Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the news and newsmakers of the day who – in my cynical opinion – either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way this week here on Florida’s fabled “Fun Coast.”

First Step Shelter Board

In an excellent follow-up this week by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, we learned that the investigation into ugly allegations of fiduciary maleficence, fraudulent activities, discriminatory bias, ongoing harassment, retaliation, breaches of confidentiality, unethical behavior, fostering a toxic work environment, etc., etc., at the First Step Shelter in Daytona Beach is coming to conclusion. 

Incredulously, we also learned that the First Step Board of Directors is now considering getting taxpayer’s pesky noses out of their “business” by turning the operations and oversight private “…so that it no longer holds its meetings in public and is no longer obligated to share its current records with the public.”

Yeah.  You read that right…

With the enigmatic First Step program rocked by scandal – and many (including the News-Journal) questioning if Daytona Beach and Volusia County taxpayers should continue to throw a collective $800,000 in public funds toward the “shelter’s” $1.5 million annual budget – the board, under the direction of Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, is seriously considering trying to exempt the program from Florida’s Sunshine Law. 

According to the report, “Abiding by Florida’s Sunshine laws that require board members to only talk to one another about shelter matters during public meetings, and to allow the public to be at those meetings, “makes it hard to do our work,” said Mayor Derrick Henry, who serves as president of the First Step Shelter Board.”

I’ll bet it does… 

“My agenda is not to hide from anyone, but to be a more effective board,” Henry said. “I think we could raise more money if we could talk to each other.”

Really?   

Because it sure sounds like Mayor Henry and the board would prefer to conduct their affairs behind closed doors…you know, to be more “effective.”

My ass.

Mayor Henry also explained that he wants the “shelter” to stop conducting business like a “public entity” (even though the program exists solely because of the taxpayer’s largesse?) and have it operated “much differently” – which, I assume, means in effective darkness away from any reasonable public scrutiny…

According to the report, “My bigger concern has always been how do we make this stand on its own?” Henry said.”  

I’m not an expert on the administration of public or privately held not-for-profits – but so long as First Step is effectively reliant on tax dollars – it must operate in accordance with Florida’s open meetings law. 

In my view, First Step has suffered transparency issues since it began to rise from city owned pine scrub in December 2017.

I don’t know about you, but I well remember the day 150 local dignitaries gathered in their finery on the sandy site off US-92 for a premature groundbreaking ceremony/photo opportunity ahead of a facility that we were initially told would cost between $2 million and $3 million – then inexplicably ballooned to a whopping $6 million as costs mysteriously “evolved.” 

That shocking development morphed into an equally shadowy (and incredibly lucrative) no-bid “dirt deal” that allowed P$S Paving, the contractor who performed the site work for First Step, to harvest publicly owned fill dirt off publicly owned property adjacent to the First Step site during the most prolific development boom in our region’s history, in exchange for defraying some $2.13 million in site development costs.

In a disturbing December 2018 News-Journal article also by Zaffiro-Kean we learned, “Bids were never solicited. The agreement with P&S Paving was hammered out behind closed doors, city records show.”

Interestingly, the “deal” was extended another 21-months (without a price increase?) by the Daytona Beach City Commission in 2022…

Now this? 

I agree with Mayor Henry on one point: It is high time Volusia County taxpayers were off the hook for whatever First Step Shelter is (because it most definitely is not a come as you are shelter) – as the board finds a way to bring its operations and expenses to a point where the program can stand on its own. 

Most agree that the problem across our region is simply too great to devote a combined $4 million in scarce public resources to a single entity every five-years, while a very visible segment of the homeless population who are ineligible or incapable of transitioning to permanent housing remains without services and outreach. 

With the recent court ruling finding Daytona Beach’s effective panhandling ordinance unconstitutional, the Halifax area will soon be aswarm with transient beggars as more homeless (and professional panhandlers) make their return. 

In my view, rather than squander public funds and private donations scheming how best to hide First Step’s already murky administration from suspicious taxpayers and benefactors – perhaps now is the time to protect the public trust, restore the confidence of donors, and determine how best serve the needs of those less fortunate in Volusia County.

That will require strong leadership.  Not secrecy. 

Deltona Vice-Mayor Jody Lee Storozuk

“The government you elect, is the government you deserve.”

–Thomas Jefferson

The sad fact is, most people have become desensitized to the abhorrent behavior of Deltona elected officials – detestable conduct that consistently plumbs the depths of that fetid slit trench that passes for “politics” in Volusia County. 

