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:

Mayor’s Self-Serving Soiree Leads to Major Controversy in Deltona

The Lost City of Deltona is once again embroiled in controversy after the age-old question of “Where’d the money go, Santiago?” arose following the “Mayor’s First Annual Winter Ball” held at the city owned The Center earlier this month.   

Unlike the normal political contretemps that plague progress in Deltona, this one could have serious repercussions for those involved…

According to advertisements that were posted to social media, local businesses, and websites affiliated with the municipal government and event organizers, the formal black-tie event was “presented by the Volusia County Hispanic Association in partnership with Mayor Santiago Avila Jr.” 

In addition, the gala was promoted on the City of Deltona’s calendar, to include a city sponsored link to an Eventbrite page where tickets to the “Mayor’s Winter Ball” could be purchased. 

According to a promotional article in the West Volusia Beacon, admittance to the soiree was listed at “$108.55 general admission, with an elegant dinner and evening program, with live music, dancing and entertainment; $161.90 VIP admission, with early access, a networking reception, champagne toast, premium dinner seating and photo opportunities.”

In addition, several “Platinum, Gold, and Silver” sponsors – identified by Mayor Avila as “community partners” (to include several city contractors…) – were conspicuously promoted as having contributed to the gala.   

According to Mayor Avila’s campaign website, “A majority of the proceeds from this year’s Mayor’s Winter Ball will go toward the renovation and expansion of the Harris Saxon location in Deltona — a cornerstone project dedicated to empowering youth and families in our city.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties vision is to:

“Provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors — with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.”

As often happens in the shadowy world of Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr.’s skeevy politics, personal finance, and method of governance, that’s when things took an ugly turn… 

Last week, former Deltona City Commissioner and civic activist David Sosa revealed that before collecting an undetermined amount of cash from attendees and “sponsors” ostensibly to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler County, neither Mayor Avila nor the Volusia County Hispanic Association bothered to notify the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties that they would be the beneficiary of a “majority” of the proceeds.

You read that right.

After being widely billed as a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs, on the late afternoon of December 5 (one day before the event) Mayor Avila, Deltona City Manager Doc Dougherty, and the Volusia County Hispanic Association received a terse email from Dr. Camesha Whittaker-Samuel, Chief Executive Officer of the BGCVFC, questioning why neither her leadership team or Board of Directors had been previously consulted about the charitable designation, clarifying that the organization has no plans to renovate or expand the Harris Saxon facility.

In turn, Dr. Whittaker-Samuels asked that the event organizers explain how BGCVFC came to be listed as the beneficiary, to include a “formal, immediate meeting” with event organizers and relevant “city partners” to “discuss the plans, clarify intentions, and ensure proper alignment,” and an assurance that the BGCVFC name will not be used in the future “without prior consultation and written approval.”

Whoa.

Now that the “fundraiser” has been exposed as a potential fraudulent use of the name and imprimatur of the Boys & Girls Clubs, many angry Deltona residents are demanding answers as to how this shameless self-promotion by Mayor Avila became quasi-officially associated with the highly respected youth organization?

Things got worse on Saturday when The Daytona Beach News-Journal started asking questions… 

That’s when Mayor Aliva (per usual) attempted to paint himself as the victim – claiming the criticism was a “political stunt by some of my political opponents” – and that he was merely attempting to save Deltona taxpayers money on the renovation of the Harris Saxon Park.   

After initially claiming the Mayor’s Winter Ball was a “remarkable success” – when pressed, Avila now claims “…the cost to put on the event — including food and decor — leaves little in the way of proceeds, far less than the half-million he estimates the building renovation might need, so what was raised will instead go directly to the Boys & Girls Clubs, he said.”

According to Mayor Avila, “We’ll just figure out what needs to get renovated and expanded, and we’ll add it to next year’s budget under park renovations, which is what I was trying to avoid because I was trying to save taxpayers some money.”

Bullshit. 

To clarify the entanglement for confused constituents, on Sunday morning, Commissioner Dori Howington reported on social media that in September the Deltona City Commission appropriated funds in the 2025-26 budget for Harris-Saxon Park improvements.

According to Ms. Howington, “The money is already there. The budget was already approved. There should be no increase to next year’s budget for Harris Saxon Park renovations because the $2 million was already budgeted in the current fiscal year.”

Wow.  Guess Mayor Avila once again proved the old adage “lies beget lies…”

According to the News-Journal’s report, Mayor Avila and the Volusia County Hispanic Association (which has been associated with Deltona Commissioner Emma Santiago) apparently reached out to Dr. Whittaker-Samuel and “clarified the situation,” agreeing to meet after the holidays for “futher (sp) discussion and alignment on next steps.”

“Avila characterized his conversation with Whittaker-Samuel as her asking whether he was using some of the funds to help with his campaign, to which he responded: “Absolutely not. I don’t think that’s legal.”

Good question.  Considering Mayor Avila advertised the event on his campaign website.   

(I know that because it says, “Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Deltona, FL Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr.” at the bottom of the webpage www.avilafordeltona.com)

In my view, Deltona residents and event sponsors have a right to know exactly how much money Mayor Avila and the Volusia County Hispanic Association took in by fraudulently claiming an association with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties – where that money is now – and the names of everyone who benefitted from the scheme… 

Then, Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr. – and anyone else who participated – should be held personally accountable for their despicable actions.

Quote of the Week

“Politicians undermine our democratic values by putting a veil over government action. Those are not the actions of well-meaning public servants who want good government supported by good people. Jefferson said that “Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.” Citizens respond with virtue when government is open and transparent.”

–Attorney Lonnie Groot, Daytona Beach Shores, as excerpted from his editorial in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Keep the clouds away from Florida’s Sunshine Law,” Tuesday, December 9, 2025

In his insightful piece regarding the growing threat to Florida’s venerated open records law, Mr. Groot quoted Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis – “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.”

As usually happens when ordinary people are elected to positions of power – in many local governments across our region, the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker that you and I elevated to high office have now been taken into the ‘system’ – convinced that entrenched bureaucrats are the only legitimate Oracles of Truth – civic clairvoyants gifted with divine guidance on the serious issues of the day (many of which their ineptitude helped create…)

Unfortunately, We, The Little People who pay the bills and are expected to keep our pieholes shut have been painted as the babbling masses – agitators, troublemakers, and loopy gadflies who couldn’t possibly understand the realities and legalities – meddlers who lack the depth and intellect to comprehend the legislative and political nuances that make the cogs and wheels of city/county management work.

Don’t take my word for it. 

Watch any public meetings of the Volusia County Council, the Lost City of Deltona, Orange City, or several other misguided communities that have completely lost touch with those they serve and see for yourself how haughty elected and appointed officials treat citizens who approach their local government with questions and suggestions.

Better yet, spend three-minutes at a public podium yourself sometime.

Ask why anyone in their right mind would consider augmenting our drinking water with recycled sewage, provide insight on your child’s education, seek answers why your home floods each time it rains, or demand an explanation of the process by which out-of-state businesses are gifted public funds to underwrite overhead or guarantee revenue while yours is subject to the artificial ebb and flow of a now uneven playing field?    

Then watch while your catatonic elected representatives stare back at you like inert blobs as you wait for them to merely acknowledge your presence…

Disturbingly, that lack of effective communication is equally prevalent for those on the outside seeking information or public records, only to be frustrated with onerous charges, lengthy delays, “nondisclosure agreements,” and other bureaucratic roadblocks before receiving the terse reply: “There are no records responsive to your request.”  

Eventually, we begin to suspect the worst…

For those on both sides of the dais, it has now become an “Us v. Them” mentality – fueled by mercenary insiders and bureaucrats who know that persistent questions and outside inquiry can result in embarrassing revelations for those who control the rods and strings of government.

