusia County Council meeting, we learned that renovating the gateway to the International Speedway Boulevard beach ramp alone will cost taxpayers a staggering $2.2 million.  (I didn’t read the contractors entire proposal, but I thought $2,600 for “Ice/Water/Cups” was a little steep…)  

Instead, council members ultimately voted to remove the attractive color-tinted waveform concrete surface from the plans in a favor of (I guess) a drab sand-salted asphalt ramp on the most visible and active access point in Volusia County. 

The change will save $384,000 off the “guaranteed maximum price.”

Time will tell…

Call me a nitpicker, but it’s too damn bad nobody at Volusia County Beach Mismanagement thought to phase ramp renovations as part of a strategic plan for the revitalization of access gateways over time.

Sound familiar?

With a $1.1 Billion budget, is it negligence, institutional stupidity, or old-fashioned piss-poor planning that repeatedly puts Volusia County between a rock and hard place?   

You be the judge.  Because we damn sure aren’t getting the answers from those we elect to represent or interests…   

As my friend and I navigated the Lone Eagle west onto what remains of East International Speedway Boulevard – a lagging construction project that has progressed little beyond tearing up access to area merchants during the spring tourist season – we considered the fits, starts, and promises that seem to come and go on the Halifax area’s long-neglected beachside… 

Don’t get me wrong, there are signs of life everywhere you look.

With the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, and the perennial draw of the Atlantic Ocean – the most beautiful natural resource imaginable – all the civic Tinker Toys are in the box to make something truly special.

But for the life of me I can’t discern any “Grand Plan” between the cities and the county guiding the way forward – a unified public/private effort bringing together all facets of the hospitality industry, our planning apparatus, beach mismanagement, entrepreneurs, and area residents – those who benefit from a vibrant beachside (read: all of us) to revitalize, protect, and conserve our tourism product. 

As we drove through the good, the bad, and the ugly, my civically astute friend summed things up in the most observant, incisive, and completely accurate way:

“This is how you fuck it up…” 

Agreed.

I encourage everyone to take a leisurely drive along Atlantic Avenue sometime soon – come to your own conclusions about the condition of Volusia County beaches, approaches, and access points in our core tourist area and beyond. 

Then consider what is standing in the way of entrepreneurial investment in a place awash in highly compensated “Economic Development Directors,” “Redevelopment Directors,” “Economic and Strategic Opportunities Directors,” “E-Zone” Operations Managers,” “Team Volusia,” etc., etc.

Then, come election time, ask our elected officials why they allow the same failed policies and “visionaries” to keep their hand on the tiller of this foundering ship?

Ask them why they are even considering spending money on motocross tracks and other nice-to-haves when our essential infrastructure is in desperate need of upgrade and repair – as our streets and roadways quickly develop a grisly reputation as the deadliest in the nation?

Then remind them why we won’t rollover and acquiesce to a sales tax increase.

It’s your money – your community – and your life. 

You have a right to know.    

Just don’t ask those tough questions at the County Council’s upcoming “goal setting” workshop on April 30.  Because Councilman Jake Johansson believes that when the public is given unfettered input, it “…quickly evolves into something we don’t want…”

My God…

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Asshole           Volusia County School Board

“This week you’re in, next week you’re out – run in circles, scream and shout!”

–The Lament of the Volusia County Teacher

After being caught in a baldfaced lie during a terribly awkward vignette played out at a School Board meeting last month – an embarrassing moment when our elected dullards attempted to distance themselves from the political fallout surrounding the district’s brazen attempt to decertify the union representing teachers and paraprofessionals – now it appears the board has reconsidered…

As I understand it, last week the board’s contract labor attorney responded to Florida’s Public Employees Relations Commission advising that the board will not file an “official challenge” to Volusia United Educator’s recertification after all – but not before huffing that the board still believes VUE submitted inaccurate information to PERC… 

I think the French call that L’esprit de l’escalier – that perfect repartee that occurs to you upon reaching the bottom of the staircase following a spat, the perfect comeback you might have used to overwhelm your rival had you thought of it earlier… 

The response came after the School Board met behind closed doors – in a dubious “executive session” outside the public eye – apparently to discuss how they would respond to the growing controversy that just weeks ago board members claimed to know nothing about? 

Weird…

The damage is done.  Chairwoman Jamie Haynes and the current members of the board are now political lepers – and no one will trust them again.   

And the hits just keep on coming…  

This week, the Volusia County School Board once again earned the “Asshole” award for their complete lack of strategic budgeting and forethought that has resulted in continuing chaos at district schools. 

Now, “budget adjustments” have caused an incredibly anxious Spring Break for teachers and staff who are left to wonder where and what they will be doing next as the district adopts a new methodology for staffing allocations during the 2024-25 school year.

Last week, the district sent an email to all teachers and staff announcing that federal COVID-19 funds have expired, and principals will now be required to staff critical instructional positions according to the needs of their school.

According to an excellent report by WKMG-6 who broke this disturbing story last week:

“The district said it received nearly $200 million in that funding over the last four years.

“We’re having to make the appropriate modifications to go back to our budget as we lived before the pandemic,” said board member Ruben Colon.

Now, Deputy Superintendent Rachel Hazel said the district will give each school a budget for the principal to work with.

She explained that if the principal can’t afford a teacher, that teacher will have options. Hazel said they could transfer to another school where there are vacancies.”

What the horribly redundant Deputy Superintendent failed to explain is why no one in a position of responsibility thought to determine – with enrollment remaining the same (or expected to increase in the face of explosive growth) – how to best maintain essential staffing levels using its astronomical $1.4 billion budget, knowing that federal pandemic funding would end?   

Instead, with funding returning to pre-pandemic levels, it appears the best District CFO Todd Seis could cypher is handing principals a dry turd and telling them to make the best of it… 

So, what do you think the first casualties of the Balgobin administration’s unconscionable lack of planning will be – music, art, physical education, sports, enrichment programs, electives? 

Unfortunately, the only ones confident in their positions today are Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and her senior staff – pointless redundancies with titles like “Deputy Superintendent,” “Assistant Superintendent,” “Director,” “Assistant Director,” “Chief,” “Coordinator,” etc., etc.

By my rudimentary calculations, Superintendent Balgobin and her “Cabinet” alone command a collective $1,189,781+ annually, not counting perks and benefits.

(I say “+” because I could not find a salary for the Chief of Human Resources – find the rest for yourself here: https://tinyurl.com/msryebsw )

Perhaps more disturbing, teachers were notified that their lives are about to be upended by mass email – a missive handed down from the cloistered Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand – just before classes were dismissed for Spring Break, a move tailormade to breed fear, speculation, and anxiety for parents, students, teachers, and staff…

To add insult, according to an article by Mary Ellen Ritter writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week, educators received the email from Danielle Johnson, director of community misinformation for Volusia County Schools, who assured “With this adjustment in the allocation process, VCS will continue to offer a full continuum of programs and electives within our district.”

I wonder why Superintendent Balgobin didn’t notify her anxious staff of these sudden changes under her own hand? 

According to the News-Journal, Johnson confirmed “Teachers will not lose their jobs as a result of the budget adjustments, Johnson confirmed, but some will be “displaced” ― either transferred to a new school or assigned a new subject to teach.”

I certainly hope the Volusia County School Board will hold Ms. Johnson accountable for that assurance… 

For a group of elected officials that claim to have such care and compassion for children, I have rarely seen a board so consistently devoid of feeling, understanding, and empathy.

How about you?

Angel               Philanthropist L. Gale Lemerand

During my productive life with the City of Holly Hill, for a time, our community experienced the disastrous effects of The Great Recession, a dire period in our community’s history that resulted in far-reaching cuts to programs and essential services our citizens had come to rely on.

Upon learning of the difficult funding decisions city administrators were facing, quite unexpectedly, the great L. Gale Lemerand appeared at City Hall and graciously offered to fund an important program that benefited underserved families in our community.

Without question, demands, or recognition – Mr. Lemerand simply saw an unfulfilled need and selflessly donated the resources required to ensure those less fortunate were cared for.

I have never forgotten how one man’s noble gift in the face of such terrible uncertainty gave hope to so many during that grim time.

In an uplifting article by Daytona Beach News-Journal reporter Mark Harper, we learned that Mr. Lemerand’s extraordinary philanthropy continues to benefit and advance our community in so many wonderful ways.

