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:

Volusia County School’s Ministry of Truth: Silencing Dissent to Perpetuate the Lie

“The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it.”

–George Orwell, 1984

The scourge of censorship is often defined as “the manipulation, suppression, or prohibition of speech or writing that is deemed subversive by those in power.” While censorship is frequently associated with oppressive government officials, private entities can also endanger our First Amendment freedom of expression by proxy, especially when acting on behalf of those in public office by using their position of power and access to suppress criticism through intimidation.

I find the practice of limiting a citizen’s right to dispute a publicly funded entities message with their own truth despicable in all its forms. 

In my view, the true danger to our individual freedoms comes when an orchestrated effort to hide truths, distort perception, and suppress opposition through bullying and marginalization becomes official public policy.  

For instance, last week saw the release of a professionally produced video featuring recognizable community leaders enthusiastically flogging the dubious notion that Volusia County School’s received back-to-back “A” grades. 

I was particularly taken by one presenter who said “We’re 100% proficient, Wow! That’s incredible!” 

It’s also a bald-faced lie.

For the uninitiated, the state’s school grading system was established by the Florida Department of Education and is calculated using twelve components, to include student achievement, learning gains, and graduation rates.

Under this ridiculously skewed grading system, just 64% of available points is considered an “A” grade…   

In my view, that’s not just intentionally misleading – its obscene. 

Especially when you consider that 40% to 50% of Volusia County students cannot read or perform mathematics at grade level – basic skills needed for success in life.  In my view, that represents academic victimization and should be prosecuted as criminal deception…

Most frightening, now it appears the majority of our elected representatives on the Volusia County School Board seem content to allow Superintendent Carmen Balgobin to perpetuate her sick version of the Illusion of Truth Effect, the practice of repeating statements – true or false – until they gain a sense of familiarity, which people begin to interpret as accuracy.

In short, a lie repeated often enough becomes accepted fact – especially when you enlist respected community leaders to parrot the district’s puffery and manipulate public perception in a choreographed video paid for by Volusia County taxpayers.  

Another facet to Balgobin’s propaganda campaign is her pathological focus on awards and accolades as a means of self-promotion – a smokescreen of toxic optimism and perceived success to camouflage the abject dysfunction that seemingly permeates every aspect of district operations and administration.

In an effort to confirm my worst suspicions, I decided to have a closer look…

Last month, I submitted a public records request for information relating to two of the district’s most recent highly publicized awards – one recognizing Superintendent Balgobin by the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education – the other a “Certificate of Excellence” presented to the finance department for completion of the district’s annual comprehensive financial report.

Sadly, I wasn’t surprised to find that in both cases the nominations originated in-house. 

The award applications were completed by senior administrators at Volusia County Schools, highly compensated directors who apparently have little else to do outside of feeding Dr. Balgobin’s incessant self-idolatry.

In the case of the certificate of excellence – amid embarrassing and incredibly expensive problems with the district’s payroll and benefits system that continues to plague employees – Volusia County taxpayers were on the hook for $1,375.00 to pay for the finance department’s award application… 

That’s one way to get recognized, I guess. 

Last year, with much congratulatory fanfare, Superintendent Balgobin widely announced that she had been named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year by something called the National Association of School Superintendents.  Not surprisingly, a check of the NASS website finds that Superintendent Balgobin nominated herself; writing in the third person and using the “A” rating ruse to full effect, she completed the application, signed it on May 31, 2025, and shamelessly submitted it. 

I don’t make this shit up, folks.

Here’s a question for sitting School Board members and those who aspire to be this election season:

What exactly are we paying that senior clique in the Ivory Town of Power to do when they aren’t nominating each other for contrived tributes, protecting Dr. Balgobin’s veneer of competence, and ginning up school grades? 

I thought the role of Balgobin’s “cabinet” was ensuring classroom teachers have the tools and ability to educate students and achieve a level of academic proficiency that will allow them to survive in an increasingly competitive world.

Silly me…

During Tuesday’s Volusia County School Board meeting, with critical elections looming, board member Donna Brosemer threw back the velvet curtain and exposed the dark side of the district’s effort to push the “A” school narrative by suppressing opposing voices who dare speak their truth and champion the plight of students and teachers.

According to Ms. Brosemer, the district has become akin to a mafia “protection racket,” an organized intimidation campaign that uses both district employees and outside influencers to silence dissent.

That should shock the conscience of anyone who cares about basic fairness – and our inalienable right to free speech.

Apparently, certain outspoken critics of the regime have experienced bullying by some local heavy hitters who would prefer the district’s well-crafted façade of success not be revealed for what it is. 

After all, it’s hard to retain bragging rights if your source of pride is unmasked as little more than an educratic lowering of the academic bar… 

As I understand it, the district’s thuggish tactics include contacting employers and threatening the jobs of those who speak out, refusing to allow certain businesses to participate in charitable efforts benefitting area schools, and blacklisting specific companies and services from working with Volusia County schools as a means of punishing them.

In a local economy based upon the same five people passing the same nickel around, that can have profound consequences for those in the private sector who refuse to toe the line…  

It is apparent that Superintendent Balgobin understands that true power lies in controlling the narrative, manipulating information and statistics, suppressing dissent, and fabricating “facts” to shape an alternative reality.

Tragically, it appears this well-crafted cult of personality and forced obedience to the district’s storyline is now being enforced at the point of a spear.  But what about the voices of those students, teachers, staff, and taxpayers who are being silenced to protect the guise?

In his work “1984,” Orwell warned of the trivialization of academic standards:

“If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” 

In my view, impressionable Volusia County students who are repeatedly told by respected authority figures that their district earned an “A” grade – even as they struggle to read, express themselves, develop job skills, communicate effectively, think critically, and perform basic calculations – have a reduced resistance to manipulation. 

As a result, they eventually come to rely on the official spin of “authorities,” asinine social trends, and algorithm-driven misinformation to shape their understanding, values, and beliefs. 

That doesn’t produce active, engaged, and productive citizens of a healthy representative democracy.   

In fact, it churns out malleable victims who lack the intellectual autonomy to reject contrived narratives – like those created by self-serving adults with a lucrative chip in the game – who use artificial school “grades” to prop up their for-profit motives while ignoring the fate of those who will suffer most…   

Vote your conscience.  

Quote of the Week

“The Florida State Fraternal Order of Police believes Florida taxpayers deserve meaningful property tax relief,” the organization said in a written statement Friday. “We understand the financial pressures facing homeowners, and we support thoughtful, responsible reforms that provide relief while protecting the essential services our communities depend on.

“However, we oppose the current Amendment 3 because it creates far too much uncertainty about how local governments would continue to fund law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services, and other critical public safety functions. Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences.”

If approved, the proposed amendment would increase homestead exemptions for Floridians who own primary residences by the end of this year to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Further increases would be tied to the Consumer Price Index.  The amendment would cap assessment increases on other property to 5% a year.

Last week, the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association became the first major statewide public safety organization to formally oppose Amendment 3, saying providing tax relief and reliable emergency services “are not mutually exclusive, but both require responsible long-term planning.”

–Mitch Perry, The Florida Phoenix, as excerpted from his report “Fraternal Order of Police latest group to oppose property tax constitutional amendment,” Friday, July 24, 2026

“…responsible long-term planning…”

That’s an interesting concept. 

During my productive life, based upon years of extensive advanced training and practical experience, I earned the Florida Professional Emergency Manager designation from the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association. 

The certification required that I demonstrate diverse skills and expertise in the mitigation, prevention, protection, response, and recovery phases of emergency preparedness and management.  In my experience, in the emergency services – preparedness is the key to success – especially when planning for potentially life-threatening situations.   

As old Ben Franklin was fond of saying, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Through the years, the School of Hard Knocks taught me that hope is not a strategy when lives – or the continuity of essential services – hang in the balance.

That experience is just one reason I am shocked that our state legislative delegation didn’t insist on responsible planning before passing Amendment 3. 

A comprehensive blueprint for how Florida cities and counties can reduce spending, determine what resources will be available from the state, identify alternative revenue sources, and prepare for how essential neighborhood services will be funded when our reasonably equitable ad valorem tax system is extinguished.    

Oh, I forgot. 

Sen. Tom Wright recently explained they were bullied into it by Gov. Ron DeSantis who refused to sign the state budget – holding their paltry local allocations hostage in an election year – so, they said “screw it,” and passed the incredibly risky ballot measure in less than 48-hours while in special session…   

So much for that ‘political courage’ we hear so much about each campaign season, eh?

Perhaps you should ask those local legislators currently seeking reelection at the next haughty ‘hobnob’ why they would foist this half-baked (and incredibly dangerous) tax shift on the very communities who sent them to Tallahassee? 

Ask them how they could be so grossly irresponsible as to approve an ‘all or nothing’ ballot question with no plan for funding emergency services for existing residents, let alone serve the massive future sprawl already approved by those same politicians who preempted local growth management controls to appease their sugar daddies in the development industry.     

Amendment 3 is bad for Florida. 

So are those craven politicians who forced this impossible dilemma on their tax-strapped constituents who now fear for their quality of life…

And Another Thing!

As regular readers may have figured out, I’m something of an eccentric.   

A rube wandering the wilderness, as I like to say; staggering through the darkness like a half-drunk Diogenes, dim lamp raised, always searching for those rare public servants who hold themselves out for high office, then live up to their promises and actually put their long-suffering constituents before their own self-interests, or those of the powerful forces who control them. 

Foolish, I know…    

But my one superpower is a precision-tuned bullshit detector and a keen penchant for pointing out political posturing whenever I see it. 

In my view, grandstanding, symbolic gestures, and taking policy positions without substance on emotional topics merely to gain political support ultimately erode the public trust.  That adds to the disillusionment experienced by voters after an election when they discover it was all a well-choreographed Kabuki…

Last week, the Volusia County Council took up the hot button issue of AI data centers – not because a hyperscale facility is pending (or even planned) here on the “Fun Coast” – but because a couple of incumbents up for reelection want to make themselves appear relevant to the growing national discussion. 

They aren’t.   

According to a report in the Ormond Beach Observer, Volusia County Councilman David “No Show” Santiago, a perennial politician scrambling for reelection in District 5, suggested a pointless “six-month moratorium” on artificial intelligence data centers “…while the County Council studies how the rapidly expanding industry could affect water resources, utility infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas.”

“I think it’s just getting so much more attention that I wanted to consider the thought process of — and I usually don’t say these words — but a six-month moratorium on data centers in Volusia while we get an understanding of what the trends are and understanding what protocols we can put in place to protect our community,” Santiago said.”