Sharing the blame is the egoistic vanity of some elected officials who believe anything they are told by those fawning flatters with a self-serving motive who laugh at their jokes and invite them to all the right parties (only to forget they ever existed once they are out of office), and you begin to understand the importance of controlling the narrative in the Ivory Tower of Power.  

Unfortunately, like many of you, I perceive a real sense of despair in many local communities, a feeling that nothing will change so long as those political manipulators who control the political landscape are committed to defending the stagnant status quo, and apathy takes the place of activism…  

We hear a lot of mewling from elected officials about how heavy the crown can be – especially when talk turns to councils and commissions giving themselves a pay raise, or they are required to make a difficult decision on a controversial issue. Poor babies.

Somehow, they always seem to miss the basics of elective service:

Developing relationships with their constituents by being trustworthy, keeping promises, being open, honest, and sensitive to their civic concerns.  Always being present and attentive during times of crisis, maintaining open communication, sharing thoughts in advance rather than ambushing those effected by decisions, being open to constructive criticism, truly listening, being a cheerleader, celebrating accomplishments and sharing defeat, being respectful of the priorities of those who pay the bills, admitting mistakes, and being compassionate with those who appear before them seeking help navigating the byzantine maze of government.  

Over time, a mutual trust will develop – the civic bond strengthens – and elected and appointed officials come to know their well-meaning efforts will be championed by those they serve in an authentic way.  

I’ve seen it happen.

By building personal connections – not just at election time – and putting the needs of others ahead of their own self-interests, good things will result as their constituents’ respond in kind, giving their trust and respect when and where it is earned.     

That starts with an organizational commitment to servant-leadership, putting the needs of real people above those of the bureaucracy, and developing a “people-first” atmosphere where excellence, efficiency, and innovation is valued over the individual self-interests of those insiders and elected dullards who gorge greedily at the public trough…

And Another Thing!

Sports competitions have referees for a reason. 

Good umpires avoid bias, ensure a level playing field, manage external influences, and foster a respect for the rules by ensuring accountability. Based upon recent evidence, I would argue that modern politics and governance here on Florida’s “Fun Coast” has become a brutal bloodsport in desperate need of impartial guardianship of the ethical and professional standards one expects from elected and appointed officials.

In my view, what passes for Florida’s ethics apparatus – comprised of political appointees, toothless watchdogs, and staffed by easily distracted pro wrestling refs with attention deficit disorder – is now totally hamstrung by an “evidentiary standard” that prevents state and local ethics commissions from launching investigations unless the complaint came from an individual with first-hand/eyes-on/personal knowledge of the violation.

That means complainants must have physically observed the unethical conduct – and those who learn of potential violations through a third-party, anonymous tips, a media report, audit review, or the whispers of a frightened whistleblower are strictly prohibited from even mentioning the matter to the Ethics Commission.

In June 2024, when Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill, Daytona Beach News-Journal editorialist Mark Lane wrote a cogent commentary on the changes that gutted Florida’s ethics enforcement arm which read, in part:

“Florida voters put the commission into the state Constitution in 1976 as part of the Sunshine Amendment reforms backed by then-Gov. Reubin Askew. Passing with almost 80% of the vote, it was the state’s first successful constitutional initiative. It’s not like the Legislature would have voted to create an ethics commission on its own. I’m kind of surprised it took legislators this long to neuter it.”

Rather than bolster aggressive policing, demand accountability, and the stress the importance of protecting the public trust, Florida legislators placed a befuddled Toody and Muldoon on the ethics beat – put a bag over their heads – and limited what they can and cannot investigate… 

When you couple the castration of our ethics apparatus with Florida’s fast-and-loose campaign finance laws – essentially blanket permissions that have turned local political contests into a Turkish bazaar – you begin to understand how the proliferation of questionable conduct by elected and appointed officials at all levels of government no longer shocks our conscience.

This week in the Lost City of Deltona, frustrated residents attempted to address their elected officials regarding swirling speculation that Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr. may have illegitimately associated his sketchy “Winter Ball” with city government for credibility – then fraudulently misrepresented the beneficiary of the event to deceive financial donors.   

In addition, questions remain about why entry fees received for the Deltona Christmas Parade were apparently routed through a private school with apparent ties to Mayor Avila – then passed to something called the Deltona Fire Foundation ostensibly to fund a holiday toy drive. 

Say what?

The City of Deltona sought out a private entity to provide bookkeeping services for the city sponsored Christmas Parade so they could, in turn, funnel the money to a private foundation associated with the Deltona Fire Department?

Why?

Adding to the frustration, on Monday evening demands for answers were met with Avila furiously pounding his gavel followed by gruff demands that Deltona taxpayers stop applauding and congratulating their neighbor’s fervent questions from the gallery – or face physical expulsion from the public meeting.

So, what agency or individual do repeat victims in Deltona and elsewhere turn to for help?

As I understand it, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates the solicitation of charitable donations under the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act.  Compliance with the statute requires that anyone involved in planning, conducting, or executing any solicitation for charitable contributions must first register with FDACS – and obtain written authorization from the benefiting not-for-profit.

A check of Florida’s Check-a-Charity website finds no listing for either Mayor Avila or the Volusia County Hispanic Association.

Further, all solicitations must contain the following:

“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Maybe I missed it, but I don’t recall that statement displayed on any promotional material for the Mayor’s Winter Ball, did you? 

Also, persons or organizations soliciting contributions are governed by strict accounting rules, which includes a prohibition on commingling charitable contributions with noncharitable funds…

To add gross insult, according to a citizen’s report on social media this week, Mayor Avila is also alleged to have been reimbursed with public funds for travel to a purely partisan political event having no connection to the City of Deltona or Mayor Avila’s elected role. 

Sound familiar? 

Recently, a majority of those baldfaced enablers on the Deltona City Commission voted down a call for a formal forensic audit of city finances and fiscal management practices, resulting in more questions of what city insiders may be trying to hide.

So, when is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state Department of Government Efficiency – or anyone with a badge in their pocket – going to get off their collective ass and do something to protect the good citizens of Deltona?  

This raging dumpster fire of alleged corruption and malfeasance cannot be allowed to continue.

In my view, the behind-the-scenes junta that controls the Lost City of Deltona, questions of purchasing card and spending irregularities in Daytona Beach, the recent fear of retribution from our state legislators that prevented local communities from defending their sovereignty and right to home rule, and goofy distractions like the asinine shenanigans of Orange City Mayor Kellianne Marks – an off-the-hook tyrant with a seething God complex and the political instincts of a vindictive snake – are disgusting examples of what happens when official government watchdogs are forced play the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” charade and look the other way.

Now the normal checks and balances of government we came to rely on no longer provide stability – or personal accountability for those who receive public funds to serve in the public interest.  

Don’t expect anything to change here in the Biggest Whorehouse in the World.

It is important that anyone who cares about good governance supports quality candidates for public office next year. 

Then get out and vote.

Our fundamental concept of government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends upon it…   

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

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:

State Auditors Set to Give Daytona Beach a Proctological Exam for the Ages…

“As Mayor, I welcome the operational audit approved by Florida’s Auditor General. We are confident in our financial management and view this as an opportunity to demonstrate transparency and accountability. We will provide full cooperation and access to resources, ensuring a comprehensive review. This process allows us to address any misconceptions, rebuild trust with our residents and business partners, and continue driving Daytona Beach forward. We are committed to addressing any findings and maintaining the city’s positive trajectory.”

–Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, Tuesday, December 9, 2025

In my experience, most people struggle with criticism. 

Especially that infernal “constructive” kind, where a meddlesome critic tells you all about your faults and foibles because they have your “best interests at heart.”