According to the report, Mr. Lemerand recently gifted Bethune-Cookman University $1.4 million to assist with the renovation of two campus buildings. 

“Lemerand, a Daytona Beach entrepreneur and philanthropist, has his name on buildings, streets and scholarships at the University of Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Daytona State College, as well as B-CU. The latest gift will result in the L. Gale Lemerand Academic Multiplex and the L. Gale Lemerand Football Complex.

The complexes, at the southeast corner of East International Speedway Boulevard and North Lincoln Street, will be used for academic support, meeting and office space, recruiting, locker rooms and other similar purposes to support student athletes.

“Mr. Lemerand’s generosity and commitment to furthering education in the state of Florida can’t be overstated,” said William Berry, Bethune-Cookman’s provost and acting president. “He has been a friend of the university for many years now, and we are incredibly thankful for his kindness and investment in ensuring our students have access to the best facilities possible.”

In my view, Mr. Lemerand’s transformative generosity will have a significant and sustainable impact on the lives of Bethune-Cookman University students – and the civic, social, and economic health of our community.

Bethune-Cookman also announced last week a $420,000 donation from the Daytona Beach Racing and Facilities District – along with several other generous gifts from local organizations and individuals – which brought B-CU closer to its $1 million fundraising goal in honor of the University’s 120^th Anniversary. 

In a release by Bethune-Cookman, Mr. Lemerand said, in part:

“When there [are] problems in any organization, whether it’s a college or whether it’s a business organization, there’s a lot of publicity about that. But there’s very little publicity when things start to turn around through the hard work of the current executives of this and the management of this great university. When I found out the things that have been happening behind the scenes and all the improvement and hard work that’s gone into it, it just made me feel that I just needed to do something!”

Kudos to L. Gale Lemerand and others who have so generously supported the resurrection of Bethune-Cookman University and the enduring legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. 

Angel               City of Daytona Beach Charter Review Commission

Your loyal scribe passed a personal milestone yesterday with the tenth anniversary of my retirement from local government service. 

How time flies…

During my productive life, my colleagues and I formulated rules, regulations, policies, and procedures – everything from emergency management procedures to duty manuals and continuity of operations plans for worst case scenarios – always developed during times of calm, so those responsible for the safety and wellbeing of others would know how to respond effectively during times of chaos and uncertainty.   

Many times, those guidelines were the results of previous errors and omissions – because making mistakes is an ever-present part of the human condition.  But for those willing to humble themselves to the uncomfortable process, those blunders and oversights can result in valuable lessons – and lasting solutions.

That requires an open, inclusive, and vigorous process of review, input, and reevaluation – always adjusting course to meet changing needs, correct immediate problems, and anticipate future challenges.   

While spontaneity and impulsiveness may be fun at picnics, political impetuosity and recklessness can prove disastrous when it comes to the functions and administration of government. 

That’s why a city or county’s governing document is so important. 

According to the National Civic League, since its introduction in 1915, the “council-manager” form of governance has become the most widely used structure in local governments serving populations over 10,000. 

Although the model has been refined over the years, the fundamental principle remains, “…that all powers of the city be vested in a popularly elected council, which appoints a professional manager who is continuously responsible to and removable by the council, remains the same.”

How those essential functions and responsibilities of government are administrated are embodied in the governing charter.

Over the next several months, the City of Daytona Beach will undertake the important task of reviewing and updating the city charter with the assistance of a civic-minded group comprised of Anne Ruby, Paul Zimmerman, Chris Bowler, Harry Lloyd, Phyllis Terri Malia, Ida Wright and Steve Miller.  Alternates will include Sandy Murphy, John Kenyon, Jack White, William Kamer, Katienna Brown, Russell Wetherington and Frederick Brown.

The Charter Review Commission will consider citizen input on everything from term limits for elected officials to ensuring public input in policy decisions, land use regulations, advisory boards and more, then present their suggestions in a final report to the City Commission on June 5. 

According to the City of Daytona Beach:

“Any recommended changes will be presented to the City Commission for authorization and two public hearings will be established for public input. Upon approval, a referendum is held where amendments are presented to the electorate for final adoption. The amendments will be placed on the ballot at the next general election on November 5, 2024.”

In an informative report this week by News-Journal reporter Elieen Zaffiro-Kean we learned, “City commissioners will decide what, if any, charter changes should go before Daytona Beach voters in November. Residents could also get a charter change suggestion on November’s ballot by circulating a petition and getting at least 10% of registered voters to sign it.”

(Please find the News-Journal’s report here: https://tinyurl.com/mrx8kadw )

Residents of Daytona Beach are encouraged to bring their suggestions to upcoming town hall meetings – on Monday, April 8, to be held at the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Community Room, 129 Valor Boulevard, beginning at 6:00pm – the other scheduled for 6:00pm Monday, April 22, at Schnebly Center, 1101 North Atlantic Avenue.

In my view, the charter review process embodies the best attributes of our system of self-governance – allowing everyone an opportunity to participate in formulating constructive change to the city’s governing document. 

Kudos to everyone willing to serve – and provide their valuable input in this important process.

Quote of the Week

“It was a very irregular and disappointing proceeding; after their presentations to the board, principals were sent out of the room by the chair presumably to negotiate. The plaintiff’s spokesman was not afforded his three-minute rebuttal after FDOT respondents presented.

The chair started to proceed to other agenda items, but had to be “called out” by an attendee that “public comment” had not been heard. A dozen or so speakers, representing various environmental groups, and some representing themselves as affected property owners all spoke in opposition to issuing a permit for construction of the I-95/Pioneer Trail interchange.

No one spoke in favor of the interchange. Interestingly, the “public comments” were entertained by the board while the principals were out of the room.

When the principals returned after lengthy delay, no agreements had been reached. The board made no motion on the issue; there was no discussion or “consideration” by the board; there was no vote. By default, the issue went forward to the SJRWMD executive director to issue the permit, setting aside an administrative law judge’s recommendation to deny the permit.

Overall, the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board gets “two thumbs down.” It failed to seriously consider public input; it failed to uphold its core mission (per its website) to “protect our natural resources.”

–Rob Bridger, Ormond Beach, political committee chair of the Sierra Club, Volusia-Flagler Group, as excerpted from his Letter to the Editor, “St. Johns River Water Management Board gets ‘two thumbs down,’” Ormond Beach Observer, Tuesday, March 26, 2024

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the purpose of the state’s five “water management” districts are to provide adequate water supply for the future, protect water quality, flood protection and floodplain management, protect natural systems.

That’s an incredible responsibility in a state growing at an estimated rate of 900 new residents per day – with a limited water supply…   

In my view, earlier this month, the St. Johns River Water Management District lived up to its checkered reputation when the regulatory agency blatantly ignored the recommendation of an administrative law judge and strategically allowed a permit for the controversial Pioneer Trail Interchange to be issued. 

What may seem shocking to the casual observer is nothing new to veteran environmentalists who, for years, have watched the SJRWMD engage in questionable permitting – including a grim period of its history when a former chairman of the SJRWMD governing board received money from public and private clients of his “environmental consultancy” to lobby for their interests in front of the very regulatory agency he oversaw…  

In my view, that weird practice reeked of the quid pro quo transactional politics we’ve come to accept as “bidness as usual” – a perfect example of how “things” work here in the Sunshine State – the biggest whorehouse in the world.

Four years ago, Judy Orcutt, President of the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County wrote in her widely regarded primer “Here’s how to fix Florida’s water crisis”:

“DeSantis must overhaul the governing boards of all of the water management districts. Many vacancies exist and individuals should be named whose expertise is protecting and cleaning the waters of the state — not those with business-related conflicts of interest.

With strong leadership, free from political pressure and a sufficient budget, the water management districts could resolve much of Florida’s water crisis.”

What’s changed?

Unfortunately, what Mr. Bridger witnessed at the SJRWMD meeting is increasingly common in many governmental and regulatory agencies – a weird parapraxis that reveals the machinations and hidden motives – when governing boards, councils, and commissions are suddenly reminded they have skipped the critical “public comment” period and conveniently forgot to hear from the very constituents they exist to serve. 

Admittedly, I have old-fashioned notions about putting profit over people, “professionals” who knowingly compromise themselves by selling their opinions to the highest bidder, and those who would sacrifice our environment on the altar of greed.

Sound familiar?