Over time, repetition and familiarity have reduced the shock value, and what was once unthinkable has become expected, even accepted.  In fact, infighting, sabotage, and repugnant acts by and between senior officials have become Deltona’s unfortunate civic identity.    

Yet, just when you thought you’d seen it all, a Deltona official will succumb to their base instincts and sink to a level so crude it stuns even veteran watchers.  This week, I received a flurry of messages from Deltona residents stunned by a vile attack on a senior citizen by a sitting elected official. 

“Shocking” doesn’t quite do it justice…

With a confirmed reputation for loutish behavior, the oafish Vice-Mayor Jody Lee Storozuk has finally reached the nadir (I hope) of vulgarity toward longsuffering Deltona residents when he suggested in an open Facebook post to a 70-year-old female constituent, “how about yo just suck a dick….. lmfao”

Read it again.  This is what passes for political discourse in the Lost City of Deltona…

I don’t know what prompted this contemptible suggestion.  Frankly, it doesn’t matter. 

Despicable.

In the harsh aftermath, “Jody Lee” (as the Vice-Mayor prefers to be known) took to social media to issue an apology and accept responsibility by claiming someone else used his Facebook page to make the “totally inappropriate” (and now deleted) post.

In all honesty, I’m not sure what to make of this. 

Are you?   

As a veteran observer of Volusia County politics, I’ve witnessed some underhanded attacks, low blows, and dirty tricks – that comes with the territory – but this is beyond disturbing.       

Are we to believe Vice-Mayor “Jody Lee” has an evil twin?   

A brutish alter ego that lycanthropically transmogrifies into a monstrous social media thug? 

A Hyde-like brute who bullies elderly constituents, firing off salacious suggestions to septuagenarians from behind a keyboard whenever his feathers get ruffled during a political campaign? 

Or are we to believe that Vice-Mayor Storozuk allows others to publish demeaning and profane missives under his name and likeness so he can feign dubious deniability when his constituents rightfully take offense? 

Only in Deltona would one consider either of these bizarre possibilities, but under the circumstances, they are legitimate questions… 

Unfortunately, last year, “Jody Lee’s” opponent for the District 6 seat, Dominic “Nick” Lulli, fell victim to similar treatment at the hands of former Deltona City Commissioner Tom Burbank, who launched a hate filled and homophobic social media attack on Mr. Lulli – a private citizen – who later filed a successful lawsuit against the City of Deltona. 

So, what did he do to provoke the ire of former Commissioner Burbank? 

Lulli had the temerity to announce he was exploring a run for the District 6 seat. 

Recognizing this repugnant behavior for what it was, the Deltona City Commission later officially censured Burbank during a public meeting.

So, how will the Deltona City Commission respond to Vice-Mayor Storozuk’s sexually charged cyber-abuse of a senior citizen? 

If left unaddressed, this treatment will have a chilling effect on any Deltona citizen considering participating in their municipal government…   

Although Mr. Burbank later did the right thing and resigned his seat, I don’t expect the same from the likes of Vice-Mayor Storozuk.  In my view, doing the right thing is clearly not in his character… 

Look, I realize this is the cesspool of Deltona politics we’re talking about – but this boorish and offensive behavior should not become the accepted norm for sitting elected officials – and Jody Lee Storozuk should resign immediately.   

Palm Coast Vice-Mayor Ed Danko

Speaking of skeevy… 

As things begin to heat up on the campaign scene – an interesting time that always brings out the best and worst in those with the weird compulsion to hold themselves out for high office – it appears a good old-fashioned Flagler County bruhaha has erupted between Palm Coast Vice-Mayor Ed Danko and Sheriff Rick Staly.

In a recent political advertisement touting his run for the Flagler County Commission, Danko attempted to cloak himself with the imprimatur of Sheriff Staly’s popularity by employing a crafty script and images that suggested Staly has endorsed Danko’s candidacy. 

In the video, narrated by retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Oliver North and posted to Danko’s YouTube channel, it was insinuated that Danko supports Staly and, by inference, that Staly supports Danko.       

That’s news to Sheriff Staly… 

According to an informative article in FlaglerLive!, “Sheriff Staly Rejects as ‘Misleading’ Ed Danko Campaign Claim of Endorsement in Latest Ollie North Video,” we learned that a 60-second ad paid for by the Danko campaign suggests Danko “has endorsed my friend Sheriff Staly and his efforts in reducing crime,” a line that Staly described as “misleading.”