In other words, Santiago hitched his political wagon to a high-profile (if locally nonexistent) issue, associated his name with it, then pretended to take a proactive approach to “protect our community.”

Bullshit.

In turn, Councilman Danny “Gaslight” Robins – who is running for reelection in District 3 – joined the cause, tut-tutting “I don’t think there’s been one proposed in Volusia.  But we do need to look at it and make sure if we do go forward … my biggest concern was in accordance with our charter because there were water resources in our sensitive areas.”

Trust me.  Neither Santiago nor Robins give two-shits about water resources, public infrastructure, or “environmentally sensitive areas.”

To show you how much “No Show” Santiago cares about infrastructure, as a voting member of the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization – the body responsible for conducting urban transportation planning across our desperately congested region – Councilman Santiago recorded unexcused absences at every TPO meeting last year.

Inexplicably, he has so far failed to attend any TPO board or executive committee meeting in 2026… 

He just never shows up. Desperately needed transportation improvements be damned.

Don’t take my word for it, find the attendance roll here: https://tinyurl.com/nzuysfxy

Is Mr. Santiago even aware we have a transportation planning organization?  Or that he represents the good people of Volusia’s District 5 as a voting member of the board? 

In 2024, Mr. Santiago – the King of Political Procrastination – led the charge to kick the can on a proposed new construction moratorium in the face of pervasive countywide flooding.  After years of inundation, heartbreak, and recurrent property damage, Santiago had the impudence to tell affected residents, “I don’t have enough information to make a decision.”

In February 2026, “No Show” Santiago marshalled a majority vote that sold the health and safety of your grandchildren and mine on the altar of greed when they crushed the hopes of residents who sought both a county ordinance and a charter amendment prohibiting the disgusting use of “blackwater” (a.k.a. Toilet to Tap) to supplement drinking water in the county’s unincorporated service areas. 

During a lengthy discussion (that had the feel of a scripted production) those compromised shills trotted out every possible argument for denying Volusia County residents the opportunity to vote to ban ‘toilet to tap’ for county utility customers.

The excuses ran the gamut from “This is a solution in search of a problem!” “We have no plans to develop a potable reuse program at this time,” “Let someone else deal with it in the future.”

What they really meant was, “Let’s keep kissing the sizeable asses of our benevolent overseers in the real estate development industry and Tallahassee,” fearful that proactively protecting our drinking water and limiting development to the natural capacity of available resources would provoke the wrath of state legislators – and their own deep-pocketed campaign donors…

Cowards.

Typically, Councilman Santiago engaged in his tiresome bitchery on the dais, claiming Chairman Jeff Brower was guilty of “misstatements,” and labeling the entire effort by the grassroots advocacy Let Volusia Vote a “con game.”

Which is rich, coming from “No Show” Santiago – the original political grifter…

At the time, reporter Jarleene Almenas wrote in the Observer about the “potable reuse” debate:

“Volusia has zero plans to do this,” Councilman Santiago said. “Don’t be fooled by what you’re seeing in social media that that’s what we’re doing. It is a con game as it pertains to Volusia County.”

A toilet to tap ban, Santiago said, is a “county solution looking for a county problem.” Additionally, the county only controls 7% of total utilities in Volusia; municipalities control the majority. A charter amendment that only pertains to 7% of users would be a “disservice” to the county residents, some of whom might believe this would impact their city utilities.

After the obligatory posturing, preening, and spit-pats – Councilmen Jake Johansson, “No Show” Santiago, “Gaslight” Robins, and Matt Reinhart – voted in the majority to remove the citizens right to choose on an issue of collective concern.

Now Santiago wants a six-month halt on nonexistent data centers ahead of an election? 

Again – Bullshit.

If they were serious about the issue, the VCC would immediately move to ban the use of tax incentives, corporate welfare giveaways, and those secretive non-disclosure agreements employed by “economic development” shills when negotiating with data center operators.

Trust me – these bought-and-paid for political hacks could care less about the threat of these facilities on our already threatened environment (and pocketbooks). In my view, long-suffering Volusia County residents will just have to wait and see how data centers ultimately benefit Santiago and Robins – personally or politically… 

For now, this is just another skit in a long line of self-serving charades performed by Councilman Santiago, a professional opportunist who attaches himself to an issue solely for personal aggrandizement, visibility, and political gain, while ignoring genuine public policy priorities like transportation, flooding, and unchecked growth.

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

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the 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:

Perpetuating Petty Mudslinging in Ormond Beach

Regular readers of these screeds know the reverence I have for local journalism.

I support both traditional, citizen, and independent media outlets that push quality news, information, and alternative opinions in an age where reportage seems limited to regurgitating the pap and fluff flowing from government spinmeisters. 

That’s what happens when so few are willing to pay a subscription fee to remain informed amid the partisan polarization and whackadoodle bias of “corporate journalism,” a system that has neutered the Fourth Estate and absorbed/destroyed countless local newspapers.

Fortunately, we are blessed with a few great local news outlets here on Florida’s “Fun Coast.”

For instance, I enjoy the local news coverage from what’s left of The Daytona Beach News-Journal.  The West Volusia Beacon – one of the last remaining community newspapers in existence – periodically runs Barker’s View in their opinion section.  I rarely agree with editor Pierre Tristam’s politics, but his FlaglerLive.com is incredibly informative with frequent deep dives on local issues, and the Ormond Beach/Palm Coast Observer is a great community resource and one of the first things I read each morning.   

Perhaps that’s why I was so disappointed in the Observer’s decision to publish a recent op/ed (if you can call it that) personally attacking Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie.  In my view, the unadulterated hit piece signaled the return of the dirty tricks and politics of personal destruction that invariably taint Ormond Beach elections. 

The attacks are always well-choreographed so the candidate(s) the perpetrators support have plausible deniability of who is behind the distracting practice…

In my view, who you select to represent your family’s interests is a personal decision based upon many factors.  That’s why I don’t tell people who to vote for on this blog site.  

If you are reading Barker’s View, I naturally assume you are an engaged and informed voter, someone who stays abreast of current events, familiar with the diverse opinions and players surrounding the issues of the day.

Sometimes my take on civic happenings can be acerbic, tongue-in-cheek, even over-the-top – just one man’s opinion on the news and newsmakers – neither always right, nor always wrong, and many readers vehemently disagree with my particular take on matters important to them. 

That’s my purpose.  Generating a larger discussion of the issues is BV’s raison d’être.

This is different.  

Last week, the Ormond Beach Observer ran a hit piece launched by a former family member of incumbent Mayor Jason Leslie – apparently an estranged ex-boyfriend of Mr. Leslie’s sister (?) – who asked the question, “Who is Jason Leslie?” before smearing his character in print.

It was an ambush so ad hominem that I almost stopped reading – not because I was offended – but because it wasted my time.

The piece included accusations against Mayor Leslie based upon anecdotal recollections, raised questions about his business history and credentials, and trotted out several previously settled personal and professional lawsuits to add to the embarrassment factor.

The writer even attempted to make a vile connection to the 1700’s slave trade based upon a claim that Capt. James Ormond may have once worked for the company of a long-distant relative of Mayor Leslie – a link so tenuous that everyone who lives in the city that bears Capt. Ormond’s name could be implicated… 

In an apparent stab at fairness, the Observer identified the writer as a family member, allowed Mayor Leslie to respond, and attempted to confirm some of the odd allegations – mostly based on old family yarns – to include, “Jason claims that The Great Gatsby was written about his family. When questioned, it turned into “the idea for the Great Gatsby was inspired by Scott Fitzgerald while he attended one of Jason’s great aunt’s parties.” It seems Mr. Leslie likes to think that anyone with the last name Leslie is related to him.”

Who cares? 

What about the candidate’s position on how we improve transportation and utilities infrastructure with the specter of Avalon Park, Ormond Crossings, Archers Mill, Tomoka Reserve, et alia, on the horizon? 

In rebuttal, Mayor Leslie said, “It is disheartening that what should remain a private family matter has become public,” and dismissed the personal attacks for what they are. 

In my view, it was silly.  A sordid family squabble laid bare to humiliate a public official at election time – something I found well beneath the journalistic standards I’ve come to appreciate from the Ormond Beach Observer.

I have always respected the community newspaper for its balanced and objective coverage, and the pettiness of the Leslie smear bothered me.

Soon after, the ‘rest of the story’ became apparent…

Less than 24-hours after the hit piece appeared in the Ormond Beach Observer, a bright red sign appeared on public right-of-way at the entrance to my neighborhood which read, “LIAR LESLIE” in bold print. 

The sponsorship disclosure read, “Paid for by Ormond Residents Fed Up With Mayor Jason Leslie’s Lies.”  I don’t know if that’s a legitimate political action committee or just another gouge at Mayor Leslie…

The timing appeared choreographed – a ‘one-two’ punch – an orchestrated ambush that reeks of desperation by Mr. Leslie’s competition. 

In fact, I noticed that the Lori Tolland for Mayor sign that sat directly next to Mayor Leslie’s campaign sign had been removed when the disparaging placard was erected.   

The absence of the Tolland connection was noticeable – and it spoke volumes.

I have no idea if Commissioner Tolland’s campaign is involved – or even aware – of the derogatory signage that paints her opponent in a bad light, but cui bono?

Personally, I believe the 2026 mayoral race represents the worst dilemma Ormond Beach voters have ever faced, with a field consisting of Mayor Leslie, Commissioner Tolland, and two also-rans… 

The myriad issues facing this once quaint and truly unique community – now churned into a homogenized “everyplace” by visionless elected officials, mercenary assholes with big promises, and real estate developers trying to cram 3/2 cracker boxes into every nook and cranny – are increasing exponentially. 

Sadly, in the face of these enormous challenges, the Ormond Beach City Commission often appears as a ship of fools in a Three Stooges farce, with no one on the bridge who seems to have a clue how to navigate forward…

My pointed criticism includes Mayor Leslie, who often appears out of his element, and the recipient of frequent attacks by the malleable Commissioner Tolland (of Tomoka Reserve infamy) and their equally clueless “colleagues,” whenever he tries to think beyond the status quo.

In my view, our collective challenges are far too great for cheap distractions, and this petty mudslinging has no place in Ormond Beach politics. 

I hope the Observer realizes its mistake in perpetuating it.

Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart Continues to Serve and Protect

Having spent the bulk of my life in law enforcement, some of the worst situations I was called to help with involved the scourge of domestic violence – a criminal act causing physical injury or death between family, intimate partners, or household members. 

It’s more prevalent than you might think.  Volusia County ranks fourth statewide in domestic violence cases…

For many trapped in the pernicious cycle of violence, stalking, and psychological abuse, it can seem inescapable. 