I also believe those who have an ethical, moral, and fiduciary responsibility for developing and enforcing regulations designed to protect our dwindling natural places should always err on the side of caution and conservation – ensuring a fair and impartial playing field for challenges to direct threats to our natural systems. 

That begins with meaningful and well-considered input from all stakeholders.   

And Another Thing!

The current iteration of the Volusia County Council has created a highly effective diversion by dreaming up solutions to non-existent problems and wasting precious time in mock debate of benign issues while the pressing problems of our time go unaddressed.

Last week, Councilman Danny Robins created another tempest in a teapot by suggesting the repeal of an ordinance requiring a three-day waiting period and criminal background checks for firearm purchases at gun shows held on property accessible to the public. 

According to the staff report, the ordinance was enacted in 1999 and a similar attempt to repeal the rule was brought before the Council in August 2013, although no action was taken. 

It is increasingly apparent Danny spends his ample idle hours poring over county ordinances, choosing the ones he disagrees with, then dreaming up self-aggrandizing agenda items to get his picture in the newspaper…

In his own inimitable way, Mr. Robins donned his powdered wig and melodramatically crowed, “Repealing this policy has everything to do with good versus evil, and forcing free people to wait, forcing them into a state of unarmed helplessness.”

Look, I happen to be a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.  The Constitution of the United States ensures that law-abiding citizens have an inalienable right to own and bear firearms, and that protection should never be infringed by an overreaching government. 

Period.  Full stop.    

I just question if this ordinance is the most pressing issue facing Volusia County in 2024?   

The only person to speak on the matter during public comment was Deltona City Commissioner Dana McCool, who recounted a heartbreaking family tragedy that she believes could have been prevented had a waiting period been in effect. 

“I haven’t heard horrible things about when people don’t get guns, but I’ve heard horrible things about when people do get guns,” she said.

In addition, Councilman Jake Johansson seemed troubled by the possibility of repealing the ordinance when he spoke of a Harvard study that found waiting periods are somewhat effective in preventing homicides involving firearms and countered that a waiting period does not prohibit a person from buying a firearm, only delays the purchase. 

Of course, the item gave Councilman Don Dempsey the opportunity to mutate into the theoretical “reasonable man” (I assume to deflect from the fact he wants to frivolously piss away $10+ million of our tax dollars on a motocross track?) who averred, “Just because something’s illegal doesn’t mean the bad guys can’t get their hands on it.  So all we’re doing now is punishing law-abiding citizens from their ability to get a gun quickly.”

Meanwhile, Chairman Jeff Brower cloaked himself as Hooterville’s own a constitutional scholar and pontificated from the dais, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. For 200 years we’ve been infringing.”

Now, I’m not sure what Chairman Brower is trying to say (and I’m not convinced he knows how to say it) but he fell right in line with his “colleagues,” once again wasting valuable time on another manufactured issue while Rome burns…   

Meanwhile, here in the Real World, Ormond Beach Holdings, LLC – the developers of a proposed 137-unit hotel on A-1-A at the dilapidated Seminole Avenue approach in Ormond Beach – are seeking to pullback plans to build a sidewalk that would facilitate ADA compliant public access to the beach after Volusia County declined the amenity citing “maintenance and liability” issues. 

Say what?  

The last I checked, public beach access and maintenance are the sole authority of Volusia County and its sluggardly “Coastal Division” – whose very reason for existing is to “Manage, maintain and improve coastal parks, beach access and coastal recreational facilities for the quality-of-life benefit of residents and visitors.”

So what gives?

According to an excellent report by Jarleene Almenas in the Ormond Beach Observer this week:

“An Oct. 16, 2023, email from county staff to the city stated that the county already provided public access to the beach with the Seminole Avenue beach approach, and, that the hotel developers could deed it or provide an easement to the county if they wanted to. But, the county would not maintain it, and suggested that the city or the hotel developers could do so instead.

Ormond Beach Holdings LLC told city staff that they are willing to build the sidewalk — but would not have proposed it in the first place if they knew they would be required to maintain it and provide liability insurance, according to the city staff report.

The Planning Board inquired what the cost of maintaining the sidewalk would be. City Planning Director Steven Spraker said that he didn’t have an exact cost at the time of the meeting, “there certainly is a cost.”

“There’s also an unintended consequence, because the city doesn’t maintain beach access,” Spraker said. “… That is a function of the county, so now you are assuming a county function, and that may lead to other assumptions or other demands in the future.”

While I rarely agree with my friend Rob Merrell, a land use attorney who represents Ormond Beach Holdings, LLC – his assessment that it is inappropriate for a private entity to maintain and accept liability for a public access sidewalk is spot on.   

According to the Observer, “We wanted to do this,” Merrell said. “We thought it was a good gesture. The county was saying they wanted it and the city wanted it.”

Earlier this month, the Ormond Beach Planning Board unanimously voted to recommend the City Commission remove the sidewalk provision from the Planned Business Development.  

Telegraphing that he has apparently never set foot on the Seminole Avenue approach, Planning Board member GG Galloway reportedly said, “I don’t know why we would want a sidewalk there when you have a roadbed ramp that is 20 feet wide.  I would much rather be walking down a road bed than a sidewalk that — by the time I got to the end of the sidewalk — may or may to have stair steps to get me down to the beach.”

Huh? 

Per usual, I’m cornfused…   

Anyone who has attempted to use the narrow Seminole Avenue approach – with reserved hotel parking to the north, and angled public parking to the south, on what is perhaps the most shabby, uninviting, and perennially closed vehicular beach access in Volusia County – knows how beneficial an ADA compliant sidewalk would be. 

Don’t take my word for it.  Drive down to the Seminole Approach (if you can find it) and see for yourself… 

The developer’s request to remove the proposed public sidewalk will be heard by the Ormond Beach City Commission on April 16.

Now, the rest of us rubes (read: Volusia County Taxpayers) should plan on shlepping the kids, beach chairs, coolers, floats, umbrellas, and other gear down an active vehicular beach approach (if it ever reopens, that is…) 

In the meantime, rather than determine why our beaches have the most down-at-the-heels approaches in the state, perhaps the Volusia County Council can waste more time finding another solution searching for a problem… 

That’s all for me.  Have a blessed Easter, everyone! 

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Angel               City of Holly Hill

When I was young, my late father taught me that things are rarely as good or bad as we think they are. 

The events of last week proved the exception to that advice, and to say I am heartbroken is an understatement… 

Longtime readers of this alternative opinion site know that I rarely give my views on those things closest to me, including the faults and human foibles of law enforcement officers (my former career) and the City of Holly Hill (where I served for over three-decades) – neither of which are perfect – because I have an admitted bias, a conscious favoritism toward those people and institutions that I love unconditionally. 

We’re allowed to have imperfect heroes.  Is there any other kind?   

As a result, I cannot objectively express my thoughts on those subjects with any degree of honesty. 

So, I don’t.   

That doesn’t mean that I never get angry with them – question the actions and judgement of individuals, or frown on the impetus of incidents that bring discredit across my beloved organization, community, or profession. 

Despite the fact I have developed some hard bark over the years, my feelings can be hurt by those I put my faith in.   

How about you?

That’s the natural vulnerability required of those who trust, care, and love something larger than themselves.   

Anyone who doesn’t understand that should stop reading now.    

Since news broke of the Holly Hill police chief’s abrupt departure last week, I’ve heard the terrible rumors and speculation that you have – and I’ve absorbed the cheap shots and piling on from those who seized the chance to land a few low blows on me and my much-loved community. 

That’s okay.  Those things naturally circulate in times like this. 

The fact is, I know little more about the facts and circumstances than what has been reported in the media – but now, ten-years into my retirement – anything that hurts the institution of the police service I still feel like a deep phantom pain.   

While there is much I don’t understand about recent reports – what I do know is that the great privilege of my life was doing work worth doing with some incredible professionals in service to a grateful community who genuinely appreciated the effort.

What I know of honor, commitment, and service to a cause greater than my own self-interests I learned from them.

Nothing takes away from that.

My long association with the Holly Hill Police Department fulfilled my life’s dream – and gave me everything I have or will have – most profoundly an incredible sense of pride in service.

What a truly special place…

May God bless all who have ever worn the badge with pride and honorably served that wonderful community – and those beautiful and eccentric souls I had the great fortune to protect and serve those many years.