Scrutiny is always uncomfortable, and few of us possess the emotional intelligence or self-confidence to submit to an independent critique then use the insights to our advantage.   That is especially true for powerful public executives who reside comfortably in the cloistered Ivory Tower of Power of local governments.   

That is because criticism leads to questions – and the right questions can lead to the door…

The City of Daytona Beach has been over the barrel of late, and City Manager Deric Feacher is facing mounting questions on a variety of fronts regarding possible purchasing irregularities, car allowances, seriously outdated personnel policies, and, most recently, salacious rumors of a supervisor/subordinate tryst that may involve the misuse of public funds.

As a result, on November 17, Sen. Tom Wright apparently took a break from skirt chasing around the capitol building and somehow mustered the moral clarity to ask the state Joint Legislative Auditing Committee to consider an external review of the city’s fiscal management practices. 

The request comes after a Daytona Beach delegation consisting of Mayor Derrick Henry, Deputy City Manager Jim Morris, and Chief Building Official Glen Urquhart were summoned to Tallahassee and publicly gibbeted by the JLAC in November.

For the uninitiated, long before the p-card debacle came to light, Daytona Beach was fading the heat for accumulating millions of dollars in excess building permits and licensing fees in apparent violation of state law.  Concerns grew when city officials considered using the excess funds to purchase a problematic building on Beach Street later found to be contaminated with deadly asbestos.

Unfortunately, a follow-up plan to unload the excess funds was also fraught with questionable purchases.

That’s when state lawmakers took notice.  

In a frustrated response to JLAC’s thrashing, Daytona Beach Commissioner Ken Strickland recently said, “Tallahassee needs to mind their own business.  They should be representing us, not ridiculing us. I’m disgusted with our representation up there.”

(I once knew a fiery civic activist named Ken Strickland who would have welcomed an external audit of city finances with open arms…wonder what ever became of that guy?)

Commissioner Strickland’s figurative middle-finger didn’t sit well with Sen. Wright who penned a request for a state audit of the city’s monetary management practices:

“The committee (JLAC) witnessed firsthand that Daytona Beach has amassed substantial and unnecessary surpluses in building permit revenues, well beyond what is permitted under state law.  The committee, alongside members of our Volusia delegation, have already expressed concern over the city’s inability to properly manage or justify these excess funds.”

Ominously, Sen. Wright went on to say “…these issues strongly suggest systemic deficiencies in Daytona Beach’s fiscal oversight and internal accountability.”

Then, last week, in one of the most dramatic exchanges I’ve witnessed at a typically tepid Daytona Beach City Commission meeting, the city’s independent auditor, Abinet Belachew, presented an overview of his recent review of the city’s archaic travel policies. 

During his report, Mr. Belachew took exception to a release by the city’s administration that called the veracity of his report into question by stating the city “strongly disagrees with several key conclusions and characterizations in the summary and findings.”

That didn’t sit well with Mr. Belachew, whose professional reputation demands unquestioned integrity, adherence to the highest ethical standards, and dedication to pinpoint accuracy in preserving the public trust.

Clearly the man knows his stuff – and he’s not afraid to stick to his guns, defend his evidence-based findings, and speak truth to power.

During his informative presentation, Mr. Belachew discussed his preliminary findings of the city’s vehicle allowance policy (25 employees get $95 or more per week in vehicle stipends?) which morphed into several testy exchanges as Mayor Derrick Henry attempted to limit the scope of the dialog, pushing back against Belachew’s disturbing reports of internal “defensiveness” and obstruction of the audit process by senior officials.

Speaking of defensiveness, Mayor Henry issued a knee-jerk admonishment to Mr. Belachew, “Your audit is not about the relationship between the commission and the staff.  Your audit, sir, is about the travel audit, not about staff relationships.”

Then things got really awkward … 

Toward the end of his presentation, Mr. Belachew announced that he has received an anonymous internal report of an alleged interoffice liaison amoureuse involving a supervisor/subordinate sexual relationship in an unnamed city department. 

According to a subsequent report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Mr. Belachew advised commissioners that the unnamed superior is accused of “…using his city government payment card to buy personal items for his love interest and travel with her on lavish private getaways.”

Whoa.

In my view, the initial reaction of certain commissioners should give Daytona Beach taxpayers cause for concern…  

After Mr. Belachew informed his elected bosses that, as a certified fraud examiner, he is qualified and prepared to investigate the whistleblower’s claims – a weird discussion ensued about whether the allegation should first be handed off to the human resources department – citing fears of a “lawsuit” if the names of those involved become public. 

Trust me.  If true, there will be plenty of litigation resulting from this alleged ugliness – and there is little that can be done at this late date to mitigate the damages.

That’s why the current focus of the City Commission should be throwing open the curtains and ensuring complete transparency in ferreting out fraud, waste, and abuse – regardless of where the chips fall – demanding strong management and leadership, developing effective policies and protocols, fostering an organizational commitment to government efficiency, and building a culture of accountability.  

Ultimately, the commission authorized Mr. Belachew to investigate after narrowing the focus of his review to the purchasing card aspect of the allegation. 

In my experience, Gen. Colin Powell was right – “Bad news isn’t wine.  It doesn’t get better with age” – and the initial reluctance of some commissioners to allow Mr. Belachew to aggressively investigate telegraphed an instinctive organizational reaction to keep the scandal in-house, control the narrative, and contain the crisis…

Perhaps that’s why the whistleblower felt they couldn’t go to HR in the first place?

Disturbing.

During the incredibly enlightening meeting, City Manager Feacher announced his efforts to establish a 10-person Government Efficiency and Innovation Committee – based on the “DOGE” concept – staffed by city officials with a mandate to “…streamline city functions; reduce spending; eliminate waste; examine policies for efficiency and practices that protect tax dollars; and ensure policies and operations align with the city’s strategic goals.”

Things that, by all appearances, haven’t been organizational priorities. 

Until now…

On Monday, the other shoe dropped when the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee, acting on Sen. Wright’s request, voted 12-0 to conduct a thorough digital proctological examination of the City of Daytona Beach, an exhaustive rooting which could take a “few years” to complete… 

According to a report by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in the News-Journal this week, legislators used the audit announcement to take a few political shots at Commissioner Strickland:

“The appropriate response to us is not pound sand,” said state Sen. Jason Brodeur, a Republican who represents Seminole County and a small portion of Volusia County. “The appropriate response to us is how can we work with you to figure out the best use of taxpayer dollars. I was interested before on behalf of the taxpayers. But now I’m real interested.”

State Rep. Chase Tramont, who like Brodeur is a co-chair of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee, sent The News-Journal a written statement to respond to Strickland.

“I would remind the commissioner that oversight IS our business,” Tramont, R-Port Orange, wrote in his statement. “Our business is to protect the taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. Our business as legislators is oversight. Our business is to hold you accountable when you aren’t managing your business properly.”

In my view, now is the time for the City of Daytona Beach to open itself to a thorough examination by its internal auditor, Mr. Belachew – someone with an ethical commitment to searching out waste and misspending with a demonstrated desire to help improve efficiency and oversight at City Hall – before those with more politically malevolent intentions arrive and do it for them in the most painful, pointed, and protracted way possible…    

A Very Merry Christmas for Some – Sticks and Coal for Flagler County’s Heidi Petito

“In a set of evaluations potentially devastating to Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito’s tenure, three of her commissioners—Chair Leann Pennington, Kim Carney, and Pam Richardson—concluded in their evaluations of Petito that she “does not meet expectations.”

They each rated her a failing 2 out of 5, sharply criticized her leadership, and two of them explicitly said Petito is no longer the person for the job.