Tragically, for some it is. 

In 2021, 220 individuals died as the result of domestic violence homicide, representing approximately 20% of all homicides in Florida.  Nationally, over 40% of female murder victims are killed by a current or former domestic partner. 

In an effort to save lives and reverse the unacceptable number of DV cases here on the “Fun Coast,” earlier this year, Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart – a retired career corrections professional – proposed a searchable domestic violence registry which would consolidate available public information from the Clerk of the Court regarding convicted domestic violence offenders in a web-based database.

According to reports, Reinhart’s resolution is based on Savanna’s Law, a Tennessee registry which went into effect January 1, 2026, named after Savanna Puckett, a 22-year-old deputy sheriff who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2022.  The law created a public registry of “persistent domestic violence offenders,” which includes the photograph, personal identifiers, and conviction history of convicted batterers.

In Volusia County, the centralized registry to hold batterers accountable and protect potential victims as proposed by Councilman Reinhart received resounding support from several area municipalities, to include Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Holly Hill, Edgewater, Ormond Beach, and Ponce Inlet.

On Tuesday, during an emotional hearing before the Volusia County Council, Buck James, CEO of the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County, spoke in support of the proposed registry and explained “domestic violence thrives in secrecy.”

To his credit, during the discussion, Councilman Reinhart made a motion in support of his previous stance that the registry should include anyone with a single conviction involving a crime of domestic violence, rather than limit the information to repeat offenders.

During the ensuing discussion, Councilman Don Dempsey couldn’t take off his defense attorney cap long enough to consider the potential lifesaving benefit of sparing families the tragic heartbreak of a loved one’s death to domestic violence, claiming that many innocent people are caught in what he described as “the net.”

To everyone’s astonishment, Dempsey left his seat and thundered away in that demented Atticus Finch routine of his – butchering quotes from Voltaire and Thomas Jefferson along the way – before arguing that the information on domestic violence offenders is already available on the Clerk of the Court’s website, then claiming DV accusations are frequently bogus, used for leverage in domestic disputes, etc.  

Councilman Dempsey – the lone member of the spousal abuse lobby – wailed that the registry would cast a “stigma” on batterers who will now clog the system by demanding a trial to avoid the potential shame…

I guess by Mr. Dempsey’s thinking, victims are forced to carry the physical and mental scars of domestic violence the rest of their lives – but those who are convicted in a court of law of the heinous act that inflicted them shouldn’t suffer undo embarrassment for their crimes?

I assume when it became apparent to Councilman Dempsey that people were staring in perplexed bewilderment over his asinine attempt to keep convicted abusers off a searchable database – he changed tack – attempting to kick the can down the dusty political trail by demanding presentations from the State Attorney, Public Defender, and Clerk of the Court before vote was taken on this important resource.

Why is Mr. Dempsey always vehemently arguing for a solution in search of a problem? 

From a tax funded motocross facility, to eviscerating the perpetuity provisions of Volusia Forever, or protecting potential victims from offenders previously convicted beyond any reasonable doubt of a crime of domestic violence, “Drama Don” Dempsey seems to feed on contrived controversy…

To their credit, the Volusia County Council ultimately voted 6-1 (you guess it, Councilman Dempsey cast the lone “No” vote…) to approve creating the database of convicted domestic violence offenders that will date back a decade – in my view, a valuable means of holding batterers accountable while providing a resource for anyone seeking to make an informed decision. 

It is the first of its kind in Florida.  That’s leadership.

Kudos to Councilman Matt Reinhart for continuing his tradition of serving and protecting the citizens of Volusia County. 

Quote of the Week

“The last thing we need at this point in Palm Coast are more residential homes,” Planning Board Vice Chair James Albano said. “We have a plethora of new construction. We have more used houses days-on-market than in a long time. Yet we have no industrial. So, in my opinion, residential right now is low hanging fruit, and we keep hearing that. Well, we need rooftops in order to get commercial. Well, we don’t need another Home Depot or we don’t need another Lowe’s. We need industrial jobs. We need bigger companies with a lot of employees. I think we’re missing the boat just to try to get more people to live here, which is not going to flip the tax base. We need to flip the tax base.”

–Palm Coast Planning Board Vice Chair James Albano, as quoted by FlaglerLive.com, “Palm Coast Planning Board Unanimously Rejects 22,000-Home Western Expansion Over Unanswered Questions,” Thursday, July 16, 2026

The back-and-forth over the City of Palm Coast’s ill-thought “westward expansion” continued last week when the city’s planning board rejected staff recommendations and voted unanimously against two proposed land use changes that would, as FlaglerLive.com explained, “pave the way” (literally) for 22,000 homes west of U.S. 1.

Why? 

Because everyone agrees the project’s planning is still half-baked – with Palm Coast officials still flying blind – and much more information needed to determine how necessary public infrastructure will be funded.

The development would add 55,000 new residents at buildout in 2056.

According to the report, “The Planning Board said the proposal left too many questions unanswered and too many stakeholders–the School Board, the county, neighboring residents–on the sidelines while giving residential development a priority the city does not need right now, compared to commercial and industrial development. Board members were also concerned about the proposal’s malleability at the hands of future developers, much of it, possibly, out of public view, since it diminishes the regulatory role of the board or the City Council.”

Tragically (typically?), the city’s planning apparatus attempted to convince claustrophobic stakeholders that more residential development will be required before commercial/industrial will come…

According to the report, Palm Coast Planning Manager & Development Shill Phong Nguyen explained to board members (with a straight face), “We have to also have that understanding that even though we would like to have non-residential to come in in order to balance our tax base, but the reality kicks in is that you have to have certain number of residential development first in order to do that.”

Be careful what you wish for Palm Coast – and be wary of who plans your family’s future.   

According to reports, Nguyen also explained that the specifics of roadway improvements, and utilities infrastructure – and who will pay for it all – can be revealed during the next phase of negotiations. 

Bullshit.

Why is it “negotiations” for these massive cities within a city always seem like peeling a rotten onion – with more details only available during the next step in the process – requiring blind approvals in order to learn more about the ultimate community/environmental/infrastructure impacts?  

With the Amendment 3 tax shift looming, how communities pay for the malignant growth that the Florida legislature (and malleable local officials) has foisted on existing residents – and who will pay for the increased demand for essential local services – brings this potential fiscal disaster into crystal clear focus.

Here’s a tip o’ the cap to the Palm Coast Planning Board for having the foresight to postpone the city’s “westward expansion” until the true impacts – and ultimate costs – can be determined.   

Now, let’s wait and see what the Palm Coast City Council does on August 4 when they are faced with the question of supporting the decision of their planning advisors – or pushing forward into Palm Coast’s great abyss…

And Another Thing!

“We returned to Daytona Beach with the expectation that the market could support renewed JetBlue service; however, demand has not developed as anticipated, and the financial performance of the flight has been worsening.  Ending service will allow us to redeploy aircraft into markets with stronger demand.”

–Statement from JetBlue announcing the decision to terminate service at Daytona “International” Airport, Thursday, July 16, 2026

“The notification was unexpected, and our team immediately reached out to JetBlue to explore whether there are ways to preserve some level of service—whether through fewer weekly flights or by maintaining service to New York (JFK). We remain hopeful those conversations will continue.”

“While we understand airlines must make business decisions based on their network needs, this news is especially disappointing because of the incredible support our community showed for JetBlue.  From day one, residents, businesses, and visitors embraced the convenience of nonstop service to Boston and New York, and that support demonstrated the strong demand that exists in our market.”

–Statement from Daytona Beach “International” Airport on JetBlue’s decision to terminate service at DAB, Thursday, July 16, 2026

The grossly contradictory statement issued by senior officials at Daytona “International” Airport makes it clear they know nothing about how air carriers make business decisions – and the conflicting hype and spin (“incredible support” and “strong demand”) – diametrically contradicts JetBlue’s explanation that “…demand has not developed as anticipated, and the financial performance of the flight has been worsening.” 

Yeah.  I know.  It’s a damnable lie presented as fact to lessen the blow – and mitigate repeat mistakes.  

That’s just one reason we no longer believe anything coming out of Volusia County government.

Regardless, this story is getting old… 

In 2018, just three-years after Volusia County’s 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.”

This time they skedaddled in just seven-months…

Nearly a decade ago, in an effort 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, the budget airline agreed to originate one flight per day to New York’s JFK from Daytona Beach.

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

For JetBlue, anyway…

Does anyone over at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building ever do that for your small business? 

Just curious…

When the carrier left us rubes in their jetwash, I cynically called it another so-called “investment” of public funds in a private/for-profit enterprise that never panned out, but that doesn’t seem to dissuade Volusia County officials from making the same mistake.

Repeatedly…  

In fact, the history of corporate welfare and government largesse in Volusia County – artificially skewing the playing field for the well-connected in the form of “public/private partnerships” – dates back decades. 

(As you read this, the Volusia County Council is preparing to get taxpayers in the motocross business using the same skeevy sham…)

At DAB, similar incentives have been used to entice low-cost airlines like Silver Airways, Sunwing, Avelo, and Breeze – with some receiving ludicrous “minimum revenue guarantees” to ensure income for the airlines.

To sweeten the pot, in 2025, the Volusia County Council approved a request by airport officials totaling $400,000 in additional public incentives for JetBlue.    

According to a News-Journal report at the time, “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.”

What? Volusia County isn’t offering your mom-n-pop a ‘revenue guarantee’ either?

I didn’t think so…

In December 2025, Volusia County celebrated the triumphant return of JetBlue to DAB. 

There were elaborate balloon arches welcoming passengers, a water cannon salute, and hyper-enthusiastic elected and appointed officials who gushed with accolades like “Significant win!” and “Carrying on the momentum!” accompanied by plenty of backslapping and “It takes a village (and a lot of our money) to make this happen!” horseshit… 

It was the perfect example of Volusia County’s penchant for ignoring the lessons of the past – which means history always repeats around these parts – another reckless and irresponsible waste that left many area residents shaking their heads… 

You guessed it.  Last week, JetBlue announced it was (once again) winging its way out of Daytona Beach as the carrier said it is “ending service on several underperforming routes,” to consolidate service at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood.  

Sound familiar?

According to published reports, JetBlue will end service at DAB on September 9.

In the highly volatile world of commercial aviation, carriers analyze demand, study costs, and consider logistics, then identify where they can be competitive, selecting routes based on their profitability in keeping with the carrier’s strategic route expansion/contraction. 