For now, I trust the process – and I believe in the resilience of a city that will celebrate 123 years this summer…

When the broken places heal (and they will) I am confident the department will be stronger on the other side. 

For all my former colleagues active and retired – and the wonderful citizens of The City with a Heart – please take care of yourselves and each other. 

I’m here for you always.

“It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: “And this, too, shall pass away.” How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! — how consoling in the depths of affliction!”

“And this, too, shall pass away…”

–President Abraham Lincoln, September 30, 1859

Asshole           Volusia County Councilman David Santiago

“Draft ordinance limiting comments to verbal comments during the general comment period.”

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:

Sec. 2-66. Public participation and opportunity to be heard.

“Public comment procedures.  The Council welcomes and encourages comments from the public…”

Bullshit. 

The opening line of a now tabled draft ordinance to amend the Volusia County Council’s stilted “Rules of Order” and further limit your right as a taxpaying citizen to be heard and understood by those we elected for redress of grievances was a baldfaced lie.   

Under the ridiculous “goal” of Supporting a Solution-Oriented Culture, on Tuesday, the Volusia County Council took up another time-wasting solution looking for a problem when they discussed a draft ordinance pushed by Santiago that would have prohibited the publics ability to use electronic media – such as videos, photographs, audio recordings, or any other means of helping illustrate their point during public comments.

The mere attempt was a slap in the face to everyone who has ever taken time out of their busy day to prostrate themselves before those stone-faced gargoyles on the dais of power in DeLand.  

In my view, this was another skeevy move by Councilman David Santiago – a shameless elitist with a huge opinion of himself – who doesn’t care what you have to say. 

Apparently, since November 2023, Volusia County’s best legal minds have spent countless hours determining how to further disenfranchise citizens and discourage public participation by drafting an amendment prohibiting the use of any form of electronic media by substituting the Monarchical diktat:

Achtung, pissants!

“Comments shall be limited to verbal comments.”

Of course, Mr. Santiago disingenuously couched the amended ordinance as a means of prohibiting offensive or inappropriate material.  That prompted At-Large Councilman Jake Johansson to hare off down a dark hole that would have seen citizens submitting their supporting media to the individual council members with sufficient time to allow our detached potentates to decide (outside the public view) what they will hear and see of our petty problems – and what they will not. 

Ultimately, Councilman Santigo saw which way this brazen attempt to further muffle his constituents was heading, decided to punt this political football, and made a preemptive motion to “permanently table” any further action on the item. 

Yeah.  I know…

Don’t let your guard down, folks. 

Look for variations on the theme to be brought back in the future cloaked as a “decorum” issue, being silenced because you speak at the “wrong time” or on the wrong issue, or some other thinly veiled gag – because when it comes to formulating unique ways to censor, silence, and suppress the concerns of Volusia County residents the bureaucracy’s work is never done…

The fact is, if our elected “representatives” gave two-shits about what their long-suffering constituents think about anything – let alone the development of public policy that directly effects our lives and livelihoods – they would encourage a dialog, answer timely questions, engage in the competition of ideas, or at least acknowledge the physical presence of We, The Little People who are expected to pay the bills and keep our pieholes shut.             

My God…

Residents watching from the often-packed gallery in the chamber – or straining to hear the proceedings from home on the worst audio/video feed since Alexander Graham Bell called for Mr. Watson – are routinely forced to sit through interminable “staff reports” consisting of the monotonous drone of some senior jackleg’s emotionless recitation of a mind-numbing PowerPoint presentation…   

So, why should Volusia County taxpayers be prohibited from using digital media during their three-minute audience before our elected dullards on the dais?

In my view, despite Mr. Santiago’s eleventh-hour attempt to wipe the egg off his face – it remains the hope of Volusia County Council members that marginalized taxpayers will simply disengage from the process and go away – because their time is more valuable than yours…

I’ve said this, ad nauseum, but it has become painfully apparent that most official decisions are a foregone conclusion – hashed out ahead of time in the cloistered confines of the County Manager’s office, based solely on the political insulation of a “staff recommendation” or “public policy by off-the-agenda ambush” – which all but eliminates the need for public input or strategic thought on the critical issues.

This sense of remoteness between the average citizen and those we elect to serve our interests is becoming institutionalized, an accepted part of what passes for county governance in an environment where public policy is formed in seclusion by politically unaccountable bureaucrats.

Asshole           Palm Coast City Council

“In a stunning move, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin this morning motioned to fire City Manager Denise Bevan, without cause. The motion carried, 3-2, with Alfin and Council members Ed Danko and Cathy Heighter in the majority. Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston was appointed acting manager.

The three votes came from the three most pro-development members of the council, with an explicit explanation from one of them: “Denise has done a well job but I do feel that we’re moving into a different era in this city,” Council member Cathy Heighter said. “We are a rapidly growing city and we do need strong management and we do need someone that’s going to address issues.

The vote and Heighter’s comment were as clear a pair of indications as any that the council majority wanted a more development-minded manager at the till…”

–FlaglerLive!, “Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan Unceremoniously Fired Without Cause in 3-2 Vote on Mayor’s Motion,” Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Once again, Palm Coast Realtor/Mayor David Alfin has (literally) paved the way for more malignant sprawl with the summary termination of City Manager Densie Bevan.

Apparently working in concert with Vice Mayor Ed Danko – Realtor/Mayor Alfin passed the gavel to Danko and made the motion to fire Bevan without cause.  When things shook out, Alfin, Danko, and Councilwoman Cathy Heighter were on the winning side of the 3-2 vote, with Council members Theresa Pontieri and Nick Klufas dissenting.

Following the vote, Councilman Danko showed the complete lack of class he’s become known for, abandoned his responsibilities at the business meeting, and left the dais to campaign for a seat on the Flagler County Council at the public library – a move that drew the rightful criticism of both Pontieri and Klufas. 

According to a report in FlaglerLive!:

“Both council members hinted that Danko had shown up to the meeting only to cast the firing vote, and that he therefore knew about the vote ahead of time – what would amount to a sunshine law violation. Mayor David Alfin and Council member Cathy Heighter were also in the majority. Danko said he had no knowledge of the vote. He’d shown up just for public comment, and was intending to leave after that regardless, until Alfin told him he was passing the gavel so the mayor could make the firing motion.  

“This is going to be controversial but it is what it is,” Pontieri said at the tail end of a three and a half hour council meeting. “Our vice mayor decided to show up today to remove our city manager and then get up from the dais. I have it on very good authority that he is campaigning right now at the library and Facebook-living while doing it.”

Councilwoman Pontieri continued, “To me, this indicates two things, that there was a violation of sunshine that occurred before today’s vote, because he showed up to clearly take the gavel to support the motion, and then he left, which if there was something so pressing that he had, why even come to the meeting today. He clearly came to cast his vote for this motion. And now he’s campaigning from the library when we have a business meeting that requires voting on serious city matters. This person is running for a county position. And I take real issue with this. I know we don’t have the ability to censure up here. But this needs to be addressed. This is a problem.”

(Find the rest of this sordid story here: https://tinyurl.com/ekr6msmz )

Unbelievable.

The fact is the move to oust Bevan was politics at its worst.   

Realtor/Mayor Alfin was admittedly upset that Ms. Bevan had not delayed a shocking utility rate study that found Palm Coast will need to raise $635 million over 10 years just to keep up with growing demands on the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure. 

According to a subsequent rationalization in FlaglerLive!, the pompous Alfin said he “…wanted Bevan to be more politically attuned to the reality of an election year, and to have delayed a controversial utility rate study that could be turned to political ends until a non-election year.”

Say what?

“The utility rate hike study was presented at the beginning of an election cycle,” Alfin said. “I think that’s wrong because I think it could have been done a year ago and not become part of political pandering or footballing or whatever. The problem is when you allow it to fall on the calendar this way, I don’t know that you debate and consider it on its true merits without a thought of how this will affect the upcoming campaign, and I think at the top level of leadership, those kind of questions are very important.”

My God. 

Realtor/Mayor Alfin should understand that no one gives a damn about his self-centered political aspirations.  It is time for Mr. Alfin to put the mounting needs of his constituents over the greed-crazed profit motives of his developer friends placing people over politics…   

With Realtor/Mayor Alfin’s hastily choreographed coup d’état complete, the door is open for the pro-development majority to continue the rapid buildout of Palm Coast in the same asinine ‘cart before the horse’ strategy that is destroying the quality of life for residents across the region. 