(Watch it for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywupIQqtdZM )

“Ed Danko did not endorse me. Publicly he supports this office but there was no formal endorsement done nor did I ever ask for an endorsement,” Staly said. “Every endorsement I received running for reelection, my campaign put out a press release and you will never find a press release indicating that Ed Danko endorsed me, because that just didn’t happen. I have a lot of people that want me to endorse them, because I am a very popular elected official and well know, and that is exactly why I’m staying out of local politics with the exception of state level and national level elections.”    

In my view, Sheriff Staly’s commitment to remaining above the fray in local races – especially for those offices he must work with on budget and policy decisions – is a sound practice.   

Personally, I think political endorsements by local politicians is presumptuous at best – but in an environment where too few voters think for themselves – receiving the seal of approval from popular political leaders, celebrities, and influential organizations can change the minds of undecided/uninformed voters and help build credibility during heated campaigns.

As elected officials, both Staly and Danko are exempt from a Florida law that rightfully limits electioneering by appointed public employees in their respective political jurisdiction, a practice that erodes the impartiality required of civil servants. 

However, Mr. Danko is not exempt from the Florida statute that makes it “…unlawful for any candidate or person on behalf of a candidate to represent that any person or organization supports such candidate, unless the person or organization so represented has given specific approval in writing to the candidate to make such representation.” 

Look, I understand why Sheriff Staly wants to keep Ed Danko at arm’s length. 

As the residents of Palm Coast well know – Danko brings a kooky brand of political drama, roil, and instability to the dais – a weird kabuki he now wants to bring to the larger stage of the Flagler County Commission. 

According to FlaglerLive!, in reiterating his stance on endorsements last week, Staly said:

“The only one I have endorsed is Tom Leek for a state position. I have not endorsed any local candidate and I have no intentions of endorsing any local candidate because I have to work with them as sheriff,” Staly said, “and I am having this video reviewed by my general counsel. Once that review is done we will address any violations or implied endorsements appropriately.”

Subsequently, Flagler County Sheriff’s general counsel John LeMaster issued a cease and desist to Danko, which stated:

“While you indicate you did not write the script for the advertisement, you and/or your campaign have promoted it, providing a false narrative and misleading the voters of Flagler County. We demand both you and your campaign immediately cease and desist all uses and references to Sheriff Staly, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and/or the likeness of either in all mediums including, but not limited to, social media, mailers and commercials.

You will not receive another warning letter. Failure to comply will cause this office to take any and all legal action necessary to gain compliance.”

I applaud Sheriff Rick Staly for standing by his ethical standards, ensuring compliance with electoral regulations, and for maintaining the integrity of our democratic process.  By his actions, the citizens of Flagler County can have confidence in their Sheriff – and the system.   

Quote of the Week

“City Commissioner Stacy Cantu said it’s “the worst deal I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“This is actually an insult to the commission and our residents,” Cantu said. “This is laughable. Do they really think we’re that stupid to approve this?”

–Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu, as quoted by The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “’The worst deal I’ve ever seen in my life’: Daytona considers Beach St. building purchase,” Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Kudos to Commissioner Stacy Cantu for demanding city officials pump the brakes on an odd proposal that would grossly overpay for a dilapidated office building on Beach Street. 

In my view, that’s good governance.

According to the News-Journal, “At their July 3 meeting, city commissioners were asked to vote on a contract to purchase a 63-year-old Beach Street building, as is, for $4.4 million.”

“The asking price was $1 million above an appraisal the city had done a year ago, and the four-story building just north of the post office would also need another $3 million or so of renovation and repair work. That would escalate the city’s total expenditure to at least $7.4 million for the mostly empty structure that also might need building code updates, mold and asbestos removal, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and a new roof.”

Oh, I forgot.  The terms of the sale would also allow the current owner of the property to keep his general contracting company offices in the building for $100 per month while providing “consulting” services for the renovation project. 

Say what? 

Look, I’m not a real estate speculator (all my money is tied up in what chartered accountants call “liabilities”) but that sounds like a great deal for someone – just not the taxpayers of Daytona Beach…   

According to reports, the City of Daytona Beach is under pressure to spend at least $11.4 million in accumulated permits and licensing funds by October 4 or risk forfeiting it to the state.  The building would be used to house city permitting operations.    

As often happens when government is required to spend an exorbitant amount of money in a brief period – caution and due diligence take a backseat to rushed and ill-informed decision making – that rarely works to the taxpayer’s advantage.    

In my view, perhaps the Daytona Beach City Commission should consider hiring the owner of the Beach Street building to negotiate any future real estate “deals” on their behalf – and leave senior city staff on the bench… 

And Another Thing!