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 wonder if those economic development shills who gamble fast and loose with publicly funded spiffs would be so quick to shower the same “incentives” if they were playing with their own money? 

You know that old proverb, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”

Whatever…

Despite what we are told, repeating mistakes with public funds – time after time – isn’t normal, logical, or ethical. 

That’s not “economic development,” it’s the textbook definition of insanity… 

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

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the 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:

Volusia County Schools: Controlling the Narrative

“Before my comment could be published on the Volusia County Schools forum, I was blocked from the page by the administrator of the page (Km (sic) Short). I believe it’s important for our community to know that respectful voices with differing opinions are not always given the opportunity to be heard. Below was my statement after Kim shared more Negative comments regarding our A rated School District.

Kim Short, I have a genuine question.

Why does this page seem to focus almost exclusively on the current School Board members while rarely discussing the backgrounds, records, or histories of the candidates you support? If the goal is to inform the community, shouldn’t the same level of scrutiny and transparency apply to everyone seeking public office?

I also wonder why conversations continue to revisit issues from years ago instead of focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing our schools today. At some point, our community benefits more from discussing solutions than repeatedly reliving the past.

With respect, you previously ran for School Board and the voters chose Jessie Thompson. Elections are part of our democratic process, and while everyone has the right to remain engaged, continually framing discussions around past grievances can give the impression that the focus is on past elections rather than the future of our schools.

One question I have is this: If you are so passionate about the future of Volusia County Schools and believe your voice is needed, why did you choose not to run for the School Board in this election? Public service is one of the most direct ways to create the change you want to see. I ask that sincerely because your perspective suggests you care deeply about our district.

I also recognize that, as the administrator of this page, you control what is published and when it appears. That is certainly your right. My hope is simply that differing viewpoints are given the same opportunity to be heard respectfully so our community can have open and balanced conversations.

One thing I believe we should all be able to agree on is this: Volusia County Schools is an A-rated school district. That is an objective achievement, and facts don’t lie. This success belongs to our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and the entire community who work every day to make our schools better.”

–Craig Lungren, Community Information Specialist, Volusia County District Schools, as excerpted from his editorial (press release?) on the Facebook page “Craig Lungren,” July 12, 2026. 

I spent the bulk of my adult life in public service – and it was the greatest honor of my life – a rigorous pursuit that came with certain ethical obligations and moral imperatives.  

Perhaps most important was the necessity of keeping my trap shut and personal opinions to myself to ensure clarity (and neutrality) in official communications citizens relied on to stay informed.

When one accepts public funds and holds a position of community trust – like a public information professional – it is important to limit even the possibility that editorializing and speculation could be confused with the official position of the public agency.

In academic terms, that’s Public Communications 101.

This isn’t a teacher or staff member offering a first-person perspective on how their personal finances, taxes, and benefits have been mangled by the district’s shambolic payroll system.  I received it when message appeared on my personal Facebook feed, authored by Craig Lungren, who is listed as a Volusia County District School’s Community Information Specialist…

Apparently, CIS Lungren got his dander up after Kim Short, a resolute civic activist and education advocate who serves on the Education & Workforce Committee of five area Chambers of Commerce (and frequently takes Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and her dutiful minions on the Volusia County School Board behind the woodshed) blocked him from her private Facebook group known as the Volusia County School Forum. 

It seems Lungren worked himself into a pique then vented his spleen over Ms. Short exercising her First Amendment right to speak her truth amid on-going questions of how the district continues to post graduation rates that far exceed demonstrated student competence in key learning and performance areas, then demand everyone dance in circles celebrating “A” grades for area schools.   

For example, according to the Florida Department of Education, an “A” rating is considered just 62% of points or greater based on twelve education “components.” Most recently, across Florida 76% of schools earned an A or B grade… 

Considering CIS Lungren’s aversion to a private citizen controlling access to their personally moderated closed group discussion, I have a question of my own: As a resident and taxpayer, why can’t I express my opinions on VCS public social media page?

Without explanation, you and I were recently blocked by an imperial edict of Superintendent Balgobin which expressly prohibited us from posting to the district’s public site and told that any future communication would be through “official channels” only…

So much for that “differing viewpoints being given the same opportunity to be heard respectfully so our community can have open and balanced conversations,” horseshit, eh?

Unfortunately, CIS Lungren’s screed wasn’t limited to his personal social media page. 

To ensure widest possible dissemination (as Community Information Specialists do), Lungren circulated his impetuous post to “Volusia County,” “Volusia County Schools,” “County of Volusia,” “Volusia County Business,” “Port Orange,” “New Smyrna Beach,” “Deland Florida,” and “Ormond Beach Observer.”  

If he wasn’t acting in his official role, why did he do that?

Who is CIS Lungren speaking for?  Why is he broadcasting his response to Ms. Short’s views to local governments?  Who is he trying to impress with his obsequious diatribe?

In my view, as a recipient of public funds CIS Lungren’s conduct is egregious and should be immediately addressed by Superintendent Balgobin.  That should include emergency policy direction from the Volusia County School Board to ensure this quasi-official bullying never happens again.

Unfortunately, accountability is anathema in the toxic optimism of the Balgobin administration.  

Now that my productive life is over, I exercise my right to free and unfettered expression through this blog site.  A cathartic pursuit that stimulates a larger discussion of the issues and allows me to exorcise my frustrations after more than three-decades of professionally imposed silence. 

I’ve said this before, but something stinks in the Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand – and the issues are not limited to calling 64% an “A” while graduating functional illiterates – then crowing about it, ad nauseum, as though it were some sick accomplishment… 

In my view, the real problem is the district’s reactive response to any contrary opinion that threatens the façade of competence. 

That censorship now includes shutting down constituent comments on VCS social media, while a Community Information Specialist openly lectures an engaged resident in that arrogant passive/aggressive tone that pervades the Balgobin administration’s intimidating response to public criticism.

Amendment 3: A Flawed Threat to Our Quality of Life

“Leek said he is conflicted about the property tax amendment. He said there should have been a better product presented to voters. Property taxes have gotten out of control and growth in local government spending has become “insane,” he said. But rather than focusing on an increase in the homestead exemption, the focus should be on spending, Leek said.

“If you address a single revenue source, you’re going to be playing Whack-a-Mole,” Leek said. “We’ve got an entire budget for years built on this revenue source.”

If Amendment 3 passes, there will be spending cuts, Leek said, but not enough to make up the deficit. As a result, he said, there will be a fee shift.

“Will it help folks that you’re trying to help? Absolutely. Will it shift the burden to properties that are higher valued? Absolutely. Will there be new fees, I don’t see how there won’t,” he said.”

–Sen. Tom Leek, (R-Ormond Beach) speaking at the Flagler County 2026 Legislative Update, as quoted by reporter Brent Woronoff writing in the Palm Coast Observer, “Flagler County’s legislators review session, answer hard questions,” Friday, July 10, 2026

As a dilettante editorialist, I don’t construct these critiques to tell readers what they want to hear. I write them to tell my neighbors what I think you need to hear within the context of current events and the bureaucratic spin that seems to permeate everything we hear and read.

That’s why I have taken a side on Florida’s “property tax reform” debate. 

In my view, Amendment 3 is bad public policy. A rushed and ill-thought constitutional amendment that even its creator, Gov. Ron DeSantis, has now distanced himself from.    

The fact is, anyone who tells you they understand the potential civic impacts of Amendment 3 on neighborhood services, public safety, parks, recreation, utilities, and infrastructure is being disingenuous – because no one knows what the ultimate damage will be.  So, they couch it in terms of “nontraditional revenue sources,” new fees,” and “shifting the burden.”  

If you are a Florida taxpayer, that should scare the hell out of you… 

The reason no one knows the full story is because Gov. DeSantis strategically nixed a study that would have identified necessary service cuts and fee hikes.  Then the legislature made a forced decision without the time (or political courage) to tap the brakes and formulate a plan while they were being held captive in Tallahassee.

Don’t take my word for it. 

Last month, during the Volusia Legislative Update, Sen. Tom Wright explained that during the special session, Gov. DeSantis strategically held up the budget, and if they didn’t vote to approve the bill “…we would probably see all of our budget items zeroed out.”

In my view, that’s not good governance – it’s political thuggery.

In addition, Sen. Wright explained, “We’re hoping that the cities and counties are going to get their stories out and let people know — because we made sure that the people get to choose, we didn’t choose for you, the people of Florida get to choose on that bill — that we need the services of our communities and our counties.  “This is not going to be good for anybody if we have to raising all kinds of fees and collecting other taxes that we don’t now collect.”

It is increasingly apparent that those legislators we sent to the state capitol to represent our interests are getting nervous after foisting Frankenstein’s monster on the very communities they were elected to represent.  Even Gov. DeSantis has said he won’t be the face of Amendment 3, claiming “The reason is what the Legislature did wasn’t my proposal.”

It appears everyone associated with the amendment understands it’s bad for Florida taxpayers.

Like any good politician, Sen. Leek tried his best to thread the needle on the controversial topic, using the non-committal adjective “conflicted” to describe his thoughts on the amendment, while admitting the product he and the others voted to place on the ballot is flawed. 

It’s more than that. 

In fact, the lack of a workable blueprint for how counties and municipalities can provide the level of essential services we’ve come to expect in the absence of their traditional revenue source speaks to the legislature’s lack of planning and forethought. 

In my view, approving this potentially destructive fee shift in less than 48-hours during a special legislative session is nothing short of negligent – and dangerous.  Especially when you consider the massive growth our state legislators have (literally) paved the way for by preempting logical local development controls, while seeking to deprive communities of the means they use to pay for increased demand.

Last week, Commissioner Lance Alred of East Flagler Mosquito Control authored a thoughtful essay in the Observer regarding the potential impacts of Amendment 3:

“Here is the connection that concerns me most, and that I don’t hear discussed enough: we are simultaneously forcing local governments to approve more development — faster, with less discretion — while stripping away the revenue those same governments depend on to fund the roads, utilities, and services that new development demands. You cannot build your way into fiscal health if the tax base that development creates is being exempted away at the state level before the ink on the plat is dry!”

It was refreshing to see that Sen. Leek understands the real problem Florida residents face – out-of-control spending by some larger counties and municipalities – to include Volusia County. 

In my view, rather than exsanguinate accessible local governments, the real focus should be on reducing waste, controlling spending (based upon legitimate audits and metrics), and ensuring a greater return from Tallahassee to pay for the malignant growth they facilitated.   

According to the Observer’s report, Sen. Leek has a proposal that “…would limit local spending growth in accordance to a city or county’s population growth, adjusting for inflation, following the Colorado model.”