My sincere hope is that the anxious residents of Palm Coast and Flagler County remember Alfin and Danko – and their shocking irresponsibility in the name of power and greed – come election day… 

Quote of the Week

“If your people who are best able to pay the taxes are leaving your state, and not (paying taxes), the tax burden remains the same but is now spread across fewer people who are less able to support those taxes,” he said. “So you start to see the spiral.”

A couple of the questions from Tiger Bay Club members touched on Florida’s property insurance crisis, a subject Leek − whose day job is chief legal officer for Foundation Risk Partners, a Daytona Beach insurance brokerage − has contended with for years.

“You have to think of this as a macroeconomic problem,” he said. “In the state of Florida, you are going to pay more for your property insurance than you will in many other states because the demand to get into the state of Florida is so high. People want to live here.”

Fraud led insurance companies to leave the state, so lawmakers reformed the system to make it more attractive to carriers, Leek said.

“Over time, we have had six new carriers come back into the state. We need about another six carriers, maybe a dozen, before you’ll start to feel some of what I think is going to be a more moderate increase in insurance premiums, and that’s about the best I think you can hope for in a state with this much demand on it.”

–State Representative and Chief Legal Counsel for a local Insurance Brokerage Tom Leek, Ormond Beach, as quoted by reporter Mark Harper of The Daytona Beach News-Journal, during a question-and-answer session at last week’s meeting of the Tiger Bay Club of Volusia County, Monday, March 18, 2024

I like Tom Leek. 

He’s a hometown guy.  Smart, approachable, and, in my view, he has our best interests at heart. 

However, when he says, “Fraud led insurance companies to leave the state,” I question which side of the equation Representative Leek is talking about? 

As Mr. Leek knows far better than me, there are two ways insurance companies make money – the obvious is by taking in more in premiums than they pay out in claims.  The other is investing premiums that have not yet been paid out in claims then banking the accrued interest – something the industry calls “float.” 

As many Floridians have found following hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters – getting their insurance carrier to pay legitimate claims has become a virtual impossibility – a drawn-out exercise that requires engaging public adjusters, hiring attorneys, and saber-rattling threats of lawsuits… 

An incredibly protracted and time-consuming process that certainly doesn’t benefit the policyholder… 

Last month, we learned in a News-Journal piece of a U.S. Army retiree who took the fight to Tallahassee after property insurance rates on his Daytona Beach Shores condominium skyrocketed 563% last year.

Unfortunately, that story is not an isolated incident here in the Sunshine State, where homeowners are finding astronomical increases in rates and deductibles – with a corresponding reduction in coverage. 

That’s tailormade for disaster…

Something else I question is the mindset of state and local politicians who refuse to see that allowing massive sprawl then reaping the resultant increase in state coffers results in an overcrowded and claustrophobic feeling that ultimately destroys the attraction – especially when residents, both new and established, come to realize they exist to feed the ever-expanding bureaucratic machine…

According to the News-Journal’s report:  

“Leek said Florida’s economy has been “remarkable” and “resilient,” attracting high earners who bring their income with them, helping the state to continually beat revenue projections, while states where some of those new residents are leaving, California, New York and Illinois, to contend with budget deficits.

“If your people who are best able to pay the taxes are leaving your state, and not (paying taxes), the tax burden remains the same but is now spread across fewer people who are less able to support those taxes,” he said. “So you start to see the spiral.”

That’s what I like about politicians, they can justify anything to make a partisan political statement – including finding the ‘silver lining’ in explosive development and the resultant population growth as “luxury” subdivisions blanket the width and breadth of Florida – even as longtime residents are being driven out of the state due to onerous insurance rates (if they can get coverage at all), ever-increasing taxes, fees, a lack of affordable housing, and crushing congestion…

Have you seen a corresponding decrease in your tax burden now that more, more, more “high earning” taxpayers are being shoehorned into the state like ten-pounds of shit in a five-pound bag?

Do you sense more of that “remarkable” tax revenue being used to fund necessary transportation, water, and public utilities improvements – I mean, outside those pet projects preferred by wealthy insiders who need a road here, or interchange there, to facilitate even more growth?   

Me neither.   

An ugly spiral indeed…

And Another Thing!

Well, that’s a done deal. 

The “alternative education” program known as the Riverview Learning Center is moving to the once dilapidated/now perfectly suitable campus of Osceola Elementary School.

And guess what?

There’s not a damn thing blindsided beachside residents of Ormond Beach can do about it. 

On Monday, Volusia County District Schools reluctantly held a public information meeting after School Board member Carl “Namby-Pamby” Persis received permission from his boss, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin…

In a report by Mary Ellen Ritter writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week, we learned:

“The district led Monday’s meeting. Board member Carl Persis, Riverview Principal Thomas Soli and Volusia’s Chief Operating Officer Patty Corr welcomed attendees, informed them about the alternative education program, and provided context about the district’s recent rezoning and program transfers.

They led a question-and-answer-style discussion, using questions that had previously been asked at school board and city meetings. Attendees to Monday’s meeting were also able to submit questions on an index card to be answered that night. After all questions were answered, attendees could raise their hands and when called on, ask additional questions or share personal statements.”

From what I was told by some in attendance, the “Q&A” did little to alleviate the concerns of many area residents who were kept in the dark – and rightly felt the decision to relocate the Riverview students was done without sufficient notice or the benefit of citizen input.

Sound familiar? 

One astonished Barker’s View reader described the tone of the meeting as defensive and condescendingly indifferent, with flippant or non-answers to questions.  In one instance, the district’s Chief Operating Officer Patty Corr is said to have responded to two shouted questions by threatening to end the meeting – and later admonished a citizen by scolding “Sir, don’t roll your eyes at me.” 

Whoa. 

Although district officials tried their best to couch community pushback as a NIMBY issue – derisively insinuating that citizens and nearby homeowners who oppose the relocation lack compassion for “these kids” who are experiencing “a second chance” – in fact, the primary concern of residents and city officials remains the complete lack of transparency by Volusia County Schools.

On December 5, prior to the board’s vote, the district held an informational meeting regarding the relocation – but only notified students and parents involved in the program – effectively keeping area residents and city officials in the dark.

According to the News-Journal, “While some community members came to the meeting worried about an alternative education program moving into their neighborhood, Jennifer Schwartz, a neighbor to the school, said that wasn’t the sole concern.

“I don’t want the connotation being taken out of this meeting that we’re horrible neighbors that are all up in arms because we don’t want those kids,” she said. “We want the people who are responsible for the communication and upkeep of the property to do their job.”

In a follow-up article by Jarleene Almenas writing in the Ormond Beach Observer this week, we learned that during Tuesday’s Ormond Beach City Commission meeting, Commissioner Travis Sargent called the district’s info session the “most hostile, unorganized meeting” he ever attended – and blasted the district for trying to blame the City Commission for not notifying area residents of the Riverview transfer. 

“I’m just absolutely flabbergasted at the way they treat our residents,” Sargent said. “It’s absurd.”

In addition, during Monday’s klatch, Ormond Beach City Manager Joyce Shanahan made it perfectly clear that the responsibility for this debacle lays squarely with the district.

“It is not a city commission or city staff position. It is 100% the decision of the Volusia County School Board, not Ormond Beach,” she said. “We are just like you … This is not a city commission issue. This is 100% a School Board issue.”

Kudos to Commissioner Sargent and Ms. Shanahan for standing up for Ormond Beach residents.  

On Monday, once again, Mr. Persis was left awkwardly explaining himself to suspicious constituents – hoping to convince anyone still listening that the School Board acted appropriately, regardless of how it was perceived:

“Was it anyone’s intent to keep it from you?” Persis asked. “No. Was it anything shady, underhanded? No, I guarantee you that. It’s just that we hadn’t done anything like this, and we notified the group that we thought we should and that wasn’t really what we should do.”

My ass…

In most public and private organizations that value their relationship with those they serve, leadership is held to account by those elected to represent the interests of stakeholders – and when things get so far afield that the credibility of the institution is jeopardized – conscientious leaders understand the importance of stepping aside as a matter of honor.

Apparently, that’s not the case in the district’s cloistered Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand…   

In my view, the time has come for the Volusia County School Board to ensure this is Superintendent Carmen Balgobin’s final embarrassment. 

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all! Go Hatters!