“I am not confident that the current Administration or certain members of staff are fully prepared to meet that challenge or deliver the transformational change that will be required,” Commission Chair Leann Pennington wrote in a sum-up with the ring of a tocsin to Petito’s tenure. “I do believe there remains an important role for Mrs. Petito within this organization; however, as the county and legislative directives continue to evolve, I am not certain that role is best suited as County Administrator.”

–FlaglerLive.com, “County Administrator Heidi Petito ‘Does Not Meet Expectations,’ 3 of 5 Commissioners Say, Putting Her Future in Doubt,” Thursday, December 4, 2025

It appears that Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito’s propensity for blindsiding her bosses and engaging in intergovernmental controversies finally caught up to her. 

Look, I get it.  Trying to placate the five strong personalities that comprise the Flagler Board of County Commissioners is a hard dollar – and city/county management is in many ways an itinerant pursuit.  That instability is frequently cited in support of the astronomical salary, benefit, and golden parachutes showered on public executives.

It’s that time of the year when many city and county managers hear from their elected bosses – our “representatives” – albeit in a stilted (and often scripted) way, and, as Ms. Petito can attest, the news is not always good.

By contrast, just down the sandy trail in Volusia County things could not be rosier…

According to a report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal last week, “Volusia County councilmen unanimously approved a 4% raise for both County Manager George Recktenwald and County Attorney Mike Dyer during annual evaluations on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The vote came after Recktenwald and Dyer both said they’d rather not be considered for a larger salary boost. Other county employees received a 4% raise during budget discussions.

“We would be uncomfortable taking anything more than what the general raise was for everybody else,” Recktenwald said.

Brower said he believed the 4% was appropriate and that giving the two men a larger boost might impact employee negotiations.

“I just think it’s appropriate,” he said.

Recktenwald’s salary will go from about $271,993 to about $282,873. Dyer’s salary will go from about $254,245 to about $264,415.”

The $10,000 increases are in addition to the legendary perquisites, allowances, and gimmies that round out public sector executive compensation.  That’s why Recktenwald and Dyer know better than most the importance of keeping their bosses (and those behind the scenes who truly control the rods and strings of politics) happy, content, and well-fed…   

In addition, last week we learned that the gaping leadership chasm in Palm Coast City Hall has finally been filled. 

According to a report in FlaglerLive.com:

“Incoming Palm Coast City Manager Michael McGlothlin would be paid $225,000 a year and have a total compensation package that would push the total past the $300,000 mark based on the proposed contract the City Council is set to approve on Tuesday.

McGlothlin negotiated the contract with Mayor Mike Norris, City Attorney Marcus Duffy and Human Resources Director Renina Fuller. McGlothlin got the final product on Nov. 25.

The base pay is 29 percent higher than that of his predecessor in the permanent job, Denise Bevan, who was paid $175,000 a year. Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston was paid $189,000 when hired as interim after Bevan’s firing in March 2024, as Johnston was to carry on her previous duties in addition to the manager’s duties.

When McGlothlin was hired as manager of Redington Shores two years ago, a job he no longer held when he applied for the Palm Coast job, his salary was $126,000.

Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin just got a 4 percent raise after two years on the job, bringing his base salary to $171,620. Bunnell City Manager Alvin Jackson in October got a 10 percent raise, to $158,000. School Superintendent LaShakia Moore is paid $182,000 a year. County Administrator Heidi Petito’s original base pay in 2021 was $179,000, but has been raised annually, matching inflation, and is closer to $222,000 a year. None of those salaries include benefits and other forms of compensation.”

According to reports, the median household income in the City of Palm Coast is approximately $75,329 – $72,923 in Flagler County – and $66,581 in Volusia County…    

I hope your small business or household incomes increase is just as lucrative this Holiday Season as it has been in the gilded halls of power across “Fun Coast” governments. 

Yeah, right… 

Quote of the Week

“To run the city, we all have to get along. I keep on hearing all these things from the community, ‘be kind,’ and ‘she’s not kind’ and ‘she’s this’ and ‘she’s that,’ but look in the mirror, because you’re attacking me, and you’re not being kind, so why don’t we all just be kind and move on from this?” Marks said. “… Look how many hours we went through with all of this nonsense.”

–Embattled Orange City Mayor Kellianne Marks, as quoted by reporter Mark Harper writing The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Orange City Mayor Kelli Marks tells angry crowd she is not a racist,” Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Earlier this week, in a classic case of defensive projection, Orange City Mayor Kellianne Marks apparently forgot that the ugly imbroglio that has engulfed the small Wild West Volusia community is unequivocally her own meanspirited fault. 

The direct result of Mayor Marks’ unbridled hubris and a vindictive desire to flex her power and destroy the careers of dedicated civil servants like City Clerk Kaley Burleson.  

Two-weeks after Mayor Marks – in a pique of personal embarrassment – demanded an “emergency” city council meeting to fire Burleson; on Tuesday, Orange City residents continued to call for her resignation. 

According to an informative report by Mark Harper writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal this week:

“Many were still angry about a Facebook Messenger exchange between Marks and a former councilman, the late Alex Tiamson, dating to October 2024. They exchanged messages sharing how neither wanted to speak at an event honoring Sharon Stafford, a Black woman and the sister of Councilwoman Lisa Stafford.

“So ghetto,” Tiamson said at one point, followed by Marks posting memes showing Black women with the phrases, “Honey, please! I’m a child of the ghetto,” and “Now everybody want to be ghetto fabulous.”

By demanding that angry residents “look in the mirror” and start being “kind” to her, Mayor Marks exposes the fact she is completely incapable of shame – or of issuing a sincere apology to Ms. Stafford for her offensive behind-the-scenes behavior.

Look, megalomania is common in politics. 

Some would argue that a narcissistic ego and manipulative mind are prerequisites for holding elective office.  However, in my view, Ms. Marks’ gross hypocrisy, and willingness to destroy others to deflect blame, marks the nadir of that particular political personality disorder…

According to the News-Journal, at the beginning of Tuesday’s Orange City Council meeting, Mayor Marks issued a statement which said, in part:

“I judge people by their character, not their color,” Marks said, as some in the audience audibly laughed. “I believe all people should be treated equal and fair. This personal conversation between the former vice mayor and myself was a private conversation … on Facebook Messenger that somehow was released in the hands of the public. Don’t know how that happened. This will be investigated as well.”

She said she has been the victim of a “witch hunt” and has faced “relentless cyberbullying on social media platforms, where false claims and defamatory (remarks) have been circulated. The behavior not only undermines my character, but it also disrupts the progress of our city.”

I agree. Ms. Marks has the right to say whatever she wants – publicly and privately – but she does not have the right to use her position to orchestrate the destruction of Ms. Burleson’s career because she responded to a citizen request and distributed an embarrassing message thread to the council.

Speech may be free, but it is not without personal and political consequences…

In perhaps the most bizarre occurrence of the evening, an 11-year-old boy approached the podium and voiced support for Mayor Marks, calling out assembled residents for “disrespecting” the mayor.  According to reports, Sharon Stafford later learned that Mayor Marks had asked the child to speak on her behalf…

Sick.

In my view, it is time Mayor Marks overcomes her pathological persecution complex and awakes to the sobering realization that she alone is responsible for this distraction.  No one else. 

The good citizens of Orange City have every right to feel anger and disappointment, and to seek the removal of Mayor Marks as they work to restore dignity to the dais and public confidence in their municipal government.

And Another Thing!