I’d like to hear it. Any plan is better than wandering aimlessly toward a budgetary disaster…

In my view, painting all local governments with the same broad brush – including small communities that, by necessity, live within their limited means and provide effective and efficient tailored services to residents – is patently wrong. 

So is maximizing growth by kowtowing to deep pocketed development interests and preempting local control, then asking voters to remove a community’s ability to meet the ever-growing demands on essential services and infrastructure…    

Quote of the Week

“In 2019-2020, Volusia County Schools graduated 84.5% of our students. This year, our number was 95.6%. Our average proficiency numbers have consistently hovered in the general range of 50%-60%.

In short, we graduate 40%-50% of students who are not reading and doing math at grade level. The removal of RMA (Richard Milburn Academy) students into their own category is a very effective way to keep our numbers up, and our district grade at “A.”

The State of Florida created a well-intended structure that was meant to incentivize high performance. In some cases, it has instead incentivized ways to game the system so the adults look good. And campaign contributions from RMA interests are a nice touch too.”

–School Board Member Donna Brosemer, as excerpted from her op/ed in the Ormond Beach Observer, “My View: An ‘A’ for Volusia County Schools — Grades are not what they used to be,” Monday, July 13, 2026

According to Ms. Brosemer’s well-thought essay, Volusia County Schools are shunting struggling students into Richard Milburn Academy (RMA), a charter school co-located on the campuses of area high schools, as a means of artificially bolstering graduation rates.   

“Students who are identified as unlikely to pass their final test, and therefore are less likely to graduate, are moved from their assigned school to the RMA program, sometimes with parents’ approval, although not always. That removes them from the number tested at their assigned school, which then helps that school reach its 95% minimum, and it raises the likely test average by removing the lower-scoring students from that calculation.”

A former teacher familiar with the RMA program reported that the ruse works like this:

“Edgenuity is an online platform for coursework. A typical semester takes roughly 25-40 hours to complete. Courses at RMA on Edgenuity are stripped down to merely nothing except for the quiz. How does a student pass a quiz if the instruction video is taken out and not required to watch? This encourages students to guess or Google the answers and move along. They aren’t learning. An average Edgenuity course at RMA takes 5 hours to complete a semester of work.

“When teachers and administrators from traditional schools encourage these students to go to RMA, they are letting students know loud and clear that it doesn’t really matter if you LEARN. It diminishes everything that educators have tried so hard to teach. This message shows these students that it is okay to take the shortcut and the easy way out because the end result will be the same…a high school diploma, even if you didn’t have to do the work to earn it.”

That inside information should shock the conscience of every parent, student/victim, and stakeholder in Volusia County – and it should sicken any school administrator who believes in true academic excellence.

In response to Ms. Brosemer’s exposé, a spokesperson for Volusia County School’s responded in the Observer that the district is only following guidelines set by the state, using the Florida Department of Education’s grading system applicable to all schools across the state. 

You know, “Just following orders.”

In addition, while confessing that students who are “older, credit deficient, and in alternative education programs” are placed in the Richard Milburn Academy program, the spokesperson claims the performance of RMA students is included in the district’s “accountability picture,” (although state guidelines say differently for charter schools) citing that the population of RMA students is statistically too low to skew the districtwide calculation.    

If district administrators know the FDOE’s grading system is skewed – tragically leaving 40% to 50% of graduates unable to read or comprehend mathematics at grade level – then why are they demanding everyone celebrate the fabricated outcome as though it were a real achievement?

In keeping with district communications strategy, the official response ended with an acerbic offer to educate Ms. Brosemer, claiming “Volusia County Schools remains committed to transparency and is prepared to provide Mrs. Brosemer with the applicable state statutes and calculation guides in greater detail.”

In my view, false celebrations touting accomplishments the district knows are fundamentally flawed is morally reprehensible – a perversion of the traditional performance metric drenched in the stench of lies – and a misrepresentation that mocks true academic achievement.

Skewed grades may appease Superintendent Balgobin’s friends in the chamber of commerce set, developers selling homes, and economic development types bringing more scut work to the “Fun Coast,” but it sends the wrong message to impressionable students who will now equate lowering the bar to academic excellence.

And Another Thing!

“(Volusia County Councilman) David Santiago (Down Arrow) Democracy is a lousy place to look for technical knockouts.”

–Florida Politics, Capitol Directions, “Takeaways from Tallahassee — Voices behind the names,” Saturday, July 11, 2026

If you consider yourself an educated voter (or just a masochistic political voyeur, like me) you should be reading Florida Politics. 

The Florida-centric online news site is described as “a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida,” published by longtime reporter and author Peter Schorsch. 

In fact, the “Sunburn” section – a morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics – is how I start my day.

Last week, District 5 Volusia County Councilman David “No Show” Santiago was singled out in Capitol Directions – a list of winners and losers in Florida politics – an inside baseball reference to his slimy attempt to have his opponent, J. David Sosa, disqualified and removed from the ballot over a technical error. 

As I understand it, on June 26 – after the qualifying period closed – Councilman Santiago slithered into the Supervisor of Elections office and filed a formal complaint asking that Mr. Sosa be removed from the District 5 ballot.  According to Santiago’s complaint, Mr. Sosa’s qualifying paperwork was “facially defective” because a deputy treasurer was appointed before a primary treasurer – and the “Initial Filing” box was left unchecked.

Fortunately, Santiago’s skeevy challenge failed. 

To her credit, on June 30, Elections Supervisor Lisa Lewis determined that Sosa was properly qualified, and the people of District 5 will not be denied a choice at the ballot box. 

Two other Deltona candidates – Commissioner Stephen Colwell and Mayoral candidate Maritza Avila-Vasquez – faced similar challenges by their opponents.  In those cases, Supervisor Lewis issued a finding that only a judicial determination could keep them off the ballot. 

In a report by Mark Harper writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal earlier this week, we learned the City of Deltona is doubling-down on City Clerk Joyce Rafferty’s previous decision to disqualify Commissioners Avila-Vasquez and Colwell:

“The city’s appointed spokeswoman, Catherine Barker, in a prepared statement to The News-Journal, acknowledged the election supervisor’s letter, but reiterated Deltona’s position that Avila-Vasquez and Colwell were not qualified for the election.

That could open the door to their opponents challenging their candidacies in court, although the cost of a court fight and the potential blowback of appearing to win on a technicality might also factor into any litigation calculus.”

In addition to the petty bruhaha over a scrivener’s error, Commissioner Avila-Vasquez found that her campaign website – maritzaformayor.com – has been purchased by a company tied to her opponent, current Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr., which now redirects potential Avila-Vasquez supporters (and donors) to Avila’s campaign website.  

In my view, because Mayor Avila accepts campaign donations on that site, it borders on fraudulent misdirection and political brandjacking…

Sadly, it appears neither Councilman David “No Show” Santiago or Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr. are averse to denying their constituents a choice.  Rather than stand on what they consider their merits and civic accomplishments, these hacks muddy the water, create diversions by nitpicking qualifying paperwork, and quibble the rules in a cheap attempt to have their opponents removed from the ballot.       

Because they don’t have a platform of achievement to stand on.

Florida Politics is right, Mr. Santiago: “Democracy is a lousy place to look for technical knockouts.”

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

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the 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:

Dempsey’s Folly: Letting Volusia Taxpayers Know Where We Stand

I have a theory that any initiative developed and pushed by government is rarely in the interest of We, The Little People.  Normally, it is legislative sleight-of-hand – a way to appease a special interest, satisfy a pet project of some self-absorbed elected official, or provide a campaign donor with the requisite return on investment. 

An excellent example of that pernicious political legerdemain is the ongoing fiasco that saw Volusia County purchase land off SR-44 using Volusia Forever and ECHO funds to accommodate Councilman Don Dempsey’s controversial (and increasingly expensive) taxpayer-funded motocross facility. 

You read that right.

With the acquiescence of his “colleagues” on the dais of power, Councilman Dempsey ramrodded a multi-million-dollar publicly funded nice-to-have so he and his friends will have a place to ride competition motocross (you know, a popular passive outdoor pastime everyone can enjoy…) on land designated as part of a wildlife corridor.   

Of the myriad issues facing Volusia County residents – real threats, like recurrent flooding, water quality, malignant growth, inadequate utilities, funding uncertainties, transportation infrastructure, etc. – a motocross facility wasn’t on my bingo card… 

This from the same Volusia County Council that crowed ad nauseum about those bare bones “core government services” we heard so much about last year when the same elected dullards cut grant funding for arts and cultural pursuits countywide.

That shortsighted political gaslighting essentially abandoned art festivals, concerts, museum exhibits, children’s programs, and historic preservation – a true investment in economic and cultural development that returned $2 in tax revenue for every $1 spent.

As if you need another reason to vote out every incumbent on the Volusia County Council up for reelection this year, put “Dempsey’s folly” at the top of the list… 

Earlier this year, DeLand resident Lourdes Gonzalez stood tall and took action on behalf of all Volusia County residents – taxpayers who are sick and tired of being steamrolled (literally) by the wants and whims of those with no qualms looting public funds to further private interests.

Earlier this year, Ms. Gonzalez filed pro se litigation alleging that, as a Volusia County taxpayer, she has been adversely impacted by the proposed motocross track, claiming inconsistencies with Volusia’s Comprehensive Plan, and describing the project as “unlawful in both process and substance.”

Because it is.

According to Ms. Gonzalez’ suit, “The county has committed public funds, selected a site, and advanced procurement without establishing a lawful public purpose, evaluating environmental impacts, or maintaining a consistent administrative record.”

In an article by reporter Sheldon Gardner writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal last week, we learned the unfortunate fate of Ms. Gonzalez’ grassroots effort in the headline, “Lawsuit over Volusia motocross facility tossed. Resident isn’t done.”

A circuit court judge recently determined that Ms. Gonzalez “…lacked standing to bring the lawsuit because she “is not an ‘aggrieved or adversely affected party’ whose interest ‘exceed[s] in degree the general interest in community good shared by all persons.'”

Whatever that means…

I was reminded of the heartbreaking 2016 ruling by the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach that affirmed a judge’s finding that the Let Volusia Vote charter amendment, which would have required a referendum for changes to beach access policies, was “facially unconstitutional in its entirety.”

I’m not a lawyer – just another hapless rube, wandering the wilderness – but, at the time, it was an eyeopener watching Volusia County sue its residents with our own money.  Frankly, I still can’t think of anything more constitutional that allowing taxpayers a say in how we access and manage our greatest natural amenity, but what do I know?

So, how did that extensive (and expensive) fight work out for Volusia County beaches?