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was:

Angel               Former Director of Volusia Beach Safety Andy Ethridge

The Coconut Telegraph here at Barker’s View HQ was smoking this week as rumors continue to fly over the ‘abrupt resignation’ of Volusia County Beach Safety Director Andy Ethridge, a well-respected servant/leader who worked his way from lifeguard to specialist, sergeant, captain, and deputy chief, then spent less than three-years at the helm after being promoted to Chief in June 2021.

During his tenure, former Director Ethridge oversaw the transition of law enforcement services from Beach Safety to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, short-handedly protected 47-miles of shoreline amid the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified lifeguards, and successfully navigated a shambolic “beach management” apparatus and that ossified bureaucracy in DeLand.   

Look, I have no way of confirming or discrediting any of the disturbing claims surrounding Ethridge’s unexpected departure – let alone answering the darker questions, like “why” he would suddenly leave 28-years into a successful career marked by promotions to positions of increasing responsibility?

All we know is what slowly oozes from the cloistered Inner Sanctum at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building – usually in the form of a canned “press release” posted on the county’s webpage…   

In my view, of the myriad challenges facing Volusia County, the most troubling aspect is that County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald and his close coterie of deputies, lackies, and senior administrators control the flow of information with an Orwellian understanding that information = power.

They know the ultimate political protection is the ability to channel and restrict information through a single power source.  As a result, even our elected policymakers are often kept in the dark about pressing issues facing their constituents – resulting in a near-constant roil of conjecture and assumptions leading to paranoia and speculation…

That’s the danger of rumors.

I know our ‘powers that be’ hate it when I point out the obvious (I hate me too) but the fact remains, We, The Little People who pay the bills and suffer the inefficiencies of our increasingly expensive essential services have a right to know the truth. 

Like why the senior director of our Beach Safety Department left during one of the most demanding weekends of the year – and more important – who (if anyone) is performing this vital role as Spring Breakers begin to arrive? 

The “word on the street” this week is that Director Ethridge was forced to resign his position by Director of Public Protection Mark Swanson for reasons that remain murky…  

Is that true?  Hellifiknow…

What I do know is that since his appointment in 2022, Swanson has had a tumultuous run, including the ham-handed fiasco surrounding the termination of former Corrections Director Mark Flowers – and now the clumsy departure of the highly respected Andy Ethridge – even as Beach Safety struggles to attract and retain personnel. 

Now, with Swanson assuming command (?) – it appears Beach Safety will revert to yet another destabilizing period of “acting” and “interim” leadership at the beginning of a busy tourist season…

Earlier this week, I obtained a copy of Director Ethridge’s letter of resignation submitted Saturday, March 9, offering a two-week notice. 

I also received the subsequent notification to Volusia County Council members by Director of Community Misinformation Michael Ryan – a bullshit missive which sugarcoated things by thanking Ethridge for his “approximately 25-years” service (he had nearly 29-years with Volusia County) claiming the former director was “returning to his roots in law enforcement…” – except, Mr. Ethridge’s “roots” are in a lifeguard tower on Daytona Beach…

What gives?  

In the view of many, Ryan’s shockingly specious report to our elected officials disparaged Director Ethridge’s service with fabrications and inaccuracies.

More disturbing, in my view, it represents a baldfaced lie to the Volusia County Council. 

Now there are more questions than answers…

Why was last Friday Director Ethridge’s final day on the beach?

Why was there no orderly transition – or immediate notice to citizens, visitors, and our elected representatives explaining who is responsible for beach safety following Mr. Ethridge’s departure? 

If Director Ethridge was in fact forced out – why did Mr. Ryan blatantly lie to the Volusia County Council about the nature of his exit – forever destroying the trust of the elected officials and their constituents?    

And who authorized Mark Swanson to scalp a veteran senior administrator and proven asset who was described during his 2021 promotion ceremony as “revered” within the ranks of Beach Safety? 

Perhaps most important – with Andy Ethridge out, how many more dedicated public servants will flee that sinking ship at what remains of Beach Safety?  

Nearly a week later, the questions continue to swirl, and Volusia County taxpayers want to know the truth…

Last week, a veteran government watcher and civic activist summed up what many long-suffering residents have come to believe:

“They keep firing the monkeys and giving the organ grinder a pay raise.” 

How terribly sad… 

Thank you for your dedicated service, Director Ethridge. 

The nature of your departure does not define the quality of your contributions – or your many acts of courage in service to our grateful visitors and the citizens of Volusia County. 

Asshole           Volusia County School Board

The unfortunate saga continues… 

The Volusia County School Board is embroiled in various outrages, humiliations, and bruhahas spanning multiple fronts – a constant churn excruciatingly played out in the news media – leaving elected board members staring at their shoes and stammering for answers to growing questions of gross mismanagement from taxpayers, even as Superintendent Carmen Balgobin’s administration continues to operate in virtual silence.

Now, anxious stakeholders are questioning what our dullards on the dais are trying to hide?

In January, the School Board’s contract labor attorney sent formal notice to Florida’s Public Employees Relations Commission suggesting that Volusia United Educators – the union representing the district’s teachers and paraprofessionals – falsified membership records making it appear the bargaining unit had the 60% membership required by state law.

The union’s leadership vehemently denied the allegation.

Inexplicably, in February, School Board Chair Jamie Haynes arrogantly attempted to distance the board from the district’s pernicious attempt to decertify the collective bargaining unit – and denied any involvement with either the PERC correspondence or engaging the labor attorney – a cheap alibi that quickly unraveled when Volusia County School’s General Counsel Kevin Pendley admitted that each member of the board individually authorized the action…   

Yeah.  I know.  But as the Dude said, “New shit has come to light, man…”

After being caught either openly lying to their constituents – or pitifully ignorant of events unfolding in Superintendent Balgobin’s Ivory Tower of Power – on February 29, PERC gave the Volusia County School Board until last week to file a formal response “…as to whether it is challenging the Union’s registration” under applicable Florida statutes.  

Instead, the district confused everyone by asking PERC for an extension…   

Rather than exhibit the character and courage to stand before their constituents and explain themselves to those who pay the bills – or clear the air and alleviate the fears of anxious teachers and staff – our elected officials, with Chairman Haynes on the gavel, slithered out of sight into a secret closed session – apparently to discuss their pending response to PERC.

Or was it a strategy session to determine how these vainglorious phonies can best restore their soiled reputations now that they have been individually exposed as prevaricating hypocrites by the district’s General Counsel? 

Although Chairwoman Haynes went through the clearly well-coached legal maneuverings required to meet the statutory requirements of a “shade meeting” – many believed the mysterious “closed attorney/client session” stretched the limits of legislative exceptions to Florida’s Sunshine Law.

Let’s face it – either the Volusia County School Board wants to decertify the union representing its teachers and paraprofessionals and upend the collective bargaining process – or it doesn’t; but that decision should not be made in some shadowy behind-closed-doors conclave.      

In my experience, when an embarrassed elected body starts covering its tracks, things get messy. 

Once those holding high office are caught in a lie – their constituents will never trust them again – and that’s not a positive for politically vulnerable members like the wholly ineffectual Carl “Namby-Pamby” Persis who must stand for reelection later this year…

Regardless, the board’s surreptitious session was the worst political optics imaginable – sending a clear message to everyone watching that the Volusia County School Board is keeping secrets from those of us who pay the bills.

There are several takeaways from last week’s awkward executive session – the most glaring that our elected officials are either incapable or unwilling to control Superintendent Carmen Balgobin as she crashes about like a bull in a china shop – clearly unconcerned by the political realities of her elected bosses – wholly ignoring the concerns of Volusia County residents who are time-and-again surprised by her administration’s edicts and decrees formed in a bureaucratic bubble.    

Asshole           St. Johns River Water Management District

“No one can stop it. It’s on its way. We are building homes. People are moving in. Kids are playing outside,” he said.”

— Mori Hosseini, the all-powerful chairman and CEO of ICI Homes, as quoted by reporter Mark Harper in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “How David beat Goliath: Spruce Creek conservationists block I-95 interchange – for now,” February 6, 2024

As usual, Boss Hosseini was right all along.    

He “won” this week when the historically compromised St. Johns River Water Management District – the regulatory agency charged with protecting our natural resources, water quality, and natural systems – ignored the recommendation of an administrative law judge to deny a permit for the controversial Pioneer Trail Interchange and strategically allowed the permit to be issued anyway.