Admittedly, I’m a curmudgeonly asshole with a jaded view of the body politic. 

But this election cycle a few local races seem more like a dilemma to me.  A weird Morton’s fork, where regardless of choice, any outcome results in equally unfavorable consequences…

Namely, more of the same… 

I might not be the smartest guy you know, but I’m perceptive as hell, and I hear you out there, stomping your feet, spewing your beverage of choice, screaming wildly “Wait just a damn minute Barker!  (Insert your favorite candidate here) is different!  He/she is going to make a difference and turn things around!”   

No, they aren’t. 

Oh, they say all the right things – and, in many cases, the neophyte candidate sincerely believes he/she has the answers – that our lives and livelihoods will be better under their unique brand of “leadership and vision,” if only We, The Little People will give them a chance.

Then during the campaign someone teaches them to speak in soundbites – carefully crafted to give the appearance they have a grasp of the issues – just shy of specifics, implication without substance, any salient point obscured by smoke and mirrors.

For instance, I recently read an interesting piece in the West Volusia Beacon introducing the candidates and incumbent vying for Volusia County Chair.  My recurring fears were realized with their non-answers to the logical question, why should people vote for you and not your opponent(s)?

For instance, Deb Denys, a retread politician who mysteriously threw her hat in the ring after losing to incumbent Jeff Brower by 40,000 votes in 2020, responded: “Proven leadership. Ability to collaborate and achieve successful outcomes by meeting and working with partners and concerned citizens. Protecting and preserving our natural resources continues to be in the forefront of my active engagement.”      

What does that mean?  Who speaks like that?

In turn, Chairman Brower responded with: “I have kept my word to the public and will not sell them out. My highest goal is to protect their constitutional rights and quality of life. This vote represents a clear choice between developer-financed candidates and me, your voice to protect your quality of life and everything that makes Volusia County a great place to live, work and play.”

That may be true, but many are asking: How can any of that happen on a dais filled with obstinate impediments – sedentary lumps committed to preserving the status quo – political chattel who have devoted themselves to suppressing Brower’s every initiative?

Since his tumultuous term began, Chairman Brower has been repeatedly gaslighted by his “colleagues” – his every suggestion and vote marginalized – Volusia’s stagnant “Old Guard” consistently painting him as an irresponsible and ineffective dirt-worshiping buffoon – even as they block and procrastinate on the development and environmental issues that most residents consider important.

To the increasing number of citizens dealing with the flooding, gridlock, and claustrophobia from the explosive development that has spread like a malignancy across the width and breadth of Volusia County – unchecked growth that cannot and will not pay for itself – it appears that Chairman Brower is an ineffectual outsider jousting with windmills.

Unfortunately, (and by insider design) he has been.

In my view, one thing Chairman Brower hasn’t done is fall victim to the political pitfalls that await most first term elected officials when they are taken into the inner sanctum, made to feel part of the bureaucratic system, groomed by senior officials to believe they alone hold the answers, while influential people who wouldn’t have given them the time of day before the election laugh at their jokes and slap their backs. 

Heady stuff for the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker who win an election…

In many ways, Brower has remained an iconoclast (and on the losing end of more 6-1 and 5-2 votes than I can count) who now has the beatdown appearance of a tattered piñata as he tries to convince disillusioned voters he can somehow be effective from inside the soundproof box his “colleagues” have confined him in. 

Earlier this week, we witnessed the worst of how this current iteration of the Volusia County Council treats worried citizens from throughout the region who are concerned about the frightening specter of an around-the-clock bulk fuel terminal proposed for Ormond Beach.

Rather than rattle the saber on a zoning change to prohibit the terminal from being built in the most inappropriate location on the Eastern Seaboard – a bold move that held the risk of a court challenge – the majority decided to do what they always do and sit with their thumbs firmly wedged in their backsides “letting the process play out”  while arrogantly insinuating they have insider knowledge that the project may eventually be moved out of the area.

Chairman Brower and Councilman Troy Kent were the only elected officials who stood with residents, committed to using all means legally and legislatively available to stop the dangerous distribution terminal from being located literally in the backyards of existing Ormond Beach residents (and future residents of Ormond Crossings).

In my experience, in politics and life, it becomes a whole different game when the piñata hits back.

If Mr. Brower is to have any chance for a second term – now is the time for him to take off the gloves (as he has previously promised) and bring the chronic obstructionism and time-wasting procrastination of his “colleagues” to the attention of the vast number of uninformed, uninspired, disenfranchised, and apathetic voters who continue to rubber stamp their ballot based upon a glossy mailer…   

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