To her credit, Ms. Gonzalez said she will be retooling her lawsuit and refiling the challenge to Councilman Dempsey’s incredibly expensive boondoggle at a later date.

I admire her grit.   

If Mr. Dempsey – or anyone else – wants to purchase property with private funds and establish a commercial motocross facility consistent with environmental and zoning regulations, I hope they are wildly successful. 

In my view, blatantly pilfering tax dollars set aside for conservation and passive outdoor recreation to finance the personal hobby of a sitting elected official then calling it a “public/private partnership” – using public funds to underwrite a for-profit enterprise – isn’t fair, equitable, or in keeping with what most of us voted for when we overwhelmingly approved Volusia Forever and ECHO.   

Daytona Beach Shores: Protecting the Brand

“Daytona Beach Shores has long been recognized for its high quality of life and strong sense of community. Over the years, the City has received increasing inquiries and comments from residents and local business owners regarding the possibility of renaming the City to better reflect the identity by which it is commonly known — “The Shores.”

–Daytona Beach Shores City Commission Agenda Memorandum, Tuesday, July 7, 2026

According to a recent unscientific survey taken by the City of Daytona Beach Shores, some 65.7% of respondents supported a charter amendment dropping the association with “Daytona Beach” from the beachside municipality’s name and rebranding with the local patois, “The Shores.”

Given the near constant sturm und drang that has befallen their larger neighbor to the north – can’t say I blame them… 

Let’s face it, The Shores is everything Daytona’s faltering beachside isn’t – upscale, affluent, intentional, inclusive, with a bright civic identity planned and built over decades.  A palpable community pride that contrasts with the blight, neglect, and pervasive sense of hopelessness just to the north that has become a cautionary tale for other seaside communities.

Bordering communities that share the same barrier island, but with diametrically opposed trajectories.  In my view, the difference is leadership, stability, and a longstanding focus on identity and placemaking. 

I think they call it sustained civic vision.

The Shores is a small municipality that, by necessity, grew vertically; always careful to avoid the claustrophobic “condo canyon” feel that has befallen some overly aggressive coastal communities in Florida and beyond.

In my jaded view, Daytona Beach has become a poorly planned monstrosity of self-identified cracker box subdivisions, big box stores, and sticks-and-glue apartment complexes – rubber-stamped with a growth at all cost mentality – that continues to languish as a down-at-the-heels former tourist destination with an image problem.

Protecting ‘the brand’ is important.   

How a community is perceived, internally and externally, is worth defending because it is what attracts residents, visitors, and businesses.  A carefully cultivated identity fosters a sense of civic cohesion, shared values, and a feeling of belonging. 

I’m not sure the City of Daytona Beach ever grasped that important concept.   

In my view, our wonderful variety of civic personalities is what makes the mosaic of communities that form the backbone of Volusia County so important to our collective quality of life.  Small and mid-size cities that remain cooperatively interdependent while offering unique amenities, natural places, independent civic focus, and individually tailored essential services.

That hometown feel of where we call home is just one reason the citizens of Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, Holly Hill, The Shores, Ormond Beach, Pierson, DeBary, Orange City, DeLand – established communities that honorably serve, protect, and enhance the quality of life of residents – want to protect and preserve their unique individuality and have steadfastly refused to become consolidated into a faceless, homogenized, and horribly inefficient bureaucracy.

On Tuesday, City commissioners unanimously approved placing the charter amendment on the November 3 ballot on initial reading.  A second reading will be held on July 28.

Here’s wishing residents of The Shores much luck with their new name. Time to let the unique attributes of The Shores shine bright.  

Quote(s) of the Week

“On this extremely crowded July 4 weekend, we tried something new on Volusia County Beaches

In front of several off-beach parking lots, we set up temporary no-parking areas on the beach to give families a little more space, visibility and peace of mind, clear of vehicles pulling in and out.

The hope was that we could prevent another tragedy that costs a child’s life.

It worked: We had zero children hit by vehicles on a packed beach with high tides this July 4 weekend.

Unfortunately our feckless County Chair Jeff Brower immediately got his panties in a twist.

He wasted no time interfering and spreading lies about the professionals at the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Beach Safety.

Lying Jeff Brower and his minions want you to believe that a temporary parking change on one of the busiest beach holidays of the year is part of a secret plan to ban beach driving.

I didn’t see Brower out there this weekend. But I can tell you that every single beachgoer we talked to really appreciated what we did. See it for yourself in this video.

Our plan accomplished the goal: A safer beach on July 4 and a lot of happy families.

Today, the crowds are gone, the temporary no-parking zones will open back up for regular beach parking, and beach driving continues.

Jeff Brower should stick to what he knows, whatever that is, and leave public safety to the professionals.”

–Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Monday, July 6, 2026

“No Sheriff, I didn’t make it to the beach to join my family to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. When we got to 44 the signs were already on: Beach Closed No Access. Open the beach, let the people park and get out of their cars to enjoy the World’s Most Famous Beach! 

Our lifeguards do an outstanding job and I have not criticized them. On the contrary, I personally encourage them. Don’t drag them into your argument. You have a habit of confusing leadership with using the Lord’s name in vain and hurling insults at anybody who doesn’t agree with you. That’s not leadership, it’s being a bully. That doesn’t work with me.”

–Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower, Monday, July 6, 2026

Here we go again…

According to a report by News6 reporter Molly Reed, “The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office quietly launched a pilot program reducing on-beach parking near the county’s busiest beach parks, aiming to cut down on dangerous interactions between vehicles and beachgoers.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood says the decision came after a series of troubling incidents involving children being struck by vehicles on the beach.

“Myself, the deputy county manager, all the beach staff, and my command staff sat down and talked about, ‘Is there something differently we can do to protect children on the beach?’” Chitwood said.”

The enhanced safety measures were in response to the tragic death of a child in New Smyrna Beach who apparently entered a traffic lane during the Memorial Day weekend and an April incident when a three-year-old was struck by a vehicle during Jeep Beach.

Being proactive with beach safety is admirable and expected from public safety professionals.

The problem is – somebody forgot to tell beachgoers ahead of the July 4^th weekend – or their elected officials on the Volusia County Council who debate and establish beach policy… 

In fact, the child safety program’s rollout was so quiet it sparked controversy when the parking closure was announced by The Volusia Waterman’s Association – the union representing beach safety personnel – in a Friday morning Facebook post.

Not Volusia County government.

Further questions arose when confused beachgoers who didn’t see the social media message found their normal parking spaces in front of county owned parks cordoned off with “No Parking” signs.    

Why wouldn’t Volusia County officials formally publicize this important safety program before its implementation?

To his credit, Sheriff Chitwood has built his reputation on a willingness to share information through the media, berating “scumbags,” squaring up with his detractors, and cultivating a hardnosed image.  

Florida’s elected sheriffs are famous for political tough-talk, and few do it better than Mike Chitwood.

But this is different.

While I don’t always agree with Chairman Brower (and frequently take him to task in this space) everyone involved in the decision should have known that a child safety program involving the removal of some 125 parking spaces from the beach during a busy holiday weekend would draw questions. 

Considering that beach driving and access have long been considered the “third-rail” of Volusia County politics – a controversial topic guaranteed to spur passionate debate on both sides of the issue – Deputy County Manager Susanne Konchon should have notified Chairman Jeff Brower and the other members of the Volusia County Council so they could explain the purpose to their constituents. 

Having learned of the parking closure from the Waterman’s Association social media post, Chairman Brower rightfully voiced his opposition to eliminating more on-beach parking.

According to News6, “The solution is to open up more beach. Beach access is beach driving, so we have to open up more beach to where the cars can get there, park and get out of the car and enjoy the beach,” Brower said.”

“Don’t take away more parking. Don’t take away more beach access. That’s what’s happening,” Brower added.”

Unfortunately, it appears that lack of communication – and a difference of opinion – caused the simmering Brower/Chitwood feud to flash on social media… 

In my view, just as Sheriff Chitwood has ultimate responsibility – and political accountability – for protecting the lives of Volusia County beachgoers, Chairman Brower is equally answerable to his constituents.  As such, Brower should have been extended the courtesy of a briefing by County staff prior to implementation of a safety program limiting on-beach parking during busy weekends. 

Learning about important changes to beach access from a social media post (and calls from perplexed citizens faced with “No Parking” signs) is understandably embarrassing for the chair of the Volusia County Council.  Given his role, Chairman Brower had every right to express his concerns without being personally disparaged, labeled a liar, and accused of getting his “panties in a twist.”

Senior elected officials don’t have to agree on everything.  In fact, the competition of ideas coupled with stakeholder input (and public education) results in sound public policy.    

In my experience, effective safety programs require buy-in and should not be kept in the dark – that’s counterproductive.  Now, Volusia County residents deserve answers as to why they weren’t partnered with (or at least notified) in advance of the parking change by Volusia County’s ample communications apparatus.

More important, I believe our leaders have an obligation to remain civil, cooperative, and collaborative in their official dealings and communications. 

They also have a right to be prepared and informed without being bullied by the biggest guy in the sandbox.   

Incendiary personality conflicts, silly turf wars, and abusive name-calling every time a difference of opinion occurs only leads to further conflict in a county government increasingly known for its instability… 

And Another Thing!  

“We don’t have, nor will we have, the water capacity to support 22,000 additional equivalent residential units. Even with the water utility capital bond and the improvements that are coming with that commitment, it’s estimated that those additional 22,000 units will require, at minimum, 5 million more gallons per day. Our consumptive use permit (CUP) allows 11.9 million gallons per day at this time, and we are currently producing around 9.3 million gallons per day on average. Not to mention the remaining units that have already been approved in Palm Coast proper, which was estimated at 19,000 units just a year ago. So, the city of Palm Coast will have to increase its consumptive use permit and water production up to approximately 20 million gallons per day to sustain those housing units.

I have no intent to make current residents pay for more development.

Economy of scale says more users should mean lower prices. That hasn’t been Palm Coast’s reality. Our rates and service fees have increased dramatically to the breaking point we are at now. We, the residents of Palm Coast, have learned the hard lesson that development does not pay for itself.

Palm Coast deserves leaders who fix water lines before building loop roads, not leaders who bow to developers and special interests. The current council inherited this mess. Voters need to know how we got here and how we can stop it from going any further.

Lobby your representatives to “Just say no!” We have every right to refuse approval if a project will put undue financial burden on our community.”