Just like Mr. Hosseini promised it would.   

And the unique flora and fauna of the environmentally sensitive Spruce Creek watershed lost… 

Screw ‘em.  Fish and wildlife don’t contribute to political campaigns – and they damn sure don’t purchase three-bedroom, two-bath cracker boxes “…starting in the $400’s.”

In October 2023, a small group of intrepid environmentalists and concerned residents successfully defended the sensitive Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve and environs from the threat of the proposed interchange at I-95 and Pioneer Trail by challenging a controversial stormwater permit issued by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

To say it was a ‘David & Goliath’ tale is an understatement…

In January, Administrative Law Judge E. Gary Early rightfully recommended that the SJRWMD’s stormwater permit be revoked after determining its issuance was “not in the public interest,” citing that an area of Spruce Creek has been designated an Outstanding Florida Waterway which requires special protections because of its exceptional natural attributes.

To show just how far some will stoop to see the will of powerful special interests come to fruition, during the hearing, we learned that SJRWMD engineers made the idiotic claim that the massive 74-acre paving project would somehow “…reduce phosphorus, nitrogen and other harmful elements being diverted to Spruce Creek.” 

My God.

According to a report this week by Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida, “…the district’s proposed final order backing the permit concluded that the project “is clearly in the public interest.” It said Early improperly ruled that an “extra” environmental benefit needed to be shown to find the project was in the public interest.

“In aggregate, the district determines that the applicant (the Department of Transportation) clearly demonstrated compliance with all of the regulatory criteria, including the public interest factors addressed herein, and these factors are enough to render this project ‘clearly in’ the public interest,” the proposed final order said.”

I learned this week from a local environmentalist who attended the SJRWMD meeting on Tuesday that several opponents of the interchange met outside the boardroom with officials from the Florida Department of Transportation and the district to discuss “potential changes to the project.”

Look, I’m not sure hashing out the future health and sustainability of the Spruce Creek watershed in a Palatka hallway is the proper way forward.  But sometimes that’s the best those concerned about our threatened environment can hope for here in the biggest whorehouse in the world… 

In a follow-up piece in The Daytona Beach News-Journal by reporter Mark Harper, Katrina Shadix, founder and director of Bear Warriors United spoke of possible plans for a federal appeal of the permit:

“Shadix said her coalition has “such a great federal case now,” after the district granted the permit despite the judge’s finding.

“We don’t want to be too negative and call it a banana republic and a kangaroo court,” Shadix said. “… It’s ridiculous they used this vehicle, this tool, to permit the damage to wetlands and the environmental wildlife. I just didn’t think it was a fair process.”

Anyone who cares about the future of our threatened state should applaud the courage and perseverance of these intrepid conservationists.

This one is important…

Ultimately, a heavy price will be paid by our children and grandchildren – after those influential special interests in the real estate development community have slashed, burned, and paved over every square inch of greenspace – and squeezed the last dollar out of what remains of this place we call home. 

Asshole           Volusia County Councilman Don Dempsey

“It’s been proposed and we put it on the meeting agenda about two or three months ago when each councilman talked about what they think would be their priority if they had a wish list.  My priority was a motocross facility, because we have been needing it. We are 30 years past due for one.”

–Volusia County Councilman Don Dempsey, October 2023

“We need to just let the market play itself out and quit letting government pretend that we’re the cure-all for all the issues, so I’m a hard no on this,” Dempsey said. “I think whenever we have an opportunity to stay out of people’s lives in a free economy, we need to.”

–Volusia County Councilman Don Dempsey, March 2024

Like a recalcitrant child with skewed priorities, last week, Volusia County Councilman Don Dempsey was a “hard no” in a 5-1 vote to allow more flexibility for the development of affordable housing as the chasm between the “haves” and “have nots” continues to widen here on the “Fun Coast.” 

Because I’m pathologically skeptical of the motivations of land use attorneys, real estate developers, and the sutlers and shills who make a handsome living manipulating malleable politicians while taking advantage of increasingly lax permitting, eviscerated environmental regulations, and asinine legislation such as Florida’s “Live Local Act” – I worry how these “incentives” will be abused by greed-crazed developers with a profit motive. 

Among other things, the proposed changes to the county’s Comprehensive Plan will allow expedited permitting for affordable housing projects, deferral of impact fees, and inducements such as waivers for permit and inspection fees, density bonuses, and donations of county-owned land to encourage workforce housing. 

I found it interesting that heavy-hitters – such as Cobb Cole land use and real estate lawyers Mark Watts, Jessica Gow, and Nika Hosseini – worked with county staff to formulate the changes that many hope will incentivize affordable housing in Volusia County.

During the discussion, Councilman Danny Robins voiced his concerns – stating that he wanted the same permissive rules to apply across the spectrum of development (apparently not realizing that influential real estate developers have already been given carte blanche to blanket the width and breath of Florida with “luxury” cookie cutter subdivisions) – but that didn’t stop Mr. Robins from championing the cause of his campaign benefactors…

Whatever. 

But it was the obstinate opposition of Councilman Dempsey that seemed most misplaced.

Apparently, the hypocritical Mr. Dempsey would have us believe he gives two-shits about these relaxed regulations facilitating more, more, more development amidst rising concerns of increased traffic, environmental impacts, sardine-like density, and widespread flooding – because his ludicrous argument about keeping government out of the marketplace rings hollow as he actively lobbies to blow $10.2 million in public funds on a state-of-the-art commercial motocross facility. 

(Excuse me.  I just choked on my Tullamore Dew…)

According to an excellent report by the News-Journal’s Sheldon Gardner:

“Dempsey, a lawyer, is “heavily involved in the real estate market,” he said. A financial disclosure form showed that he was worth over $4.5 million as of June 1, 2023, with a large chunk coming from real estate. Among his assets listed were three rental properties in DeLand that bring in $3,750 a month.

He said he’s seen the real estate market fluctuate.

“We need to just let the market play itself out and quit letting government pretend that we’re the cure-all for all the issues, so I’m a hard no on this,” Dempsey said. “I think whenever we have an opportunity to stay out of people’s lives in a free economy, we need to.”

I don’t make this shit up, folks…

Look, I don’t think anyone who has experienced this willy-nilly explosive growth in Volusia County supports allowing quick-buck artists to swoop in and exploit these permitting and financial incentives for more sticks-and-glue “projects” – or infilling established neighborhoods with substandard housing done ‘on-the-cheap’ – and I found it chillingly telling when powerful land use attorneys stood before the Volusia County Council and vigorously patted our Growth and Resource Management Director Clay Ervin on the head (Goo-boy, Clay!  Good Boy!).   

Disturbing…

But with an increasing number of Volusia County families considered asset limited/income constrained – watching the dream of homeownership (or reasonable rentals) evaporate in an environment where the median sale price of a single-family home is now $361,667 – it is time our ‘powers that be’ focus on safe and affordable workforce housing.

I’m not talking about the same laissez-faire approach to general development we have seen from state, county, and municipal governments – but a visionary strategy focusing on infill, renewal, and rehabilitation in challenged neighborhoods.    

According to the News-Journal, during the meeting, Attorney Nika Hosseini explained to our dullards on the dais the importance of supporting these affordable housing initiatives – while taking a clear swipe at Councilman Dempsey’s faux-concern of government skewing the marketplace:

“The nurse that helps you at the hospital, where is she or he supposed to live when they’re just getting started? To say that this is about development or that the market will simply handle itself is, frankly, pretty appalling in my opinion,” she said. “We are supposed to be a community of individuals that help each other.”

While I appreciate Ms. Hosseini’s passion for those less fortunate – I would argue that many of the developers who are actively paving over Volusia County and beyond have been less than receptive to incorporating affordable housing into their many projects… 

In my view, like any other government “incentive,” affordable housing enticements require strict oversight from those charged with regulating what passes for growth and resource management. 

In my experience, good things rarely result when the fox is given unfettered access to the henhouse in the name of “incentivizing” development.    

Unfortunately, supervision and accountability has never been a strong suit in Volusia County government, and time will tell if last week’s measure will be a blessing, or a curse…

Quote of the Week  

“Bouaziz said he is “far more than unimpressed” with how the school and school district has handled this incident thus far.