–“Anything Can Happen” Words and music by Jimmie Dodd

Buckle-up, my fellow Mouseketeers…

In just over a month’s time, longsuffering Floridians will gird our loins and brace for the beginning of the 2026 State Legislative Session – a dark and apprehensive time when, like Wednesdays on the Mickey Mouse Club, literally anything can happen…

One thing is certain, whatever legislation is successfully extruded from that diseased alimentary canal in Tallahassee will have two things built in:

1. Pandering to the mercenary interests of their political overseers in the real estate development industry. 

• Circumventing the venerated tradition of Home Rule and gutting the ability of communities to determine their own destiny by controlling growth, density, and malignant sprawl.

That’s a given.

But like many of you, I am utterly confused by jumbled reports that our state legislature will attempt to free us from the yoke of property taxes…

The chaotic proposal(s) is keeping many engaged citizens and legislators on both sides of the aisle up at night as they consider the possible ramifications of lame duck Governor Ron DeSantis’ half-baked proposal to dramatically cut or eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties across the state.    

Sounds good? 

Maybe.  But be careful what you wish for…

We live in a state where our bought and paid for ‘powers that be’ take immense pride in having allowed unchecked growth to far outpace transportation infrastructure, public utility capacity, water quality/quantity, and critical services, such as law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services.    

In addition, one glance at a local television news segment will tell you that Central Florida ranks as one of the most dangerous places in the nation – with a murder rate that must now rival Ciudad Juárez – and Volusia County’s crowded roadways hold the dubious distinction as one of the deadliest places for pedestrians in the United States… 

By and large, in Florida, essential infrastructure and services are paid for with ad valorem taxes – meaning “according to value” – a system where taxes are based on the fair market value of property – with an annual millage rate set by the local governing body with “one mill” representing $1 for every $1,000 in assessed value.  

This system of taxation remains the critical funding mechanism for local and state governments to pay for essentials like police, fire services, parks, and schools.

Now, Gov. DeSantis is pushing an unvetted “plan” to reduce or eliminate property taxes in favor of (insert theoretical tax alternative here). 

Will we radically increase the sales tax?  See the imposition of a dreaded income tax?  Eliminate municipalities altogether?  Dramatically increase impact fees on new development (yeah, right…), Grow the size of an unapproachable centralized government?  Consolidate essential services to homogenize and drastically reduce service delivery while increasing response times?  Turn local governments into state dependents beholden to the whims of the developer-controlled legislature?  Transfer the cost of services to business, industry, apartments, and commercial property owners? 

All of the above?     

Regardless of how you cut it, the DeSantis proposal eventually kills local governments by exsanguination…

In my view, after years of preempting local control, forcing unfunded mandates, and whittling away at Home Rule, that is the true plan no one in Tallahassee is talking about.

Unfortunately, in many ways, county and municipal governments across the state have no one to blame but themselves.   

For instance, there is little taxpayer sympathy for local governments in Florida who have allowed astronomical increases in ad valorem taxes – which, over the last decade (2014-2024), have skyrocketed more than 108 percent, or by $28.7 billion – outpacing both population growth and inflation.

Sound familiar? 

If you live in Volusia County, it should.

In my view, it is high time our elected officials rethink the Taj Mahal government facilities, eliminate corporate welfare, curtail massive executive salaries, monarchical benefits, and clockwork increases for redundant senior staff, reverse the bureaucratic gluttony, and begin reducing the tax burden. 

That begins with a return to triaging the basic necessities we depend on for our safety, security, and quality of life.

In my experience, small cities and fiscally constrained counties have traditionally lived within their means. They make ends meet by focusing on quality service delivery, maintaining an accessible and responsive government, doing more with less, prioritizing existing assets and facilities, keeping salaries and benefits reasonably competitive, and maintaining a watchful eye on spending.

As the 2026 legislative session approaches, I haven’t seen one legitimate alternative proposed by the DeSantis administration (or anyone else) for ensuring the continuation of quality local services so that homeowners and businesses in municipalities will be able to keep their beloved police and fire departments, utilities, public employees, and responsive government services.  

Why is our Governor doing everything in his considerable power to expand the influence of state government, consolidate control, manipulate the purse strings, and destroy local government on his way out the door without an articulable plan?  

Fortunately, the elimination of property taxes would require a constitutional amendment with 60% of voters in agreement.  A referendum that, at this point, would be based on murky speculation and a hodge-podge of disjointed “plans” that could see us say goodbye to our community firefighters, police officers, EMT’s, and essential workers…   

It is a frightening proposition – considering Floridian’s still don’t have a clue how you and I will eventually pay for our essential local government services long after he is gone from the governor’s office.   

In my view, rapidly transitioning from one extreme to another – based on a dangerous and half-baked political charade – proposed by a term limited politician desperate to remain relevant as he considers ‘what comes next’ – is not in the best interest of Floridia taxpayers.   

That’s all for me. 

Enjoy the City of Daytona Beach’s “Dashing Through Daytona” Christmas parade, which rolls along Beach Street and the Riverside Esplanade beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday!

Tis the Season! Have a great weekend, y’all!

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:

Today’s production of Barker’s Theatre of the Absurd is a long one! Buckle-up, grab the beverage of your choice, and settle in for my jaded opinion on the news and newsmakers here on Florida’s “Fun Coast.”

Welcome back, y’all…

Volusia County Council of Cowards: The Final Blow for “The World’s Most Famous Beach”

On Tuesday, the Volusia County Council of Cowards dealt the coup de grâce to struggling Main Street merchants and our beleaguered core tourist area when they voted 5-2 to crush any further mention of reopening beach driving and access between Auditorium Boulevard and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach.

In exchange, some mysterious “investment group” with murky plans to “possibly” develop another hotel and half-empty commercial space in the former Boardwalk area got everything they needed.

And we don’t even know their names…  

It didn’t matter. The beach driving “discussion” was dead on arrival.

Restoring vehicular beach access was the cornerstone of Chairman Jeff Brower’s first and second terms – which means it was doomed from the beginning.  Per usual, this week the most wholly compromised group of self-serving political hacks ever assembled did everything in their power to pander to the mercenary whims of their political benefactors while crushing any hope of returning our 112-year-old tradition to Volusia County beaches.

How do I know that? 

Because whenever “staff” places an item on the agenda which begins, “At the Chair’s request…” the issue is guaranteed to go down in flames… 

Every. Damn. Time.

In April, the same council paid lip service to Chairman Brower and the Main Street Merchants Association who asked for a reversal of a 25-year-old mistake that removed beach driving from the area as part of a disastrous “deal” between the City of Daytona Beach and developers of the Ocean Walk Shoppes. 

They got an exclusive beach. We got a scary parking garage…

That lopsided development agreement, coupled with the whims of some of the Halifax areas all-powerful “movers and shakers,” convinced those in city/county government that keeping residents and visitors from driving on the beach would be the cure-all for our myriad civic, social, and economic problems.

It wasn’t.

In the lead to Tuesday’s meeting, county “staff” drug their feet for eight-months, finally reaching out to recalcitrant hoteliers and other beachfront landowners content with their quasi-private beach – five of which responded with letters in opposition to beach driving.

That strategic procrastination pushed the question beyond consideration for the 2026 state legislative session, further kicking the can down the dusty political trail. 

Unfortunately, the City of Daytona Beach couldn’t be bothered to weigh in on the issue…

We’ve heard it all before. 

The same tired arguments that are trotted out each time this age-old Us v. Them fight for beach access comes up haven’t changed:

The legislative hurdles are too steep, the incidental take permit is in jeopardy, unnamed “investors” who are “possibly” on the cusp of saving us all are now considering moving to more lucrative beachfront property (bullshit) if beach driving is even discussed, putting the wants of do-nothing hoteliers and vacant property owners who have sat on their hands for decades ahead of struggling residents and merchants, yada, yada, yada…

At the end of the day, one thing remains clear, the majority of our elected cowards still have their heads wedged firmly in their sizeable backsides – because that is what they were told to do by those who own the paper on their political souls – and absolutely nothing changes.   