–Mike Norris, mayor of Palm Coast, as excerpted from his essay in the Palm Coast Observer, “MY VIEW: How we got here: the road to westward expansion and 22,000 more houses in Palm Coast,” Friday, July 3, 2026

Please find the full text here: https://tinyurl.com/3aywkwc6

It’s no secret, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris is rough around the edges – in fact, he can be downright grating.  But he doesn’t kowtow to deep-pocketed developers and isn’t afraid to mix it up with those “growth at all costs” shills he shares the dais with.

That’s a rare character trait in regional politics. I admire that.

As often happens around these parts, for having the audacity to speak out on behalf of his longsuffering constituents, Mayor Norris has been maligned, marginalized, and officially sanctioned by his “colleagues.”  Through it all, Norris never lost sight of the core issues important to those who cast their sacred vote for him.

That’s also a rarity in “Fun Coast” politics, because it takes courage to stand up to influential special interests.

I believe if you care about good governance in your own hometown, you should care about good governance everywhere.  In my view, our region deserves policymakers who prioritize the needs of existing residents over the mercenary wants of voracious speculative developers who continue to sacrifice all we hold dear on the altar of greed.

In sprawling Palm Coast, the stage has been set by previous pro-development councils who rewrote the city’s Comprehensive Plan to benefit developers, to include approvals for massive residential and commercial projects that will have far-reaching regional impacts.

In his essay regarding the city’s “westward expansion,” Mayor Norris explained, “Now Rayonier/Raydient is here, PowerPoint ready, asking “How did we get here?” We got here because the last council changed the rules to benefit developers instead of residents.

Now the push is to approve Rayonier/Raydient’s MPD, and annex what is essentially swamp land before the current council term ends in November. Two appointed officials will have a say in that vote. One took a campaign contribution from a direct representative of the developer. It’s legal by Florida standards, but it ought to be a concern for residents.”

(Find more information on Palm Coast’s “westward expansion” here: https://tinyurl.com/57fr6b78 )

Mayor Norris’s op/ed reminds us of the consequence of not knowing which special interests are funding the campaigns of political candidates.   

That’s important, because it speaks to influence and access, who purchases it, and why.

You don’t need an MBA from Harvard Business School to understand that one does not invest large sums of money without ensuring a return.  After all, the road to the poor house is paved with the bones of those who ignored the simple analytical formula – Net Profit/Benefit v. Cost of Investment.

Based upon previous performance, each election cycle special interests make campaign contributions – both individually and through various entities under their control – with the understanding the leverage they purchase will ensure their corporate and personal interests outweigh those of John and Jane Lunchpail.  Every. Damn. Time.

That’s called return on investment.

I get a chuckle when I listen to some apoplectic elected official – puffed up with all the righteous indignation they can muster – spew and sputter about how no campaign contributor has ever asked them for anything.

They don’t have to – their contribution buys the status quo.   

Once a campaign treasurer cashes those $1,000 checks, it seems the candidate/incumbent never has an original thought again…    

Why is that?

Hell, in Volusia County, I’ve seen the physical temperature in the County Council chambers change when a member of the Donor Class – our High Panjandrums of Political Power – enter the room.  The deep-pocketed Fat Cat’s mere presence is enough to make their hired hands on the dais sit up straight – and it became immediately apparent how the vote on an issue of particular concern would go.   

Given the astronomical pace of development throughout the region – growth that has been facilitated by the allowances, zoning changes, and preemptions that our elected officials at home and in Tallahassee have showered upon this exclusive group in recent years – I would say they’ve done extremely well on the risk/reward scale…

To his credit, Mayor Norris countered the great lie increasingly claustrophobic existing residents have been told: “We, the residents of Palm Coast, have learned the hard lesson that development does not pay for itself.”

Vote like your quality of life depends upon it…

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

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the 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:

Volusia County Schools: Rewarding Mediocrity

Official recognition is an important part of our personal and professional development, serving as a powerful tool for validation, motivation, and building self-confidence.  When deserved (and done properly), individual and unit honors can build organizational culture, morale, and esprit de corps.

After all, everyone enjoys having their efforts recognized in a formal way. 

Ensuring awards are earned and equitable is important because watered-down prizes or “participation trophy’s” – awards that are perceived as undeserved, used to celebrate mere involvement rather than successful contributions, or employed as a means of camouflaging serious issues – undermine trust, diminish the impact, and discourage others from striving for excellence.

This week, the Florida Department of Education announced that for the first time in its history Volusia Schools earned back-to-back “A” grades.  According to the FDOE website, the “grades” are calculated using 12 “components” with points for each added together and divided by the total number of available points to determine the percentage of points earned.

An “A” is considered just 62% of points or greater.  That’s interesting math.

Across Florida, 76% of schools earned an A or B grade.

Looks like everyone’s a winner… 

It doesn’t end there. 

Here in Volusia, during a period marked by embarrassingly stupid non-disclosure agreements for public employees, a righteous dressing down by state legislators during passage of Florida’s first School Board Member Bill of Rights to counter the dysfunction in Volusia, lingering questions of how graduation rates are calculated, claims that students who speak out at School Board meetings have been intimidated by administrators, recurrent payroll problems, internal/external communications issues, teacher morale, questionable land sales, etc., etc. – it appears the number and frequency of awards collected by Volusia County School Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and her coterie seems to be growing exponentially… 

For instance, Dr. Balgobin was named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents, and most recently claimed the 2026 Superintendent of the Year from something called the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education.

Earlier this month, Volusia County Schools received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International for its most recent annual comprehensive financial report.

I’m surprised anyone in the finance department had time to accept the impressive accolade, considering that the district’s payroll and benefits program is an evolving shitshow – a shambolic implementation that has resulted in recurrent personal financial issues for staff – resulting in the School Board recently authorizing a $420,000 outside consultant to augment staff “…and examine various processes and create standard operating procedures.”

I thought that’s what we pay the award-winning Dr. Balgobin to do?

According to a recent report in the Ormond Beach Observer, Dr. Matt Kuhn, chief technology officer for the district (and recent winner of the 2026 Tech & Learning Innovative CTO Award), twisted those sour lemons into bureaucratic lemonade, explaining “The last time we implemented, we spent $7.8 million over four years, and were only able to implement half the ERP,” Kuhn said. “This time it’s a million dollars over two years, and still within budget, and still on time.”

I don’t make this shit up, folks… 

To her credit, District 4 School Board Member Donna Brosemer was the lone “No” vote, citing “There isn’t a month that goes by that we don’t hear about payroll problems in particular, and there never seems to be any accountability anywhere,” Brosemer said, adding that she would be voting against the contract as a “protest vote.”

Fortunately, we have Ms. Brosemer to speak on our behalf, because last week the district formally eliminated our ability to express ourselves on its public social media site. 

You read that right.

By apparent monarchical edict of Dr. Balgobin, the Volusia County Schools Facebook page noted that public comments have now been “disabled” and our communications will be limited to “official channels” only:

ACHTUNG!

“To better serve our students, families, and community, comments on the official Volusia County Schools Facebook page are disabled.

Volusia County Schools will continue to provide updates, information, and recognitions through its official communication channels. Only official Volusia County Schools channels represent the district. For questions or assistance, please contact the appropriate department using the information provided so we can respond as accurately and promptly as possible.”

I assume the district’s social media presence will now consist of playing “Everything is beautiful, in its own way,” on an endless audio loop… 

Something stinks in the Ivory Tower of Power in DeLand.

In my view, it is time for our elected oversight on the Volusia County School Board to get their heads out of their backsides, stop allowing the tail to wag the dog, demand accountability, and explain to Superintendent Balgobin their sworn obligation to ensure the people’s right to be heard isn’t capriciously blocked by a self-righteous bureaucracy with delusions of grandeur…

In my experience, an intuitive suspicion emerges among those who pay the bills when the disturbing issues we see with our own eyes don’t comport with the pap and fluff that oozes from spinmeisters in public information offices – or the gloating platitudes of senior officials’ intent on creating a flattering picture – regardless of hard evidence to the contrary.

Let’s face it, self-congratulatory accolades are meaningless; little more than a dull tool for professional climbers with an inflated opinion of themselves.  Especially when used to put critics in their place and marginalizing those meddlers who ask too many questions about the who, what, when, where, and why of things.    

The problem comes when senior administrators begin believing their own hype…

Perhaps we could all feel better about Dr. Balgobin’s groaning trophy case if we could get solid answers to how these supernaturally improved school grades and graduation rates were facilitated – and what an “A district” actually means in a time when mediocrity and dysfunction are so handsomely rewarded… 

Questions of “Election Tampering” in the Lost City of Deltona

Those of us who make a hobby watching what passes for politics and governance here on Florida’s “Fun Coast” understand the weird dynamics at play during an election season.  We live in a place where things are bizarre on a good day – but our ‘powers that be’ get downright slaphappy when the retention of power is at play.

Across social media, seasonal “influencers” are climbing out of hibernation, reanimating themselves for another shit-slinging brawl – playing their orchestrated role of tossing barbs and casting doubt – while the traditional “sign wars” heat up across the region. 

Can the dreaded ‘glossy mailers’ be far behind?

The Volusia County Council At-Large race recently took a telling turn when political newcomer Mike Poniatowski placed his campaign signs on a supporter’s lawn in Daytona Beach Shores. 

As it happens, Mr. Poniatowski’s opponent is Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Nancy Miller, who apparently took exception to the fact any DBS resident could possibly support anyone other than her, and promptly called the offending constituent – identifying herself as mayor – and explained that Poniatowski failed to obtain a city permit to place signs in the community.

Then Mayor Miller got to her ominous point…  

In a voicemail printed in the Ormond Beach Observer earlier this month, Miller is quoted:

“I’m the current mayor of Daytona Beach Shores… I see you have a Mike Poniatowski sign in your yard that’s running, actually as my opponent. In Daytona Beach Shores you need to get a permit as well as pay a fee, and he did not, so he’s going to be taking down the signs.

Miller goes on to say that she understands if the homeowner is supporting Poniatowski, but asks that “after all the work that we did together after the hurricanes … (I) hope you will support me.”

So, what happens if they don’t?

According to the report, Mr. Poniatowski believes Mayor Miller abused the power of her office for political gain (because she did), claiming “If she is willing to abuse the power of her current office to suppress a yard sign, voters deserve to ask: what will she do with more power?”

For her part, Miller believes Poniatowski’s indignation is overblown, but admits “In retrospect,” she said, “I probably should not have made that call.”

I agree…

We’ve come to expect outrageous tit-for-tat retaliatory melodrama – that’s part of the fun (for a masochist like me, anyway).  A delicate balancing act where both the allegation and response are carefully calculated to illicit the desired response.  That feint and parry is a big part of the back-alley tactics that pass for campaign strategy here on the “Fun Coast.”