“(I’m) disturbed,” he said. “The problem is, where’s the line? What if, instead of yelling ‘retarded’ at them or calling them all ‘retarded,’ she had put her hands on somebody? Right? Or she had, you know, called a kid the n-word? Right? Like, where’s the line that, that causes the school system to take this … seriously?”

Bouaziz said he is also concerned by the lack of transparency from the school and district.

“It makes me feel like the school system as a public entity doesn’t respect or care about the parents who fund it, right?” he said. “The complete lack of communication and just trying to sweep it under the rug until DCF stepped in was just a pretty bad play.”

— Cypress Creek Elementary parent Karim Bouaziz, as quoted by reporter Mary Ellen Ritter writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Cypress Creek Elementary teacher under investigation for using derogatory term for students,” Monday, March 11, 2024

(Please find the rest of this disturbing story here: https://tinyurl.com/25hurw76 )

Not much surprises me when it comes to the faults and foibles of human nature.  

As a horribly jaded cynic, I rarely expect the “best” from people – that’s a recipe for disappointment…

During my career in public service, I made my share of embarrassing gaffes and missteps – an experiential education that can teach valuable lessons to those willing to humble themselves and learn from their mistakes.

We all have bad days, and most people can forgive what they see themselves doing. 

I’ve said things I regret in a pique of anger or stress. 

How about you?

In my experience, it sounds like this unfortunate incident could be resolved with a sincere apology, refocusing, and stress management techniques.  It is how Volusia County District Schools left a parent feeling their complaint was “swept under the rug” due to a “complete lack of communication” that I find disturbing.    

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident in Superintendent Carmen Balgobin’s cloistered Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand…

Sometimes those in high profile positions attempt to protect themselves by circling the wagons, going mute, and protecting the status quo at all costs.  That’s when perception becomes reality for those of us peering through the greasy pane in the portcullis that separates citizens from their government.

Without exception, it is how an organization – especially one funded by tax dollars – communicates with those it exists to serve that either builds a reputation for transparency and trust – or one of confusion, chaos, and suspicion.

Sound familiar Osceola Elementary parents and Ormond Beachside residents?   

I understand that details of pending personnel matters cannot – as a matter of policy and collective bargaining agreements – be disseminated to the public; but when the media or concerned residents call, organizations can take the opportunity to explain the process to those looking on, address the concerns of stakeholders, and maintain an open and inviting path for those seeking to provide input on necessary policy revisions. 

In my view, that avoids quotes in the newspaper like, “It makes me feel like the school system as a public entity doesn’t respect or care about the parents who fund it…”

It also helps if those at the top actually care about those they serve – rather than covering their own ass.

Trust me.  I know better than most how easy it is to sit in the cheap seats and snipe and sneer at those ‘actually in the arena’ who stumble doing work worth doing.  It’s kind of a hobby of mine…

I also know the importance of shining a bright light on the pervasive mismanagement, misinformation, and inefficiencies that erode trust in government and those institutions we rely on.

Establishing a culture of doing the right thing, for the right reasons, costs nothing. 

And it means everything…

In my view, it is time our elected representatives begin to examine how Superintendent Balgobin and her senior staff can get it so wrong, so often?  

And Another Thing!

Earlier this week, we learned a few lessons about what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to the “revitalization” of Downtrodden Downtown Daytona.

We also learned how much that renaissance can cost…

In the fall of 2017, insurance magnate King J. Hyatt Brown, gathered his loyal subjects before him at an “invitation only” event – and announced bold plans to construct his Grand Headquarters on Beach Street – something HRH J. Hyatt’s handmaidens in government and industry hailed as the ultimate panacea for Daytona Beach’s perpetually struggling downtown.

It was the very answer to our collective prayers – a catalyst for transformative success.

At the time, then City Manager Jim “The Chisler” Chisholm gushed, “It’s a game changer for the downtown area,” and Dr. Kent Sharples of that mysterious camera stellata over at the CEO Business Alliance swooned, “It’s the biggest and best thing that’s happened since General Electric in terms of the number of jobs created, salary, and impact on our community.”

Just weeks later, both the City of Daytona Beach and the County of Volusia ponied up millions-of-dollars in public infrastructure improvements, financial incentives, and property tax abatement – which, we were told, would assist Brown & Brown in obtaining even more tax credits from the State of Florida for the promised six hundred “new high-paying jobs” the HQ would bring to Daytona Beach.

The town was abuzz with exciting words like “rejuvenation,” “recovery,” and “revitalization” – as our ‘powers that be’ assured skeptical taxpayers that downtown restaurants, boutiques, and bars would be brimming with free spending insurance executives – something that gave strapped area merchants reason to hang on by their splintered fingernails just a little while longer…

To prepare for the second coming of the once vibrant Downtown Daytona, taxpayers acquiesced to a plan that gifted the riverfront park to HRH J. Hyatt for his lavish “esplanade” – with the Brown’s generously donating $35+ million and the citizens of Daytona Beach agreeing to pony up some $800,000 annually for upkeep. 

In addition, a bizarre plan was hatched to replace a perfectly serviceable streetscape, a project that further disrupted Beach Street…

Remember?

And who can forget the continuing boondoggle that became the publicly subsidized (and horribly misnamed) First Step Shelter – a $6 million magic potion born of a shambolic process that began with a 2014 ($135,000) “study” which recommended a 250 bed come-as-you-are homeless shelter – before morphing into an insanely expensive social program that takes homeless people who submit themselves to a mysterious process and, we hope, magically ends in sustainable permanent housing…   

But what about those who don’t want to participate in First Step’s convoluted “get your shit together” program? 

Well, according to an informative article by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week – a story that read like a Steinbeck novel – at least some of those ambulatory drunks, lunatics, vagrants, and malevolent vagabonds (who apparently didn’t get an invitation to HRH J. Hyatt’s Grand Plan) have once again turned Downtown Daytona into an unsafe and unsanitary “battleground.”

According to the disturbing report:

“For nearly 14 years, Sweet Marlays’ Coffee has been serving up freshly brewed java, delectable desserts and a sun-filled retreat overlooking the Halifax River across the street.

At times it’s also been a battleground between shop owner Tammy Kozinski and the vagrants who wander inside the Beach Street café to lobby for free food, rant for no particular reason, urinate on the floor and steal. One angry man recently cursed at Kozinski and threw his cup of hot coffee at her.”

Whoa. 

I guess publicly subsidized glass and steel office buildings and elaborate “transitional programs” aren’t the cure-all we were promised, eh?

Please find the rest of the News-Journal’s interesting exposé here: https://tinyurl.com/2fhzr8zt

Now, the City of Daytona Beach has formulated a plan that will bring the same private security service that patrols the squeaky-clean Brown Esplanade to the mean streets of downtown to take on these marauding miscreants head-to-head… 

According to the News-Journal, “The city is getting ready to launch a (60-day) pilot program that will provide security officers six days a week along Beach Street between Orange Avenue and International Speedway Boulevard, where the city’s redevelopment director said “most of the issues have been.”

“Two unarmed officers will cover foot patrol shifts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Sunday, and when they see problems they’ll use their radios to summon police for help.”

After meeting with downtown merchants to discuss their concerns, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry announced the plan during a public meeting last week.

I agree with Mayor Henry.  This idea has legs.

Literally, four of them, walking a beat on Beach Street… 

(I hear you, “Who is behind that keyboard and what have you done with our beloved Barker the Bitcher?”)   

Listen – rather than put the cost on the backs of already tax-strapped Beach Street residents and merchants, the program – estimated at $2,400 per week for two officers – will be underwritten from the reinvestment of Downtown Redevelopment Area funds under City Manager Deric Feacher’s discretionary spending authorization.   

According to the report, “If the city wants to make the guards permanent, it will have to put out a request for proposals. City staff would choose the bidder with the lowest cost who met all the city requirements. City commissioners would then make the final decision.”

In my view, with the City of Daytona Beach preparing to invest $30 million on needed upgrades to Jackie Robinson Ballpark – and $12 million on more streetscaping at the north end of Beach Street – using redevelopment funds to better secure the core downtown commercial area without further burden on struggling business owners is a sound idea. 

But the $1.5 million-per-year question remains – with the First Step Shelter continuing to pick and choose who they will accept into the “shelter program” and who will be turned away – where will those aggressive “vagrants” go when they are once again displaced from Downtown Daytona? 

That’s all for me.  Have a great St. Patrick’s Day, y’all!