That’s why the tragic stagnation of the status quo rules the day in the smoldering ruins of ‘Old Daytona.’

During the typically unbalanced and previously choreographed charade – Councilman Troy Kent, the only other councilmember to support Chairman Brower’s push for beach access – explained the obvious, “There are two words to describe the results of this experiment, and those words to me are ‘epic failure.’”

In turn, Mr. Kent reminded everyone of what’s really at stake: “When you shut off access to the beach, you basically make a private beach for the landowners that own that beach…”

For his part, the always detached Councilman David “No Show” Santiago exposed how little he knows (or cares) about east Volusia, or the concerns of struggling Main Street entrepreneurs, when he pontificated that the push to restore beach driving represented “false hope.”

“Daytona Beach is the economic engine of Volusia County.  Investment needs to occur there, and no insult to them —they are stuck in the ’80s. We need to find ways to get investment in here, and we’re hearing from people in the investment world: A solution to this in the vote of a no is a potential moving forward.” Santiago said.  

Horseshit.

We have people who invested blood, sweat, tears, and money on Main Street and beyond – and they have repeatedly told the council what they need to be successful.

They were arrogantly ignored…

Trust me – many Halifax area residents wish we had the prosperity our core tourist area enjoyed during the 1970’s and 80’s – before Volusia County took control and systematically destroyed our most important natural and economic amenity – and long before the likes of “No Show” Santiago put the wants of a few “possible investors,” over the needs of Volusia County taxpayers.

Per usual, there was the obligatory incoherent string-of-consciousness rambles from Councilman Danny “Gaslight” Robins designed to belittle Chairman Brower for being attentive to his constituents, then pushing to return beach access to this important tourist corridor.

In my view, the outcome was preordained before the meeting was ever gaveled to order.  

Sadly, thanks to the complete acquiescence of those dullards we elected to represent our interests – who so blatantly ignore their own rules time-after-time, then do whatever they want to advance the whims of their political benefactors, shadowy “possible investors,” and speculative developers with another “panacea” project – our “powers that be” finally accomplished their ultimate goal of permanently removing our heritage of beach driving from our tired and dilapidated core tourist area.

They won.  You lost.

Tragic.

Like “Gaslight” Robins mewled from the dais, he’s “frustrated,” and “something has to change.” 

He’s right.

I encourage you to vote like your livelihoods and quality of life depend upon it.  Let’s vote Danny Robins, David Santiago, and their confederated political jacklegs to the ash heap of history where they so richly belong while there is still something worth fighting for.

Orange City Mayor’s Malevolent Meltdown Raises the Ire of Citizens

On a Friday evening in late November when most residents were unwinding for the weekend, the tyrannical Orange City Mayor Kellianne Marks – a meanspirited half-bright with a God complex – exposed her overweening hubris when she hastily called an inconvenient “special meeting” of the Orange City Council with the single agenda item:

“Discuss performance of the City Clerk.”

It was clear from the onset of the standing room only meeting that Mayor Marks’ true intent was to terminate City Clerk Kaley Burleson.  To underscore Marks’ spitefulness, at the time of the meeting, Ms. Burleson was on preapproved personal leave assisting her mother who had undergone major surgery earlier in the day.

In order to defend herself against Mayor Marks’ malicious accusations of “insubordination,” “…demonstrated contempt for this government body and has undermined the authority of this council itself,” and failing to adequately respond to communications from state Sen. Tom Wright’s office which “…may have cost the city approximately $3 million” in potential state funding, Ms. Burleson was forced to leave her mother’s bedside and appear in her own defense at the meeting.

In turn, Councilwoman Dawn Tiamson piled on with references to a series of Facebook messages between Marks and her late husband, former councilman Alex Tiamson – exchanges that some felt contained racist remarks – which were distributed to the council by Burleson at the behest of a resident, and “…created public chaos, rumor and defamation, which is not the desired characteristic of a public official.”

Fortunately, Mayor Marks’ nasty attempt at personal retaliation backfired in her face.    

Horribly…

From the minute the meeting was called to order, angry Orange City residents were repeatedly gaveled down by Mayor Marks amid threats of ejection as they shouted to make themselves heard by their elected officials and jeered the officious proceedings from the gallery.

In fact, in an act of patriotic defiance, during the Pledge of Allegiance, the assembled citizens of Orange City loudly emphasized every word to remind their elected representatives of their civic duty.  

After Mayor Marks vindictively explained the reasons why she felt Ms. Burleson was no longer fit to serve the community, she called for a motion to terminate the City Clerk’s contract.  The motion was brought by the Marks’ obsequious minion, Dawn Tiamson, and seconded for discussion by Councilman Harold Grimm.

Then, Ms. Burleson had an opportunity to respond…

That’s when Ms. Burleson took off the gloves and defended her professionalism and dedication to Orange City – explaining how Mayor Marks mistreats city employees, made racist statements, berated staff, and created what was later described as a toxic work environment that has seen an incredibly disruptive turnover in senior city staff.    

Then came perhaps the most salacious revelation of the raucous evening when Ms. Burleson explained how she was on vacation when the meeting request from Sen. Wright’s office was received. 

According to an article by Mark Harper writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal:

“She (Burleson) noted that she was on vacation the week Wright’s invitation came to her email, and her auto-reply asked senders to reach out to the clerk’s office. She said Marks had a meeting with Wright, regardless, which Burleson suggested the mayor handled inappropriately.

“You,” Burleson said to Marks, “came in my office and told me how you took your intern to Tallahassee Day because she had big boobs and had her showoff her cleavage to Tom Wright because he likes that kind of stuff.”

Whoa.  It appears Sen. “Terrible Tommy” Wright’s vile reputation as a lecherous creep has escaped the cloistered bounds of his normal hunting grounds – domestic violence shelters…

In my view, if true, that shocking disclosure alone should result in the immediate resignation of Mayor Marks for her role in pandering to Sen. Wright’s prurient proclivities by suggesting a female intern dress promiscuously as a means of gaining a funding advantage…

According to the News-Journal’s report, “Burleson said she had two witnesses in her office when Marks made the remark, which the mayor did not dispute.”

I guess Mayor Marks gave her intern a valuable lesson in how things get accomplished in Tallahassee, eh? 

My God.

How many times does Florida’s senate leadership need to hear these lewd anecdotes regarding Sen. Wright’s appalling inclinations before they do something to protect the integrity of the legislature, the appropriations process, and vulnerable females subject to Wright’s well-documented predation? 

According to the report, “Burleson said some of the dispute between the mayor and herself had to do with emails regarding a meeting earlier in November, when Marks had requested the council be served food from Olive Garden “because the council expects to be fed before 6 p.m.”

When Burleson provided the Olive Garden meals on the city’s dime, she said the standard in the past had been to make the food also available to any member of the public in attendance. So she did, and Marks complained.

Burleson later said Marks told her: “My concern is I don’t want to eat from a buffet with a ton of people touching the food I’m eating. It’s not sanitary.”

I think they call that the “Dictator’s Diet,” in microcosm – feast like a queen on food purchased with public funds, while residents go hungry…

Following Ms. Burleson’s statement, more than a dozen citizens – to include current and former employees, politicians, and civic activists – rose in support of Burleson, vehemently speaking out on her behalf, with many calling for Marks immediate resignation.

Not one person who approached the podium supported Mayor Marks’ attempt to fire Burleson.

During public comment, former Orange City Mayor Gary Blair asked, “Why are we here?”

“She’s excellent. You are tearing this city down Miss Marks. You’re burning it down … Look at all the senior staff that you’ve lost because of you.”