However, the disturbing allegations of possible election tampering coming out of the Lost City of Deltona this week left many concerned about the integrity of the city’s internal qualification process… 

Trust me.  This isn’t ‘petty politics’ as usual. 

According to a troubling report by Mark Harper writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal:  

“Mayoral candidate Maritza Avila-Vasquez, a city commissioner since 2018, and incumbent Commissioner Stephen Colwell, who is seeking reelection after serving since 2022, shared with The News-Journal copies of letters each received, dated June 25, and headed “NOTICE OF NON-QUALIFICATION.”

“Because the required qualifying papers were incomplete at the close of qualifying, you did not satisfy the qualifying requirements for candidacy for mayor for the Deltona City Commission,” the letter to Avila-Vasquez states. “Accordingly, the City Clerk’s Office will not certify you as a qualified candidate for mayor, and you will not be recognized as a qualified candidate for that office for the applicable election.”

I’m sorry – I want to make it clear – this is occurring in the City of Deltona, Florida, not Port-au-Prince… 

Apparently, Commissioners Avila-Vasquez and Colwell were asked to complete various iterations of qualifying paperwork after being told their original forms were “outdated.”

Then Avila-Vasquez was told she failed to “write the word VOLUSIA on a line requesting the name of her county,” while Colwell inadvertently checked the wrong box on a form after being called back for revisions three times.

Another mayoral candidate, Jason Volez, reported to the News-Journal that “…he has received a notice that his treasurer’s report is being grieved, although he has not received word that he has been disqualified.”

It appears everyone is out of step except incumbent Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr…

Adding to the politically orchestrated confusion, the News-Journal reports that Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis “…learned of Avila-Vasquez’s disqualification too late for her name to be kept off vote-by-mail ballots. So when voters get their ballots for the Aug. 18 primary, they will get a notice that she is not qualified.”

However, on Monday, Supervisor Lewis issued a press release which said, in part, that she does “not have the independent authority to unilaterally remove a candidate from the ballot based solely on the City Clerk’s announcement of “non-qualification” after the qualifying period has ended and the candidate’s name is on the ballot.”

As such, “Candidates Vazquez and Colwell will therefore appear on the ballot unless a court order directs otherwise.”

In my view, that evenhandedness and commitment to fair play is what makes Supervisor Lisa Lewis the best in that often-controversial profession.  We’re fortunate to have her at the helm of Volusia County elections.

In my experience, the City Clerks I had the pleasure of working with during my career in municipal service always remained apolitical, as their role required, avoiding even the appearance of favoritism.   

They helped municipal candidates understand the rules, made sure qualification forms were properly complete before the qualification period ended, and assisted the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker navigate what can be a confusing process for neophyte politicians.

That would explain why Ms. Lewis hasn’t seen a city clerk remove a name from a ballot after qualifying in her decade of experience in Volusia County…

Outside of Deltona’s municipal elections, earlier this week I learned that District 5 Volusia County Councilman David “No Show” Santiago tried to pull something similar when he attempted to have his opponent, David Sosa, similarly disqualified.  Apparently, Councilman Santiago claimed Mr. Sosa had procedural issues with a campaign treasurer and failed to check a box on a form.

To her credit, Supervisor Lewis denied Councilman Santiago’s brazen attempt to deny District 5 voters a choice and found that Mr. Sosa is duly qualified to stand for election.  

Now, longsuffering Deltona residents are left (once again) with more questions than answers.

Unfortunately, the qualification bruhaha wasn’t the only electoral shenanigans reported in Deltona this week. Other campaign mischief includes someone purchasing the domain “maritzaformayor.com,” which immediately redirects to Mayor Avila’s campaign website… 

Yeah.  I know.

In my view, taking an opponent’s means of promoting themselves out-of-play is typical campaign strategy – skeevy as hell – but in-bounds.  However, I’m not sure using it to deceive potential donors/supporters by redirecting them to Mayor Santiago’s campaign page is ethical, moral, or permitted by election law.

But, in my view, the tactic damn sure speaks to Mayor Avila’s character…    

That said, the arbitrary disqualification of otherwise qualified candidates by Deltona’s filing official due to a simple scrivener’s error is the textbook definition of pettiness (and election interference) – again, designed to deny the voters of Deltona a choice.

That undermines the public’s trust in the process.

It also calls into question what factions inside/outside City Hall forced the issue with longtime Deltona City Clerk Joyce Rafferty? 

There you have it. 

Another nonsensical Deltona debacle that has residents questioning whether Ms. Rafferty is being influenced, grossly incompetent, or a possible accomplice to election tampering? 

Stay tuned, folks. 

Depending on which puppeteer is found to be pulling the strings – and the radius of the inevitable voter fallout – this one could get interesting… 

Quote of the Week

“Looking back to the history of the struggle, it is truly astounding that the fledgling country became an independent nation and went on to become the freest, richest, most powerful country in the annals of the world. For America to prevail against its mother country was a shock to many on both sides of the war. For the United States to rise so high, so quickly on the world scene was no accident or fluke of fate, according to leaders of that time. Rather, Divine Providence, the acts of God in the affairs of men, favored the new nation. The patriot signers of the Declaration, had, after all expressed “a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence,” and they were “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World” for his aid in their cause.

Not least, the Declaration of Independence affirms the concept of human rights, special privileges that we have and enjoy, thanks to our Creator. We were born with these rights — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — because we the people are a special creation. We as a nation have the moral high ground to promote human rights in totalitarian countries and where the free will of people made in God’s image is under threat of being lost or taken away. That is one of our nation’s greatest gifts to the world. Pro Gloria Dei.”

–Reporter Al Everson, as excerpted from his essay in the West Volusia Beacon, “Between the lines: July 4 — a time to celebrate and thank God,” Tuesday, June 30, 2026

As we celebrate our great nation’s 250^th birthday, I hope you will take a minute to consider those freedoms we enjoy – and too often take for granted. Like the importance of staying informed on the issues of the day through free and independent local journalism.    

I hope you will take a minute to contribute to the West Volusia Beacon’s annual fundraising drive. 

Here’s more information on how you can help: https://tinyurl.com/5n85jae9

And Another Thing! 

Speaking of the importance of independent journalism, one of the most cogent thoughts on the twists and turns of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed tax shift was penned this week by the great editorialist Peter Schorsch in Florida Politics, “DeSantis held the Legislature hostage for Amendment 3, then walked away from his own win.”

It increasingly appears that Amendment 3 is an orphan with both those kowtowed legislators who passed the ballot initiative, and now its father, Gov. Ron DeSantis, distancing themselves from this damaging threat to Home Rule through the consolidation of power camouflaged as “property tax reform.”

In his excellent essay, Mr. Schorsch explained:

“In the Gospel, Peter swears he will never abandon Jesus — and before the night is out, he denies knowing him three times. Then the rooster crows, and Peter weeps, because he finally understands what he is.

I can’t remember seeing Ron DeSantis weep. But this week, the cock crowed for him just the same.

For more than a year, DeSantis held Florida’s entire legislative process hostage to property taxes. He called lawmakers back to Tallahassee for a Special Legislative Session. He insisted, demanded really, that the Legislature put relief on the ballot. They did. And on Monday, the Governor announced he won’t lift a finger to pass it.”

Find the rest of Mr. Schorsch’s column here: https://tinyurl.com/bdf6nac2

According to reports, Gov. DeSantis now says he’ll vote for it, but won’t go out of his way to support the amendment because isn’t as far reaching as the language he initially proposed…

Good.  It’s bad public policy – and everyone associated with it knows it.  

I hate to sound like a broken record, but the pernicious powerplay pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis as “reforming property taxes” effectively exsanguinates the responsive, efficient, and accessible essential services we enjoy in our hometowns.

In his excellent piece, Mr. Schorsch points out how – after strongarming the legislature into passing his initiative – lawmakers got a strong dose of the disloyalty that has made Gov. DeSantis the darling of the mega-donor class and widely distrusted by members of his own party.

In Tallahassee and beyond…

“Strip away the policy and you find the man, and the man has a pattern.

Ask Paul Renner, the House Speaker who branded Florida the “Free State” at DeSantis’ side, only to later get knifed by DeSantis, who described him as ill-advised the day Renner filed for Governor.

Ask Jay Collins, the Lieutenant Governor DeSantis handpicked, paraded, and then refused to endorse in Collins’ own hometown.

Ask Donald Trump, who saved DeSantis’ 2018 campaign and got repaid with a Primary so bitter that Trump’s own voters now call DeSantis a traitor. Ask the staffers who needed cupcakes to lure him to meetings, one of whom told reporters, “loyalty and trust, that is not a currency he deals in.”

Some on the MAGA right diagnosed it years ago, in a statement titled, simply, “A Lesson for DeSantis: Loyalty Counts.”

DeSantis keeps proving his critics right. Trump made him. Renner served him. Collins idolized him. The homeowners believed him. Each one, the moment they stopped being useful, became disposable.”

Last month, Gov. DeSantis essentially held legislator’s hostage by refusing to sign the state budget.  That resulted in the ballot initiative being passed in less than 48-hours without the first study, legitimate audit, external input, or even a basic understanding of the long-term ramifications of their actions on the communities that sent them to Tallahassee.

According to a comment by Sen. Tom Wright last month, “He has not yet signed off on the budget. So in my belief, because I’ve seen it happen many times already, if we didn’t vote yes on that bill, we would probably see all of our budget items zeroed out, and I’m under the belief that that bill was going to pass one way or another.”

In my view, coercion and political duress is no way to ramrod public policy that would fundamentally change the way we fund essential local services. 

Do Florida residents need tax relief?  Absolutely. 

More to the point, they deserve spending reform by state and local governments – a concerted effort to change the manner and means by which our tax dollars are spent – with prescribed limitations on exorbitant salaries, benefits, and allowances for senior administrators, Taj Mahal local government facilities, corporate giveaways, expensive political stunts, and the clockwork millage increases that seem de rigueur in certain cities and counties.

What we don’t need is responsive, efficient, and effective local governments painted with the same brush as bloated bureaucracies who exist to serve themselves.

My hope is that Florida homeowners will see through this orchestrated façade that was championed – now effectively abandoned – by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and support accessible local government and the tailored essential services we’ve come to appreciate.   

Floridians should no longer be forced to tolerate dangerous public policy ramrodded by thuggery, disloyalty, and mistrust.

That’s all for me. 

Here’s wishing the United States of America – the Greatest Nation in the history of the World – a Happy Birthday as we join together to celebrate 250-years of Freedom! 

Happy Independence Day, y’all!