“My mother used to use a term, and I will use it on you tonight: That you are rotten to your core. These people who asked you to resign? You better go home and think about it … So do everyone a favor, and sign out.”  

After citizen remarks, Mayor Marks – in a narcissistic pique of power – had a member of the gallery ejected from the meeting for speaking out, then called for a short recess.  When the meeting returned to order, City Attorney Paul Waters recommended a vote be taken on the original motion to terminate Burleson’s contract. 

The motion failed on a 5-2 vote with Mayor Marks and Councilwoman Tiamson apparently failing to grasp the passionate sentiments of their constituents…

In my view, the debacle in Orange City exemplifies the best and worst of municipal government, that local level of our representative democracy closest to “We, The Little People,” and most responsive (we hope) to our needs and input.

Perhaps Mayor Kellianne Marks will learn a valuable lesson from her self-created spectacle, namely that leadership isn’t about slamming gavels, positional power, or haughty honorifics – it is defined by one’s actions and character…

In the aftermath, let’s hope Mayor Marks listens to the will of her constituents and steps aside – taking the sycophantic simpleton Dawn Tiamson with her – and allow this small community to heal from her egotistic power grab and rebuild confidence in community governance.

Fooled Us Again – The Triumphant Return of JetBlue to DAB

In 2018, just three-years after Volusia County economic development types ponied up some $2.3 million in “public incentives” to lure JetBlue to Daytona “International” Airport – area residents were left holding an empty bag when the carrier fled DAB for more lucrative markets by announcing JetBlue was “consolidating underperforming routes.”

Remember?  I do.

To attract the airline to Daytona Beach, Volusia County officials went so far as developing a “travel bank” comprised of local companies – to include Brown & Brown, the former Consolidated-Tomoka Land Company, International Speedway Corporation, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – which were required to spend a quarter-million dollars over two-years with JetBlue in exchange for one flight per day to New York’s JFK.

Add thousands of dollars in marketing support from area advertising authorities, waived fees, and free upgrades to the airline’s gate location at DAB, and it was a surprisingly good deal – for JetBlue anyway…

When JetBlue left us rubes in their jetwash, I cynically called it another “investment” of public funds in a private/for-profit enterprise that never panned out, but that does not seem to dissuade our economic development officials from making the same mistake twice.  

Similar incentives have been used to entice low-cost airlines like Avelo and Breeze – including the ludicrous, unsustainable, and artificial practice of offering a “minimum revenue guarantee” to ensure income for the airlines. 

Is anyone at Volusia County offering your small business a revenue guarantee? 

I didn’t think so…

As a longtime observer of Volusia County governance, I harbor a disturbing theory that our redundant economic development apparatus (and those elected/appointed representatives who ostensibly provide “oversight”) have evolved without a somatic reflex. 

An intricate polysynaptic process of the nervous system that allows normal people to instinctively protect themselves from harmful situations, like quickly withdrawing one’s fingers from a hot stove.   

Typically, those physiological reactions – coupled with the capacity for experiential learning, reflectivity, and discernment – keeps us from making the same detrimental errors in judgement a second time.

Not here.

Today marks the triumphant return of JetBlue to DAB. 

You guessed it – ignoring the lessons of the past, once again, Volusia County lavished the carrier with more financial incentives – a horribly reckless and irresponsible move that left many Volusia County residents I spoke with shaking their heads…  

Last month, the Volusia County Council approved a request by Daytona “International” Airport officials totaling $400,000 for more public incentives.  According to the agenda report:

“The incentives consist of a waiver of all terminal rent fees, landing fees, marketing/advertising support up to $200,000 per market, and inclusion in the annual advertising program ($350,000 approx. value). A transfer of $400,000 from reserves will be executed upon approval of this agenda item to cover the remaining costs of marketing and advertising support.”

The fact is, airlines will consider demand, costs, and competition then locate where they can be competitive, selecting routes based on their profitability, in keeping with the company’s strategic goals. In my view, the fact Volusia County held out another lucrative goody bag to “lure” JetBlue back to this Hooterville market simply proves the old idiom, “A fool and our money are soon parted.”  

I often speculate if those economic development shills who gamble fast and loose with public assets would be so quick to shower the same “incentives” – on a carrier who gave them the slip seven years before – if they were playing with their own money?

In my view, every aspect of Volusia County government – including enterprise funds and previous corporate welfare giveaways – are in desperate need of a thorough independent audit. 

Once the facts are exposed, anyone who willingly ignored the lessons of history and pissed good money after bad should be terminated, prosecuted, or both. 

Despite what we are told, repeating a fiscal mistake with public funds – time after time – isn’t normal, logical, or ethical – it is the textbook definition of insanity…  

Quote of the Week!

“Just weeks after New Smyrna Beach voters killed a plan to extend the mayor’s term length from two to four years, the 2026 race for the job is taking shape.

Incumbent Mayor Fred Cleveland was already in, having filed for re-election in September. A second candidate, little-known James Curtis Taylor, had also filed a year earlier. Now Lisa Martin, the incumbent Zone 2 city councilwoman, is stepping forward.

Martin and Cleveland have been on opposite ends of key votes, including the approval of Deering Park Innovation Center, a massive multipurpose development with homes, businesses and green spaces on the southwest side of the Interstate 95-State Road 44 interchange.

Cleveland, 67, and Martin, 75, were first elected to the City Commission in 2022, inheriting a city that had suffered widespread flooding during a devastating storm, Ian. Days after the election, another hurricane, Nicole, added a double dose of destruction.

A key issue for the election will be how to handle the pace of development and its impacts on the city’s quality of life, not just Deering Park, but the impact of previous developments, such as Venetian Bay and Coastal Woods, all to the west of what Cleveland dubs “Old Town” New Smyrna Beach.”

–Reporter Mark Harper, writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Incumbent commissioner enters New Smyrna Beach mayoral race,” Friday, November 28, 2025

In the view of many residents of the once quaint community of New Smyrna Beach, the reign of Mayor Fred Cleveland has been a disaster. 

Literally.

After extensive flooding left existing NSB homes and businesses inundated, Mayor Cleveland and the City Commission undertook a dubious stormwater study that many believe was tailored to tell them exactly what they wanted to hear while concerned citizens were left shaking their heads.

According to Mayor Cleveland, the analysis determined new development at the waterlogged Venetian Bay and the massive Coastal Woods “…had no impact on the flooding that occurred in other areas of the city…”  

Sure…whatever you say, Fred…

In September, a frightened New Smyrna Beach City Commission voted 3-2 to opt out of a statewide lawsuit attempting to repeal Senate Bill 180 and preserve municipal growth management regulations and home rule authority for local governments. 

The vote was based in part on Mayor Cleveland’s handwringing regarding serious repercussions from those very legislators we sent to represent our interests in Tallahassee…

At the time, Mayor Cleveland clutched his blankie tight and mewled, “I don’t want us to be on the blacklist of those that get punished, one way or another, under the radar.  A majority of our county commissioners have said to me we will get punished (if the city joined the lawsuit). And it’s not right, I don’t like it, but it’s human nature … I’m concerned about a suit being our first best step.”

Really?

In spinelessly slinking away from the biggest fight for local control in state history, Cleveland confirmed that any community who dares stand against the devastating effects of overdevelopment will be silenced by base thuggery, threats, and intimidation.  Something the majority of our state legislative delegation are going to have to answer for at the ballot box next year…

Then, New Smyrna Beach residents watched as the cheese slipped off Fred’s cracker when he openly called for using the iron boot of government to police their right to free expression on the ‘everyman’s soapbox’ of social media.

You read that right.

During a public meeting last month, the hypersensitive Fred “Fraidy Cat” Cleveland fumed over social media posts he found offensive, which resulted in City Attorney Carrie Avallone sending a letter on official letterhead to Volusia County Council District 3 candidate Bryon White – an outspoken opponent of overdevelopment and its effects on our natural places – demanding that he “correct or remove” statements critical of NSB officials from social media.

You read that right, too.

In my view it was a gross abuse of power and a heavy-handed attempt to silence a political critic using city resources.

That’s frightening.

During his rambling diatribe against anyone who expresses a viewpoint different from those espoused by the NSB spinmeisters – Mayor Cleveland ominously asked if one of the city’s thought police in the “public information” department could “monitor” the social media posts of residents and “set the record straight” with anyone who “berates” city officials or tries to “further an agenda.”

In my view, Mayor Cleveland’s rampant paranoia and willingness to censor critics at public expense is just one reason New Smyrna Beach residents approved only two of the seven city charter amendments during last month’s election. 

That included righteously rejecting extending the mayor’s term from two to four years and increasing the salaries of the mayor and city commissioners.

It is time for the voters of “Old Town” New Smyrna Beach to send Fred Cleveland packing – before he ramrods more westward expansion while crushing citizen opposition – a dangerous combination tailored to meet the mercenary wants of real estate developers, not the needs of residents in this once quaint slice of what made Florida special… 

And Another Thing!

I’m an infernal realist. 

Not by choice.  I would love nothing more than to run with the flock, shove my head in the sand, and live in the fantasy of a cotton candy world, as Harry McClintock said, “…with lemonade springs where the bluebird sings in the Big Rock Candy Mountains…”

Unfortunately, I’ve been fated to see the harsh reality of things as they are – warts and all – through a Gin-soaked haze…

As a result, I’m rarely moved by party politics or faux passion, destined to instinctively recognize politically choreographed outcomes by connecting historic lessons (that others have conveniently forgotten) with current events.

Do that long enough and you learn that leopards and politicians don’t change their spots… 

After all these years I still cling to the old-fashioned notion that good citizens who contribute to our society, struggle to make a living in this artificial economy, pay increasingly onerous taxes and fees, work hard to raise and educate their families and follow the rules, form the backbone of our community – and they deserve better from those who have been elected to represent their interests.

When it comes to politics, I am a true No Party Affiliate, with moderate, even apolitical, views on most issues.  As a result, I rarely involve myself in the terrible divisiveness of the national battle for partisan dominance, which has now devolved to savage retaliation and a seething need for vengeance on both sides of the aisle.

That probably sounds odd coming from someone who churns out a weekly political opinion blog, but, as you may have noticed, my screeds tend to take our local politicos (and those who control the rods and strings of governance) to the woodshed for their assholery, ineptitude, and petty posturing – not party politics.

That’s not going to change.

Besides, Volusia County and its various political subdivisions provide ample fodder for community discussion – and oceanic room for improvement…

Why is that?

In my view, for decades, the “Fun Coast” has been controlled by a weird oligarchy of uber-wealthy political donors seeking to control their environment.  An exclusive club which exists to serve itself – and the egocentric nature of their shadowy rule has forever disfigured Volusia County – now considered the ugly stepsister of Central Florida. 

A place best avoided, generally sidestepped by the real players in the region, who treat us like something they don’t want to step in…

Look, don’t take my word for it.

Just review any substantive local issue over the last decade or so – from the poorly planned albatross of SunRail, to the gross suburban sprawl that now blankets our region, widespread development-induced flooding, the corporate welfare and cronyism that allows deep pocketed local governments to pick winners and losers in the marketplace, our water quality and the pending implementation of toilet-to-tap, the environmental carnage inherent to overdevelopment, the lack of affordable housing, outdated transportation infrastructure, stressed public utilities, the blight and dilapidation that commercially handicaps our core tourist area, etc. – and you will find the same institutional and systematic fingerprints.

Be honest.  Have you seen any fundamental improvement over the past four-years?

I’m not talking about what we are told to think by solipsistic elected officials – or the fictional depictions of some canned video at the State of the County Address – but the true status of our civic condition as evidenced by the tangible realities you experience in your daily life and observe with your own eyes.

In less than a month, a new year – and a fresh election season – will be upon us. 

In addition to various municipal elections, in 2026, four Volusia County Council seats – At-large, District 1, District 3, and District 5, and Volusia County School Board Districts 1,3,5 – will be on the ballot.

Folks, it truly is time for substantive change. 

That begins with finding quality candidates for public office then supporting them – politically and financially – so we have a fighting chance to stop the pernicious cycle that has dominated Volusia County for far too long.

A competent choice beyond reelecting political retreads with a history of service to development interests – or those perennial politicians busy climbing the chairs to higher office.  They’re easy to spot, congenital liars earmarked by their preternatural ability to tell you exactly what they think you want to hear – then completely ignore you and your neighbors – staring down like a stone gargoyle from the dais of power whenever you attempt to participate in your local government…

Considering that modern political campaigns in Volusia County have taken on the appearance of a blood-soaked knife fight – an exercise in assured personal and professional destruction – marked by ad hominem attacks based on outright lies, carefully designed to besmirch an opponent’s character and reputation, well-placed rumors that muddy the waters, and manufactured tittle-tattles that cast doubt and deflect attention from the myriad issues we face.

Make no mistake, win or lose, wading into that fetid shitpit is going to leave a mark. 

It isn’t for everyone… 

Because the decisions of local elected officials have such a significant impact on our lives and livelihoods, I find it unfortunate that we have a large number of voters who simply accept the status quo, buying into the false promises of those candidates with enough cold cash in their war chest to get their message – as crafted by their political overseers – in front of the masses with enough frequency and flash to sway opinions.

Someone once wrote that excellence honors passion and noble purpose demands high standards – anything less results in disillusionment and drains enthusiasm.  In Volusia County politics and governance, excellence and high standards are in short supply…

Cowards hide their agenda, misrepresent, make self-protective decisions, obfuscate, deflect, and place blame.  Real leadership leans-in, commits willingly, admits mistakes, holds firm to core principles, demands transparency from the bureaucracy, and makes purpose-driven decisions – leaders reach high, accept responsibility, and inspire confidence by their personal example.

Any of that sound remotely familiar to you here on Florida’s Fun Coast?

I didn’t think so…

With that in mind, there is no reason someone like District 5 Volusia County Councilman David “No Show” Santiago – who, in my view, represents the worst of the worst of self-serving political hacks – should be running unopposed in an area encompassing The Lost City of Deltona – that raging political dumpster fire that is the largest city by population in the region.

Fortunately, a few good candidates have already thrown their hats in the ring in several districts – and I understand others are considering a run for office next year – solid citizens who want something more for their family and yours than business as usual.

If you have that ‘fire in the belly’ to serve, I encourage you to consider stepping into the fray and communicate with your neighbors how you will return honor, integrity, and the public’s trust to local governance. 

It’s important.

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

Note to Readers:

I hope to see everyone in the beautiful City of Holly Hill this weekend as the community kicks off its traditional holiday celebrations!

Tomorrow beginning at 6:00pm, enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer, festive performances, and a special visit from Santa Claus on the front steps of historic Holly Hill City Hall!

Bring the whole family and help usher in the Holiday Season as we light up the community Christmas tree together. This beloved event is free and open to all!

On Saturday morning at 10:00am, the 66^th Annual Holly Hill Christmas Parade rolls along its new route – travelling west along Second Street to Ridgewood Avenue – then north to LPGA Boulevard.   

Come join us! 

It’s a true smalltown slice of Americana and one of “The City with a Heart’s” most cherished traditions… 

Hope to see you there!